In a few short weeks, we will not only ring in a new year but dive into a new General Assembly Session. The results of the 2019 elections place new leadership in both chambers which means a new Speaker of the House, new Majority and Minority Leaders in both bodies, as well as all-new committee chairman in both chambers of the legislature.

With this new era in Virginia’s General Assembly and a more urban profile of the leadership, it becomes even more important to communicate our message on how policy impacts the industries of agriculture and forestry. Our members and staff have always worked to educate policymakers in all positions, we will continue to work to represent Farm Bureau policy in the most effective way possible.

As we move closer to Session announcements have been made by leadership on who they have selected as designees for post and committee chairmanships. Check out the list below to learn more about who has been selected. Each name has been hyperlinked to page you can learn more about each leader.

To follow along during Session you can learn more about the bills, watch committee and floor meetings live via video, and lots more by going to the General Assembly website at virginiageneralassembly.gov

Senate 

President of the Senate – Lieutenant Governor – Justin Fairfax (D)

President Pro-Tempore-designee – L. Louise Lucas (D) Portsmouth

Senate Majority Leader – Richard “Dick” Saslaw (D) Fairfax

Senate Minority Leader – Thomas “Tommy” Norment (R) Williamsburg   

 

Senate Committees Chairman Designees

Agriculture, Conservation & Natural Resources – J. Chapman “Chap” Petersen (D) Fairfax City

Commerce & Labor Committee – Richard “Dick” Saslaw (D) Fairfax

Courts of Justice – John Edwards (D) Roanoke

Education & Health – L. Louise Lucas (D) Portsmouth

Finance – Janet Howell (D) Fairfax

Rules – Mamie E. Locke (D) Hampton

Rehabilitation & Social Services – Barbara Favola (D) Arlington

General Laws – George Barker (D) Fairfax

Local Government – Lynwood Lewis (D) Accomack

Transportation  – Dave Marsden (D) Fairfax

Privileges & Elections – Creigh Deeds (D) Bath

 

House of Delegates       

Speaker of the House – Eileen Filler-Corn (D) Springfield

Majority Leader – Charniele L. Herring (D) Alexandria

Minority Leader – Todd Gilbert (R) Shenandoah

 

House Committee Chairman Designees

Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources – Ken Plum (D) Reston

Appropriations – Luke Torian (D) Dumfries

Commerce and Labor – Jeion Ward (D) Hampton

Counties, Cities and Towns – Kaye Kory (D) Falls Church

Courts of Justice – Charniele Herring (D) Alexandria

Education – Roslyn Tyler (D) Jarratt

Finance – Vivian Watts (D) Annandale

General Laws – David Bulova (D) Fairfax Station

Health, Welfare and Institutions – Mark Sickles (D) Franconia

Militia, Police and Public Safety – Patrick Hope (D) Arlington

Privileges and Elections – Joe Lindsey (D) Norfolk

Rules – Eileen Filler-Corn (D) Springfield

Science and Technology – Cliff Hayes (D) Chesapeake

Transportation – Delores McQuinn (D) Richmond