Dominion Power just announced a major expansion of solar generation in Virginia. This announcement comes on the heels of several other significant developments in the field. Partnering with the University of Virginia and the Darden School of Business, Dominion will construct a 21-megawatt project (dubbed the Hollyfield Solar Project) in King William County; the University will purchase all of the power generated. [Read more…]
Blog
Silver Linings and Next Steps
Friends,
Like many of you, I have had numerous conversations with friends, colleagues, and constituents over the last weeks about the 2016 presidential election. I cannot remember a time when people have been more disappointed and shocked by the results of an election. Citizens find it difficult to understand how Donald Trump could be elected in light of his insensitivity to race, gender, and cultural norms, not to mention his policy proposals. I have encouraged people to take stock of the election, take heart in the strength and resolve that we share to make this a better country, and then act! [Read more…]
The Reaction Election — What’s Next for Virginia?
We should have seen it coming. Yet few of us did. The pollsters, pundits, media moguls, and establishment of both parties are all asking themselves “how could this happen – and what happens next?”
We are hearing that this is a “change” election. I submit that it is something quite different; it was nothing short of a massive and unadulterated “reaction election.” It was a reaction to a country and world that sometimes appear to be spinning out of control. [Read more…]
Politics and The Great Cost Shift in State-Funded Higher Education
“Starving the Beast,” a film produced by Bill Banowsky and directed by Steve Mims detailing political and financial assaults on America’s system of public university education, hit theaters last month. Early reviews suggest that this is a “must see” for anyone concerned about higher education and where our country may be heading. The film provides examples, including from the University of Virginia, illustrating political attacks on institutions of higher learning and efforts to reduce funding across the country. [Read more…]
17 reasons why we need to elect 17 more Democrats to the House of Delegates in 2017
I hope you will participate in this fundraising challenge:
Elect 17 in 2017
- 17 days
- 17 Thousand Dollars
- 17 House of Delegates Seats to Win the Majority
Reason #1
Republicans block Medicaid expansion;
more Democrats would change that.
Reason #2
Republicans fire extremely qualified Supreme Court Justice, propose hiring ideological partisan Ken Cuccinelli;
Democrats support nonpartisan judicial selection.
Reason #3
Republicans prevent any redistricting reform;
Democrats support nonpartisan and fair redistricting.
Reason #4
Republicans vote to defund Planned Parenthood;
Democrats support family planning and reproductive health.
Reason #5
Republicans want more guns – in schools, cars, and workplaces;
Democrats support common sense gun safety and responsible gun ownership.
Reason #6
Republicans pass bills making it more difficult to vote;
Democrats support more options for ease in voting.
Reason #7
Republicans deny science of climate change – reject Virginia’s Clean Power Plan;
Democrats embrace science and believe we need action on climate change.
Reason #8
Republicans defeat bills to ensure nondiscrimination in employment and housing;
Democrats support equal rights for everyone, including LGBT community members.
Reason #9
Republicans pass bills to use religion as a reason to discriminate;
Democrats believe in diversity and fair treatment for all.
Reason #10
Republicans take money from public schools by supporting tax credits to fund private schools;
Democrats fight to adequately fund public schools and raise teacher pay.
Reason #11
Republicans deny efforts to provide every child access to full-day kindergarten;
Democrats believe all children should have access to full-day kindergarten.
Reason #12
Republicans defeat efforts to increase the minimum wage;
Democrats support efforts to raise wages to build the middle class.
Reason #13
Republicans continue efforts to amend the Virginia Constitution – even when not needed;
Democrats believe we should only change our Constitution for serious and compelling reasons.
Reason #14
Republicans sought to ban abortion after 20 weeks, without regard to the health of the mother;
Democrats believe that abortion should remain safe and legal, and we should have services in place to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
Reason #15
Republicans continue to fight against new Americans;
Democrats support common sense immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship.
Reason #16
Republicans removed funding that would assist former offenders who seek restoration of their voting rights;
Democrats believe restoration of rights is essential to integrating rehabilitated offenders into society.
Reason #17
Republican “tax reform,” from Bush to Trump, means more income and wealth inequality than ever before;
Democratic tax reform is designed to expand the middle class and generate more economic opportunity.
