Progress Virginia Calls on Statewide Candidates To Take A Stand On Controversial Bills

by Progress Virginia

Richmond, VA – One week before the Virginia General Assembly reconvenes to consider Governor McAuliffe’s vetoes and bill amendments, Progress Virginia is calling on gubernatorial candidates to share their stances on key issues with Virginia families. Specifically, Progress Virginia is asking candidates to tell the public what action they would have taken on proposals to provide a license to discriminate against gay, lesbian, and transgender Virginians and defund Planned Parenthood. McAuliffe has vetoed both bills.

“Virginia’s next governor will face big decisions, including acting on legislation sent to his desk by the General Assembly,” said Progress Virginia executive director Anna Scholl. “Today, Governor McAuliffe is the only thing standing between Virginia families and legislation attacking women and LGBT Virginians. Voters deserve to know the candidates’ stances on issues that would have a huge impact on our commonwealth and our families. Would a Governor Gillespie sign a bill providing a license to discriminate against LGBT families with taxpayer dollars? Would a Governor Wittman sign legislation defunding Planned Parenthood? No serious candidate can duck these questions.”

Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam has publicly denounced both SB41 and HB1090, but the potential GOP candidates have been noticeably silent on the topic. Progress Virginia’s open letter to the candidates requests a response by April 20^th, the date of the reconvened session.

Ed Gillespie
c/o Ed Gillespie Strategies
915 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Congressman Rob Wittman

c/o Wittman for Congress

PO Box 999

Montross, Virginia, 22520

April 13, 2016

Dear Sirs,

As candidates for Governor in Virginia, we know you agree there are serious and important issues facing the commonwealth that our next leader will need to address. Among the many responsibilities of the Governor’s office is signing, amending, or vetoing legislation approved by the General Assembly. This year, the General Assembly has approved several controversial pieces of legislation that have been the subject of much conversation and debate among voters. As a candidate for the Governor’s mansion, we believe you have a responsibility to the voters to tell us where you stand.

1. The General Assembly has passed, and Governor McAuliffe has vetoed, Senate Bill 41, sponsored by Senator Charles Carrico. The proposed legislation would have provided a license to discriminate against gay, lesbian, and transgender Virginians with government dollars. Similar proposals are advancing around the country and sparking debate. We want to know: what action would you have taken on this bill?
2. The General Assembly has passed, and Governor McAuliffe has vetoed, House Bill 1090, sponsored by Delegate Ben Clinic. The proposed legislation would have targeted Planned Parenthood for a loss of funds for providing medical care. We want to know: what action would you have taken on this bill?

As Governor, you would not have the luxury of avoiding taking a position on bills headed to your desk. As a candidate asking for Virginia’s votes, we expect the same transparency. We will be cataloguing your answers to these questions and making them available to our members. Please direct questions toinfo@progressva.org or (434) 218-2113. We are happy to receive responses via email, phone, and mail and kindly request your response by April 20th.

Sincerely,

Anna Scholl

Executive Director

Progress Virginia