In the first major test of this legislative session, Democratic members of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted to protect our progress and rejected SB173, a bill sponsored by Senator Mark Peake that would cap the minimum wage at $11 an hour and prevent it from rising to the $15 an hour promised by previously passed legislation.
general assembly
News
Fed Up With What the GOP is Serving
I hope y’all are hungry because Virginia’s GOP is serving up a buffet of ridiculousness. We knew this session would be different – and difficult – without a trusted Democratic trifecta to lead the Commonwealth. So when it comes to the nonsense some GOP legislators are trying to push through the General Assembly, you can color us shocked, but NOT surprised.
News
April PV Spotlight: New Virginia Majority
For democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. This year, the Commonwealth passed and enacted the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, making us the first state in the South to proactively guarantee access to the ballot for all voters. Passing the VRA of Virginia came on the heels of the […]
News
As Senate Censures Senator Amanda Chase, Gubernatorial Candidate Kirk Cox Remains Silent
Richmond, Virginia—Senators voted today to censure Senator Amanda Chase by a margin of 24-9, with 3 Republicans voting in favor of the measure. The censure comes in the wake of Senator Chase’s decision to speak at a rally before the armed insurrection on the United States Capitol on January 6 and send fundraising emails where […]
News
Top Three Bills To Watch During the 2021 Legislative Session In Virginia
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, […]
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
News
Progress Virginia Applauds New Voting Law
Progress Virginia today celebrated the passage and signing of HB5103, which expands voters’ options to participate in this fall’s election amidst a deadly pandemic. The legislation allows localities to establish secure drop boxes for voters to return their absentee ballots while social distancing, eliminates the witness requirement for voting absentee in this general election, provides […]
News
Virginia House Joins State Senate and Squashes Bill To Shield Corporations That Fail To Protect Workers & Customers
Action Makes Virginia First State to Reject Sweeping Corporate Immunity Legislation Richmond, VA – Earlier today, the Virginia House of Delegates followed the State Senate and scrapped attempts to shield corporations from liability when they fail to prevent workers and customers from contracting COVID-19. The House re-referred the immunity bill, HB 5074, to the House […]