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SJ 277

Commending Lawrence Douglas Wilder.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 44 co-sponsors

The bill ceremonially commends Lawrence Douglas Wilder for his lifelong public service and landmark leadership, including as Virginia’s first African American statewide officeholde

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ277ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 277

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 277 (SJ277) — Commending Lawrence Douglas Wilder

Overview

SJ277 is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution that commends Lawrence Douglas Wilder for his long history of public service and his groundbreaking role in Virginia and U.S. history. The enrolled version (SJ277ER) confirms passage by both chambers and formalizes the resolution as a commemorative expression by the General Assembly on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Wilder’s historic election as lieutenant governor of Virginia. The bill does not enact policy or authorize spending; its purpose is recognition and tribute.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and celebrate Lawrence Douglas Wilder’s life of public service and his “groundbreaking achievements” in Virginia and the nation.
  • Highlight Wilder’s roles as a state lawmaker, lieutenant governor, governor, and mayor, as well as his ongoing contributions as a professor and public affairs leader.
  • Mark the 40th anniversary of Wilder’s historic 1989 election as Virginia’s governor (and related milestones in his career).

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • A series of WHEREAS statements detailing Wilder’s biography and career:
    • Born January 17, 1931, in Richmond; degrees in chemistry (Virginia Union University, 1951) and law (Howard University, 1959).
    • U.S. Army service during the Korean War with Bronze Star recognition.
    • First African American elected to the Virginia Senate since Reconstruction (1969); leadership roles on multiple committees.
    • Elected lieutenant governor in 1985, becoming the first African American statewide officeholder in Virginia.
    • Elected governor (1989), serving 1990–1994; recognized for fiscal management and initiatives such as the “Rainy Day Fund.”
    • Signed legislation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a statewide holiday.
    • Served as Richmond’s first directly elected mayor (2005–2009); crime reduction and emergency services improvements.
    • Role as a professor at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University; Wilder Symposium and public policy engagement.
  • Final RESOLVED statements:
    • The General Assembly commends Wilder for his exceptional service, achievements, and ongoing impact.
    • The Clerk of the Senate is to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Lawrence Douglas Wilder.

Who Is Affected

  • Lawrence Douglas Wilder (the honoree) receives formal commendation.
  • The Virginia General Assembly (Senate and House of Delegates) issues the recognition.
  • The Clerk of the Senate and related procedural offices implement the presentation of the copy to Wilder.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Engrossed; agreed to by the Senate by voice vote (January 15, 2025); enrolled version later.
  • House actions: Agreed to by the House of Delegates by voice vote (January 16, 2025).
  • Enrolled: SJ277ER confirmed as enrolled and agreed to by both chambers (January 15–16, 2025).
  • The bill is ceremonial and contains no appropriation or regulatory changes.

Fiscal and Policy Impact

  • No fiscal impact or policy changes are associated with SJ277ER. It is a ceremonial commendation recognizing Wilder’s legacy.

Context

  • The resolution reflects broad, bipartisan respect for Wilder’s trailblazing career and his contributions to civil rights, governance, and public service in Virginia.
  • It commemorates his leadership milestones and ongoing influence through academia and public affairs leadership.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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