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I’m very sorry to hear this news; the death of former Virginia State Senator Janet Howell, who ” was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 1991, where she represented the 32nd district in Fairfax County and portions of Arlington County until 2024,” serving as chair of the powerful Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, and as such having a major impact on Virginia – overwhelmingly for the good! As Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says, Howell was:
…a true giant of the Senate of Virginia and a mentor to so many of us. For over three decades, Janet served Northern Virginia with fierce determination, sharp intellect, and unwavering integrity. As the first woman to co-chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, she paved the way for generations of women leaders while leaving an indelible mark on our Commonwealth’s budget, mental health system, and public schools. Janet was a fearless champion for women’s rights, the vulnerable and a friend whose legacy will continue to guide the Senate for years to come.
And as Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi says:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Senator Janet Howell. The first woman in Virginia’s history to serve as the Chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Senator Howell was, first and foremost, a committed public servant and a strong voice on the issues that impact our communities. She was a mentor to many women, including me. My thoughts are with her loved ones today. Janet is greatly missed.
Personally, I’m grateful to Janet Howell for her long support of Blue Virginia, in addition to her dedication to her district and to Virginia as a whole. I send all her many friends, colleagues and family the deepest condolences at this sad time. I’ll post more reactions, below, as I see them.
UPDATE: Here’s a statement from State Senator Jennifer Boysko.
Sen. Howell’s farewell speech, 9/6/23
