As I write this column, the General Assembly has just gaveled in (and then recessed until next Monday morning) for the 2025 Legislative Session. It is already proving to be another historic and memorable session here in Richmond.
It started with this week’s Winter Storm Blair. Last weekend, legislators and staff from across the Commonwealth were advised to adjust our travel plans to arrive in Richmond early for the start of session on Jan. 8. I made the trek down I-95 on Sunday afternoon, just before the first flakes fell.
However, when the storm swept across our region bringing the first significant snowfall we’ve seen in several years, it also knocked out the power for the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant on Monday morning. This problem was further complicated when another equipment failure at the facility slowed efforts to restore water service.
By Monday afternoon, the City of Richmond was under a boil water advisory, and many residents and businesses throughout the central Virginia region began experiencing low water pressure or weren’t receiving water at all.
The General Assembly Building, along with all state government buildings, were closed to the public on Tuesday, and there was much uncertainty about whether the session would be able to begin as scheduled Wednesday at noon.
Late Tuesday night, Paul Nardo, Clerk of the House of Delegates, alerted Delegates and staff that due to health risks of the lack of access to clean and safe potable water and non-drinking water for flushing toilets, washing hands, and fire suppression, the Capitol grounds and General Assembly Building will remain closed to everyone through Monday, Jan. 13 at the earliest. Except for the official opening of session, required by the Constitution, there will be no committee meetings, and no other legislative business conducted in either the Capitol or the General Assembly Building for the rest of this week.
At 12 noon Wednesday, Speaker Don Scott officially gaveled in the start of the 2025 session with a quorum of legislators present in the House Chamber, and the Senate did likewise in their chamber down the hall. The members voted to approve two procedural resolutions to allow us to proceed. This afternoon the House will enter an extended recess period to reconvene on Monday.
This is far from the first time in recent memory that this oldest continuous lawmaking body in the Western Hemisphere has faced challenges and made creative adjustments to ensure that the people’s business gets done, and I can assure you that we will fulfill our obligations to the Commonwealth and the constituents we represent.