Good news! Bennett’s Village made it through the Senate budget amendment process (see Senate Budget Amendment 311#4s). Unfortunately, it did not make it into the House budget. In order for Bennett’s Village to receive funding this budget cycle from the state, the representatives on the House and Senate Budget Conference committees need to hear especially from their constituents about how important accessible play is for all! They need to know that all Virginians will benefit from this regional play space, especially those who visit the UVA Children’s Hospital each year. Please let them know that you support this funding. We need you to call, or visit in person between now and February 23–the sooner the better. At this stage, calls work best, but if you cannot call, emails work well too. Please forward this message on to anyone you know that lives in the conferee’s districts and urge them to send a message. Together we can build a place for ALL to play!
You may use the script below to call or email or feel free to customize: How will Bennett’s Village help you, your family and friends? Note, if you are a constituent, please note that in the subject line.
Subject: Senate Budget Amendment 311#4s
Dear [Delegate/Senator _____],
My name is [_______] and I am writing in support of Senate Budget Amendment 311#4s to provide funding for Bennett’s Village, a regional all-abilities playground facility. Inspired by a little boy who wanted to play independently with his friends, Bennett’s Village is building a multi-generational, all-abilities play space in Pen Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. This funding will support all Virginians through the social, physical and mental health benefits of recreational play: those who live and visit central Virginia and especially those with children coming to UVA Children’s Hospital for care and treatment.
Please include Senate Budget Amendment 311#4s in the state budget because everyone should have a place to play.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
The list of budget conferees from the Senate and the House are below:
Virginia Senate Budget Conferees:
Senator Janet D. Howell
Represents: Fairfax County (Part), Arlington County (Part)
Email: district32@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7532
Senator George L. Barker
Represents: Fairfax County (Part), Arlington County (Part)
Email: district32@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7539
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Represents: Brunswick County (Part), Chesapeake City (Part), Franklin City (Part), Isle of Wight County (Part), Portsmouth City (Part), Southampton County (Part), Suffolk City (Part), Emporia City (All), Greensville County (All), Sussex County (All), Surry County (Part)
Email: district18@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7518
Senator R. Creigh Deeds
Represents: Albemarle County (Part), Alleghany County (All), Bath County (All), Buena Vista City (All), Charlottesville City (All), Covington City (All), Nelson County (All), Highland County (All), Rockbridge County (All), Lexington City (All)
Email: district25@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7525
Senator Mamie E. Locke
Represents: Hampton City (Part), Newport News City (Part), Portsmouth City (Part), York County (Part)
Email: district02@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7502
Senator Thomas K. Norment, Jr.
Represents: Hampton City (Part), Newport News City (Part), Portsmouth City (Part), York County (Part)
Email: district02@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7503
Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr.,
Represents: Rockingham County (Part), Augusta County (All), Greene County (All), Staunton City (All), Waynesboro City (All), Madison County (All), Culpeper County (Part)]
Email: district24@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7524
Senator Richard L. Saslaw
Represents: Alexandria City (Part), Fairfax County (Part), Falls Church City (All)
Email: district35@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7535
Senator Stephen D. Newman
Represents: Campbell County (Part), Botetourt County (All), Craig County (All), Bedford County (Part), Roanoke County (Part), Lynchburg City (Part)
Email: district23@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7523
Virginia House of Delegates Budget Conferees
Delegate Barry Knight
Represents: Chesapeake (part), Virginia Beach (part)
Email: DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1081
Delegate Terry L. Austin
Represents: Counties of Alleghany, Bedford (part), and Botetourt (part); City of Covington
Email: DelTAustin@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1019
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom, Jr.
Represents: Counties of Accomack and Northampton; Cities of Norfolk (part) and Virginia Beach (part)
Email: DelRBloxom@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1000
Delegate Emily Brewer
Represents: Counties of Isle of Wight, Prince George (part), and Surry; City of Suffolk (part) Email: DelEBrewer@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1064
Delegate Luke E. Torian
Represents: County of Prince William (part)
Email: DelLTorian@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1052
Delegate Mark Sickles
Represents: County of Fairfax (part)
Email: DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-1043
