On Becoming Minority Leader
Del. Toscano was unanimously elected as the new House Democratic Caucus Minority Leader. With him are Caucus members (left to right) Del. Jeion Ward-Treasurer, Del. Mark Sickles-Caucus Chair, Del. Delores McQuinn-Sergeant at Arms, Del. Betsy Carr-Secretary, Toscano, and Del. Rosalyn Dance-Vice Chair of Operations. Not pictured, Del. Jennifer McClellan-Vice Chair of Outreach.
On November 19, 2011, I was selected to serve as the House Democratic Leader by my colleagues at our retreat in Richmond. This is a great honor for me personally, a wonderful opportunity for our region, and a tremendous challenge. In the aftermath of redistricting and the fall elections, Democrats hold fewer seats in the House of Delegates than any time in recent memory. It will take a concerted and sustained effort to retake the majority in the House. Read more…
Supreme Court decision on healthcare means new challenges for Virginia
August 6, 2012
While most Americans concerned about healthcare have been focused on the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress, there are critical decisions that need to be made by Virginia in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the federal law. First, Virginia needs to decide whether we wish to create a marketplace for choice and competition in the healthcare plan arena.… continued…
Conservatives bend to the will of special interest group; Governor loses on amendments with bipartisan majorities
May 21, 2012
The conservative right-wing attack-machine has been in full mode in the General Assembly session since January. Most of their efforts had been focused on attacking women’s reproductive rights and expanding the ability of citizens to carry guns into more public places, from public parking lots to airports.… continued…
Special Session on Budget ended with $85 billion two year spending plan, but no plan for transportation
April 23, 2012
After a series of last-minute machinations, the General Assembly approved a two-year budget on April 18, 2012. The $85 billion, two-year budget took an additional 39 days to approve and ended speculation about a possible state government shutdown.… continued…
Regular Session Adjourned but Special Session on Budget convened
March 12, 2012
The General Assembly adjourned at 9:28 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 without a budget. We simply ran out of time. We immediately convened a Special Session to address the budget, which will hopefully occur within the next month. This is the fourth time since 2001 when the General Assembly has not been able to reach agreement on a budget before the session ended.… continued…
The need for a better budget
March 7, 2012
Much of the focus this General Assembly session has been on the socially divisive legislation that has been pushed by conservatives in the House of Delegates. However, the most important piece of legislation that we consider each biennium is the budget. Since Governor McDonnell introduced his flawed budget proposal in December, which would have short changed our educational system substantially while shredding the social safety net, many of us in the House have been advocating for a reallocation of priorities and spending that will enhance education, encourage job creation and protect those most vulnerable.… continued…
General Assembly Update (Feb 27, 2012)
The eyes of the nation have been focused on Virginia. And it is not for any special recognition for job creation or economic activity as it was under the Warner and Kaine Administrations. Instead, the country has been riveted on the debate on social issues that has occurred during this session.… continued…
General Assembly Update (Feb 16, 2012)
We have now hit the mid-point of the General Assembly session. Known as “crossover,” this is a date by which each body needs to pass its legislation over to the other body for consideration. What that means is long sessions in which hundreds of bills are considered in a single day.… continued…
General Assembly Update (Jan 23, 2012)
Our state budget reflects the priorities of the Commonwealth, and the Governor’s proposed budget raises several concerns. The Governor’s budget proposes transferring a portion of the sales tax revenue that would otherwise go to fund schools and public education into the transportation budget. Transportation is important but it should not be funded at the expense of schools. Republicans in the House argue against new sources of revenue for transportation, stating we should not increase the costs to Virginia families during a time of economic challenge. Democrats agree with this principle, however, because of our lack of transportation investment, Virginia families may actually pay more under the Governor’s plan.… continued…
Start of a New Year and 2012 General Assembly
As the new Democratic Leader in the House of Delegates, my responsibilities have increased dramatically. When the session convened on January 11, 2012, I began to focus on a number of critical themes for the session. You can view the video of my opening day floor speech here.… continued…
On November 19, 2011, I was selected to serve as the House Democratic Leader by my colleagues at our retreat in Richmond. This is a great honor for me personally, a wonderful opportunity for our region, and a tremendous challenge. In the aftermath of redistricting and the fall elections, Democrats hold fewer seats in the House of Delegates than any time in recent memory.… continued…
