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VA Senate Committee Advances Ban on Public Utility Political Contributions with Unprecedented Vote 

By
lowkell
-
10

Good news from Clean Virginia:

Senate Committee Advances Ban on Public Utility Political Contributions with Unprecedented Vote 

8-6 vote marks the farthest the bill has reached in the Senate after seven years of debate  

Richmond — In a 8-6 vote this afternoon, the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee passed a bill that bans political contributions from public utilities regulated by the General Assembly, namely Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company. Introduced by Senator Danica Roem (D-Manassas), Senate Bill 326 prohibits a candidate, political committee or campaign committee from accepting contributions from a public utility and prohibits a public utility or its political committee from making a contribution.

“The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee took a strong step toward protecting Virginia’s democracy from outsized political influence from Dominion Energy and other utility monopolies,” said Clean Virginia Executive Director Brennan Gilmore. “Dominion’s legislative influence has resulted in some of the highest electric bills in the country and more than $2 billion in customer overcharges in the last 15 years. Virginia is now closer to having a commonsense anti-corruption measure on the books.”

Former Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax) introduced a version of this bill during every legislative session since 2017, and was joined in 2022 by Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Spotsylvania) as well as then-Delegate Danica Roem and Del. Lee Ware (R-Powhatan) in the House of Delegates. The House Privileges and Elections Committee has not yet heard a companion bill introduced by Del. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg) this year.

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Clean Virginia is a 501(c)4 independent advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee, Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to fight corruption in Virginia politics in order to promote clean and affordable energy. We are motivated by the core belief that our democracy should serve everyday Virginians over special interests.

Day 2: Virginia Senate Passes Gun Safety Legislation

By
Blue Virginia
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11

From the VA Senate Dems:

Day 2: Virginia Senate Passes Gun Safety Legislation

RICHMOND, VA- Today, the Virginia Senate continues to enhance public safety by passing a second round of gun safety bills. Spearheaded by dedicated Democratic Senators, these bills represent a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against gun violence.

SB57 by Senator Salim  (D-37) proposes making it a Class 2 misdemeanor for anyone, except active and qualified retired law-enforcement officers, to carry a concealed handgun into restaurants or clubs with a license to serve alcohol for consumption on-premises.

SB 225 by Senator Pekarsky (D-36) seeks that each local school board in Virginia develop and implement a policy for annually notifying parents about their legal responsibility to store any firearms in the household safely.

SB258 by Majority Leader Surovell (D-34)  outlines criteria judges or magistrates must consider when determining probable cause for issuing emergency substantial risk orders or substantial risk orders related to firearm possession,  but also firearms that are accessible to the subject of the order. The Senate Democrats released the following statement:

“Senate Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding our communities through common-sense gun safety legislation. Today’s passage of these crucial bills is a testament to our dedication to creating safer environments for every Virginian. By addressing concealed carry in public spaces, ensuring responsible firearm storage in homes, and strengthening the criteria for substantial risk orders, we are taking meaningful steps toward preventing gun violence. Our resolve is stronger than ever to continue championing the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Bill to Eliminate Hidden Fees Secures Strong Bipartisan Victory on VA State Senate Floor

By
Blue Virginia
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6

From Freedom Virginia:

Bill to Eliminate Hidden Fees Secures Strong Bipartisan Victory on Senate Floor
Pro-Consumer Legislation Targets Surprise Charges in Transactions such as Phone Bills, Concert Tickets, and Hotel Stays

RICHMOND, Va. — Today, Freedom Virginia praised the bipartisan Senate passage of Senator Stella Pekarsky’s (D-Fairfax) bill aimed at eliminating junk fees. The legislation passed on a 28-11 vote.

Senate Bill 388 aims to eliminate unexpected additional charges in various transactions, including purchases like phone upgrades, concert tickets, car rentals, and hotel stays. The bill requires businesses to disclose any obligatory fees upfront, fostering fair market competition and ensuring hardworking Virginians are not burdened with surprise hidden fees.

Hidden “junk” fees are usually not revealed until the end of a transaction, and often are significantly higher than the initially advertised price. According to a poll conducted by Data for Progress, an overwhelming majority of voters – including 81% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans – strongly support initiatives to end the practice of junk fees.

“This bill will protect consumers and hardworking Virginians from hidden fees and will level the playing field for honest businesses,” said Senator Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax). “The average family of four spends $3,200 every year on useless junk fees – this is price-gouging, plain and simple. Virginian families deserve to know what they’re paying for upfront. Today’s bipartisan vote to shed light on these junk fees was a huge win for Virginia families.”

“By eliminating junk fees, we empower Virginians to keep more of their hard-earned money. I commend the Virginia Senate for standing with hardworking Virginians and passing Senator Stella Pekarsky’s legislation on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote,” said Rhena Hicks, Executive Director of Freedom Virginia. “I am hopeful the members of the House of Delegates, and the Governor recognizes the will of the people and signs this bill into law.”

Delegate Adele McClure (D-Arlington) is carrying the companion bill, HB 1320, in the House of Delegates. The House bill has been assigned to Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 and is scheduled to be heard on Thursday.
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Freedom Virginia is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization committed to building a Commonwealth where all Virginia families have the freedom to thrive. Freedom Virginia advances economic security policies through grassroots activism, voter engagement and legislative advocacy. Our efforts began in 2020 and since then we’ve pushed for a more economically secure Virginia by sharing real stories about Virginians’ lack of access to affordable healthcare, education, energy, and the need for policies that foster more safety for families. Visit our website at freedomva.org to learn more. 

ICYMI: VA House Democrats Discuss Priority Bills – Minimum Wage Increase, Assault Rifle Ban – Passing the House of Delegates

By
Blue Virginia
-
7

From the VA House Dems:

ICYMI: House Democrats Discuss Priority Bills Passing the House

House of Delegates Passes Minimum Wage Increase and Assault Rifle Ban 

RICHMOND, VA – Following the passage of two key bills, House Democrats and advocates gathered to share updates on progress made toward its economic and community safety priorities. HB1 (Ward) increases the minimum wage in the Commonwealth to $15 per hour by January 2026. HB2 (Helmer) bans the purchase, sale, transfer, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition.

Both bills passed the House of Delegates on a party line vote (51-49) on Friday, February 2nd. The legislation now heads to the Senate.

[House Democrats and Advocates Gather in the General Assembly Building]

“It is not normal to fear for your life or your child’s life when they go to school, take a field trip, go to the store, or walk in your neighborhood. This is a fear that I have when I drop my own children off at school – that perhaps this is the day that I will get a call about an active shooter,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Kathy Tran at the press conference. “I am grateful for my colleagues Chairwoman Ward and Delegate Helmer for their leadership and dedication to making our communities a little bit better and a little safer for families all across the Commonwealth.”

House Labor and Commerce Chair Jeion Ward said, “In this chamber, we have seen founding fathers, we’ve seen a future congresswoman, but above all else, we’ve seen history being made for better or for worse. When I leave this place, I want to ensure that the legacy I leave is on the right side of history. It is a slap in the face to expect someone to work hours and hours on end, often in jobs that are less than desirable, and still not be able to make ends meet or provide for their families. Where is the dignity in that?”

“Our caucus is full of parents, educators, and veterans who know that our streets aren’t war zones — or at least they shouldn’t be. It’s time for the Governor to stand with a vast majority of Virginians to keep high capacity magazines and assault weapons out of our streets and keep our communities safe,” said Delegate Dan Helmer, who represents the 10th House District.

Last month, Democrats shared their message pillars for the session,  Keep Virginia Moving Forward, highlighting the economy and community safety as key priorities through the pillars: Fostering an Economy that Works for Hardworking Virginians and Keeping Virginia Communities and our Children Safe.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA11) to Oppose House GOP’s Cynical/MAGA-Extremist, Israel-Only, Abandon-Ukraine-and-Taiwan Supplemental Appropriations Bill

By
lowkell
-
12

Hopefully, every Democrat will join Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA11) and oppose “Speaker Johnson…cynically put[ting] Donald Trump’s MAGA extremist agenda ahead of the American people and our strongest international allies.” Instead, everyone should be supporting “President Biden’s security supplemental package that would deliver urgent aid for our partners in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as lifesaving humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and facing violence around the world.”

Connolly to Oppose Israel-only Supplemental Appropriations Bill

Washington, DC – Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the President Emeritus of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, released the following statement in opposition to the Republican Israel-only supplemental appropriations bill:

“Once again, Speaker Johnson has cynically put Donald Trump’s MAGA extremist agenda ahead of the American people and our strongest international allies.  

“The abandonment of our partners in Ukraine and Taiwan and the absence of humanitarian aid in the midst of a catastrophic collapse in Gaza make this bill impossible to support.

“I support President Biden’s security supplemental package that would deliver urgent aid for our partners in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as lifesaving humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and facing violence around the world. 

“As President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, for the past two years, it was my solemn duty to work with our NATO allies to rally support for Ukraine against Putin’s efforts to stamp out the embers of democratic ambition. Support for Ukraine is support for our shared democratic values, and it would be unconscionable for me to vote today to condemn the prospects for a future Ukraine aid vote in the House. A vote for this standalone is a vote to doom Ukraine’s fate and that is a proposition I will not accept.

“If Speaker Johnson allowed a floor vote on President Biden’s package, which includes Ukraine aid, it would receive a strong majority of support. Instead, he is caving to the twice-impeached former President.  

“Throughout my entire career, I have been a strong advocate for maintaining the bipartisan coalition in support of Israel and its right to self-defense. Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for using Israel’s long- and short-term stability and security as a political pawn. They have intentionally fractured this important bipartisan coalition, and I refuse to play their partisan games when lives are at stake.”

Tuesday News: “GOP Poised To Kill The Border-Ukraine Package It Demanded”; “Will Trump Face *Any* Legal Accountability?”; “‘In a word, horrific’: Trump’s extreme anti-environment blueprint”; “Metro counting on additional $130 million a year in funding from state, N.Va.”

By
lowkell
-
31

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Tuesday, January 6.

VA State Senate Passes Series of Groundbreaking Gun Violence Prevention Bills.

By
Blue Virginia
-
6

From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:

Senate Passes Gun Safety Legislation 

RICHMOND, VA- Today, the Virginia Senate made a decisive move towards enhancing public safety by passing a series of groundbreaking gun safety bills. Spearheaded by dedicated Democratic Senators, these bills represent a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against gun violence.

The legislation, including SB 99 & SB 100 by Senator Adam Ebbin (D-39)  focuses on enhancing background checks and restricting gun access to high-risk individuals reinforcing the state’s commitment to preventing gun violence before it occurs.

SB 210 by Senator Russet Perry (D-31) aims to prohibit the manufacture, importation, sale, possession, transfer, or transportation of auto sears in Virginia, devices that can convert a firearm to shoot automatically. Violations of this prohibition are punishable as a Class 6 felony.

SB 273 by Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) seeks to mandate a five-day waiting period for firearm purchases in Virginia, requiring that this period elapse from the time a prospective buyer completes a consent form for a criminal background check.

SB 363 by Senator Adam Ebbin focuses on strengthening the enforcement by introducing a Class 1 misdemeanor charge for anyone who knowingly possesses a firearm with a removed, altered, or obliterated serial number, excluding antique firearms. It also establishes a Class 6 felony for knowingly selling, giving, or distributing such firearms, reinforcing penalties to curb firearm tampering and trafficking.

SB 522 by Senator Williams-Graves (D-21) requires that individuals purchasing firearms in Virginia demonstrate competence with a firearm or complete a firearms safety or training course within the past five years. This legislation aims to ensure that firearm purchasers possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe handling and operation. The Democratic-led efforts advanced from the  Senate Floor with a 21-19 vote, underscoring the commitment of Senate Democrats to protect our communities. The Senate Democrats released the following statement:

“In light of the persistent tragedies inflicted by gun violence, these legislative measures are a testament to the Virginia Senate Democrats’ resolve to confront and curtail this epidemic. Every action we take is in pursuit of peace and safety for all Virginians, Senate Democrats are committed to continuing to build on our success, and fiercely resisting the gun industry’s efforts to flood our communities with deadly weapons. As we face the challenge of gun violence, these bills represent our dedication to creating a safer future for all Virginians.”

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Video: On “Squawk Box” and “Morning Joe,” Sen. Mark Warner Pushes Hard for Senate Bill on Ukraine Funding, Border Security, etc.

By
lowkell
-
17

See below for video of Sen. Mark Warner this morning on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and (when it’s available) MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” shows, discussing the newly unveiled US Senate bill on immigration, Ukraine funding, etc. According to Sen. Warner:

  • “Well first of all, let’s look at the pieces of this. In this is what I’ve been fighting for, literally for months on end, and that is aid to Ukraine. Is this country going to go ahead and honor its commitment, or should no country in the world ever trust us again if we turn down the Ukrainians at this point?”
  • “Took a long time, but this is the most significant border policy change in decades…All the things that Donald Trump asked for in 2018. All the things my Republican friends asked for earlier in the year.”
  • “Now that it’s out, you can actually read the bill, and you can see that what it is, is it makes sure there’s more processing so folks can actually get sent back. Remarkable thing was, about 95% of the people who were coming through on the asylum program got caught at the border, processed, released in for a couple years, and then that’s called ‘catch and release’.  Now that is ended, but you’re going to need more folks, you’re going to need more beds at the border to send people back…the border’s a mess…We can either carp about it or make a policy change…Every Republican senator who is complaining about this deal has said repeatedly, you’ve got to change the law. Donald Trump said, you’ve got to change the law. We’re now giving what is needed – a significant change in the law…combined with stepping up for Ukraine…stepping up for Israel and humanitarian aid in the region. And the question is going to be, folks who’ve asked for this, are they going to take the deal…[or punt for political reasons]?…I have not heard a single Democratic elected official EVER say, let’s just open the borders…There are business groups who’ve said that, but it’s not the premise of the Democratic Party.”
  • “This connection between Trump and Putin is pretty remarkable. Donald Trump, one thing about him is he’s an equal opportunity offender – he abuses everyone domestically or on the world stage. The one guy he’s never said a bad word about – Vladimir Putin.”

Constitutional and Civil Rights Attorney Jake Denton Announces Run for Congress in VA-02, Says “extremists – Donald Trump and his followers – are threatening our Constitution and basic freedoms”

By
lowkell
-
9

Currently, as you’re undoubtedly aware, the Virginia 2nd Congressional District is (mis)represented by the abysmal Rep. Jen Kiggans (R), who narrowly defeated the superb Elaine Luria (D) in the 2022 midterm election in this “purple,” Hampton Roads-based district which Joe Biden won by 2 points in 2020. So, clearly, this is a winnable district in a presidential election year such as 2024. Of course, to do that, Democrats are going to have to nominate a strong candidate, who in turn is going to have to run a top-notch campaign this fall. With that in mind, the two Democrats who have thrown their hats in the ring so far are:

  • U.S. Navy veteran Missy Cotter Smasal, who announced in early September,  who was just recently added to the DCCC’s “Red-to-Blue” list, and who has been endorsed by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), former Gov. Ralph Northam, etc.
  • Constitutional law and civil rights attorney Jake Denton, who announced on January 31 (see his press release, below). According to Denton: “We need a leader in the 2nd District
    who’s focused on building our economy, restoring reproductive rights, and protecting the rule of law. But extremists – Donald Trump and his followers – are threatening our Constitution and basic freedoms like the right to choose and the right to vote. Trump tried to overturn the last election and claims he’s above the law. Trump talks openly about turning our democracy into a dictatorship. Americans deserve better.”

May the best Democratic candidate win!

Constitutional and Civil Rights Attorney Jake Denton Announces Run for Congress in VA-02

Virginia Beach, VA – Today, constitutional law and civil rights attorney Jeremiah “Jake” Denton IV announced he is running for Congress in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District as a Democrat.
Denton starts the race after having raised more than $100,000 since he began testing the waters in late December.

“My wife Katie and I grew up in Virginia Beach and love raising our children in Hampton Roads. I’ve practiced law throughout the 2nd District for 12 years. Before law school, I worked as a
journalist, covering disadvantaged communities and our local economy,” said Jake Denton. “First as a writer and now as a constitutional and civil rights attorney, I have always considered it
my job to call out and fight injustice. I’m proud to represent clients in anti-defamation, sexual harassment, and discrimination cases. Our Constitution, civil rights, and the rule of law are
critically important to me.”

“I believe in finding common ground to solve big problems. We need a leader in the 2nd District who’s focused on building our economy, restoring reproductive rights, and protecting the rule of
law,” Denton continued. “But extremists – Donald Trump and his followers – are threatening our Constitution and basic freedoms like the right to choose and the right to vote. Trump tried to
overturn the last election and claims he’s above the law. Trump talks openly about turning our democracy into a dictatorship. Americans deserve better.”

About Jake Denton
Jeremiah “Jake” Denton, IV, Esq. is a civil rights and constitutional law attorney. After practicing law for ten years with his father, himself a distinguished civil rights attorney, Jake opened his own law firm in 2022. His law practice focuses on First Amendment law and discrimination cases. Jake also volunteers pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence; regularly
tries cases in state and federal courts; and has served as a court-appointed attorney for indigent defendants.

Jake enters the race inspired by a family deeply rooted in public service. Jake grew up in Virginia Beach because both his grandfathers were U.S. Navy fighter pilots who moved here
while serving in the Vietnam War. His grandfather Jeremiah A. Denton Jr., a former U.S. Senator, was held captive as a POW for seven years in Vietnam, where his father also fought as an Army helicopter pilot. Jake’s mother was a pioneer among women lawyers in Hampton Roads starting the practice of law in the late 1970’s, and then served for nearly two decades on the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. His step-father and political mentor Guy Tower recently served on the City Council of Virginia Beach.

After majoring in history at the University of Virginia, Jake worked as a foreign correspondent and a reporter covering the Hampton Roads economy, local government, and social issues. He wrote about a variety of topics, including education, immigration, and homelessness. Jake also worked for the Virginia Port Authority as editor of The Virginia Maritimer for 7 years. Jake went on to graduate Cum Laude from the William & Mary School of Law and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Political Leadership Program

Learn more at www.dentonforvirginia.com

Monday News: “Senate releases new $118 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, border”; “Trump’s legal battles are at a critical moment with major implications for the 2024 election”; “Jeffries on House Republicans: ‘Wholly owned subsidiaries of Donald Trump’”

By
lowkell
-
14

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Monday, February 5.

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