General Assembly 2019

An Early Look at Budgetary Prospects for 2019

December 21, 2018 David Toscano

Perhaps the most important action we take as legislators is to pass a biennial budget. This is done in the even-numbered years and it is then modified in the next year. 2019 will be the year of budget modification. Governor Northam recently presented his proposals for changes we … [Read more...]

Toscano Calls on Northam to Resign

February 2, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (9:55 am, February 2, 2019)

The yearbook photograph of Governor Ralph Northam that went viral yesterday is outrageously offensive and deeply troubling. Excuses that this might simply have been a youthful indiscretion or happened in an era when race relations in the South were different fail to recognize that this was apparently published in 1984, not 1954, and that the Governor was in his mid-twenties and in medical school at the time.

In an era of instantaneous news and reaction, it usually makes sense to carefully consider the best course of action, and to gather facts and perspectives to ensure that haste does not overtake good judgment. Like my fellow Democrats in the General Assembly, I knew we needed to make space for the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus to meet with the Governor and determine their course of action. It is now clear that while the Governor has done many good things in his career, and has been fighting for those most in need throughout his public life, he has lost the moral high ground at the core of his leadership. It makes it almost impossible for him to govern. I say this with the heaviest of hearts, but his ability to make further progress on his promises to Virginians has been so severely compromised that the best course for the Commonwealth is for him to resign.

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Contact Info for Sen. Warner, Sen. Kaine, Rep. Garrett, & Optima Health

December 7, 2017 By David Toscano

As you know, the only ACA-compliant health care insurance policies available in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area for 2018 are offered by Optima Health. Optima has personal plan advisors, who can be reached by calling 1-866-659-0892. Though Optima cannot guarantee a particular outcome, they will do all they can to assist constituents. According to Optima’s experience, roughly 70% of the people who use the ACA Marketplace are eligible for some form of subsidy, and the advisors can help callers check to be sure whether or not they qualify. [Read More…]

An Early Look at Budgetary Prospects for 2019

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