Senator Toddy Puller serves on the following committees - Courts of Justice, Rehabilitation and Social Services, and Local Goverment. Committee assignments changed with the 2013 General Assembly Session.

Toddy Puller was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1991 where she served for eight years. In 1999, she was elected to the Virginia Senate’s 36th District and was re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011.

Toddy is proud to represent parts of Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties.

She and Delegate John O'Bannon III are proud to pass their bipartisan bills to establish the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) this Session that allow Virginia Health Information to collect medical claims from insurers, third-party payers, Medicaid, Tricare and Medicare (Senate Bill 135 and House Bill 343).  Patients seeking medical care will be able to compare pricing of medical procedures across the state when it is fully working. This should help bring some of the medical care costs down and provide better information about quality care to individuals needing these services.   

Her Newborn Health Screening legislation expanded the number of tests for genetic disorders causing death or serious mental disabilities if left untreated. By identifying these disorders early on, actions are being taken to correct many of them, saving lives and preventing disabilities.

For years, Toddy has been a forceful advocate for veterans’ benefits to ensure those who protect our nation receive the support and treatment they deserve when they return home. Her Wounded Warriors’ legislation will help veterans with mental health concerns and their families.

She also authored and passed legislation that would exempt veterans with 100% service-related disabilties and their spouses, widows or widowers from property taxes.

Community Service and Recognition

Senator Puller was recently elected the first woman Chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care. She also serves as a member of the Disability Commission, the Board of Veterans Services, The Virginia Commission on the Cenntennial of Woodrow Wilson's Presidency, and a Commissioner to the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.

Recent awards include: 2011 Legislator of the Year Award by the Virginia Council of State Chapters of the Military Organization of America (MOAA); the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services 2011 Toggle Award ;the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society's Virginia State Senator of the Year (2009); the American Legion Auxiliary’s Outstanding Woman of Virginia Award, the American Legion Springfield Post 176 Edwin J. Dentz Award for Americanism, the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Tech Ten award, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce’s Friend of Business award, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Mary Washington College.

In 2006, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters announced that she achieved 100% Legislative Hero status for the year for her votes on conservation issues.

She continues to be a strong advocate to improve education, transportation, health care, mental health, veterans' concerns, the environment, and to ensure a strong fiscally responsible future for all Virginians.

Personal

The daughter of a career Army officer, Toddy graduated from Mary Washington College and taught fourth grade in Woodbridge. She married Lewis Puller, a young Marine who was nearly killed by a booby trap in Vietnam, losing both legs and six fingers. After he earned his law degree from William and Mary, they settled in Northern Virginia where Toddy was actively involved as a volunteer and community leader.

Lewis’ biographical book, Fortunate Son, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1992. After more than 25 years being confined to a wheelchair and battling ongoing depression and constant pain, he took his own life. Yet during those years, he helped countless people.

While serving in the House of Delegates, she had a mild stroke, but continued her duties and was later elected to the State Senate.

Toddy enjoys visiting with son Lewis, a professional golf caddie, and with daughter Maggie, son-in-law Phil, and grandsons Ben and Charlie.

Be Involved - Vote!!!:

Senator Puller strongly believes in being involved in your community and government. She uses every opportunity to encourage citizens, young and old, to participate and vote to make our democracy work. "Democracy is not a spectator sport."