News & Updates

This week’s updates from around the district:

Visit the 11th District’s website at 11cdgop.org for all information updates.

NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT REMINDER: If you’d like to have an announcement in the newsletter, please email Mike Ginsberg at mikeforscc@gmail.com. The 11CD Newsletter goes out on Tuesday mornings, so please try to have your announcement requests in by Monday at 12 noon.

The Virginia General Assembly begins its 2025 session tomorrow, and it is expected to be a packed session. Governor Youngkin, in his final year as governor, has proposed an ambitious set of amendments to last year’s biennial budget intended to lower Virginians’ tax burden and cement his legacy as having funded key priorities (education, mental health) while cutting regulations and making Virginia a top location in which to do business. As an initial step toward eliminating the car tax, Governor Youngkin has proposed rebates to taxpayers earning $50,000 in adjusted gross income (or $100,000 for married couples filing jointly), to be paid out of a $1.1 billion car tax rebate fund the state would establish for this purpose. Governor Youngkin is also proposing to end state tax on tips, paralleling President Trump’s federal level proposal, and withholding state funding from sanctuary cities.

Energy policy is also expected to take center stage. Democrats’ dreams of an economy powered entirely by renewable energy are colliding head-on with the rapid increases in Virginia’s power demand and consumption. The data centers in Northern Virginia consume enormous amounts of electricity, demand renewable energy simply will not be able to meet. Democrats’ insistence on renewable energy is also facing pushback from rural areas that do not want to see valuable farmland and forests consumed by massive solar panel farms. Observers expect many bills from both sides of the aisle on energy issues.

We likely will see Sen. Dave Marsden resurrect his bill to allow a referendum in Fairfax County on a casino in Tysons. This will be Marsden’s third bill in as many sessions on the casino referendum. It seems he cannot take a hint, but Democrats have dollar signs in their eyes and see a new gusher of revenue they can spend on progressive priorities.

Democrats also plan to introduce bills to establish a legal cannabis marketplace. The same Democrats who have spent decades demonizing the tobacco industry want to open the door to legal marijuana. Probably a combination of ‘60’s nostalgia and a thirst for additional tax revenue, but whatever it is, Governor Youngkin likely will veto it.

What happens in this year’s legislative session will frame the races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and all 100 seats on the House of Delegates. We’ll continue to monitor the General Assembly session for items we can use to support Republicans and attack Democrats in the fall elections.

Mike Ginsberg

Former 11th District Chairman

Fairfax County public schools appear to be moving closer to teaching gender ideology in–unbelievably–elementary schools. The linked article by Fairfax County education activist Mark Spooner provides the details: https://fairfaxschoolsmonitor.com/fcps-moves-closer-to-gender-ideology-instruction-in-elementary-schools/.

It’s true: the Fairfax County School Board asked Fairfax County Public Schools’ Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (“FLECAC”) to “explore instruction on gender identity in elementary school”.

FLECAC is holding a meeting this Wednesday, January 8th at 7 PM at the FCPS headquarters, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church (Merrifield) to discuss and possibly vote on this issue. The meeting will be in the cafeteria on the first floor. To access the building, park in the garage at the rear. It is a public meeting and we are encouraging folks to attend to let FLECAC know the community is watching and to help us track this issue.

Join over 200 Navy SEALs and Veterans who plan to march in Washington, DC on Tuesday, January 14 to support Pete Hegseth!

We encourage all Patriots to join Navy SEALS and Veterans as we rally to support Pete Hegseth. @PeteHegseth has always supported the Navy SEAL and Veteran communities, and now we will be there to support him!

Details:

The American flag is a powerful symbol of the values we cherish—freedom, courage, and unity. Be sure to bring an American flag as a proud reminder of what we stand for and the country we love. SEALs only march with American flags and will not be associated with any other flags during our march.

During the march, we plan on making stops at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, DC War Memorial, and World War II Memorial before rallying together on the green space at the corner of Constitution and First St NW (map).

2025 Inaugural Balls Join the Celebration!

Come out to an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity and enthusiasm hosted by local Republican activist Anh Tu Do. Enjoy a delightful seven-course culinary experience, inspiring speeches, cultural dance performances and a MAGA fashion show at:

54 Restaurant & Lounge

9650 Main Street #10

Fairfax, VA 22031

Tickets are $50. Register in advance either online at: https://tinyurl.com/4b4mjm6t or scan the QR code on the invitation flyer pictured.

Dress Code:

Trump-themed attire and patriotic outfits are encouraged to celebrate this historic occasion! Feel free to wear your finest red, white, and blue, or show your support with Trump-inspired gear. Let’s make this a night to remember!

We look forward to sharing this historic moment with you, as together, we embrace the future of our nation.

Volunteer at the Inauguration!

Do you want to volunteer at the historic Inauguration of President Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance? Apply here: t47inaugural.com/volunteer/

Inauguration Tickets

Unless you have an inside connection, your best chance of getting tickets to the Inauguration on January 20th is to enter a lottery available through some of our elected officials. Below are links to the ticket lotteries of Congressman Connolly and Senator Warner, plus we’ve added a new link to apply for tickets. Good luck!

New Link for Tickets: https://t47inaugural.com/tickets/

Gerry Connolly: Lottery for Inauguration Tickets- Congressman Connolly

Senator Mark Warner: Lottery for Inauguration Tickets-Senator Warner

Apply for a Job with the Trump Administration

If you or someone you know is interested in working for the Trump Administration, the portal to apply for a position is now open: https://www.trumpvancetransition.com/s/serve-america

Check out this website for additional information about the Inaugural schedule and other events: https://t47inaugural.com/

Saturday, January 11, 12:30-2:30pm: Hunter Mill Republican Women’s Club New Year’s Luncheon. At the Brio Italian Grille, 11776 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033. Please join the HMRWC to celebrate the New Year and to hear from featured speaker Heather Kadel, Vice Chair of Communications of the Fairfax County Republican Committee (FCRC), who will talk about GOTV efforts for the 2024 Presidential election. There will also be a brief ceremony to install the 2025 HMRWC Officer Board, officiated by Rosie Oakley, Vice Chair of the FCRC.

Please RSVP by Friday, January 10th on the link. The club will be ordering off the menu and paying by separate checks. The menu is attached to the link for your advance review.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4AABAD2FA75-54198590-january

Thursday, January 16, 6:00pm: Liberty Republican Women’s Club meeting. With special guest speaker Samuel Green, head of a pro-life nonprofit organization. Location information coming soon.

Wednesday, January 22, 7:00pm: Fairfax GOP membership meeting. At West Springfield High School, 6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield, VA 22152

NOTE: The Braddock-Springfield Networking Breakfast scheduled for this Saturday, January 11 is cancelled due to the forecast of inclement weather. Watch this space for updates on the next Braddock-Springfield breakfast/.