RICHMOND, Virginia: Janet Howell, a former Democratic state senator who became the first woman to chair the chamber’s Finance and Appropriations Committee, died on August 2. She was 82.
Virginia lawmakers confirmed Howell’s death in tributes posted on Sunday. The initial public statements and local reports did not disclose the cause of death.
Howell won the election in 1991 and served in the Senate of Virginia from 1992 until her retirement in January 2024. She represented the 32nd District, which covered parts of Fairfax and Arlington counties.
The Senate of Virginia identifies Howell as the first woman to serve on the Senate Finance Committee and later chair the Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Her legislative work focused on public education, healthcare, mental-health services and women’s rights. Howell also helped shape state budgets during her tenure as chair of the finance committee.
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Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi described Howell as a committed public servant and a strong voice for local communities.
Hashmi said Howell had mentored many women in politics, including her. US Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner also paid tribute.
Kaine highlighted Howell’s work on education, mental health and women’s rights, while Warner praised her decades of public service, according to WTVR CBS 6.
Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe said Howell had worked to expand healthcare, strengthen education and support families across the state.
