See below for press releases from the VA Senate Democratic Caucus and the Democratic Party of Virginia, regarding the Senate’s vote a few minutes ago “to reject Governor Youngkin’s appointments to the Safety and Health Board and the Parole Board.” This came in response “to Governor Youngkin’s refusal to reappoint eleven of Governor Northam’s appointees, which were left off of House of Delegates confirmation resolutions on February 11, 2022.” As Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw put it:
“Governor Youngkin and House Republicans are setting the precedent of scorched-earth tactics to manipulate the system, bending it to policies based on culture wars and right-wing talking points. Let me remind you–that’s not how things work on this side of the Potomac.”
And as Sen. Adam Ebbin stated on the floor, Senate Democrats aren’t going to allow themselves to be walked all over by House Republicans again and again and again…
VA Senate Dems’ statement:
Senate Democrats on Pending Gubernatorial Appointments
RICHMOND, Va.: Today, the Senate voted to reject Governor Youngkin’s appointments to the Safety and Health Board and the Parole Board. This action was taken in response to Governor Youngkin’s refusal to reappoint eleven of Governor Northam’s appointees, which were left off of House of Delegates confirmation resolutions on February 11, 2022.
Senate Democratic Leadership had made overtures to the Youngkin Administration to discuss these appointments, culminating in a letter sent February 18, 2022 regarding the matter.
Majority Leader Dick Saslaw said: “House Republicans’ refusal to reappoint eleven highly-qualified and capable public servants, including a member of the Board of Education named Teacher of the Year, is flat-out wrong. The other side of the aisle is wreaking havoc not only on the continuity of government but also on our world-class education system and efforts to clean up our environment.
“Governor Youngkin and House Republicans are setting the precedent of scorched-earth tactics to manipulate the system, bending it to policies based on culture wars and right-wing talking points. Let me remind you–that’s not how things work on this side of the Potomac.”
Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said: “Governor Youngkin fails to realize this is Richmond, not Washington. Hardball and intransigence are not how things are done in the Commonwealth, and he seems to have not yet learned that lesson. In rebuffing our attempts to maintain a smooth transition of power and functioning government, he and House Republicans have embarked on a path of political jockeying that does not serve Virginians well. In trying to remedy their missteps, Senate Democrats have requested multiple times to work toward a resolution, but have been rebuffed at every turn. Their inaction leaves us with few options to stand up for Virginians’ best interests and make sure our government works for everyone.”
Privileges and Elections Chair, Senator Adam Ebbin said: “The integrity of the longest-running democratic body in the nation depends on us making the right decisions. Unfortunately, House Republicans took ill-advised action when it came time to honor the institution.
“Further, the Board of Education and the Air and Water Boards are incredibly important to maintain Virginia’s world-class education system and protect our environmental assets. We hope today’s vote serves as a wake-up call to Governor Youngkin and House Republicans to work in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion to correct the course.”
DPVA statement:
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