A new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll has found that despite protests across the country, most people strongly oppose the move to re-open some businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Even if businesses are allowed to re-open, most people are wary of eating out at restaurants (74%), shopping in retail stores (69%), and going to the movies (82%). […]
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ICYMI: Coronavirus Backlash Coming From Republican Lawmakers Inspired By Trump
Though the protests across the nation demanding that we reopen businesses and head back to work despite the ongoing threat from coronavirus are framed as a grassroots movement, it seems more and more clear that they are being coordinated nationally by Republican political operatives. The message of these protests is not only dangerous for our […]
Virginia Will Become Safe Haven For Abortion Access as Reproductive Health Protection Act Becomes Law
Richmond, Virginia—Today, Governor Ralph Northam signed the Reproductive Health Protection Act into law. At a time when the country is facing an unprecedented public health crisis, and people continue to need access to essential reproductive healthcare, some anti-choice politicians in other states are attempting to delay or ban access to abortion by shutting down clinics. […]
ICYMI: Workers on Frontlines of Pandemic Response Urge Governor Northam to Sign Minimum Wage Increase
Grocery store workers are urging that Governor Northam sign HB395 to increase the minimum wage without any amendments that will water it down. When people who work in grocery stores and home health care are considered essential personnel, they deserve to be paid at least $15 an hour, and passing HB395 is the first step […]
Grocery Store Workers and Advocates Urge Governor Northam to Sign Bill to Increase to Minimum Wage
Workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic joined a video call this afternoon to urge Governor Northam to sign HB395, an increase to the minimum wage, into law. When people who work in grocery stores and home health care are considered essential personnel, they deserve to be paid at least $15 an hour, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Virginia Women’s Equality Coalition Advocates Highlight Bold Legislative Agenda
Richmond, Virginia—Today, the Women’s Equality Coalition brought together hundreds of Virginians to speak to their legislators in Richmond and urge them to support their bold legislative priorities that will protect and expand reproductive freedom and affordable access to abortion, and keep families healthy. For the first time in history, Virginians elected a pro-choice majority in […]