U.S. Rep. Don Beyer and state Sen. Adam Ebbin attended the Nauck Civic Association monthly meeting at Drew Model School in Arlington on Monday, May 4.
“I am sensitive to issues within Nauck community,” said Beyer as he addressed the community members in attendance. He was recently appointed to the Joint Economic Committee where one of his first projects is a report on the Economic Challenges Facing African-Americans. The average net worth of white families is 13 times that of black families. Additionally, black families are three times more likely than white families to live in poverty. These are just a few of the statistics the study revealed.
Beyer also discussed bills he is currently co-sponsoring including raising minimum wage and ending racial profiling in America. In addition, he supports a bi-partisan bill with emphasis on apprenticeship programs for high school students and is looking at a bill requiring one-year of community service for students in exchange for one free year of college tuition.
Ebbin also discussed legislation such as pay for performance incentives as well as repealing the requirement for suspension of driver’s license for marijuana possession. His bill giving the option for taxpayers to receive their Virginia income tax refunds in the form of a paper check rather than fee-laden debit cards recently passed the senate.
“This is where we get ideas for what to take back to the Senate,” said Ebbin as he responded to questions from constituents concerning everything from accountability of tenants in affordable housing to practical skills and vocational training at the community college level.
Beyer and Ebbin concluded the evening by taking photos with several middle school students who chose to stay and listen to the legislators discuss policies that could impact them in the near future.
Members of the Nauck community were pleased to have both of these officials in attendance and grateful for the work that they are doing for us.