Our View of the Legislature – Memorial and Commending Resolutions

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February 13, 2025February 13, 2025
by Colleen Millerin 2025 Legislative Highlights, Legislative Highlightstags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Each year, the legislature considers and adopts many resolutions that honor the contributions of individual Virginians and organizations. Some of those honored are individuals who have contributed to the lives of people with disabilities.

Some resolutions that honor individuals:

  • SJ 337 (New Craig) honors a long-standing disability rights advocate, Ken Jessup. When the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy, our predecessor agency, was in operation, Ken Jessup was a frequent colleague and collaborator in our advocacy. We are pleased to see the resolution honoring his work
  • HJ 630 (Hope) honors the life of Bonnie Neighbour, a beloved advocate for the rights of people with mental health challenges, who died in November. Bonnie was a teacher, leader, advisor, and friend to the mental health community. She served on dLCV’s Mental Health Advisory Council for a time, and most recently served as a legislative policy advisor during our work in the General Assembly. The resolution is a fitting tribute to a life well lived.

Some resolutions that honor organizations and programs:

  • SR 225 (Durant) honors the Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) Youth Mental Health Taskforce, a group that seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide training and support to students.
  • HJ 539 (Green) recognizes the Arc of Greater Williamsburg. This organization has worked to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families through education, support, and community activities.
  • SR 246 (Williams Graves) honors Eggleston Services, on their 70th anniversary. Eggleston helps to provide employment, education, and supportive services for adults with disabilities in Tidewater.

Our mission, at the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, is to advance independence, choice, and self-determination; protect legal, human, and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect, and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation. We are available to educate policymakers about the potential impact of legislative proposals. If you know of something we should be following, please let us know at ga@dlcv.org.