Heroes: Activists Fighting to Raise Virginia’s Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour Statewide On Wednesday, grassroots activists packed the House Briefing Room at the General Assembly for a press conference on the importance of equitably raising the minimum wage statewide. Business owners and workers gathered to express their support for a universal increase to Virginia’s […]
Month: February 2020
Hero & Zero – 2/21
Hero: Alexsis Rodgers Speaking truth to power is the definition of being a hero, even when that power is in the hands of an ally. That’s why, today, we celebrate Alexsis Rodgers for speaking up about the unacceptable behavior of Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. Since the legislative session began, it seems that Virginia Democrats have […]
Activists Celebrate as Reproductive Health Protection Act Passes Senate Committee
This morning, dozens of reproductive health activists were out in full force at the Senate Education and Health Committee hearing on the Reproductive Health Protection Act. The committee reported the bill on a vote of 9-6, sending it to the Senate Floor for final passage before it goes to the Governor’s desk. The Reproductive Health […]
Virginians Reject Trump/Pence Health Care Budget Cuts as Vice President Pence Visits Hampton Roads
Hampton, Virginia—Vice President Mike Pence will visit Hampton today. The visit comes just a few days after the Trump/Pence budget unveiling humongous proposed cuts to health care funding, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Affordable, quality health care is a top issue for Virginians, and Vice President Pence should be prepared to defend […]
Join Us for Crossover Bingo!
Y’all, it’s time to celebrate! For the first time in decades, we’ve made it to Crossover, the official midway point of the legislative session, without a conservative majority killing our progressive legislation! Instead, many of our priority bills are still alive and kicking! We’ve got a long list of bills to track, and what better […]
Hero & Zero – 2/14
Hero – Delegate Delores McQuinn Over the past few weeks, a great many legislators have come forward to speak about how they once felt while living under the rule of conservative lawmakers. The fierce and fabulous Sen. Mamie Locke addressed the Senate last week on the legacy of the Confederacy, and icon Del. Danica Roem […]
At Crossover, Activists Celebrate as Progressive Policy Victories Sail Through Both Chambers
Richmond, Virginia—At crossover, it is clear that the hard work progressive activists have been doing for years is finally paying off. Legislation to expand access to abortion, make voting easier for busy families, increase the minimum wage, prevent gun violence, ensure immigrants have access to drivers licenses, prohibit discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community, […]
ICYMI: Small Business Owners Come Out In Support of a $15 Minimum Wage
Richmond, Virginia—As lawmakers debate the merits of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, small business owners are coming out in support of the measure. Small business owners know that paying their employees higher wages is good for business. “Everyone should have the opportunity to work hard and thrive in our communities. But when […]
Virginians Celebrate as Virginia Values Act Passes Both House and Senate
SB868 and HB1663 Prohibit Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Virginians are celebrating as the Virginia Values Act passed both the House and Senate this week. The bills, Senator Adam Ebbin’s SB868 and Delegate Mark Sickles’ HB1663, prohibit discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, and credit on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Virginia […]
Hero & Zero – 2/7
Hero- Senator Mamie Locke This week, Virginia Senate icon Senator Mamie Locke showed us all once again why she’s the Virginia Senate’s Democratic Caucus Chair and why we will forever stan. On Monday, she opened up about her experience as a Black woman living in a state that still honors the treasonous actions of the […]