Newly empowered Virginia Democrats promise 'action'

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 12:16 am CST, Wednesday, January 8, 2020

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A historically diverse Virginia General Assembly is set to convene Wednesday, led for the first time in more than two decades by Democrats who are promising to enact a litany of changes.

“Voters demanded action, and they have called for a legislature that works for them. And this session, they will get exactly that," House Speaker-elect Eileen Filler-Corn said at a press conference Tuesday with Gov. Ralph Northam and other legislative leaders.

In the weeks since Democrats retook control of the state House and Senate, they have laid out an ambitious agenda. It includes high-profile issues Republicans thwarted for years, including gun control measures and criminal justice reforms. They also have pledged to ease restrictions on abortion access, raise the minimum wage, prohibit discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community and make Virginia the next state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

. . .

Republicans have cast Democrats' agenda as extreme, saying it would bring Virginia in line with liberal California or New York. They've promised to look for ways to hold the majority accountable, keep Virginia business friendly and exercise fiscal restraint.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Newly-empowered-Virginia-Democrats-promise-14958073.php

[Thekaspervote]

1. Go Virginia Dems! Can't wait to see all you will accomplish!

[Vadem]

2. Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!

[onetexan]

3. Nothing wrong w CA or NY liberal

kudos to Virginian Dems for taking trifecta control of their state!

[appalachiablue]

4. Give 'em hell, East Virginia!

[djacq]

5. They also need to remap congressional districts.

VA-05 is horrible.

[williesgirl]

7. I'm in VA06, not great either. We're stuck with Rep Ben Cline.

[pecosbob]

6. If Virginia Dems want to make a difference

they should ban defense contractors and other corporate interests from writing legislation. Control of government by the one percent is the root of most of our problems in this nation.

[James48]

8. Equal Rights Amendment-

Exactly where are we on that one? I know a couple of states under republican legislatures tried to take back their support.

Home many are current supporters?

[sdfernando]

9. "saying it would bring Virginia in line with liberal California or New York"

New York is the 12th or 13th largest economy in the world.

California hovers between 5th & 7th largest economy in the world.

Virginia's economy is on par with Nigeria.

I'd say it would be good thing to be more like "liberal" California or New York.