I’m really not pleased right now…disgusted and sad about what just happened (see below), with the fatally flawed, godawful redistricting amendment *barely* passing the Virginia House of Delegates. In the end, not at all surprisingly since it benefits *them*, every Republican voted for this garbage, while the overwhelming majority of Democrats voted against it, as well they should have. Unfortunately, there were just enough Democrats who (inexplicably) voted for the amendment, and against Del. Marcus Simon’s superb substitute, to give the Republicans and right-wing groups a big win today. Huge, huge mistake, and a discordant end to what had been an overall excellent, even triumphant, session. Now, the only hope for rejecting this cluster**** amendment is the voters in November….
By the way, in addition to Del. Marcus Simon, superb job by Delegates Cia Price, Don Scott, Lamont Bagby, Danica Roem, Lee Carter, Jeff Bourne, Mark Levine, Jay Jones, Kaye Kory, Luke Torian and Wendy Gooditis, all of whom spoke against this amendment. Also note that not a single African-American member of the House of Delegates vote for this, and for VERY good reasons. And yes, all their Democratic colleagues absolutely should have stood with them – and most did, but not enough. Ugh.
With that, here are some statements, with video as soon as it’s finished uploading to YouTube…
P.S. What on earth were Senate Dems, first and foremost Sen. George Barker, *thinking*???
First, Speaker Filler-Corn, who opposed the amendment:
“The Constitution of Virginia requires a rigorous review over multiple legislative sessions before Amendments can be put before the voters. After the required yearlong review and discussion, I concluded that this Amendment was not ready to move on to the ballot.
I could not ignore the fact that the Amendment, as written, fails to prevent politicization of map-drawing and does not sufficiently ensure inclusion of communities of color in the redistricting process. We must be vigilant and adhere to an extraordinarily high standard when proceeding with permanently changing the Constitution. In my opinion, this Amendment fails to meet that standard.” – Eileen Filler-Corn, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
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Progress Virginia Statement on Passage of SJ18
Progress Virginia, the commonwealth’s voice for progressive values, released the following statement on House passage of SJ18 in a close vote: “We are disappointed and dismayed at the passage of SJ18, which enshrines the power of partisan legislators to draw district maps in our constitution while failing to protect communities of color. For any further quote, we refer you to the words of Black Delegates on the floor.”
The General Assembly just voted to enshrine partisan redistricting into the Va. Constitution. No black people from the House of Delegates participated in the drafting of the document. Read it. It is not independent redistricting. It is 100% partisan at the end of the day. Sad.
— Don Scott (@DonScott757) March 6, 2020
I just truly don’t understand. If one after another after another Black legislator stands up and says this is wrong and tells you this will harm their communities, what does it mean for you to just ignore their resounding voices? Do you think they’re all lying, or wrong, or what?
— VAPLAN (@vaplan2018) March 6, 2020
I have never allowed politics to bring me tears but today, I cry real tears for the ancestors I represent–bc one day people like me may not have the same chance I had to serve in this seat. Today with SJ18, we enshrine that reality in the constitution.
— Lashrecse Aird (@delegateaird) March 6, 2020
In the 11th hour, after pressing for Dems to reject the substitute overnight, this is what you tweet?
Now tell me again how this isn’t just about a win for you?! https://t.co/56eQ4fm53G— Delegate Cia Price (@PriceForDel95) March 6, 2020
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