With COVID-19 vaccine supplies increasing, several Virginia sponsored pop-up vaccination events have been held in the Prince William Health District (Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park). The clinics have focused on areas with vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations. Appointments were made by pre-registration and plans are in the works for future similar events.

The Virginia Department of Health advises that people are considered fully vaccinated:

If it has been less than 2 weeks since your 1-dose shot, or if you still need to get your second dose of a 2-dose vaccine, you are NOT fully protected.

If you see a website offering to sell the COVID-19 vaccine, it is a fraud. Vaccines are never sold or exchanged online. The Virginia Department of Health will not ask for money for a vaccine or send it to you.

Tuesday, April 6

at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

visit SpeakUp! Prince William.

In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.

PWC Government is encouraging residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to share their feedback and ideas on how the County can best adapt, differentiate, and expand economic growth in the new normal.

You can shape the County's brand identity by participating in upcoming online community engagement sessions below. These sessions will to help craft important messaging blueprints for County government staff and leadership as we move through the pandemic.

The Wheeler Report has featured Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and Cemetery previously (issues 52 and 33). Now its significance is being recognized well beyond our County. Last December, the Virginia Board of Historic Resources listed the church and cemetery in the Virginia Landmarks Register, the Commonwealth’s official list of places of historic, architectural, archaeological, and/or cultural significance. As of February, it is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Quite an honor and highlights its national significance!

According to the annual County Health Rankings, released this week by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, PWC is one of the healthiest counties in Virginia, ranking #10 out of 133 counties. Many factors influence how well and how long we live, from access to affordable housing or well-paying jobs to opportunities for a good education for our kids. The County Health Rankings model shows how these factors work together. The data used to calculate the 2021 rankings are from 2019 and earlier and do not yet reflect the impact of the pandemic or programs health districts have implemented in the last year to improve health in their communities.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking PWC drivers for feedback on potential interchange improvements being evaluated for the I-95 and Route 123 interchange as previously identified in the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan (issue 57). The study is assessing reconfiguring ramps, extending lanes, modifying and relocating traffic signals, access management, and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety.

In lieu of an in-person presentation, VDOT is inviting residents and travelers to learn more and share feedback from home. You can watch the presentation below to learn about the alternatives being considered for the interchange. Visit the VDOT website to learn more details about the project.

With the temporary closure of the senior centers and other facilities, it’s important that the senior population still has access to wellness information and programs. The PWC Area Agency on Aging has compiled information to help virtually inform seniors on how to stay healthy. The agency has great live events for various activities that include things like exercise, bingo, yoga, painting, and more! Learn about all the virtual offerings here.

This week, Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation creating the “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” (G3) program, which makes tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields. The G3 program includes $36 million to cover tuition, fees, and books and provide wraparound support for eligible students at the Commonwealth’s two-year public institutions. The G3 program is one of the first in the nation to provide wraparound financial assistance to help students at the lowest income levels with expenses such as food, transportation, and childcare. For more information, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local community college.

This week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joined Governor Ralph Northam as he announced the Commonwealth had finalized agreements with Amtrak, CSX, and Virginia Railway Express. The result is a $3.7 billion investment to expand and improve passenger, commuter, and freight rail in Virginia, as well as the construction of a new Long Bridge. The existing Long Bridge is the only railroad bridge connecting Virginia to D.C. and is one of the most significant rail bottlenecks along the entire East Coast.

Additionally, the partnership will double Virginia-supported Amtrak trains providing nearly hourly service, increase VRE commuter service by 60 percent, and lay the foundation for a Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. More details can be found in the full press release.

Governor Ralph Northam this week announced that he approved the landmark Voting Rights Act of Virginia, providing comprehensive protections against voter suppression, discrimination, or intimidation. The Act prohibits any state or local policy from denying or restricting the right to vote of any Virginian simply because of their race, color, or membership in a language minority group. Virginia is the first state in the nation to enact its own version of a voting rights act.

Several key new laws were shared in issues 57 and 58. Below are a few new additional bills that have been signed into law. The full list of legislation signed by Governor Northam is available here.

House Bill 1889 extends eviction protections for renters experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic through July 1, 2022.

House Bill 1980 establishes the “Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program” to support the families of enslaved individuals who labored at Virginia colleges.

House Bill 2081 prohibits the possession of firearms within 40 feet of a polling place or electoral board meeting to certify the results of an election.

House Bill 2132, sponsored by Delegate Danica Roem, eliminates the outdated and discriminatory “gay panic” defense.

House Bill 2137, sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to home health workers. This new law also prohibits employers from taking certain retaliatory actions against employees who use leave.

House Bill 2161 and Senate Bill 1410, sponsored by Senator John Bell, prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing on the basis of a person’s military status.

House Bill 2332 establishes the Commonwealth Health Reinsurance Program to expand access to health care and lower insurance premiums.