Jennifer Carroll Foy
VMI Graduate, Foster Mom, Public Defender, Delegate
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you my story because I think you deserve to know more about me and what I believe.
When I was growing up, my grandmother always said, “If you have it, you have to give it.” Those words stuck with me when I was at the Virginia Military Institute; they were the reason I served as a foster parent; and they are a guiding principle I live by as a public defender and a Delegate.
Giving back has been, and must continue to be, the foundation of Virginia. That is why I’ve made it my life’s work.
When I was at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), I knew I had to defy the odds and graduate in order to have the opportunity to give back. I enrolled in the third class of female cadets to attend the historically all-male college. On my first day, they shaved my head and said, “Welcome to VMI.” My best male friend bet me a dollar that I wouldn’t last a year. Well, I won that bet.
I know the deck seems stacked against us. Sometimes it seems like politicians prefer gridlock over results. But every time I look my kids in the eyes, or walk into work as a public defender, I know we have to fight toward a fairer, stronger, and more just Virginia. Having spent four years in a military academy, I learned to address problems head-on and never back down from a fight.
As your Delegate, I have delivered the following results:
We passed a state budget that expanded Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians to ensure access to affordable healthcare for veterans, women, and working families.
We passed a budget that includes 3% salary increases for teachers and 2% salary increases for law enforcement officers.
I proposed and passed legislation preparing our students for the 21st Century economy by making it easier for them to take coding classes and get Career and Technical Education certifications.
I proposed and passed legislation that made it easier for foster parents to adopt their foster children.
I led the charge to include funding for the full development of Widewater State Park in Stafford in Virginia's budget.
I co-patroned a bill to increase the grand larceny threshold from $200 to $500.
But, we still have work to do. As your Delegate, I am fighting to:
Improve transportation by extending the Metro Blue Rail to Prince William County and changing the state formula to ensure Stafford county has sufficient funds for road construction and maintenance.
Protect the water we drink from coal ash contamination, by removing ash or recycling it to make materials like concrete.
Ensure that veterans have the resources they need to get an education, start a businesses, and fully participate in Virginia’s economy after returning from service.
Together, we can achieve great things. If you have any questions, please email my office at DelJCarrollFoy@house.virginia.gov.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carroll Foy