Barbara Favola

Proud that this week 4 more of my bills are headed to the Governor’s desk. These bills bolster protections for vulnerable populations, including child sexual assault survivors, justice-involved youth, and those in nursing homes and hospitals.

Over 100,000 Virginians are expected to be priced out of their health insurance because of HR1. I was proud to stand with Protect Our Care & partners to outline the Virginia Democratic response, including a $200M investment in the Senate budget for healthcare subsidies.

My SB39 passed unanimously out of House subcommittee today, which directs the VA DOE to develop best practices for school-based technology that can identify students at risk of harming themselves or others. Early intervention saves lives & we have a responsibility to act.

As GA hits crossover, Dems tout affordability push while Republicans warn costs will rise As the General Assembly session passes the midway point, Democrats say they've advanced their affordability agenda while Republicans warn the proposals will end up costing residents more.

I’m fighting to build workplaces to allow Virginians to make family-based decisions. No one should forfeit a doctor’s visit to keep a job (my SB199) & one should be able to take care of a sick family member (@jenniferboysko.com SB2). These are family values.

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Proud that my first bill of 2026 has passed both chambers and now lands on @abigailspanberger.com’s desk. My SB38 & @ebpforva.bsky.social’s HB93 protect survivors of domestic violence by ensuring firearms are legally transferred and removed from the home.

Proud to vote to increase the minimum wage, which passed the Senate today. This is a financial stability bill for families. It will set the foundation for Virginians to earn a living wage.

I voted against a bill to allow a casino in Fairfax today. Unfortunately, it passed the Senate. The Fairfax Board determined that planning, infrastructure, safety, transportation, national security & other concerns outweigh the benefits — Fairfax has said no. This speaks volumes.

Delighted that my SB198, to protect Virginians w/ disabilities during police interviews, passed Courts today & rereferred to finance. This population is uniquely vulnerable during police encounters, so we must work toward preventing wrongful convictions & miscarriages of justice.

Honored to receive the Senior Living Champion award from the Virginia Assisted Living Assn.! Seniors deserve housing that supports their physical, mental & emotional health. Proud to sponsor a budget amendment to increase the Auxiliary Grant & support affordable senior housing.

Started week 4 of Session with my bill w/ Sen. Carroll Foy to ensure Virginia workers earn paid sick days. Democratic lawmakers reported the bill and re-referred it to Senate Finance. Virginians should not have to choose between their job and their health.

Proudly voted today to support a special election on Redistricting Amendment. This amendment gives Virginians the opportunity to voice their opinion about the kind of representation they want. It is a much needed check on the power being exercised in Washington.

I’m pleased that 6 more of my bills have passed out of the Senate this week. These bills include juvenile justice reforms, youth mental health services & improving access to tech tools to help students stay safe.

The snow and ice couldn’t stop us from hearing several gun safety bills this AM in Courts of Justice committee. I’m proud to co-patron @salimvasenate.bsky.social’s SB749 that prohibits high capacity assault firearms. The time for sensible gun control is now.

Today, I enthusiastically kicked off the first meeting of the Senate Education and Health Committee as chair. Each child deserves a world class education and each Virginian a safety net against the increased health costs from the Trump Admin. There is much work to do!

Delighted that my SB58, expanding the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots from noon to 5PM, passed out of committee today and is on to the Senate floor for a vote.

Delighted to speak at the Voices for Virginia’s Children press conference, a youth advocacy group, advocating for my bill SB125, strengthening our Children’s Ombudsman Office.

Today, in the shadow of George Washington, Democrat Senators gathered with reporters to explain our successful votes on 4 Constitutional Amendments: the right to reproductive freedom, to marry who you love, to vote, and for congressional districts that will uphold democracy.

Session is in full swing! I was delighted to meet with The Joint Leadership Council of Veterans to discuss veteran services. So proud of their service and advocacy!

Senate Dems are ready to lead! Our priority this session is delivering affordability for all Virginians. We are ready to tackle the costs of housing, energy, healthcare, child care and so much more. I can’t wait to get started!

Wishing you a new year filled with hope, promise, and love.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating and best wishes for a new year filled with joy and peace.

As Hanukkah began, we mourned the lives lost in the horrific Bondi Beach shooting. Even in the face of hatred, the resilience of the Jewish people, and the meaning of Hanukkah, shines through. May this season bring light, remembrance, and hope.

Join me, Senator Ebbin, Delegate Lopez, Delegate McClure & Delegate Hope tomorrow at 7 pm with The League of Women Voters of Arlington & Alexandria City for a pre-legislative town hall. We look forward to hearing your ideas! You can register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1970782937...

Proud to celebrate a new affordable housing building in the heart of expensive Rosslyn, with rents as low as $1,400/month. @trueground.bsky.social worked with Arlington County, the state, Capital One & other partners to make affordability a reality. See more here: youtu.be/zR3ObnpSq-0

You can read the full report here ⬇️

www.osig.virginia.gov/media/govern...

OSIG’s Bon Air review is alarming - years of underfunding, staffing gaps, and MH shortages left 82% of youth without timely required therapy. Commission on Youth lawmakers will be carrying legislation and funding requests to deliver needed reform. We have no time to waste.

I’m honored to have earned the trust of my colleagues for this important position. Looking forward to helping improve the lives of Virginians.

I’m honored to have received the Winston Award from the Arlington County Bar Association! You can watch a video from the ceremony here: youtu.be/7X9MCXbMPpk?...

Senator @barbarafavola.bsky.social is an exemplary leader, who has dedicated her career in public service to improving lives across Virginia. Today, I was honored to share her strong legislative record as she was presented the William L. Winston Award by the Arlington County Bar Foundation.

YouTube video by Barbara Favola Winston Award 2025 Honoree Video: Senator Favola

Check out the Winston Award Honoree video here: youtu.be/7X9MCXbMPpk