When the 2021 General Assembly legislative session starts in January, it will be a session like no other. COVID has changed everything. The House of Delegates will meet virtually and the state Senate will meet at the Science Museum of Virginia. With virtual floor meetings, no in-person lobbying, and zooming in to give public testimony, […]
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Looks Like We Made It
Y’all. 2020 is OVER. THANK GOODNESS. It was rough, but by golly, we made it through. We lost so much last year that I can’t even begin to process it all. Instead of reliving all the horrors that were this dumpster fire of a year, let’s celebrate three wins we had last year and three […]
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People’s Hearing on Climate Justice in Virginia: How Real People Are Affected & the Need for Environmental Justice
MEDIA ADVISORY: 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021Virtually on Zoom CONTACT: Tiffany Potter: tiffany@progressva.org: 434.906.0870 Richmond, VA—Virginians will hold ‘People’s Hearing on Climate Justice’ on Thursday, January 7 at 6 p.m. to share their stories about how their lives have been impacted by climate change and discuss the necessity of environmental justice in the Commonwealth. Community […]
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We voted them in. Now it’s time to hold them accountable.
We just wrapped up a critical (and exhausting) federal election, but don’t relax just yet. The 2021 General Assembly session is right around the corner, as are primaries for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the House of Delegates elections. We still have important work to do by holding politicians’ feet to the fire and […]
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Kirk Cox: The Grinch Who Stole Progress For 30 Years
In 2018, I joined a couple of dozen students visiting the state Capitol during the General Assembly session to advocate for legislation. They specifically wanted to talk to then-Speaker of the House Kirk Cox, a public school teacher, believing a teacher would be sympathetic to their issue. What legislator wouldn’t be thrilled by enthusiastic kids […]
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Our Legislators Need to Stop Hiding Behind Masks of Denial
The recent “Rally in the Valley” at a military surplus store in Staunton featured multiple elected officials, mostly sans mask, rebuffing social distancing and gathering guidelines to spread germs, I mean, meet with like-minded constituents. Congressman Ben Cline, Delegate John Avoli, and Ronnie Campbell, a candidate for Delegate, were all present and encouraged this irresponsible […]
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The Nightmare Inside Virginia’s Prisons
COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on incarcerated people Most of us are taking the precautions necessary to protect ourselves and those around us from the coronavirus pandemic. We’re wearing masks, washing our hands regularly, wiping down surfaces, and practicing social distancing as part of the minimal effort to keep from getting sick. But imagine if you […]
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Obstructionist Declares Candidacy for Governor
Kirk Cox aiming to bring his “No” agenda to the Governor’s Mansion After years of obstructing Virginians’ priorities in the General Assembly, Delegate Kirk Cox has set his eyes on higher office. Progress Virginia executive director Anna Scholl released the following statement responding to Cox’s campaign announcement: “Every time Virginians have asked for solutions, Kirk […]
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Progress Virginia Announces Suspension of Eyes on Richmond for 2021; Transparency Push Still Top Priority
Richmond—Progress Virginia announced today the suspension of Eyes on Richmond for the 2021 legislative session. A groundbreaking and award winning transparency program, Eyes on Richmond streams and archives legislative committee hearings. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has determined an in-person presence at General Assembly proceedings is not in the best interest of […]
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‘Voters Decided’ Car Rally Celebrates the Power of the People; As Every Vote is Counted, Voters’ Mandate for Progress is Clear
Richmond, VA— Virginians gathered today for a car rally to celebrate our achievement: we turned out in record numbers and the will of the voters prevailed. Despite the pandemic and deliberate barriers, voters made their voices heard loud and clear. The Voters Decided: Day of Celebration included voters, essential workers, and civil rights advocates who […]