House Republicans Said They'd Vote if ERA Got To The Floor: They Missed Their Chance Over the last few weeks, we were told on numerous occasions that if a resolution to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment got to the floor of the House of Delegates, a number of Republicans would … [Read more...]
Moving Toward Adjournment: Much Still To Be Done
We continue to do our legislative work in Richmond, even with all the headlines about the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. Thanks to all who have expressed their views to me about what should happen. The House Democratic Caucus issued statements on these … [Read more...]
Two Weeks To Go, Important Work To Do
Deal Emerging on Budget and Taxes? Amidst all that is happening in Richmond, the legislature continues its work, most recently on the budget. You can see my opening remarks on the budget proposed by the House Appropriations committee here. In my view, although the proposed … [Read more...]
Doing the People’s Business During a Challenging Time
We are now in the busiest week of the legislative year. On Sunday, the House and Senate budgets were unveiled. Today, February 5, is “crossover,” the day on which all bills must be passed in one legislative body to cross over to the other side of the Capitol for consideration. We … [Read more...]
You Win Some and Lose Some: But You Never Stop Trying
When I first arrived in the House of Delegates in 2006, a friend of mine counseled me not to get too personally attached to any proposed legislation. “Bills are like goldfish,” he said. “You love and care for them when they are alive, but when they die, you go out and get … [Read more...]