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Video: Is the #MeToo Movement Really “Much Ado About Nothing?”

By
Cindy
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In the wake of the #MeToo movement, and given the number of sexual harassment and abuse allegations against members of other legislative bodies in the country, this Virginia General Assembly session – with 15 new Democrats, most of whom are women – would seem to be a time to take every precaution to make sure that House members and their staffs are well-informed about sexual harassment. And since it’s largely up to the legislative bodies to regulate themselves, there have been several bills proposed this year about sexual harassment training.

But when HB371 made it to the floor today, it had already morphed substantially from its original version, losing some of its teeth along the way. The original version, with bipartisan patrons Roxann Robinson (R) and Kaye Kory (D) in the House, plus Barbara Favola (D), Jennifer McClellan (D) and Glen Sturtevant (D) in the Senate, called for annual sexual harassment training to be offered through the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), with the records kept by the same agency.The House Rules Committee (you remember, the one that Speaker Cox stacked with nonproportional members against the very rules of proportional committees that the House itself had voted on) changed the bill so that the training would be only once every two years, and would be provided by the House or Senate Clerk’s office, with the records maintained by the Clerk’s office.

But is it putting the fox in charge of the hen house to have the Clerk’s office responsible for designing the training, overseeing its administration, and maintaining the records afterwards?

So Delegate Watts, whose own similar bill HB1057 had been rolled into HB371, proposed another substitute version on the House floor today. Her substitute allowed elected legislators and their assistants to take a training designed by and administered by the Clerk’s office, but adding additional stringent conditions that the training should cover:

The sexual harassment training course provided by the Clerk of the House of Delegates and the Clerk of the Senate shall be available on-line 24 hours per day seven days a week and shall include but not be limited to discussion of (i) the inclusion of member actions when performing official duties covered under the General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act (§ 30-100 et seq.); (ii) the inclusion of communications or actions undertaken with other state employees, contract employees, applicants for employment, customers, vendors, members of the media, lobbyists, members of the public, or volunteers; (iii) the Department of Human Resources Management Workplace Harassment Policy provision that managers, supervisors, and members who knowingly fail to take appropriate corrective action regarding allegations shall be in violation of the sexual harassment policy; (iv) the adopted policies of the House of Delegates or of the Senate governing how allegations of violations may be made, sharing of information, investigative procedures, determination of need for disclosure to law enforcement to protect public safety, committed violations of this chapter; and (v) the remedies available under this chapter and the Commonwealth Workplace Harassment Policy that are in addition to any other civil remedies and criminal sanctions provided under law.

As a backup plan to her substitute in case the substitute was voted down, she also drafted three separate amendments to HB371 that would accomplish the same more careful sexual harassment training, with the opportunity for any number of the three changes to be accepted.

All this caused the Republicans to be so flustered that Speaker Cox had to adjourn for a few minutes so that everyone could figure out how to vote. The Democrats also huddled up to get their strategy in place. When they reconvened, both sides took the opportunity to discuss the bill and the suggested changes. Delegate Robinson spoke about her bill, saying that it was important to have this training and that it wasn’t that SHE didn’t trust her peers, it was that the public needed to trust them–needed to know that when they legislated their own behavior, they did so in the most stringent way possible. Which was odd, since Delegate Watts’ substitute/amendments were adding additional conditions to make the training more thorough.

Delegate Watts spoke about her substitute, arguing for why having an outside agency administer the training was so important, and discussing the various ways that legislators interact with others where harassment issues might arise–not just in the chamber with each other, but back in their districts, with lobbyists, with their constituents, etc. The Republicans then proceeded to vote down the substitute.

And the amendments were discussed one by one. By this point, apparently Delegate Gilbert was getting annoyed and tired of the proceeding, because he asked to speak and then declared that this was “much ado about nothing.” And the entire chamber gasped–literally! (See about 2:40)

After the year that we’ve seen, with millions of women speaking out and saying #MeToo, and dozens of news stories about politicians and Hollywood producers and company CEOs being accused of sexual harassment, Delegate Gilbert thought that a discussion about how to get the training right was “much ado about nothing!” The rest of the amendments were voted down–on party lines, because apparently sexual harassment policy is a partisan issue too, and the weakened version of HB371 that the House Rules Committee wrote moved on to its third reading, presumably tomorrow.

I have two further thoughts about this. The first is that it is virtually impossible that of the 50 Republican members of the House in attendance today, every single one thinks that sexual harassment training should be administered by the Clerk’s office rather than DHRM–it’s probably also unlikely that all 49 of the Democratic members thinks it should not. So, we’ve clearly descended into a hyper-partisan world where everyone is entrenched in the position that their party peers are taking. Which is not good for anyone. The second is that it’s not a coincidence that the party with 47% of its Delegates being female wanted a more stringent sexual harassment policy than the party with 10% of its members being female.

Final Results of Blue Virginia 2017 Gov. Poll #1: Northam 50.7%-Perriello 48.3% (4,762 total votes)

By
lowkell
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UPDATE 6:00 pm Sunday: As promised, I have closed the poll on Sunday evening. The final results are Ralph Northam edging out Tom Perriello 2,416 (50.73%)-2,298 (48.26%), with a handful of votes for Ed Gillespie (0.48%), Frank Wagner (0.21%), Corey Stewart (0.17%) and Denver Riggleman (0.15%). Clearly, the two Democratic governor campaigns encouraged their supporters to vote in this poll, as we got a huge number of votes (4,762 total) in just 72 hours or so on a holiday weekend! Also, I could see the surges for each candidate as they pushed their supporters to vote via email, Facebook, etc. All of which is fine, by the way, as it indicates enthusiasm/intensity, organization, etc. Anyway, congratulations to Ralph Northam for edging out Tom Perriello in the first Blue Virginian non-scientific poll of the 2017 election cycle. I’ll probably do this again in a few weeks to see where we are then. Also, I’m going to post a Lt. Governor poll, so please vote in that one as well. Thanks!

UPDATE 5:22 pm Friday: It’s great to see so many people voting in this poll. I’ll probably keep it open until Sunday evening or so…

Poll: How Are You Feeling About the Presidential Race These Days?

By
lowkell
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Matt Weinstein for Virginia’s 8th CD Democratic Committee

By
lowkell
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0

The following statement is from Matt Weinstein — Arlington Young Democrat, legislative aide to Del. Rip Sullivan and candidate for the 8th CD Democratic Committee. The election will be at the August ACDC meeting at 7 pm on August 3rd at the NRECA building in Ballston (4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203). I’ve endorsed Matt because I think he has the energy, talent and experience to do a great job on voter protection and in general as a member of the 8th CD Democratic Committee. Go Matt!

Arlingtonians are fortunate to live in one the most forward-thinking, progressive congressional districts in the United States.

Virginia’s 8th Congressional District (CD) votes overwhelmingly for the Democratic nominee every presidential year, and it repeatedly sends Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Don Beyer has given voice to the progressive values that embody our community.

The 8th CD is a Democratic stronghold because of the Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) and Virginia’s 8th CD Democratic Committee.

The 8th CD Democratic Committee—which includes 33 leaders from across the 8th district—provides political and fundraising support for Democrats throughout the 8th CD. The committee’s success makes it a model for congressional committees across Virginia.

One seat on the 8th CD Democratic Committee recently became available, and because of the committee’s seat allocation rules, the seat is reserved for an Arlington male.

I am running for the 8th CD Democratic Committee vacancy, and I am writing today to ask for your vote.

The election will be held at the August ACDC meeting at 7 pm on August 3rd at the NRECA building in Ballston (4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203). Any registered Arlington voter can vote in the election, but voters are required to sign a form saying that they will support Democrats.

I am the best candidate for the job because I have extensive experience working at the local, state, and federal level in Virginia, and I have devoted much of my career to protecting the right to vote for Virginians across the Commonwealth.

The right to vote is the cornerstone of American Democracy. As someone with significant experience protecting the right to vote, I would use my position on the 8th CD Democratic Committee to develop best practices for voter protection programs across the 8th district.

In 2012, I was fortunate to be part of the Obama Campaign’s voter protection team. Our team recruited 1,928 lawyers to volunteer on Election Day in Virginia, covered 1,055 polling locations, and resolved 3,283 voting issues at the polls. I continued the Obama voter protection model for the McAuliffe campaign in 2013, when we had over 500 lawyers protecting voters at polls across Virginia.

Every eligible voter in the 8th district should be able to vote regardless of race, religion, or party, and I will work hard to make that happen.

About me:

  • I am an Arlington Young Democrat, an attorney, and a political operative.
  • I am Delegate Rip Sullivan’s Legislative Aide.
  • I am currently ACDC’s Sergeant at Arms, and I am responsible for organizing caucuses and working with Arlington’s election board and registrar to make sure it is easy for voters to vote in Arlington.
  • I ran the 2016 Arlington School Board Caucus.
  • I was the parliamentarian for the 2016 8th CD Democratic Convention.
  • I worked for Senator Warner from 2009 to 2012.
  • I worked for the Obama Campaign in Virginia in 2012 as part of their voter protection team.
  • I ran the voter protection program for the McAuliffe Campaign in 2013.
  • I am the founding co-chair of the DPVA’s voter protection council in 2014.

My extensive local, state, and federal experience has allowed me to develop good relationships with some of the hardest-working Democrats in Arlington, the 8th CD, and across the Commonwealth.

Because of these relationships, I have been fortunate to receive broad, committed support for my candidacy from many Democratic leaders in the 8th CD.

A partial list of my supporters is provided below. Please note these endorsements were made in a personal capacity, and do not reflect a collective endorsement by any political organization.

  • Senator Barbara Favola (D-31)
  • Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30)
  • Delegate Rip Sullivan (D-48)
  • Delegate Patrick Hope (D-47)
  • Carla de la Pava, Arlington County Treasurer
  • Dave Leichtman, DPVA Vice Chair-Technology and Communications, 8th CD Member
  • Frank Leone, DNC Member
  • Josh Katcher, Voter Registration Chair, ACDC
  • Cragg Hines, ACDC Parliamentarian/National Delegate for Hillary Clinton
  • Lowell Feld, Blue Virginia
  • Laura Saul Edwards, Precinct Ops Vice Chair
  • Ian Redman, Precinct Ops Vice Chair, ACDC
  • Matt de Ferranti, Area Chair MetroEast, ACDC
  • Jill Caiazzo, Area Chair Central, ACDC
  • William Mark Habeeb, Area Chair River, ACDC
  • Kim Phillip, Director of Administration for ACDC
  • Chris Leyen, Aide to Senator Adam Ebbin
  • Zach Bowman, Outreach Vice Chair-LGBT, ACDC
  • Jarrod Nagurka, former Campaign Manager for Rip Sullivan and Christian Dorsey, ACDC Precinct Captain

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to speaking with you soon and hopefully seeing you at the election on August 3rd.

Youngkin Gutted High-Hazard Dam Funds, Dems Can Restore Them

By
Blue Virginia
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by Freeda Cathcart

Dems need to restore the $25 million high-hazard dam funds that former Governor Youngkin left out of his 2026-2028 budget. State code specifies the dam funds are supposed to be irrevocable, but the budget supercedes state code. Senator Salim’s budget amendment line item 362 #18s can return the funds.

Use this easy portal https://tinyurl.com/ReturnDamFunding to send emails to the Senate Finance Committee to inform them that public safety must be protected by returning the high-hazard dam funding.

Youngkin stunned his staff when he revealed that he had clawed back funds from essential flood resiliency programs. He removed $25 million from the high-hazard dam funds and $8 million from the VCAP (Virginia Conservation Assistance Program) funds. Delegate Krizek’s line Item 362 #18h returns the $8 million VCAP funds plus provides additional funds to help eliminate the waiting list for VCAP. Use this easy portal https://vaswcd.org/help-support-vcap/ to contact the General Assembly to support VCAP.

There’s speculation that Youngkin gutted funding for programs to give the illusion that his administration had created a surplus of funds on his way out the door. It’s well known that he has a hostile history with the RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) program. Youngkin either didn’t understand how RGGI benefitted the Commonwealth or didn’t care.

The RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) drives down greenhouse gas emissions which improves air quality and public health while also bringing in desperately needed revenue to help Virginia’s families with energy bills and communities with flood resiliency. RGGI brought in $827.7 million. The money collected was divided into an energy efficiency fund (50%, $413.9 million) and flood resiliency (45%, $372.5 million). The remaining 5% funded the administration of the program.

Even after a judge ruled that Youngkin unlawfully removed Virginia from RGGI, Youngkin and former AG Miyares appealed the ruling. Delegate Herring’s HB397 has passed the House and is already making its way through the Senate. Governor Spanberger knows the importance of reinstating RGGI and is expected to reinstate it.

The high-hazard dams are owned by Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). The SWCDs are legally liable to maintain the dams that they own. The SWCD Directors are volunteer elected officials and are required to fulfill their SWCD’s responsibilities. SWCDs aren’t able to generate revenue. Therefore the SWCDs are dependable on the General Assembly to provide the funds to keep their dams in compliance with the federal Dam Safety Act.

If Hurricane Helene had been a hundred miles east, there are SWCD dams that would have failed and thousands of lives may have been lost. SWCDs are moving as quickly as possible to fix their dams.

Much more than enough revenue is going to start flowing when RGGI is reinstated to cover the return of the $25 million dam funding. This will allow SWCDs that have high hazard dams in need of repair to continue with the work of signing contracts with engineers and construction companies to repair the dams.

People are angry about how Republicans, like Youngkin, gut vital programs that compromise the safety and well being of the public. Then Republicans leave the dangerous chaos they caused to Dems to clean up.

When Dems restore the high-hazard dam funding, they will be protecting public safety while creating jobs in rural areas. It’s more than the right thing to do, it’s smart.

30 Days of Action: Attorney General Jay Jones Delivering for Virginians, Defending the Commonwealth

By
lowkell
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So here’s the thing; whatever you think of Jay Jones as a person, having a Democratic Attorney General is INFINITELY better than having a MAGA Republican – like Jason Miyares – in that office.

30 Days of Action: Attorney General Jay Jones Delivering for Virginians, Defending the Commonwealth
 

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Attorney General Jay Jones today released a comprehensive update on the work completed in his first month, standing up for Virginians’ rights, advancing litigation to lower costs, defending public health and safety, reversing flawed legal positions, and fighting back against President Trump’s illegal actions.

On his first day in office, Attorney General Jones ordered a full review of the Commonwealth’s pending cases and legal opinions, and as a result his office has joined numerous multistate litigation efforts that put Virginians first, withdrawn from litigation that harms our communities, and advanced litigation to put money back in Virginians’ pockets.

“In just 30 days, we have done exactly what I promised Virginians I would do, which is to put them first,” said Attorney General Jones. “When corporations break the law, we will hold them accountable. When the Trump administration overreaches, we will meet them in court. Virginia’s laws will be enforced as written, and we will stand up for the people of this Commonwealth every single time.”

Lowering Costs and Standing Up to Corporate Bad Actors

  • Protecting Public Servants: Joined Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Education to protect teachers, nurses, and law enforcement officers from unlawful cuts to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Protecting Food Access: Joined New York v. Rollins to challenge federal actions restricting food assistance eligibility and ensure that hardworking families can continue to put food on their tables.
  • Fighting Prescription Drug Price-Fixing: Secured $17.85 million in settlements with Lannett and Bausch resolving allegations of generic drug price-fixing and joined broader multistate antitrust litigation against Novartis and related companies for preying on consumers.
  • Defending Fair Housing Protections: Joined a multistate coalition opposing federal rule changes that would weaken enforcement tools under the Fair Housing Act.

Protecting Democracy and Fair Elections

  • Redistricting Process: Issued a formal opinion concluding that the General Assembly acted within its constitutional authority in advancing a congressional redistricting amendment for voter consideration and rejecting prior efforts to block that process. The opinion affirms that the amendment was lawfully adopted under the Constitution of Virginia and will proceed to the voters as required by law.
  • Fair Representation in Virginia Beach: Reversed the prior administration’s position in Holloway v. City of Virginia Beach in order to defend equal representation for City voters.
  • Election Protection Cases: Coordinating with lead states in California v. Trump and Washington v. Trump to provide support when appropriate as they seek to challenge federal actions alleged to interfere with lawful election administration.

Defending Our Rights, Our Health, Our Environment and Our Children 

  • Keeping Children Safe Online: Moved to dismiss litigation from a social media trade association, which attempted to block Virginia’s new law limiting minors’ access to social media platforms to one hour per day. Announced planned enforcement of the new social media law and commitment to seek penalties from companies in violation. Signed on to multistate letter condemning xAI and Grok’s creation of nonconsensual sexual content involving children.
  • Restoring Virginia’s RGGI Pathway: Paused the Commonwealth’s appeal in Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board v. Association of Energy Conservation Professionals, reopening the legal pathway for Virginia to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and restore funding for flood prevention and energy efficiency programs.
  • Protecting Health Care Services and Private Data: Coordinating with lead states to provide support when appropriate in their efforts to challenge unlawful sharing of sensitive health data and opposing efforts to block Medicaid reimbursements for essential health services.
  • Defending Clean Energy Funds: Initiated proceedings in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to recover federal “Solar for All” funds allocated to Virginia communities for clean energy programs that will lower costs.
  • Protecting Clean Air: Rejoined multistate litigation challenging an EPA rule that would allow major industrial polluters to downgrade their regulatory classification, potentially increasing toxic emissions in Virginia communities.
  • Safeguarding In-State Tuition: Reversed course and moved to fully defend Virginia’s statute in United States v. Virginia, protecting affordable access to higher education.

Strengthening the Office of the Attorney General

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Video: Alexandria City Council Democratic Candidates Debate, with “Firehouse Primary” This Saturday and Special Election on 4/21

By
lowkell
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Recently, as you may recall, Alexandria City Council member Kirk McPike was elected to replace Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (who is moving up to the State Senate, taking the place of Sen. Adam Ebbin, who is joining the Spanberger administration, and whose last day in the State Senate is today). So with McPike joining the House of Delegates, there will now be a vacancy on the Alexandria City Council. As such, the Alexandria Democrats are holding a firehouse primary this Saturday, (2/21) – at the Charles E. Beatley Central Library and Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center, from 8:30 am to 7 pm –  to select a nominee.

So last night, the five Democratic candidates running faced off at a forum in Del Ray – see below for video, courtesy of the Zebra Press. I watched the entire thing, found it very informative and helpful, and definitely felt like any one of these Democratic candidates would be FAR superior to the Republican running (note that the special election will be on April 21, the same day as the redistricting referendum, so turnout should be VERY high – more like a statewide election than an often-low-turnout, local city council race).  I also came out with some initial feelings about which candidates’ responses were the most appealing to me, but since this is the first time I’ve ever seen most of these folks, and since I don’t really know them (and haven’t talked to any of them), I’m going to keep those thoughts to myself for now (other than to point out that, for me, the most important issues right now are the fight for our democracy against Trump et al; combatting/adapting to the climate crisis; dealing with the depradations of ICE; affordability, particularly regarding housing; helping federal employees who were harmed by DOGE; etc.). 🙂 Anyway, with that, here are the candidates, in alphabetical order:

  • Roberto Gomez: “…a Democrat, long-time Alexandria resident, and Executive Director of Cornerstone Craftsman, an award-winning nonprofit. He has dedicated his career to building second chances by creating apprenticeships for underserved youth.”
  • Tim Laderach: Attended pharmacy school and then served in the U.S. Navy; curently “an attorney in D.C. specializing in complex regulatory advising and litigation”; was elected chair of the Economic Opportunities Commission and head of the Del Ray Citizens Association.
  • Sandy Marks: Worked in US Senator Bob Graham’s constituent office, served “two terms as Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair,” “advocated for gun violence prevention with Moms Demand Action, practiced social and racial justice in the BLM movement and at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, protested Trump policy and appointments, led PTAs, volunteered in the Alexandria library system, and elected Democrats to local offices.”
  • Charles Sumpter: “…a neighbor who has spent years working in this community, showing up, listening, and helping solve real problems…helped found Safe Space NOVA, a nonprofit created to provide housing support and mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth across Northern Virginia.”
  • Madison Tapia: “a teacher, Army veteran, immigrant, and community advocate running for Alexandria City Council to put people first.”

So again, five impressive Democratic candidates. In terms of endorsements, Sandy Marks has been endorsed by Del. Alfonso Lopez, State Senator Saddam Salim, former Alexandria City Councilwoman Del Pepper, Alexandria Clerk of Courts Greg Parks, etc.; Roberto Gomez has been endorsed by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, IBEW Local 26, the Regional Council of Carpenters, etc; Tim Laderach has been endorsed by Alexandria School Board member Donna Kenley and former Alexandria City Council member David Speck; Charles Sumpter has been endorsed by former Del. Mark Levine; Tapia doesn’t list any endorsements on his website.

With that, check out last night’s forum. I’m curious who people are supporting and why…

NEW HuffPost Report: Trump Political Team Running Virginia’s ‘No’ Campaign

By
lowkell
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0

Check out the following press release from Virginians for Fair Elections, the group advocating for “a temporary, emergency exception designed to level the playing field for Virginia’s congressional elections, with the Commonwealth’s bipartisan redistricting commission resuming full authority after the 2030 census.” As you can see, from this new HuffPost report, “the campaign opposing Virginia’s Fair Elections Amendment is being run by senior operatives from Donald Trump’s political network — despite branding itself to voters as a grassroots, Virginia-based effort.” Also, note that “Both former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares — who raised significant sums in a losing effort in the state’s 2025 general election — and former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor are helping to raise money for the Republican group.” As if we needed any more reasons to get motivated to vote YES on (or before) April 21!

NEW HuffPost Report: Trump Political Team Running Virginia’s ‘No’ Campaign

RICHMOND, Va. — A new report from HuffPost reveals that the campaign opposing Virginia’s Fair Elections Amendment is being run by senior operatives from Donald Trump’s political network — despite branding itself to voters as a grassroots, Virginia-based effort.

The report details how the group pushing a “No” vote is staffed and supported by figures directly tied to Trump’s national political operation and top Republican consulting firms — the same individuals who’ve helped prop up the president and support his unpopular agenda in Washington.

“This reporting confirms what many suspected: there is nothing ‘grassroots’ about the ‘No’ campaign,” said Dan Gottlieb, Communications Director for Virginians for Fair Elections. “It’s another national political operation controlled by Donald Trump, trying to interfere in a Virginia election while pretending to be a homegrown effort. They can claim they are for Virginians, but the fingerprints are straight out of Mar-a-Lago.”

Read more about the “No” campaign — and its direct ties to Donald Trump:

HuffPost: Trump-Tied GOP Forces Test Democrats In High-Stakes Virginia Vote

  • Republican forces lining up against the referendum are more organized — and more closely tied to President Donald Trump’s political operation — than a California campaign that ran out of cash months early and led to bitter infighting.
  • The GOP group pushing a no vote on the referendum, dubbed Virginians for Fair Maps, has extensive ties to Trump and FP1, the GOP consulting firm previously led by top Trump political aide Chris LaCivita.
  • The endeavor is led by Michael Young, who was Trump’s state director for Virginia and North Carolina during the 2024 election and is a partner at FP1. The campaign manager, Finn Lee, was previously a director of “election integrity” at the Republican National Committee.
  • The group’s state-registered lobbyist, Richard Cullen, is a partner at FP1’s public affairs arm.
  • Both former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares — who raised significant sums in a losing effort in the state’s 2025 general election — and former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor are helping to raise money for the Republican group.
  • The Virginia General Assembly passed the referendum earlier this week that was crafted in response to Trump’s push to redraw lines in Republican-controlled states to eliminate Democratic seats.
  • Virginians for Fair Maps did not return a request for comment.

For more information, visit www.virginiansforfairelections.com.

###

About Virginians for Fair Elections

Virginians for Fair Elections is the campaign advocating for a constitutional amendment to protect fair representation and ensure Virginia voters — not politicians — have the final say over congressional district maps. The amendment is a temporary, emergency exception designed to level the playing field for Virginia’s congressional elections, with the Commonwealth’s bipartisan redistricting commission resuming full authority after the 2030 census.

Video: Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) Asks, “Why does [Trump] keep lying [about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein]? Why has he done everything in his power to cover this up?”

By
lowkell
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0

Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) was on MSNOW yesterday evening; here’s what he had to say.

  • “Well, I heard your last guest say that Democrats have turned this into something that was about Trump, and now it’s about a lot of people. And look, from the perspective of Democrats in Congress, certainly me and Democrats on the Oversight Committee, we want to follow this wherever it leads, whether it’s Trump or anyone else, as we’ve learned. I think it’s interesting, you know, that list of 300 people that DoJ sent to the Judiciary Committee, I wish they had next to each name, put how many times each individual was mentioned in the files, because Trump would be at or near the top of that list. Thousands of mentions. We know that he has lied consistently about his long and deep relationship with Epstein. We know that Virginia Giuffre was recruited or trafficked from Mar-a-Lago. We know that Donald Trump lied repeatedly in saying that he kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago. I read a redacted document  – illegally redacted, in my view – where Epstein’s lawyers had spoken to Trump and Trump made it clear that he never kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago. Why does he keep lying? Why has he done everything in his power to cover this up? Those are important questions, not to take away from any of the other individuals involved here.”
  • “So the Judiciary Committee Democrats, led by Jamie Raskin, have coordinated key files that even some based on crowdsourcing that folks in the public have suggested. We need to look at these redactions. And those are all being compiled together with a staff and investigators there. And I think we will have from that a series of questions and additional lines of inquiry.”
  • “One of the things we’ve been very focused on on the Oversight Committee and as you know, we have a subpoena separate from the Transparency Act, is following the money. We’ve heard from victims, including the FBI, that there was many as 1,000 victims or survivors of Epstein’s crimes. This was a massive global network and ring. How did the money work? How did the money flow? Who at which bank knew what was taking place, why transfers were being taken place. Wexner is key to that. Epstein had control of Wexner’s money. Wexner transferred his townhouse in Manhattan to Epstein, and many of the crimes were committed there. So I’m hopeful that we’ll get more information from Wexner about how the money flowed and how the money worked that allowed Epstein and others to commit these crimes.”
  • “Well, that’s one of the frustrations in the files. I think we have to conclude that that 302 and others are perhaps in the 2.5 million files that have not been released, because we have not been able to identify them. Even in the redacted files that exist. They seem not to have released the survivors’ statements...I’ll go back to the Oversight Committee subpoena, which doesn’t have the same allowed redactions as the Act. And that subpoena is in effect. And I’m very confident that if there’s a change in control of Congress, that subpoena will continue to be in effect, and we will take aggressive action to ensure that it’s complied with.”
  • “Honestly, we haven’t had conversations about the Epstein files in the context of the elections. But I think your point is a good one and fair, that for a lot of folks, it’s illustrative of a class in Washington and in the country that seems to get away with whatever they want to get away with. And hard working Americans can’t seem to get ahead. And why is it that the Les Wexners and the Epsteins and others of the world can lie with impunity and get wealthier while they do it, while average American families can’t afford groceries or can’t afford to pay the rent? I think that is layered over the election that’s coming up in November.”

Tuesday News: “Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files ‘cover-up'”; R.I.P. Jesse Jackson Jr.; “Anderson Cooper to leave 60 Minutes amid turmoil at CBS News”; Spanberger “says [right-wing] attacks are a sign of her success”; VA General Assembly “Crossover” Day

By
lowkell
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0

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Tuesday, February 17.

Video, Transcript of State Senator Adam Ebbin Saying Farewell to the VA Senate: “over the years, Virginia has changed, and thankfully, so has this Assembly”

By
lowkell
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As you may recall, back on January 7, VA State Senator Adam Ebbin (D-SD39) was named by then-Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve in her administration as Senior Advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. That, in turn, triggered a special election for Sen. Ebbin’s Alexandria/Arlington/Fairfax deep-blue seat, won easily by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (who was endorsed by Sen. Ebbin, then won the Democratic nomination 71%-17% and cruised to victory in the special election on February 10). So anyway, today was [Tuesday, 2/17 is] Sen. Ebbin’s last day serving in the Virginia General Assembly, which he’s done since January 2004 — (first in the House of Delegates, then in the State Senate starting in January 2012.

Personally, I’ve always liked and respected Adam Ebbin, thought he was super-smart, really knew his stuff, worked very hard, had a great deal of integrity, and cared deeply about doing the best job he could for his constituents. Although, for whatever reason(s), we often didn’t agree on endorsements in Democratic primaries, going back to the 2006 U.S. Senate primary between Jim Webb (I was a co-founder of “Draft James Webb”) and Harris Miller (who Ebbin supported). Also, in 2007-2008, Ebbin supported Hillary Clinton for president, while I ended up supporting Barack Obama. But we did agree on Joe Biden for president after Biden’s victory in South Carolina on February 29, 2020, so we weren’t always on different sides of primaries. [Also note, when Ebbin ran for US House in 2014, I stayed neutral, as I liked a bunch of the people running…plus it seemed obvious to me that Don Beyer was going to win easily, given Beyer’s huge name ID, massive war chest, plus the fact that there were a dozen or so people “not named Don Beyer” in that race — something I told Ebbin on the phone, and which I don’t think he particularly appreciated at the time, lol.

Anyway, with that, thanks very much to Sen. Ebbin for his public service over all these years; see below for video and transcript of Sen. Ebbin’s farewell speech, which was very moving and well delivered, as well as colleagues paying tribute to him. That includes Sen. Louise Lucas with a remark that had everyone laughing: “If you’ve ever worked with Senator Ebbin on a bill and especially on cannabis, you know what it’s like to be down in the weeds.” LOL

“Thank you, Madam President. Serving this body has been the greatest honor of my life, representing Northern Virginia in the General Assembly, my adopted home since 1989 has been a responsibility that I haven’t taken lightly. I started off representing 80,000 people in the House, and became a voice for 216,000 Virginians in a Senate district that speaks more than 127 native languages from 10th generations to new Americans. I did it because I believed government could be a force for good – not perfect, not always fast, and certainly not easy, but transformative. And after all these years, I believe that more strongly than ever.

We are a 406-year old institution. But when I arrived, the distinct honor of being a first in the General Assembly and being an openly gay elected official 22 years ago didn’t earn you book deals or talk show appearances, just a seat in a deep minority across the hall. Still, being out was a fact that felt both deeply personal and unavoidably public. I was proud, but I was also aware that simply by being here, I carried a responsibility larger than myself. In a caucus of just 34 in a 100 member chamber, sometimes simply being here felt like all you could do. But over the years, Virginia has changed, and thankfully, so has this assembly. Today, there are LGBT Virginians serving openly, authentically, and unapologetically at every level of government. I see them in the hallways of this institution every day. Call them colleagues, future leaders, even Mr. Secretary. And that progress did not happen by accident. And I’m deeply humbled to have played a role in helping move this Commonwealth closer to a place we can all be proud of. I swore to myself that I wouldn’t leave until there was at least one, just one more out lesbian or gay General Assembly member. But when I leave, I’m proud we’ll have an eight member LGBTQ caucus. And if anyone on the other side of the aisle wants to come out, you will be more than welcome. We’re still waiting on that first openly gay Republican.

We are lucky, though. We are all lucky. We’re lucky to have experienced more firsts than any other generation of legislators. First, women of color in leadership positions. The senators from Portsmouth and Hampton. First Muslim members. First Asian American members. First transgender member. First Asian-American. First female and first Jewish speaker. First Black speaker. First Black attorney general. And you, Madam President, the first Muslim lieutenant governor in the country.

For all of us who are firsts, perhaps our greatest reward is reaching the next generation. When I was a kid, I feared that being openly gay meant you couldn’t serve at all in public office or achieve much of anything if you’re open. But I hope my service has made it easier for all young people who are different to know that they too can serve. And today, the General Assembly is truly a much more representative citizen legislature than Thomas Jefferson could have ever envisioned. This alone has led to the ability to craft more compassionate, more thoughtful, and more inclusive policies. As Mr. Jefferson said, laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind as that becomes more developed, more enlightened, and manners and opinions change, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. And I’m pleased to say that we have. We enacted major policies that protect and advance civil rights, strengthen education, expand access to health care, safeguard our environment, stand up for working people. And yes, we passed a few bills that required infinite patience.

I’m particularly proud of the work that we did, ensuring Virginia modernized state law to protect LGBT people from discrimination in their daily lives, including in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Virginia Values Act of 2020, my proudest achievement, established new protections for all Virginians. This law, the first of its kind in the South, passed with strong bipartisan support, including nine Republican votes. Then-Delegate Mark Sickles partnered with me on this legislation, and former Senator Jill Vogel provided key support. And now, this November, after 20 years, Virginians will finally be able to vote on the Marriage Equality Amendment, which will protect the ability to marry who you love. It’s time for our state constitution to accurately reflect the law of the land.

Would I be remiss if I didn’t talk about the elephant in the room? And Madam President Pro Tem would be disappointed if I didn’t. Cannabis. When I first entered the General Assembly, I saw too many lives upended by simple marijuana charge, jobs lost, futures delayed, families hurt. And for too long, that harm was baked into our lives. That is no longer the case. The times have changed, and so have our laws. So many people have picked up the torch on cannabis. In 2020, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring joined me to sponsor legislation decriminalizing marijuana. The next year, she and Senator Lucas worked closely with me to pass the law legalizing possession of marijuana. And now Senator Aird and Delegate Krizek will carry the bill across the finish line…

But as I reflect on the past two decades, I remember some special moments early in my time here. I would look up at the ceiling in this beautiful Capitol as a daily reminder of the rich history of the General Assembly. In 2006, I felt the full weight of history as the 400th anniversary of the signing of the charter for the Virginia Company. Beneath the vaulted stone ceilings of the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple in London, where the legal profession was born. And on January 17th, we all witnessed Governor Abigail Spanberger make history and shatter the glass ceilings ceiling.

To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, thank you. In a time when cynicism is easy, this body has reminded me that public service, at its best, is still an honorable calling. We are sent here to do big and important things, but sometimes it’s the seemingly small courtesies and human moments that remind us we do our best work when we engage with each other as people first. I still remember Delegate Jeion Ward, soon to be the last serving member of the House class of 2004, who would bring me lox and bagels in her purse to make sure I had breakfast… and I will miss the fun moments I had with former Senators Jennifer Wexton, Jill Vogel, and Janet Howell.

There are many people to thank. First, I want to acknowledge my mother and stepfather. If they hadn’t come to Alexandria and campaigned for me relentlessly in 2003, I would never have won by 43 votes in a five-way primary. They’re my biggest supporters, and I thank my family and loved ones for their patience and understanding of a job that rarely respects evenings, weekends or holidays. And I’ve been fortunate to know many great local officials who I’ve been able to turn to for advice and counsel, among them Alexandria’s mayor Alyia Gaskins, our former mayor Justin Wilson, Delegate elect Kirk McPike, and former Arlington board member Katie Cristol. Delegate Patrick Hope has been a great friend and partner on our multiyear effort to stop the sale of vapes to children.

Senator Howell used to say that I was the best prepared senator, but the truth is, I only looked good because of some phenomenal legislative aides, including Benjamin Jones, Parker Treichel, Chris Lane and Henry Watkins. To the Senate staff, the DLS, the Senate finance team and the clerk’s office. Those that support our daily needs and especially my own team. You are extraordinary. You make us look smarter than we are. Keep us on schedule mostly, and ensure that the real people behind the policies are never forgotten. Any success attributed to me belongs just as much to you.

However, it’s only with the support of my constituents that I could be a force for progressive change. Thank you to the people of Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax, including the people I formerly represented in Mount Vernon, much to the great frustration of the Senator from Eastern Fairfax for trusting me to be a voice. The 39th district will be in excellent hands with Senator-elect Elizabeth Bennett-Parker. But as I reflect on the past 22 years, the words of a Jesus Jones song come to mind – ‘right here, right now, there is no place I’d rather be watching the world wake up from history’. I’ve been witness to and part of history together. We’ve all made a difference.

As I leave this chamber, I do so with optimism. Optimism, because Virginia’s story continues to be a story where even a short, transplanted New Yorker who sometimes doesn’t know when to shut up can be welcomed and given a chance to join the oldest continuous operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere. This will always be a noble arc that drives us to opportunity, fairness and inclusion. The people in this chamber and those that follow us care deeply about getting it right. I may be leaving this desk, but I’m not leaving public life. I will always believe that who you are should never limit how fully you can serve. The day I was first sworn into the House, my late Aunt Janice gave me a note that I always kept behind my desk. It said, never forget the little guy and Aunt Janice, if you’re watching from above, I hope I’ve lived up to your words. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, colleagues, and thank you, Virginia.”

  • Here’s VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s tribute to Sen. Ebbin: “He proved…his reputation…by working on it bill by bill, issue by issue, speech by speech, showing everybody how prepared, how thoughtful, how serious of a legislator he was. And he’s going to walk out of this place with a quite an impressive set of achievements and a whole lot to be proud of for what he’s done in the…23 years he’s served in the General Assembly…He’s been a a wonderful member of this body, wonderful member of the General Assembly. He’s an historic member, and I don’t think a lot of people realize or remember just how historic he is and is about to become.”

[UPDATED: VA Senate Dems Pass $15/Hour Minimum Wage Bill] VA House Democrats Pass Top Priority, Paid Sick Leave

By
lowkell
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8

Governor Spanberger Pledges to Sign Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

Spanberger: “I Look Forward to Signing This Legislation Into Law to Give Virginia Workers a Pay Raise”
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed legislation that would incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028.

“Across our Commonwealth, I’ve heard from Virginia families who are stretching their paychecks more than ever but still coming up short at the end of each month. I’ve heard from Virginians who have had to choose between refilling their prescriptions, heating their homes, or keeping up with their rent or mortgage — all the while worrying about saving for their kids’ futures.

“Every Virginian who works full time deserves the financial stability to support their families, plan for the future, and continue building a life here in the Commonwealth. But Virginians’ wages have not kept up with rising costs.

“I look forward to signing this legislation into law to give Virginia workers a pay raise, and I’m grateful to the members of the General Assembly who have made stronger wages for working Virginians a priority.”

—

The legislation passed by the Virginia Senate, SB1, and House of Delegates, HB1, would codify the adjusted state hourly minimum wage of $12.77 per hour that went into effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation would then increase the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027 and subsequently increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

###

Senate of Virginia Passes SB1 to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour

RICHMOND, V.A. – Today, the Senate of Virginia passed SB 1, legislation that will raise the Commonwealth’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028 and ensure future increases keep pace with inflation. This bill passed on a vote on 20-19, supported by all present Democratic members of the Senate of Virginia.

“For too long, Virginia’s workers have been asked to do more while earning less in real dollars,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas, Senate President Pro Tempore and Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations. She continues, “That ends now. If you work full time in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you deserve a wage you can actually live on. SB 1 makes it clear: we value work, and we’re going to pay for it. This bill provides a clear path to $15 an hour, giving Virginians the raise they deserve while giving businesses time to plan. By aligning future wage increases to inflation, we’re making sure wages never fall behind again.”

Virginia Senate Democrats are focused on affordability and building an economy that works for working people, not just corporations and the well-connected, even in a very difficult budget year. This is about fairness, dignity, and making sure Virginia’s economy works for everyone.

SB 1 is now headed to the Virginia House of Delegates for consideration.

Good news from the VA House Democrats:

House Democrats Pass Top Priority, Paid Sick Leave
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Virginia House Democrats passed HB5, a top priority to expand paid sick leave protections to workers across the Commonwealth. The bill extends Virginia’s existing earned sick leave law to cover employees of private employers and state and local governments, allowing workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. HB5 ensures accrued sick leave is not lost when a worker is transferred or their employer changes, allows employers to offer more generous policies, and permits workers to use earned sick leave to care for their health, support a family member, or address situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill includes clear enforcement standards and a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

“HB5 is about making sure working Virginians don’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck,” said Del. Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler. “This bill sets a clear, fair standard so workers can take care of themselves and their families, while giving employers time to prepare and flexibility to do more if they choose.”

From Progress Virginia:

Workers Celebrate as Virginia House of Delegates Passes Paid Sick Days Legislation

Richmond—Workers and advocates across the Commonwealth are celebrating today as HB5, legislation sponsored by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler that guarantees paid sick days for working Virginians, passed the Virginia House of Delegates on a vote of 65-35. When working people get sick, far too many are forced into an impossible decision: go to work sick and risk their own health and the public’s health, or stay home and lose crucial wages. By passing HB5 in the House of Delegates, the legislature has provided strong momentum to address this long-standing gap in workplace protections. The bill will now crossover to the Senate for a vote.

“Passage of HB5 in the House of Delegates marks real progress for working families across Virginia,” said Ashleigh Crocker, Interim Executive Director of Progress Virginia. “Access to paid sick leave is a basic protection for workers. People should not be forced to choose between their health, caring for a loved one, and paying their bills. This bill will make a significant impact on families in our community, especially Black and Brown women who carry a disproportionate share of caregiving work. We are ready to keep fighting for HB5 as it moves through crossover and to the Governor’s desk.”

Background:

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Monday News: Trump and Rubio Continue to “lambast friends and empower foes”; “Trump’s New Voter I.D. Threat Is His Gravest Attack on Democracy Yet”; “Presidents’ Days: From Obama to Trump”; “Maga is a recapitulation of the dark side of American history”

By
lowkell
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15

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Monday, February 16.

Video: House Dem Leader Hakeem Jeffries Says That VA Redistricting Referendum Lets Voters Decide, Shows “When they go low, we strike back”

By
lowkell
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0

US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who hopefully will be Speaker of the House after November’s elections, commented on the big Virginia Supreme Court ruling last week, allowing the redistricting referendum to proceed on April 21 (early voting starts March 6):

  • “Republicans started this redistricting war, and Democrats have made it clear we’re going to finish it. We’re going to make sure that there is a fair national map. So at the end of the day, it’s the voters who get to decide who’s in the majority after the November midterm elections and not Donald Trump. When they go low, we strike back. That’s the Democratic approach, and the Republicans are feeling It right now…We’re not going lower, we’re striking back. We’re going to make sure that there’s a fair national map. Donald Trump is the one who instructed five different Republican states to gerrymander the national Congressional map. And the reason why he he did that is because he wanted to rig the midterm elections. And for whatever the reason, didn’t think that Democrats were going to forcefully respond. He got that wrong. They thought we wouldn’t respond in California. They thought we wouldn’t respond in Virginia. They thought we wouldn’t win the litigation in Utah. They thought we wouldn’t force a referendum in Missouri.” (h/t to Aaron Rupar for grabbing this video)

  • “I’m very thankful to the Maryland House of Delegates, who decisively passed this legislation which, by the way is going to give voters the opportunity in Maryland to make a decision about the future of this map. That’s the difference between Democrats and Republicans. They are passing maps that they are intentionally gerrymandering, often wiping away Black or Latino districts in the dead of night, legislatively, because they’re petrified of taking these things to the voters. We’re taking these things to the voters. That was done in California. That’s being done in Virginia. And that also is the legislation that is being undertaken and considered in Maryland now.” (h/t to Aaron Rupar for grabbing this video)

  • Also see CNN’s article, in which Jeffries “is vowing to spend ‘tens of millions’ of dollars to push through an April ballot initiative in Virginia to potentially give Democrats four more seats.”

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