This email was just sent to every senator and delegate in the General Assembly. Let our representatives know that we mean business and we’re demanding they take action NOW.
To Every Member of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates,
Let me begin by stating plainly: a member of Senator Mark Obenshain’s staff recently told a constituent that it would be “too difficult” to call a special session to address Virginia’s long-term care crisis. That is blatantly untrue.
If the political will exists—and it does—a special session is entirely possible. The only thing standing in the way is the choice to act.
If the heartbreaking, gut-wrenching stories emerging from one facility— Harrisonburg Health & Rehabilitation Center— are not enough to compel you to declare this a statewide emergency, then I ask you to remember something else: you were elected to serve. And come November, we will remember who stood up and spoke for the people of Virginia— and who didn’t.
I am following up on the letter I sent previously, which included a comprehensive legislative proposal: The Virginia Long-Term Care Quality and Nursing Admissions Reform Act of 2025– also known as Dale’s Law. This bill addresses the core failures of our system and outlines clear, actionable reforms. You do not need to reinvent the wheel. The groundwork has been laid. The urgency is real. The time to act is now.
To recap:
•You CAN call a special session.
•You CAN champion emergency legislation.
•You CAN demand executive intervention.
•You CAN raise your voice now— not in six months.
If you are waiting for more evidence, more data, or more suffering before you move, you are failing your constituents. No more commissions. No more deferrals. No more excuses.
To those of you who continue to downplay or dismiss this crisis: do so publicly, if you dare. The people of Virginia deserve to know where you stand.
And to those who are ready to lead: we are ready to work with you. Healthcare workers, families, and concerned citizens across the Commonwealth are organizing, raising awareness, and demanding action. Over 2,000 have already signed this petition calling for reform—and we are just getting started:
Let me say this one final time: this is not a partisan issue. This is a HUMAN issue. And unless you act now, more Virginians will suffer, more workers will burn out, and more families will be failed by a system you have the power-and the responsibility—to fix.
We are watching. We are organizing. And we are voting.
Do your job. Or we’ll make sure someone else does.
Sincerely,
Victoria Jackson
Constituent | CNA | Long-Term Care Advocate
Author of “Dale’s Law” The Virginia Long-Term Care Quality and Nursing Admissions Reform Act of 2025