Yesterday, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) held a #VADemsChat with a “second round of Virginia Spotlight candidates.” According to the DLCC, “Virginia is a shining example of the progress that can be achieved under Democratic leadership. These incredible candidates are fired up to #KeepVABlue!”
So, with that, see below for a sampling from yesterday’s chat, from Democratic House of Delegates incumbents and candidates like Michelle Maldonado (HD50), Katie Sponsler (HD66), Irene Shin (HD86), Dr. Mark Downey (HD96), Finale Johnson Norton (HD100), Del. Alex Askew (HD85), Del. Nancy Guy (HD83), Del. Dan Helmer (HD40), Del. Rodney Willett (HD73), Del. Mike Mullin (HD93) and Del. Chris Hurst (HD12). Questions ran the gamut, from the biggest concern if Republicans were to take back control of the Virginia House of Delegates to the climate crisis/clean energy to gun reform to the minimum wage to voting rights to women’s reproductive freedom to post-COVID recovery to areas where Virginia has become a national leader… Enjoy, and help these candidates win in November!
That’s a tough one because we have made so much progress, but I think it’s a tie between Medicaid expansion and the VA Voting Rights Act! #VADemsChat https://t.co/HfhOYViQQc
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
Voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive rights will be the first things on the chopping block if Republicans regain control.
I’m ready to get to work on day 1 building coalitions to codify protections for our communities. #VADemsChat https://t.co/UibGmMKDIa
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
When I take office, I’ll be amongst some of the youngest members of the Virginia House. My generation & the ones that come after us cannot be left with a failing planet. The threat of climate change requires immediate action. #VADemsChat https://t.co/t14Oz2Pwkv
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
The fight for gun reform is far from over. I hear about this & more, esp healthcare & education, when I talk to voters. But hearing from voters isn’t just for campaigning & that’s why I’ve pledged to have a year-round constituency organizer in my office once elected #VADemsChat https://t.co/6jxsI0da8h
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
We need to build better for ALL Virginia workers. That starts with expanding paid sick leave, ensuring paid family medical leave, and removing the farmworker exclusion to the $12 minimum wage law. #VADemsChat https://t.co/m8VH47sISe
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
When VA’s voter registration portal went down last year, I helped sue the state to make sure everyone could vote safely during the pandemic. Having led a nonprofit dedicated to making voting accessible, esp in BIPOC communities, I’m committed to protecting voting rights. https://t.co/dy9LJKZTlA
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
Paid family & medical leave & universal pre-k are key components to supporting women & our economy. Caregivers & new parents shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their families or losing their jobs. Proud to have @NARALVirginia‘s support & approval of @FamilyEconomyVA. https://t.co/H3jeohtbPM
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
My dad is a small business owner and when he couldn’t afford treatment for his cancer diagnosis, he had to fly back to Korea to receive care.
I’ll fight for more accessible healthcare for all Virginians, especially our small businesses. #VADemsChat https://t.co/6xQLFXiQhq
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
I run a nonprofit dedicated to expanding civic engagement in VA. We have some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the country. My Ethical VA Campaign Reform Package can bring transparency & accountability to govt & put power back in the hands of people. #VADemsChat https://t.co/OIQ68IMgjZ
— irene shin (@ireneshintweets) June 15, 2021
We have a lot to celebrate: improving voter access, common-sense gun safety regulations, raising teacher pay, and increasing the minimum wage. But to me, the most important was passing the ERA after all these years. It was long overdue and signaled a new day in VA. #VADemsChat https://t.co/X1KzF1B56D
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
Ask people in Georgia, Texas, & Florida what GOP control means. It means making it harder for people of color to vote. It means making it almost impossible for women to get reproductive care. And, it means tribalism that seeks no commonality to unite us as Americans. #VADemsChat https://t.co/IHnbDKVGc4
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
First and foremost, environmental protection is essential to our survival. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change in the commonwealth. I believe we can fight climate change and rebuild our economy by bringing green-collar jobs to Virginia. #VADemsChat https://t.co/3VxkE4AtcS
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
The thing I hear the most is the fear of being left behind and the belief that no one in power is listening. As Delegate, I’ll be an advocate for all the residents of District 50, and ensure that fairness and equity are at the center of our state’s economic recovery. #VADemsChat https://t.co/rKGKcXIK01
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
Raising the minimum wage is an important first step but we need to do more to help working Virginians. Now is the time to pass paid family & sick leave, make community colleges & public trade schools tuition-free, and help connect workers to good-paying jobs in VA. #VADemsChat https://t.co/yYPhG4RZVP
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
Almost a half-million more people voted in the 2020 election. For the 1st time, a majority of Virginians voted early or by mail rather than on Election Day. It’s absolutely clear that expanding voting rights and ballot access is critical to the health of our democracy.#VADemsChat https://t.co/N863SbJyce
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
As a working mom, I know what it’s like to balance work with raising a family. Something is fundamentally broken when the cost of childcare has become a financial burden. We must create high-quality, affordable childcare options & give parents the flexibility to work. #VADemsChat https://t.co/NeOH0L0c30
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
As a small business owner, this subject is personal. For many of us, survival during the pandemic came down to one word: pivot. What business owners need is financial support to navigate these difficult economic times, help cover expenses, and pivot to recovery. #VADemsChat https://t.co/ZxEluKiFbE
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
Too many Virginia families are on the edge of financial ruin, and the pandemic has only made it worse. I believe through sustained effort Virginia can show that we can create good paying jobs, guarantee paid sick and family leave, and ensure no one gets left behind. #VADemsChat https://t.co/KjxOmgCyXu
— Michelle Maldonado for Delegate (HD50) (@Michelle4VA50) June 15, 2021
Public schools made me! I graduated from Northampton High School and went to @_HamptonU – the first in my family to go to college. I was glad to see that we passed an increase in teacher pay, but there’s so much more to do for our public schools when we #KeepVABlue. #VADemsChat https://t.co/8H9zFlft24
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
Nationally, we have seen deep threats to our democracy manifest over the last several years. Under a Republican majority, I am most concerned about a rollback of policies that increased access to the ballot box here in VA. We must #KeepVABlue to protect our democracy. #VADemsChat https://t.co/C5n9gL0iW9
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
When driving around District 100, I have literally had to change my route because of flooding. Climate change isn’t just a concept – it’s a day-to-day reality for so many of my neighbors. It’s simple: fighting climate change protects our way of life. #VADemsChat https://t.co/YdNrqagFvz
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
Voters are thinking about how their lives will bounce back from the COVID crisis. It’s not only about economic recovery, but also about the costs of healthcare, our public schools, and feeling safe at work. #VADemsChat https://t.co/w6sLDVRvEF
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
I have cleaned clam buckets, graded tomatoes, and waited tables to help support my family as a teen – to me, the fight for workers is personal. We must enact paid sick leave and help our small businesses to provide healthcare coverage for more of their workers. #VADemsChat https://t.co/XVQsnbCNpI
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
Respecting our constitution means respecting the vote! By expanding voting rights, we gave people options so that no one had to fear contracting a deadly disease to exercise this constitutional right. It was good for our health AND the health of our democracy! #VADemsChat https://t.co/WI2gZriQ7C
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
We need affordable childcare! Many childcare providers closed permanently due to COVID. We must pass policies to lower the cost of childcare for families and also give these providers relief. It’s the right thing for our families, our kids, and our communities. #VADemsChat https://t.co/aBBgG1mmJW
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
When I’ve been out in the community, small business owners often tell me the same thing – that getting relief during the COVID crisis felt almost impossible. During crises, we must meet small businesses where they are and remove barriers to much-needed relief. #VADemsChat https://t.co/1eXJCcMkZJ
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
We must work to make Virginia the national leader in broadband access by expanding access in rural and poor communities throughout the Commonwealth. Broadband is just as essential to our daily lives as our roads, bridges, and electricity! #VADemsChat https://t.co/HZz2Dwrc4w
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
This is not a political issue rather a survival issue. Addressing clean energy is not only good for the environment but it helps our economy with high skilled jobs. Addressing flooding helps the local agriculture as well and protect crops from failure. https://t.co/7Tgzj5uQeK
— Friends for Jeffrey -Doc- Feld (@feld4virginia) June 15, 2021
Continue voter’s rights, early voting expansion & absentee voting; no excuse required. Permit any registered voter to use absentee ballot in any election in which they are qualified to vote. The more people who vote are more involved in representatives who will affect the future https://t.co/S1yM7kHOC2
— Friends for Jeffrey -Doc- Feld (@feld4virginia) June 15, 2021
This is not a political issue rather a survival issue. Addressing clean energy is not only good for the environment but it helps our economy with high skilled jobs. Addressing flooding helps the local agriculture as well and protect crops from failure. https://t.co/7Tgzj5uQeK
— Friends for Jeffrey -Doc- Feld (@feld4virginia) June 15, 2021
We’ve made incredible progress on passing gun safety laws–from passing universal background checks, red flag laws to keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. But there’s more to do–and we can’t let a Republican legislature undo our progress. #VADemsChat https://t.co/d2FhlK5Rzb
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
I believe climate change is the greatest national security threat facing our country. I know the danger that ecological collapse and unchecked emissions pose. It’s why I helped lead on the Virginia Clean Economy Act to get to 100% renewable energy by 2050. #VADemsChat https://t.co/BMs4OOBZVs
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
A #SCOTUS decision rolling back #RoevWade would put many at risk of losing access to healthcare. If Republicans regain control of the majority, it would put many Virginians at risk. I will always fight to ensure that healthcare decisions are b/w a woman & her doctor. #VADemsChat https://t.co/L0VNUeScvn
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
As a businessman, I believe VA must be good for business, but that doesn’t mean it should be worst for workers. I am committed to building a VA where having a job means dignity for families. It includes the ability to join a union & fighting to control energy prices. #VADemsChat https://t.co/ETeX0kuXxq
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
This year I passed a bill with bipartisan support to ensure veterans, people w/ disabilities & students who live away from home aren’t deprived of their ability to participate in selecting their nominee. We make VA stronger when we expand access to our democracy. #VADemsChat https://t.co/DgLPJD8Cfu
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
We have seen how much COVID-19 has devastated lives and livelihoods, especially women. It demonstrates the urgency for paid family and medical leave, quality childcare, and paid sick days. I am committed to fighting for family friendly economic policies across VA. #VADemsChat https://t.co/XIspCxm2eO
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
Working to establish the Rebuild VA Grant Program was critical in getting over $140 million to thousands of Virginia small businesses and non-profits — and we must continue supporting these local engines that keep our economy running. #VADemsChat https://t.co/b4JfxEAfjb
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
This year we expanded SNAP benefits to over 100,000 Virginians. It was the most significant expansion of public benefits in VA since the state expanded Medicaid 4 years ago. There are 34 other states not maximizing SNAP access & it’s great to see VA leading the way! #VADemsChat https://t.co/qRhX44i6Cv
— Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) June 15, 2021
We all owe our thanks to @pwcdanica for her efforts on legislation that banned the gay/trans panic defense for homicide defendants in Virginia. Not only is Virginia the 12th state to pass the ban, but the first state in the South to do so! #VADemsChat #KeepVABlue https://t.co/3s2GrFFyJj
— Dr. Mark Downey For Virginia (@DowneyForVA) June 15, 2021
Virginia Democrats have made voting easier & more accessible through the passage of popular voting rights legislation (49th to 12th in ease of access to the polls!). If Republicans take back the House, they may repeal this progress & look to suppress the vote. #VADemsChat https://t.co/PkMUjOEyYs
— Dr. Mark Downey For Virginia (@DowneyForVA) June 15, 2021
We have limited time to act to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Reducing our carbon emissions & transitioning to clean energy are essential to ensure the long-term habitability of our planet and our place upon it. #VADemsChat #KeepVABlue https://t.co/HLmo0YBT1d
— Dr. Mark Downey For Virginia (@DowneyForVA) June 15, 2021
After more than a decade, we finally passed a ban on the intentional release of helium balloons — one of the worst forms of litter for marine life. Proud to lead the charge with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, @VAAquarium, and so many activists to get it done. #VADemsChat https://t.co/zNhcOTsX1p
— Delegate Nancy Guy (@nancyguyva) June 15, 2021
On Day 1, they would undo the meaningful progress that has changed lives for the better in every corner of VA – namely, reproductive health care, voting rights, criminal justice, and public edu. It’s not just our names on the ballot – it’s the progress we have made. #VADemsChat https://t.co/cx5Eu5vsXW
— Delegate Nancy Guy (@nancyguyva) June 15, 2021
When driving around District 100, I have literally had to change my route because of flooding. Climate change isn’t just a concept – it’s a day-to-day reality for so many of my neighbors. It’s simple: fighting climate change protects our way of life. #VADemsChat https://t.co/YdNrqagFvz
— Finale Johnson Norton for Delegate (@Norton4Delegate) June 15, 2021
This year we passed funding to increase the number of school counselors and support staff — and we gave our teachers a 5% pay raise! For too long we have underfunded our schools and our students deserve a government that will invest in their development and education. #VADemsChat https://t.co/W64OTqN3p8
— Delegate Rodney T. Willett (@DelRodWillett) June 15, 2021
I’m proud to be a bipartisan legislator — willing to work across the aisle. But with Dems in the majority, VA went from being one of the hardest states to vote to one of the easiest. The right to vote is on the ballot this year and we need you to help us protect it #VADemsChat https://t.co/zP4LwmJ5G3
— Delegate Rodney T. Willett (@DelRodWillett) June 15, 2021
Climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also has substantial impacts on our economic future and public health. Now is the time to invest in our natural resources and infrastructure to ensure we have access to a healthy environment for years to come #VADemsChat https://t.co/MD18WI8MCM
— Delegate Rodney T. Willett (@DelRodWillett) June 15, 2021
It’s not just one! In 2020, I was proud to have carried two bills working to end the school to prison pipeline. Our initial reaction should never be to send kids into the heart of the criminal justice system #VADemsChat https://t.co/g4EnchDIFN
— Delegate Mike Mullin (@mikemullin4VA) June 15, 2021
There isn’t just one; everything we have worked so hard to accomplish – expanded voting rights, women’s access to reproductive health care, or any of the numerous gun violence prevention measures that were passed – will be undone. We cannot lose the majority #VADemsChat https://t.co/3FxsSXjvqo
— Delegate Mike Mullin (@mikemullin4VA) June 15, 2021
If we don’t act now, the effects of climate change will become irreversible and future generations will suffer. We see the threat of climate change and sea level rise constantly here in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It’s on us to take action now #VADemsChat https://t.co/27eQdEkS0p
— Delegate Mike Mullin (@mikemullin4VA) June 15, 2021
For many, the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs is a matter of life and death. Since day one, I’ve been taking action to lower the costs of prescription drugs — and I look forward to finally capping the price of asthma inhalers in the Commonwealth next year. #VADemsChat https://t.co/tGga7ajaEk
— Alex Askew (@AlexAskew757) June 15, 2021
This election is a critical step in precluding even the possibility that Republicans could destabilize Virginians’ access to health care and our robust social safety net. #VADemsChat https://t.co/wu6dYCmONX
— Alex Askew (@AlexAskew757) June 15, 2021
I’m committed to creating a livable & sustainable environment for all. In my district, this means taking immediate action to curb the effects of coastal flooding — which is why I sponsored legislation to create a flood insurance fund for low-income Virginians. #VADemsChat https://t.co/asagGQq7Ef
— Alex Askew (@AlexAskew757) June 15, 2021
As a reporter, I heard stories all the time about children that weren’t being protected in our foster care system, that’s just wrong. Delegate, I led the fight to establish an Ombudsman charged with standing up for these children who can’t stand up with themselves. #VADemsChat https://t.co/h6RjngLams
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) June 15, 2021
Well, Everything. Democrats have worked hard to Expand Medicaid, Invest in our schools, Raise teacher pay, Protect the right to choose for women, and more. If Republicans win they will roll all of this back. #VADemsChat https://t.co/mgVKPfqozE
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) June 15, 2021
Want to know why this is a priority for Democrats? Look no further than House District 12 where special interests are attempting to install the unnecessary Mountain Valley Pipeline. This pipeline makes our communities less safe from the effects of Climate Change. #VADemsChat https://t.co/sllH2P0lHH
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) June 15, 2021
Our $100 Million investment in Broadband Internet, Our investments in making Childcare more affordable, And our investment in Virginia’s Public Schools. If Republicans win this seat in November, they’ll be closer than before in rolling that back. #VADemsChat https://t.co/qfxfnjo9Wo
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) June 15, 2021
I think the biggest concern for most of us is what we are seeing from R controlled states now, draconian laws regarding women’s healthcare and voting rights. To me #VotingRights is most frightening as it means we lose our ability to impact the other. #VADemsChat #KeepVABlue https://t.co/LuMhuwUebO
— Katie Sponsler (@KatieSponsler) June 15, 2021
Climate Change is a time sensitive issue, as are the other impacts of carbon and methane emissions, like our alarming asthma rates in #VA66. With lives and property being lost already, we can’t afford to act slowly. #VADemsChat #KeepVABlue #TurnVAGreen https://t.co/8eTXdnyPsH
— Katie Sponsler (@KatieSponsler) June 15, 2021
The MW increase was a first step, but only a small one. We need to index it to the cost of living, protect against wage theft, remove the remaining MW exceptions in code and protect workers’ rights to organize by repealing RTW. #VADemsChat #UnionStrong #KeepVABlue https://t.co/wc4fN2GCBi
— Katie Sponsler (@KatieSponsler) June 15, 2021
VA was once ranked 49th in the country for ease of voting; now we’re 12th. We expanded voting access and more people voted. We jumped 10% in 2020 from 2016. We must keeping working to ensure not only access but faith for those who have been disenfranchised. #VADemsChat https://t.co/B6HARhxiWJ
— Katie Sponsler (@KatieSponsler) June 15, 2021
More than 2.3 million women have left the workforce since Feb 2020 and millions more have had to downshift their careers. I am one of them. We must address wraparound services for those with disabilities, childcare affordability, and other #CareEconomyVA policies. #VADemsChat https://t.co/lTRoVmBoy9
— Katie Sponsler (@KatieSponsler) June 15, 2021
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