RICHMOND, VA – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation, HB 1381 and SB 704, to rename the Center for Rural Virginia as the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. Surrounded by Senator Ruff’s family and General Assembly colleagues, Governor Youngkin also announced Senator Ruff’s appointment as a citizen member to the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
“Today presents a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to a lifetime servant leader, Senator Frank Ruff, whose pivotal role in founding the Center for Rural Virginia will be commemorated in its name,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I am delighted to sign this legislation and turn the next chapter for this center as the ‘Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia.”
“I have been a proud supporter of the Center for Rural Virginia since its creation twenty years ago,” said former Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr.”I am pleased with how the Center continues to make rural Virginia a place where people can grow up, learn, get a good job, and raise their families. I look forward to being a part of the next phase of the Center.”
“It is my privilege and honor to have sponsored this legislation to name the Frank Ruff Rural Center. Senator Ruff’s commitment and engagement with rural Virginia is an inspiration to all Virginians to create better communities in the Commonwealth. Thank you, my friend, for your thoughtful leadership and dedication,” said Delegate Chris Runion.
“It has been an honor to carry the legislation to rename the rural center in honor of Senator Frank Ruff during my first session since his retirement. I cannot think of anyone else that has fought harder for the needs of rural Virginia over the last three decades. I look forward to having Sen Ruff as my mentor as I carry on his legacy representing the 9th Senate District,” said Senator Tammy Mulchi.