Assembly Access

***PRESS MEMO***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday May 16, 2008

The Republican leadership has clearly stated that they have no idea how to solve our transportation crisis, relieve congestion on our roadways, ensure the safety of our highways and bridges, or make investments that will grow our economy. When faced with Virginia’s growing transportation crisis, Republicans have only one response - “NO.”

Republicans offer NO plan or vision…

“‘I don’t have a particular plan or vision,’ said [Attorney General Bob] McDonnell when queried yesterday in a conference call with reporters on how he would fix the 2007 transportation plan gutted last month by the Virginia Supreme Court.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3/26/08]

Republicans have spent NO time working to solve the problem….

“House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) said he did not even bother to show up for the second meeting with Kaine and other legislators because Democrats insist on considering only plans that call for statewide tax increases. ‘It’s dead on arrival. Until that issue is put on the backburner, I don’t see us agreeing on anything,’ he said.” [Washington Post, 4/25/08]

Republicans say NO to even considering proposed solutions…

“Del. David B. Albo, a Fairfax Republican involved in transportation negotiations, said Kaine’s plan had a ‘0.000 percent chance’ of winning approval… Minutes after Kaine unveiled his proposal, House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) and Minority Whip M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights) predicted it would not reach the House floor. ‘I don’t see anything positive in the governor’s plan that makes it something that’s likely to be considered,’ Cox said.” [Washington Post, 5/13/08]

“[A]nti-tax Republicans who control the House of Delegates suggested the plan was all but dead on arrival. They said they have only to decide how to kill it - ‘whether we send it into a conference or if we just go home,’ said House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5/13/08]

Republicans say NO to working towards bipartisan compromise…

“‘The governor has the prerogative to call us back into special session and waste the taxpayers’ money if he so has the desire,’ said House Republican Leader Morgan Griffith of Salem. Asked if the proposal would ever reach the House floor, Griffith said, ‘I see it on the floor, but not the floor of the House.’” [Daily Press, 5/13/08]

Republicans say NO when asked to acknowledge the problem…

“‘What we need to do is figure out how we can implement the fees that were structured last year instead of having a statewide transportation crisis created out of thin air,’ said House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem.” [Examiner, 4/4/08]

Republicans say NO to fixing Virginia’s ongoing transportation crisis but Virginians are saying NO to failed Republican leadership…

“Virginia Republicans wasted no time declaring Gov. Tim Kaine’s latest road-funding plan dead on arrival. But they have offered no cogent plan of their own. Perhaps they propose to use pixie dust to pay to build and maintain the state’s bridges and roads.” [Bristol Herald Courier, 5/14/08]

“Partisanship has gotten in the way of any road plan that looked like it had the green light. The Republicans stopped the process cold every chance they could.” [Virginia News Leader, 5/15/08]

“The governor has proposed a substantive, sensible and sustainable package of taxes and fees that would inject around $1 billion of new funding annually into the state’s transportation budget — a minimal infusion, given the massive needs. His program, which he plans to present next month to a special session of the General Assembly, is already under attack from a state GOP whose unrelenting hostility to investing in basic infrastructure is matched only by its contempt for Northern Virginia’s most critical needs…” [Washington Post, 5/13/08]

“The Republicans in the General Assembly have an obligation to shed their obstinacy and offer a comprehensive alternative.” [Northern Virginia Daily, 5/14/08]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2008

HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER’S SOLUTION TO VIRGINIA’S TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS:
JUST GIVE UP
Delegate Morgan Griffith Declares Transportation Talks “Dead on Arrival” and Refuses to Show Up to Meeting to Discuss Transportation

(Richmond, Va.) - Virginians throughout the Commonwealth trapped in gridlock can once again thank the Republican majority in the House of Delegates who continue to put their heads in the sand in hopes that Virginia’s transportation problems magically disappear.

House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith was quoted in the Washington Post today saying that he has given up on trying to fix Virginia’s transportation problems and did not show up to a Wednesday, April 2 meeting to find a solution:

House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) said he did not even bother to show up for the second meeting with Kaine and other legislators…

“It’s dead on arrival. Until that issue is put on the backburner, I don’t see us agreeing on anything,” he said. [Washington Post, 4/25/08]

“Apparently giving up on issues critically important to Virginia is what the House Republicans consider leadership,” Senator Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington), Senate Democratic Caucus chair, said.

“We have been working with the Governor and trying to work with members of the House of Delegates on the other side of the aisle to find a solution to our transportation problems. It is clear to everyone the need for a state-wide fix and these problems don’t get solved by declaring it ‘dead on arrival’ and refusing to participate in discussions,” she said.

House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (D-Henry) was not surprised by Morgan Griffith and the House Majority’s failed leadership in fixing transportation.

“Morgan Griffith couldn’t waste his time meeting with legislative leaders to discuss transportation, but clearly has no problem wasting the time of commuters stuck in traffic in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

“Last year Republicans took the lead on a transportation plan and what they came up with was abuser fees and a plan that was ruled unconstitutional. Now we are trying to work together on a common-sense solution that will fix our transportation problems across the Commonwealth, and Morgan Griffith refuses to even show up for a meeting. This is indicative of the poor leadership the House Majority has shown over the last several sessions,” he said.

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RICHMOND - House Democratic leaders celebrated a victory today in protecting Virginia’s education system when House Republican budget conferees ‘walked away’ from their demand to drastically reduce future funding for K-12 education. The proposed changed to the Standards of Quality would have cut $78 million from this years budget and upwards of $250 million in the next budget according to the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee.

“Democrats stood firm in our opposition to cutting funding for public education. We sent a clear message that we will not lower per pupil spending, we will not pass the burden to localities, we will not play budget games with our children’s education and the future of our Commonwealth,” said Delegate Ward Armstrong.

The gap between the national average teacher salary and Virginia’s teacher salary has doubled in the past decade. We have fallen $6,100 per teacher behind the rest of the country. Virginia’s attorneys general have consistently supported public education and stated that our funding formula must take into account the actual costs of education.

“Today is a great victory for those who want a strong, quality public education system,” said Delegate Brian Moran. “We have successfully defeated an ill-conceived proposal that would cut education, hold back teacher salaries and drive up property taxes.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008

The House Democratic Caucus celebrated the victory of Albert Pollard today as the newly elected delegate from House District 99. Following overnight certification of the election results, Pollard will join his House colleagues at the capitol Wednesday morning.

“We are looking forward to having Albert join us tomorrow as the 45 th Democrat in the House. He is a respected and experienced leader who will proudly represent the citizens of his district and serve as a valuable member of our Caucus,” said House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong.

Democrats have gained 11 seats in the House of Delegates since 2001 and are poised to regain the majority in 2009.

“Albert is a true environmental leader and a strong advocate for his community. He brings his unique background and experience to the important issues facing the Commonwealth. I’ll be proud to serve with him once again,” said House Caucus Chairman Brian Moran.

Albert Pollard defeated Republican Lee Anne Washington in a special election to replace former delegate Rob Wittman who successfully ran for Congress last December. Pollard previously served in the House of Delegates from 1999 to 2005.

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For Immediate Release
January 22, 2008

Richmond, VA — Today, House Democrats led the way for stricter ethics reform in the Virginia General Assembly. A floor amendment offered by House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong received bi-partisan support and passed overwhelmingly. The amendment would ban legislators or statewide officials from attending an event from any organization that had given them a campaign contribution in the previous year.

The amendment was offered to HB322 sponsored by Delegate Chris Saxman. His legislation sought to make partisan issue with the Democratic Party of Virginia holding their annual Jefferson Jackson Day dinner during the legislative session.

Armstrong’s amendment sought to broaden that to all events held by organizations or registered lobbyists that contribute to legislators’ campaign accounts.

“Today, House Democrats led the way for tougher ethic reforms,” House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong said. “Rather than seeking to make partisan issue with one dinner, we believe there should be wholesale change in the way the legislature does business. We are glad that our Republican colleagues followed our lead.”

Delegate Kenny Alexander offered a similar amendment in the House Privileges and Elections Committee.

“It is a great day for the people of the Commonwealth because House Democrats have led the way in fighting off influence from lobbyist and other special interests groups during the legislative session,” Delegate Alexander said.

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For Immediate Release
January 16, 2008

Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Unveils Agenda; Introduces Officers

(Richmond, VA) Today the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) released its legislative agenda for the 2008 General Assembly Session and introduced its newly elected officers.

The VLBC officers for the 2008 General Assembly session are:
Chair Delegate Dwight C. Jones
Vice Chair Delegate Kenneth C. Alexander
Secretary Senator Mamie Locke
Treasurer Delegate Jeoin Ward
Chaplain Senator Donald McEachin

“Getting our priorities right in the 2008-2010 biennial budget is the number one issue this session and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus will play a pivotal role in that process, given its expanded representation on the two money committees and the number of new committee chairs among our members, ” said VLBC Chairman Dwight C. Jones.

Delegate Jones explained that the policy objectives the Legislative Black Caucus will pursue through the budget and in legislation are true to the Caucus’ stated mission of “voicing the legislative concerns of people of color and other historically underrepresented groups throughout the Commonwealth” and consistent with the six major objectives that form the Caucus’ covenant with its constituents adopted last year.

“These policy objectives are reflected in the broad-based legislative package that we announce today — a package that includes: i) legislation that focuses on economic security issues including pay day lending, enhanced enforcement of the minimum wage laws, and financial literacy; ii) protecting voting rights including restoration of rights to those who have served their debt to society; iii) improving health care by attacking health care disparities and reforming the mental health system; iv) promoting healthy communities by continuing to focus on responsible, common sense gun laws; v) helping to ensure everyone has a home by focusing on affordable housing; and v) criminal justice reform.” Delegate Jones added.

“Our number one budget priority continues to be funding for the proton beam treatment facility in Hampton Roads, Delegate Jones said. And, he added, “the Caucus is united in its support for ending pay day loan abuses and expanding the Commonwealth’s pre-k education programs as recommended by the Governor.” Finally, Jones said, “with expanded representation on the Assembly money committees, the Caucus is looking forward to playing a strong role in passing the Governor’s higher education bond package (which will fund important projects at Norfolk State and Virginia State) and to enhancing the funding for the teaching loan scholarship program that will help bring quality teachers to schools in our communities.”

Economic Security
“As a part of its goal to offer economic opportunity to all Virginians, the Caucus continues to support repeal of pay day lending,” said Senator Donald McEachin (D Henrico). “The average Virginian who borrows from a payday lender gets 12 payday loans per year and pays $840 to repay a 6-month $300 loan,” McEachin said. “We are united with the Family Foundation, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, the Virginia Organizing Project, the AARP and others in seeking an end to this financial exploitation and abuse.”
HB 176 Database for payday lending (Delegate Ware, D Roanoke)
HB 730 Repeal of payday lending(Delegate McClellan, D Richmond)
HB 1404 36% interest rate cap (Delegate Jones, D Richmond City)
SB 156 Repeal of payday lending(Senator McEachin, D Richmond)
SB 670 36% interest rate cap (Senator McEachin, Henrico)

“Enhanced minimum wage enforcement is also a priority for us this session,” said Delegate Dwight C. Jones (D Richmond City). “We want to enhance penalties for the most serious violators and beef up the staffing for wage enforcement at the Department of Labor and Industry and the Office of the Attorney General so that every worker gets the pay that he or she has earned,” he continued. Jones also pointed out that “an added benefit to tougher wage enforcement is that cracking down on sweatshops and wage violators would be one of the most effective deterrents to employers recruiting undocumented immigrants who gain an economic advantage over their competitors by exploiting vulnerable people.”
HB 1038 Minimum wage enforcement (Delegate Jones, D Richmond)

Delegate Lionell Spruill indicated that the Caucus continues to believe that “financial literacy is the key to enhanced economic success,” and said that the Caucus will be seeking to strengthen financial literacy education by requiring 12 classroom hours of instruction.
HB 1272 Financial literacy education (Delegate Spruill, D Chesapeake)

Health Care
Senator Donald McEachin (D Henrico) expressed pride in the fact that the Legislative Black Caucus is taking a leading role in the Governor’s initiative to reform the Commonwealth’s mental health programs related to evaluation and treatment of mentally ill criminals. “Reforming our mental health system is a bipartisan priority following last year’s tragedy at Virginia Tech, and we are pleased that the Black Caucus can provide leadership on this important issue.”
SB 440 Mentally ill defendants; treatment and hospitalization

Delegate Jennifer McClellan (D Richmond City) spoke about the role that the Caucus will take in supporting the Governor’s initiative to reform health care and provide improved access through the VirginiaShare Health Insurance Program. “I am honored to be a co-patron with Delegate Phil Hamilton (R Newport News) of HB 593, which will provide health insurance premium assistance to allow eligible low-income working individuals to purchase health insurance coverage through a certified VirginiaShare Health Insurance Policy,” said McClellan. “This program will help the Commonwealth begin to address the serious problem of the working uninsured in Virginia, and move us toward a day when every Virginian will have equal access to quality, affordable health care,” she concluded.

“Another important quality of life issue important to the Caucus is the disparity in health care and medical outcomes that exists in Virginia’s minority communities,” said Senator Mamie Locke (D Hampton). “We are committed to building healthy communities, and we need to start by ensuring that all Virginians have access to cutting edge health care. Studies show that African American men are more than two times more likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. And, a recent study of geographic disparities in prostate cancer deaths indicates that from 10% to 30% of geographic differences in medical outcomes may relate to access to care. That is why our number one budget priority this year continues to be funding for the proton beam cancer center in Hampton Roads that will bring a promising new cancer therapy to Virginia and to a part of Virginia where the incidence of certain cancers is greatest.”

Voting Rights
Virginia continues to restrict access to the ballot box for thousands of Virginians. Restrictive laws on absentee voting, early voting, and restoration of rights must be set aside in favor of full and free ballot access,” said Senator Yvonne Miller. “We need to do more to assure that all voters can get to the polls and make informed choices once they enter the voting booth,” she added. “That is why the Caucus is again introducing legislation to amend the Constitution to permit greater legislative involvement in the restoration of rights, and to amend our laws to assure fuller access to the ballot box for all Virginia voters, particularly our senior citizens and those without private transportation,” she concluded.
HB 1278 Early voting (Delegate Spruill, D Chesapeake)
SJ 7 Constitutional Amendment; Restoration of rights (Senator Miller, D Norfolk)

Healthy Communities
“Healthy communities are communities free from gun violence, and that is why the Caucus is supporting responsible gun regulation that will protect children and other library patrons” said Delegate Mayme Bacote (D Newport News). “It is also time that we finally close the gun show loophole that allows guns to be sold without the community security provided by instant criminal records checks,” said Senator Henry Marsh (D Richmond City). “It is also important that we give police officers information about guns in the possession of those against whom protective orders are entered so that they will be aware of the availability of firearms when they are investigating subsequent allegations of family abuse,” offered Delegate Jeion Ward (D Hampton).

HB 697 Control of firearms, libraries (Delegate Bacote, D Newport News)
HB 814 Information in protective orders about firearms (Delegate Ward, D Hampton)
S 32 Control of firearms, libraries (Senator Locke, D Hampton)
SB 109 Transfer of firearms, criminal record check (Senator Marsh, D Richmond)

Criminal Justice
“Ensuring that the criminal justice system works fairly and in a manner free from bias is a matter of essential vigilance for the VLBC,” said Delegate Onzlee Ware (D Roanoke). “That is why one of our budget initiatives will be to secure funds for a full time staff person in the Department of Criminal Justice Services to work on training and other matters related to bias-based policing and racial profiling,” he added.

“Another area of concern highlighted by the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence is the practice of requiring sexual violence victims to submit to lie detector tests as a condition of going forward with the prosecution of the crime committed against them,” said Senator Louise Lucas. “I am pleased to be carrying the Governor’s bill that would conform Virginia law to the federal Violence Against Women Act and end this practice in Virginia.”
SB 164 Use of polygraph on sex offense victims (Senator Lucas, D Portsmouth)

A member of the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence, Delegate Jennifer McClellan (D Richmond City), is carrying the Governor’s bill that would end the arcane practice of allowing a defendant in a statutory rape case involving a minor to escape punishment by marrying the child. “It is past time to repeal this law that is a throwback to another time,” said Delegate McClellan.
HB 597 Crimes; effect of subsequent marriage to child over 14 years of age. (Delegate McClellan, D Richmond City)

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is a bi-partisan organization committed to voicing the legislative concerns of people of color and other historically underrepresented groups throughout the Commonwealth. The VLBC is dedicated to improving the social, economic, educational, and political status of African Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Among the purposes of the VLBC is to serve as a force to raise the consciousness of non-African Americans about the contributions made by African Americans throughout the Commonwealth.

The six major policy objectives that form the Caucus’ covenant with its constituents are:
· The VLBC will seek to bring economic opportunity to all Virginians.
· The VLBC will seek to protect the right to vote and to make voting more accessible.
· The VLBC will seek to make quality educational programs and schools equally available to all Virginians.
· The VLBC will seek to promote healthy communities.
· The VLBC will seek to assure that every Virginian has a home.
· The VLBC will seek to ensure that the criminal justice system is fair and just.

For Immediate Release
January 15, 2008

Richmond, VA-House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran was joined by Delegate Joe Bouchard and House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong to propose a military veterans & personnel bill of rights for those serving honorably in the armed services.

The bill is sponsored by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran and Delegate Joe Bouchard (HB 1193). This year’s effort will protect financial security for Virginians activated in our armed services, provide additional life insurance benefits for our veterans, decrease tax costs of service and protect service members from credit fraud. They also announced support for new mental health initiatives for our returning soldiers.

The four point bill would:
• Expand supplemental pay to any state employee who is on active military duty.
• Allow National Guard to participate in the group state government life insurance program
• Provide an income tax exemption for Guard and Reservists activated to service.
• Authorize members of the armed services and their spouses to freeze access to their credit reports.

They also announced their support for a proposal from the Joint Military Leadership Council to create a wounded warrior center for Virginia veterans with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other concerns.

“The men and women serving honorably overseas deserve our support at home,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. “In trying times, Virginia must serve those who serve our Commonwealth and our country. This bill of rights expands protections for our services members, ensures their financial security and financial future, and protects them from fraud.”

“Having served and been a leader in the US Navy, I have seen how our soldiers and sailors serve with distinction and honor. They are entitled to all the support they can receive from the Commonwealth and from Washington,” Delegate Joe Bouchard said.

House Democratic leaders proposed a Veterans’ Bill of Rights during the 2007 fall elections. This legislation would be the first step towards achieving those goals.

“This November, we campaigned on taking care of our soldiers, seniors and middle class families in need. We plan on keeping our word to fight for middle class Virginians,” House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong said.

Today, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran and Delegate Ken Plum will introduce a House rules change measure to require recorded votes in subcommittees.

Last session, House Republicans rejected this transparency measure on a party line vote. Since then, Republicans such as former Republican Caucus Chairman Terry Kilgore, Finance Committee chairman Bob Purkey, Tom Rust, and freshmen Delegates Donald Merricks and Brenda Pogge have pledged in a candidate questionnaire to support a rules change that would require recorded subcommittee votes. (Virginia FREE Candidate Questionnaire, 2007)

“We call on Speaker Bill Howell and House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith to join leaders in their own caucus like Delegate Terry Kilgore in support of open government and giving the people of Virginia the right to know how we vote,” House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong said.

“It’s time for us to ensure accountability in state government by making sure every vote is public,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran. “Virginia is the birthplace of Democracy and Jefferson’s House deserves better than voting behind closed doors.”

“Hundreds of bills were dispensed without a recorded vote last session,” Delegate Ken Plum, who introduced the resolution last session to require recorded votes in subcommittee. “Every vote should be recorded and open to the people of Virginia. It shouldn’t matter whether it happens in a subcommittee or on the floor of the House of Delegates.”

The House Clerk’s office reports that 491 bills were killed in House subcommittees without a recorded vote in 2006. Last year, more than 840 legislative measures met their demise without a roll call vote.

“The practice of killing bills in subcommittees without recorded votes continues in the Virginia House of Delegates. Blame the House Republicans. They voted the party line Friday, opting to keep this legislation-devouring black hole in place. What a shame,” said the Bristol Herald Courier last year after Delegate Ken Plum offered his amendment to eliminate the rule. Yesterday, the Roanoke Times called on Republicans to “abandon this shameful secrecy.”

“Business leaders strongly disapprove of a new rule adopted in 2006 in the House of Delegates that allows for the defeat of legislation in House subcommittees without a recorded vote. This is a dangerous precedent that removes accountability and sunshine from the governing process,” said Virginia FREE, a bi-partisan business advocacy organization, in their Incumbent Evaluations released this spring.

For Immediate Release
February 8, 2007

Democrats fight for education, public safety, minimum wage and legislative audit in House budget

Richmond, VA— Today, House Democratic leaders objected to key provisions in the proposed House budget that would have cut funding for economic development grants, increasing teacher salaries, and funding additional benefits for deputy sheriffs.

“By investing in our schools, our economy, and our law enforcement personnel, we can keep moving Virginia forward and make Virginia government work for our families,” House Minority Leader Frank Hall said.

House Democrats also proposed an amendment to the budget that would require any company doing business with the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide employees with a minimum wage no less than $6.50 an hour.

“Raising the minimum wage for Virginia families will ensure that working hard and playing by the rules is never a ticket to poverty,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. “Raising the minimum wage is not only a matter of fairness and valuing hard work, but it will help drive Virginia’s economy.”

Delegate Steve Shannon also offered an amendment that would appropriate state funds for audit of the legislative branch. Currently, the Legislative Department has an annual budget of $63 million. The Department of Planning and Budget has developed successful programs for evaluating the efficiency of schools that has to date produced savings of over $15 million dollars in multiple school divisions across the Commonwealth.

“We have an obligation to make sure we are conducting business in the most efficient way possible with Virginia taxpayer dollars,” Delegate Steve Shannon said. “We should be investing our tax dollars towards our roads, our schools, and keeping our streets safe, not towards unnecessary spending in the legislative branch of government.”

For Immediate Release

February 5, 2007

Republicans oppose embryonic stem cell research
Would close the doors to cures for thousands suffering from painful, debilitating diseases

Today, every member of the House Republican Caucus passed an amendment that would oppose using public research funds in pursuit of cures for life threatening diseases through embryonic stem cell research.

Stem Cell research holds the potential for life-saving cures for millions of Americans including those suffering from Alzheimer’s, Cancer, and Juvenile Diabetes. Last year, House Republicans passed a measure that would have banned embryonic stem cell research at Virginia’s institutes of higher learning. The measure was removed in conference committee.

“The hope and opportunity that embryonic stem cell research provides should never be closed to thousands of Virginians suffering in silence,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. “We all know someone who has been the victim of a life-threatening disease like Parkinson’s or Cancer. Now we have a real chance to cure the incurable and it’s morally wrong to close the door.”

Stem cell research has already provided, and holds tremendous promise to provide progress for finding a cure or treatment for conditions including breast and prostate cancer, leukemia, diabetes, Parkinson’s diseases, Alzheimers’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. It also holds the potential to repair and regenerate human tissues, nerve cells, and skins cells.

“We should not close the doors of research to the colleges and universities across Virginia,” Delegate Jim Shuler said during a floor debate today. “Embryonic stem cell research could allow Virginia scientists at our colleges and universities to explore medical avenues that could cure some of the most painful and debilitating diseases,” Delegate Mark Sickles said. “By closing any avenue of scientific research, we are standing in the way of curing diseases.”

Even Republicans like former first lady like Nancy Reagan voiced support for embryonic stem cells research: “There are so many diseases that can be cured, or at least helped, that we can’t turn our backs on this. We’ve lost so much time already. I can’t bear to lose any more.” [Letter, Judiciary Committee hearing on March 19, 2003]

Embryonic stem cells are better equipped than adult stem cells for scientific research. Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells contain two salient features important to research: 1) they can divide to a great extent because their proliferative capacity is far greater than stem cells isolated from adults; and 2) they can form (virtually) any cell type. [Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation].

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2007

Democratic senators announce budget amendments to treat sickle cell disease
Would increase funding for treatment centers, establish community health programs

(Richmond, VA) Today, Senator Edd Houck and Senators Lambert, Marsh, Lucas, Locke, and Miller announced that they would sponsor a budget amendment to provide additional funding to support the Commonwealth Sickle Cell centers. In addition, they will sponsor a budget amendment to establish financial support for community based treatment programs.

Sickle cell disease is an incurable genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. To date, over 1100 newborns annually have been referred into Virginia’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers. The incidence of sickle cell disease is highly prevalent in the African American community, occuring in approximately one in three hundred and fifty African Americans.

Since 1994 the Commonwealth of Virginia has not increased funding for sickle services and treatment for children and infants, while the number of patients served annually has increased by 186%.

The current centers providing treatment that would receive increased funding include: Children’s Hospital of Kings Daughters (Norfolk), Sickle Cell Center at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond), Sickle Cell Center at Inova Fairfax Hospital, and the Sickle Cell Center at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville). The budget amendment would increase funding to these centers by $532,900 to deal with the increased caseload and establish transition services for youth who will require adult services.

They also announced that they would sponsor a budget amendment to provide $200,000 for community based treatment programs. Virginia’s community based sickle cell programs have the potential to provide culturally competent, family centered support for families coping with sickle cell disease through education and advocacy on the local level.

“Since 1994, we have ignored this urgent funding need,” Senator Houck said. “With the rising cases of sickle cell disease, the Commonwealth needs to recognize this important medical need and provide services to thousands of children afflicted across Virginia.”

“The impact on the African American community is staggering. I will fight to make sure the Commonwealth of Virginia provides the medical treatment and support for families in need,” Senator Lambert said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 24, 2007

Contact: Mark Bergman, 804-269-1323 (cell)

Democrats call for Appropriations Committee to hold regional public hearings

Today, the House Democratic leaders, Delegates Frank Hall and Brian Moran released the following statement regarding the Appropriations Committee briefing on the Republican transportation plan.

“After today’s briefing before the House Appropriations Committee on the Republican transportation plan, we believe many questions remain unanswered. We believe there should be a bipartisan, robust discussion on this important proposal and the people of Virginia deserve to have their voice heard.

Therefore, we are calling on the House Appropriations Committee to hold regional public hearings to answer the people of Virginia’s questions regarding this important legislation.

The test of this proposal should not only be that it can pass the House of Delegates but that it creates a real transportation solution for the people of Virginia.

This bill makes significant changes in Virginia’s budget and it deserves more than a cursory hearing – it deserves public debate.”

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2007

Contact: Mark Bergman, 804-644-1966 ext. 222 (office); 804-269-1323 (cell)

Delegate Plum seeks rule change to record subcommittee votes

(Richmond, VA) Today, Delegate Ken Plum introduced a proposal to amend Rule 18 of the House of Delegates to require recorded votes in subcommittee.

Under the current rules, a bill can be denied further debate by an unrecorded vote in a subcommittee. Subcommittees consist of five members with a quorum of three. So a bill can be killed and denied further debate by as few as two of the 100 members of the House since action in a subcommittee is considered final for a bill that is not supported.

In addition, most subcommittees often meet outside of regular business hours leaving members of the public unable to participate in the process.

The Republican House leaders created the new rule in 2006 that would allow subcommittees to kill bills without a recorded vote. Since then, six hundred and fifteen bill, more than 30%, were killed without a recorded vote. By contrast in 2004, before the adoption of the new, only nine bills failed without a recorded vote.

“We have reduced our accountability to our votes with this rule,” Delegate Plum said. “It’s time for a change in the rules that restores our accountability to voters of Virginia who have sent us here to conduct their business.

“The public lost in this arrogant abuse of power, democracy was reduced in the Commonwealth and the sunshine that is supposed to shine on the governmental process went dark.

Let us not dishonor our commitment to representative democracy and open government, as we honor our founding as America’s oldest settlement. We owe the people of the Commonwealth a change.”

For Immediately Release
January 12, 2007

Contact: Mark Bergman, 804-644-1966 ext. 222 (office); 804-269-1323 (cell)

Democrats introduce legislation to increase government efficiency
Would allow government agencies to more efficiently use Virginia taxpayer dollars

(Richmond, VA) Democratic leaders today announced their plans to introduce legislation that will require an audit and review of legislative spending to ensure that the General Assembly is operating efficiently. Delegate Steve Shannon and Senator Mark Herring plan to introduce studies that will require the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study legislative efficiency and recommend improvements.

Currently, the Legislative Department has an annual budget of $63 million. The Department of Planning and Budget has developed successful programs for evaluating the efficiency of schools that has to date produced savings of over $15 million dollars in multiple school divisions across the Commonwealth.

A similar study and evaluation of the legislative department’s spending could produce significant savings.

“At the General Assembly we have an obligation to make sure we are conducting business in the most efficient way possible with Virginia taxpayer dollars,” Delegate Steve Shannon said. “We should be investing our tax dollars towards our roads, our schools, and keeping our streets safe, not towards unnecessary spending at the General Assembly.”

The General Assembly has not conducted a self audit of legislative spending in recent years.

“With a transportation crisis looming, it is essential that we find savings anywhere we can,” Senator Mark Herring said. “And, the buck has to stop with the legislature. The General Assembly must operate at the most efficient level possible, so we can fully invest tax dollars in the needs for Virginia’s future.”

Delegate David Marsden also appeared at the news conference to announce his legislation that will reward government agencies that realize efficiencies. The bill would enable government agencies to find savings in their budget. Fifty percent of those savings identified would be returned to the agency for their use in funding unbudgeted priorities if necessary, while the remaining dollars would be moved to the general fund, but restricted to the “Rainy Day” fund and debt relief for the Comonwealth.

“As a former agency head, I know firsthand that there is almost no incentive for government agencies to find savings and new efficiencies,” Delegate Marsden said. “As a Commonwealth, we must recognize and reward government agencies that are trying to make Virginia government work smarter for Virginia families.

For Immediate Release
January 8, 2006

Contact: Mark Bergman, 804-644-1966 ext. 222 (office); 804-269-1323 (cell)

Democratic leaders announce bill to protect Virginians’ personal information
Would require government agencies and companies to notify Virginians if their information is lost or stolen

(Richmond, VA) Today, Democratic leaders announced their plans to introduce legislation that would require government agencies and companies to notify Virginians if their personal information is lost or stolen. Delegate Robert Brink and Senator Janet Howell both appeared at a news conference in Richmond to announce their intention to sponsor this important legislation.

The bill would require companies and government agencies to notify customers that their information has been lost or stolen if an investigation determines that misuse of that information is likely to occur. Under this legislation the Attorney General’s Office may bring action against any company that violated this notification requirement.

“Giving people the right to know if their personal information is lost or stolen may seem like common sense, but Virginia has not followed the lead of 34 other states in requiring this important notification,” Delegate Brink said. “This legislation will help protect Virginians from identity fraud giving them the tools to take action if their personal information is compromised.”

The crime of identity theft occurs almost every minute and affects millions of Virginians, costing billions in dollars and hours of time. Recently, the City of Hampton had a major security breach where over 100,000 records of taxpayers personal information was compromised.

“This proposal will help Virginians protect themselves from being the latest victim of identity theft,” Senator Howell said. “It’s time now to take action and join the growing list of states that provide protection to millions at risk of identity theft.”

The legislation also provides for a variety of notices that can be given including written, telephonic and electronic. And, the legislation provides that any company or agency that already has procedures for notification would be in compliance with the law.

For Immediate Release
January 3, 2007

Contact: Mark Bergman, 804-644-1966 ext. 222 (office); 804-269-1323 (cell)

Democratic leaders to propose stem cell research legislative package
Research would open the doors to cures for debilitating disease

Today, Virginia Democratic leaders announced their plans to introduce legislation that would keep open the doors for embryonic stem cell research helping millions of Virginians suffering from painful, debilitating diseases.

Delegate Brian Moran, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, will introduce legislation that would authorize embryonic stem cell research at Virginia’s colleges, universities and laboratories. This legislation will prevent closing the doors for embryonic stem cell research that could hold the cure to diseases afflicting millions of Virginians including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

The bill also would provide proper safeguards to ensure that the embryonic stem cells have been donated with informed consent without any financial or other inducement. The bill would also prohibit the use of embryonic stem cells for the purposes of cloning.

“The hope and opportunity that embryonic stem cell research provides should never be closed to thousands of Virginians suffering in silence,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. “We all know someone who has been the victim of a life-threatening disease like Parkinson’s or Cancer. Now we have a real chance to cure the incurable and it’s morally wrong to close the door.”

Delegate Mark Sickles will also submit similar legislation.

Last session, House Republican leaders pushed forward a budget amendment that would prohibit embryonic stem cell research in the Commonwealth, but it was defeated in conference committee.

Also, Senator Creigh Deeds and Janet Howell will sponsor legislation that would allow funds from the Virginia Christopher Reeves Fund to be used towards embryonic stem cell research.

“This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue but an issue of allowing medical research to provide hope for Virginians suffering from diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, among others,” Senator Howell said. “We need to make sure the Commonwealth of Virginia leads the way on this cutting edge research that will save lives.”

“Virginia can’t afford to say no to the hope and promise of embryonic stem cell research,” said Senator Deeds. “This year we have the opportunity to invest in research that one day may provide the cure for nature’s most debilitating diseases.”

Even Republicans like former first lady like Nancy Reagan voiced support for embryonic stem cells research: “There are so many diseases that can be cured, or at least helped, that we can’t turn our backs on this. We’ve lost so much time already. I can’t bear to lose any more.” [Letter, Judiciary Committee hearing on March 19, 2003]

Embryonic stem cells are better equipped than adult stem cells for scientific research. Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells contain two salient features important to research: 1) they can divide to a great extent because their proliferative capacity is far greater than stem cells isolated from adults; and 2) they can form (virtually) any cell type. [Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada]

For Immediate Release
December 19, 2006

Contact:
Mark Bergman, 804-644-1966 (office); 804-269-1323 (cell)

Democrats introduce proposal to increase the minimum wage
Would provide 450,000 hard-working Virginians with a pay raise

(Richmond, Virginia) Democratic legislative leaders appeared in Richmond today to announce the introduction of legislation that would increase Virginia’s minimum wage. Democratic House and Senate Caucus Chairs Brian J. Moran and Mary Margaret Whipple were joined by other legislators, labor and religious leaders in support of raising the minimum wage to $6.15/hour in 2008 and $7.25/hour in 2009.

Currently Virginia’s minimum wage stands at $5.15 per hour. An increase in the minimum wage to $7.25/hour in 2009 would affect over 450,000 Virginia working men and women, which is roughly 12% of Virginia’s workforce. [Economic Policy Council]

A single parent earning minimum wage earns $10,700/year, $4,500 below the poverty line. [AP, 10/20/05] Nearly 35% of minimum wage workers are sole family earners and one in three of Virginians earning the minimum wage are raising children.

“Working full time and raising a family should never be a ticket to poverty,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Brian Moran said. “Raising the minimum wage is not only a matter of fairness and valuing hard work, but increasing the minimum wage will help drive Virginia’s economy.”

Between 1998 and 2004, the job growth for small businesses in states with a minimum wage higher than the federal level was 6.2 percent, compared to a 4.1 percent growth in states where the federal level prevailed.

The minimum wage is not sufficient to cover the average monthly expenses of a family of three. At $5.15 an hour working full-time every week, the current minimum wage covers only 40 percent of the estimated cost of raising two children, down from 48 percent in 1997 when the minimum wage was last raised. An average family of three’s basic spending needs for food, health care, etc. are $2,225 per month; the minimum wage pays $893 per month. [Children's Defense Fund]

Twenty-nine states have minimum wages above the federal level. Six states passed statewide initiatives to increase their state minimum wages just last year by overwhelming margins.

“Virginia’s hard-working men and women have made our state’s economy one of the best in the nation,” Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mary Margaret Whipple said. “Let us not be the last to realize that mothers and fathers working hard to raise a family should not be drowning in poverty.”

The legislation also received the endorsement of the Virginia AFL-CIO, the Virginia Interfaith Center, and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

“We have a moral obligation to take care of those that work hard and play by the rules,” Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Dwight Jones said. “By ignoring the needs of the working poor, we are ignoring the needs of those that drive our economy and our society.”

“This is long overdue for the working class of Virginia and I whole heartedly support it,” Vice-Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Lionel Spruill said.