November 17, 2023

Neighbors, 

I am so grateful to have been entrusted by the residents of the 18th House district to serve another term in the House of Delegates. Thank you for your confidence and support — I look forward to continuing to work with you to address the issues that matter to our community.

I am also proud to share that I have been elected to serve as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, one of three leadership positions in the majority caucus. I’m happy that our district will be represented in House and Senate leadership.

In this newsletter, I’ve included information about the following:

  • Town Halls

  • Community Updates

    • Congressman Connolly’s Open Season Workshop

    • Fairfax County History Conference

    • Opioid Crisis and Mental Health Microgrants

  • Legislative Updates 

    • Legislative Briefings

  • Transportation Updates

    • VDOT Lifting Lane Closures for Thanksgiving

As always, let me know if you have questions or need assistance by calling my office at (804) 698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov. 

Best, Kathy

Kathy KL Tran

Delegate

Town Halls

As we move closer to the 2024 legislative session, I am excited to hear about your thoughts on legislation for the year. In the upcoming weeks, I will be scheduling town halls for you to share your priorities. Please watch my social media and newsletters for those dates and times. I look forward to hearing from you!

Community Updates

Congressman Connolly’s Open Season Workshop

Tomorrow, 11/18 from 10am to 1pm, Congressman Gerry Connolly will be hosting an Open Season Workshop for federal employees and retirees to discuss the open season enrollment. The workshop will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035.

Open Season this year is from 11/13 to 12/11.  If you would like more information about Federal Employee Health Benefits plans, you can visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website. For information on federal dental and vision plans, click here.

Fairfax County History Conference

It was my pleasure to speak at the 19th Annual Fairfax County History Conference recently. The theme this year was "A County of Nations,” and I was proud to share my personal story as a boat refugee. You can view a recording of the history conference on Fairfax County’s website.

Opioid Crisis and Mental Health Microgrants

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has set aside $800,000 in microgrants for community and faith-based organizations to combat the opioid crisis and address mental health needs in Virginia communities.

To find out more about this program, visit DBHDS’s website.

Legislative Updates

Legislative Briefings

My team and I have been attending briefings with different advocacy groups to hear about their legislative priorities, including:

  • The White House for a briefing on the future of artificial intelligence.

  • Generation Ratify to discuss comprehensive family life education.

  • The Commonwealth Institute to discuss their agenda for working Virginians.

Transportation Updates

VDOT Lifting Lane Closures for Thanksgiving

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is suspending most highway work zones and opening most lanes from noon on Wednesday, 11/22 until noon on Monday, 11/27.

For the latest road closures and to ensure you’re taking the fastest route to Thanksgiving dinner, check out VDOT’s Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories.

And please, please remember to drive safely this holiday season. VDOT offers the following safety reminders to drivers:

  • Buckle up and ensure passengers and car seats are secured  

  • Travel at a safe speed for road conditions

  • Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you  

  • Use your signals for lane changes and turns  

  • Don’t drive distracted, and speak up if someone else is doing so

  • Drive sober and contact law enforcement if you see a drunk driver