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Casa in Action Launches “Let’s Vote Virginia” Non-Partisan Program to Boost Latino And Black Voters Turnout in Virginia Primary Election

By
Blue Virginia
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1

From Casa in Action:

Casa in Action Launches Non-Partisan Program to Boost Latino And Black Voters Turnout in Virginia Primary Election
“Let’s Vote Virginia” Initiative to Empower and Educate Communities on Civic Engagement

Woodbridge, VA – Casa in Action, a leading advocacy organization, announces the launch of a groundbreaking eight-week Non-Partisan program in Virginia aimed at increasing voter turnout among Latino and Black communities during the upcoming 2024 elections. The program will run from February 7 to April 5, specifically focusing on engaging low-propensity voters in Prince William County and educating citizens to exercise their right to vote in upcoming elections.

Marvin Hernandez, Voter Engagement Deputy Director at CASA in Action and Virginia Program lead, stated, “Casa in Action in Virginia will run an eight-week Non-Partisan program to encourage low propensity Black and Latino voters in Prince William county to request a mail-in ballot and vote at their earliest convenience during the upcoming 2024 elections. Voters will receive information and support from our team to request their mail-in ballot during their one-on-one conversations at the voters’ homes.”

The initiative aims to address the historically low turnout among Black and Latino voters by providing personalized assistance to residents in Prince William County, fostering a deeper connection between voters and the democratic process. Through one-on-one interactions, the Casa in Action team of canvassers will educate voters on the importance of participating in the upcoming elections and guide them through the process of requesting a mail-in ballot, updating their voter registration if needed, and informing them about the 2024 elections’ deadlines.

“It is important to vote because voting is a civic engagement that allows us to elect the right candidate for our communities. As an immigrant and a citizen, I understand that voting is my right and duty. As a canvasser, I acknowledge the importance of helping eligible voters register to vote and raising awareness for early voting. This is a crucial process that will shape their future. We want to choose people that care for all people, no matter where they come from.” expressed Virginia Chavez, a Canvasser for CASA in Action Non-Partisan program.

Casa in Action has a strong track record of effective community engagement and voter mobilization efforts in states where it is present. The organization is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters have the information and resources needed to exercise their right to vote.

“We recognize the critical role that Prince William County plays in shaping the political landscape of Virginia. By focusing on increasing voter turnout among Black and Latino communities, we aim to amplify the diverse voices that make up our democracy,” added Hernandez.

To facilitate a seamless voting process, CASA in Action offers a centralized hub at https://casainaction.org/letsvotevirginia/, where voters can access essential information, check their voter registration status, and find details about key election dates. Citizens are urged to mark their calendars and take advantage of each deadline, including voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and early voting opportunities. Every eligible voter has the power to shape the future of the state of Virginia, and CASA in Action’s Non-Partisan program aims to make exercising that power accessible and straightforward.

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By mobilizing Black, Latine, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant voters, CASA in Action and its 155,000 members play a powerful role in electing progressive change leaders who can produce the justice our members seek nationwide. CASA in Action endorses candidates that advance its membership’s priorities and facilitates greater engagement of Latinos and voters of color in elections.

Sen. Mark Warner Says Senate Passage of Foreign Aid Package “never had to be this way or take this long”; “strongly urge[s]…colleagues in the House to get this done as soon as possible”

By
Blue Virginia
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13

From Sen. Mark Warner’s office:

STATEMENT OF SENATE INTEL CHAIRMAN MARK R. WARNER

~ On the passage of the supplemental foreign aid package ~ 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Senate passage of a supplemental aid package to support Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific: 

“After months of reckless delays, I’m glad that the Senate has finally passed aid to our partners abroad. Without the loss of a single American or NATO soldier, Ukraine has been able to hold the line in the fight for democracy over autocracy and significantly damage Russia’s military capabilities. Today, we took a major step forward to support that historic effort, prove that America stands by its promises, and put authoritarian leaders across the globe on notice.

“It never had to be this way or take this long. I remain profoundly disappointed that some of my colleagues made every attempt to lead us towards historic failure by reneging on our commitments abroad. Despite these efforts, today’s vote shows that we can maintain our commitments to Ukraine and Israel, deliver sorely needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, and deter Chinese aggression by supporting partners across the Indo-Pacific. Getting this across the finish line is one of the most critical strategic imperatives I have witnessed in my time in government – I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to get this done as soon as possible.”

Tuesday News: “US Senate approves $95bn aid” Package…But Watch Out for MAGA Mike Johnson; Trump’s SCOTUS Filing Is Horrifying “vision of almost unconstrained presidential power”; “Hur’s political hatchet job. Garland’s blunder. Media complicity.”

By
lowkell
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35

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Tuesday, February 13.

 

The Basics of Criminal Law You Need To Know

By
Blue Virginia
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3

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Basics of Criminal Law You Need To Know

Almost everyone in America has a family member who has interacted with the criminal justice system. Statistics reveal that 1 in 3 Americans carries a criminal record, often due to minor offenses. 

These minor crimes can significantly impact an individual’s life despite their nature. Therefore, everyone needs to have a basic understanding of criminal law as a preventive measure or in case of an unfortunate encounter with the law. 

This guide aims to help you understand criminal law and is useful for preparing or navigating a criminal case.

Understanding Criminal Law

Criminal law is the branch of law that defines illegal and harmful behaviors. It’s a set of rules created by federal and state legislative organs to maintain social order. 

Jurisdiction of a crime depends on its nature and location. Most crimes fall under state jurisdiction, but federal jurisdiction applies to cases involving federal property or cross-state activities. In a criminal case, outcomes can include acquittal, fines, probation, or incarceration.

The Criminal Procedure

The justice system relies on criminal procedure to ensure fairness and transparency and protect legal rights. From initial stop to trial and final sentencing, it is a thorough system that leaves no stone unturned.

At its core, the presumption of innocence reigns supreme. This powerful protection deems you innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, with the burden of proving guilt being with the prosecution. 

Each stage of this procedure plays a fundamental role in ensuring justice is served, unraveling the complexity, and separating fact from fiction.

Understanding Stop, Detention, and Arrest

Stop, detention, and arrest are often used interchangeably but are different. A stop is based on ‘reasonable suspicion’ of wrongdoing. A brief stop allows the police a chance to investigate further. 

If the officer decides more time is needed for the investigation, you could be detained, also on a reasonable suspicion standard. 

“Detention restricts your movement for a short period but does not equate to an arrest. Yet, if probable cause is established during a stop or detention, it may escalate to an arrest,” says attorney David Benowitz of Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm.

Your Rights When Interacting with the Criminal Law System

The law furnishes individuals with various rights when interacting with the criminal justice system. One such right is the Right to Silence, established under the 5th Amendment, which protects from self-incrimination. 

This means you are not obliged to say anything that could be used against you in court. However, this right doesn’t protect you from providing physical evidence.

Another noteworthy right is the right to an attorney, guaranteed by the 6th Amendment. You have the right to legal representation at all stages of criminal prosecution. The court will appoint a public defender if you can’t afford one.

The 4th Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. This right prevents law enforcement from searching your person or property without probable cause or a warrant. Nonetheless, this right doesn’t extend to border crossings or airport security searches.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

While you can waive legal representation, it is not advisable. Also, public defenders, though provided for those who can’t afford private representation, often have overwhelming caseloads that limit their ability to provide an effective defense. 

On the other hand, hiring a lawyer can significantly increase the chances of a better outcome. They have more time to allocate to your case, legal knowledge, experience, and strategy and can guide you through the complex legal process. 

Remember, your liberty may depend on the quality of your representation, so choose wisely.

Biden Campaign: “The American people deserve a press corps who cover [Trump’s] candidacy, his comments, and his policy positions with the seriousness and ferocity this moment requires”

By
Blue Virginia
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5

From the Biden for President campaign:

You Probably Did Miss It: Donald Trump Said He’d Abandon Our Allies

Saturday in South Carolina, Donald Trump made clear his willingness to abandon America’s NATO allies in the event of a Russian attack — going so far as to “encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in response that “any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk.”

European Council President Charles Michel said “reckless statements on NATO’s security and Article 5 solidarity serve only Putin’s interest.”

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Zalewski said Donald Trump’s remarks about NATO were “very worrying.”

But if you read the New York Times this weekend, you might have missed it buried behind five separate opinion pieces about how the president is 81 year old – something that has been true since his birthday in November – and *zero* on this topic.

And, unless you watch the broadcast network Sunday Shows with a laser focus, you likely missed it there too, since coverage comprised under 6 minutes of discussion out of the combined four hour-long programs.

The following is a statement from TJ Ducklo, Senior Advisor for Communications:

“Donald Trump encouraged Russia’s ruthless dictator to attack our allies and fellow Western democracies Friday night – rightly sparking outrage across Europe and among those fighting for democracy around the world. You may have missed it because marquee media outlets in America deemed it less newsworthy than gratuitous and sensationalist attacks on the President’s age. The stakes in this election couldn’t be higher for the nation and the world — Donald Trump has promised to abandon our allies, undermine our democracy, and restrict our freedoms. The American people deserve a press corps who cover his candidacy, his comments, and his policy positions with the seriousness and ferocity this moment requires.”

By the Numbers: Media Coverage of Trump’s Outrageous Comments Inviting Attack on NATO Allies vs Coverage of President Biden’s Age

 

Number of Minutes Network Sunday Shows Spent on Trump’s NATO Comments: 5 minutes 52 seconds

Number of Minutes Network Sunday Shows Spent on President Biden’s Age: 21 minutes and 14 seconds

 

Number of Washington Post Stories on President Biden’s Age this weekend: 33

Number of Washington Post Stories on Trump’s NATO comments this weekend: 10

Number of NYT Stories on President Biden’s Age this weekend: 30

Number of NYT Stories on Trump’s NATO comments this weekend: 11

Number of Wall Street Journal Stories on President Biden’s Age this weekend: 18

Number of Wall Street Journal Stories on Trump’s NATO comments this weekend:: 2

Number of NYT Op-Eds on President Biden’s Age This Weekend: 4

Number of NYT Op-Eds on Trump’s NATO Comments This Weekend: 0

Number of NYT Editorials on President Biden’s Age: 1

Number of NYT Editorials on Trump’s NATO Comments: 0

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Paid for by Biden for President

ActBlue: “In Virginia, Democrats ran on abortion rights [in 2023] — and donors responded”

By
lowkell
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2

Very interesting info from ActBlue, which finds that “In Virginia, Democrats ran on abortion rights — and donors responded — giving more than they ever have before.” Also interesting: “262k Americans donated at least once to a candidate from Virginia through ActBlue in 2023, a 56.8 percent increase year over year.” And “Nearly a quarter of donors who live in Virginia were first-time donors, showing how enthusiasm for Democratic candidates committed to defending reproductive rights is expanding our coalition.” Good stuff!

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In Virginia, Democrats ran on abortion rights — and donors responded — giving more than they ever have before in the process and helping Democrats win back the General Assembly.

When comparing Virginia fundraising in 2023 to 2019, the last comparable election year in the closely followed off-year election state, donors gave more to Democratic candidates and the groups that support candidates, both in terms of total dollars raised and the number of individuals who chose to contribute. The message was clear: Democrats won by putting abortion on the ballot in Virginia, and small-dollar donors showed up for the causes that matter most to them.

As they centered their campaigns on protecting access to abortion, Democratic candidates and causes raised $44.6 million through ActBlue in 2023, compared to $30.2 million in 2019, an increase of 47.5 percent. Similarly, 262k Americans donated at least once to a candidate in Virginia through ActBlue in 2023, a 56.8 percent increase year over year.

Nearly a quarter of donors who live in Virginia were first-time donors, showing how enthusiasm for Democratic candidates committed to defending reproductive rights is expanding our coalition.

There was a spike in first-time donors in Virginia in 2023 compared to 2019 – nearly 25,000 people donated through ActBlue for the first time, representing 21.2 percent of all Virginia donors in 2023.

From supporting efforts to enshrine abortion rights in a state constitution and expanding and defending state-level Democratic leadership to block the further erosion of reproductive rights, to supporting federal candidates who would fight to restore national abortion protections, donors made their voices heard last year. It’s clear that abortion is a motivating issue for the grassroots community, and it’s likely to be a key issue up and down the ballot and in states across the country during this year’s election.

Sen. Adam Ebbin Says “it is critical we don’t rush to approve” Proposed Potomac Yard Wizards/Caps Arena; Senate Finance/Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas Refuses to “Docket” the Bill

By
lowkell
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10

UPDATED 1:47 pm – See the following video and transcript of Sen. Louise Lucas this morning explaining her reasons for not docketing the arena bill.

“As everyone is aware, I have used the Chair’s prerogative to not docket the governor’s arena legislation. Previous chairs have used the same prerogative and no one made a fuss about it. I admire the customs of the Senate, but it is simply not a rule. I did not even schedule my own bill.

Fundamentally, the reason that I decided to not docket this bill is it places too much risk on the Commonwealth. The governor’s proposed deal has many unanswered questions and potential conflicts of interest. The governor refuses to negotiate and simply believes this co-equal branch of government should rubber stamp the Glenn Dome. The proposed arena relies on the Commonwealth’s moral obligation debt. If the project’s revenues are insufficient to cover the debt, taxpayers are on the hook to bail out this project. The underlying finances show that this project is not viable without our credit rating. Once we open the tap of financing giveaways for billionaires, we open the door for future Governors to ask for similar treatment. The more we use the Commonwealth moral obligation for financing private development ,the more risk we place on not being able to finance actual services for higher education, public safety, health services and natural resources.

Everyone knows I waited a long time to be chair of finance and appropriation. But I’m not going to allow the governor to endanger the Commonwealth’s stellar bond rating on my watch. I will not allow a billionaire to build his company’s wealth on the taxpayer’s dime. At every turn, the governor thinks that he should be able to use the executive branch to enrich his friends. This is not how Virginia awards contracts or contacts economic
development projects to the Commonwealth.

Finally, over the weekend, the governor said progressive Democrats are content to concede and to compromise away. And I’m here to tell…the governor that this Democrat is not conceding to a half-baked Glenn Dome that compromises the Commonwealth’s financial position for his billionaire friends.”

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See below for a statement from VA State Senator Adam Ebbin (D), who represents the Potomac Yard area, as well as much of Alexandria, in the State Senate. According to Sen. Ebbin, the transportation component of this plan “could never be achieved unless Metro receives long-term, sustainable funding from the Commonwealth.” Unfortunately, as Sen. Ebbin explains, Gov. Youngkin’s budget “includes zero commitment to long-term funding of the Metro system.”

Meanwhile, this morning, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair Louise Lucas opted NOT to docket the Senate bill (SB718) on this project, arguing that the legislation “put too much risk on the Commonwealth” and that “it would be atypical and precedent-setting to use the Commonwealth’s contingent moral obligation debt to fund a private economic development project.” So at this point, who knows where this project is going, but it’s most certainly not a done deal – nor should it be, for a whole host of reasons!

Monday News: “The World Is Losing Migratory Species At Alarming Rates”; “Enough to make Reagan ill” – Trump “Favoring Foes Over Friends”; “Thomas and Cannon endanger the rule of law”; “[VA] Senate Dems hit pause on arena plan after Youngkin ‘mock’ speech”

By
lowkell
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37

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Monday, February 12.

Week 5 of the 2024 VA General Assembly: The Last Full Week Before Crossover!

By
Cindy
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15

by Cindy, cross-posted from VAPLAN

This was the last week before crossover. All bills that will make it to the other chamber had to be heard in committee this week. The House has passed 410 bills and the Senate has passed 331; both have hundreds more pending. The beginning of next week will have very long floor sessions.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK, Delegate Callsen asks Del Griffin on his bill to ban all abortions: “Is that what you want to accomplish? Do you want to prevent women from seeking any procedure that will help them with a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy? Do you want to prevent women from getting healthcare when they have an ectopic pregnancy?”

How environmental bills are faring:

  • The bill creating the electric vehicle rural infrastructure fund to help build charging stations in distressed areas (HB107-Sullivan) passed the House with bipartisan support.
  • HB106 (Sullivan) and SB253 (Surovell) to expand the Shared Solar program are expected to get voted on their respective floors next week.
  • HB950 (Lopez) to protect the Virginia Building Code (including its energy efficiency regulations) from ad hoc regulatory slashing by a governor’s executive order reported from the Counties, Cities and Towns committee.
  • Both the House (HB644-Sullivan) and Senate (SB305-Salim) bills to allow localities to establish ordinances on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers are dead for this year.

Criminal justice reform bills:

  • The House bill to set a minimum age of adjudication (when one can be arrested and handled by the legal system for delinquent acts) of 11 years old (HB1420-Watts) passed the House, and its Senate cognate (SB23-Locke) will be up for a vote next week.
  • Bills (HB833-Cousins and SB115-Lucas) providing that marijuana possession does not constitute child abuse or neglect for the purpose of custody decisions passed both chambers with bipartisan support.
  • A House (HB1244-Cole) and Senate (SB719-Bagby) bill to restrict use of solitary confinement in prisons will both be voted on this week.
  • Nearly unanimous support in the House for a bill (HB912-Shin) to require jails spend the profits they make from commissary sales and phone calls on programs and mental health services for incarcerated people.

A few education bills:

  • HB624 (Rasoul) and SB105 (Lucas) implementing some of the recommendations of a 2023 JLARC study on the school funding formula, including making changes to the way at-risk students are counted in the formula, will be voted on the House and Senate floors this week.
  • Bills (HB398-McQuinn and SB586-Pekarsky) to require schools use evidence-based alternative disciplinary practice used to reduce suspensions, expulsions, and disciplinary referrals (unless firearms or violent crimes are involved) will get a floor vote this week.

Something to watch for:

  • Although a House subcommittee killed two bills (HB1364-Griffin and HB1184-P.Scott) banning abortion this week, the House Rules committee reported to the floor with no recommendation a bill to create a state version of the Hyde Amendment, prohibiting spending of public dollars for abortion care. (HB404-Griffin) This INCLUDES for people who are the victims of rape or incest, and cases where the fetus will be born with totally incapacitating physical deformity.
  • Democrats on the committee pushed for this to be sent to the floor so that every Virginian can find out exactly where their representative stands on this kind of extreme abortion policy (and because they have the votes to kill it).
  • The bill should be up for discussion on Monday, with a final vote on Tuesday.

President Joe Biden on Donald Trump “Encouraging” Russia “To Do Whatever the Hell They Want”

By
Blue Virginia
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13

From the Biden for President campaign:

Statement from President Biden on Donald Trump “Encouraging” Russia “To Do Whatever the Hell They Want”

Yesterday in South Carolina, Donald Trump made clear his willingness to abandon America’s NATO allies in the event of a Russian attack — going so far as to “encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want.” The following is a statement from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.:

“Under my administration, the United States of America has stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies to build a NATO alliance that is bigger and stronger than ever and stands in defense of democracy against Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian aggression. America’s leadership on the world stage and support for our allies is critical to keeping the American people safe here at home. If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” with them.

“Serving as Commander-in-Chief is the ultimate responsibility and one that should weigh heavily on the individuals that hold this office. Donald Trump’s admission that he intends to give Putin a greenlight for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous. Sadly, they are also predictable coming from a man who is promising to rule as a dictator like the ones he praises on day one if he returns to the oval office.

“As you’ve heard me say, freedom and democracy itself are on the ballot in November, and I am running for reelection to make sure that they endure.”

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