We returned to the special session in Richmond on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to debate the House Budget. The House budget includes Medicaid Expansion, which accesses federal dollars that are incorporated into our budget so that we can fund critical needs of the Commonwealth while insuring some 400,000 Virginians who do not yet have coverage. The House budget passed with a strong bipartisan majority. It is time to pass Medicaid Expansion in Virginia. [Read more…]
Toscano Campaign Update – I Ask for Your Vote
Let’s Set the Record Straight
I have had the pleasure and honor of representing this community in local and state government for more than 20 years. During this time, I have learned a lot about what it means to listen and what it means to lead. I have fully supported and fought for the values that our region feels are important — equality, justice, fairness, opportunity, honesty. They have found form in initiatives as diverse as advocating for an increase in the minimum wage to supporting the transition to an energy economy based on renewable resources.
I have successfully fought for increases in education spending and raises for teachers, law enforcement, and public employees. I have been part of the brick wall protecting women’s reproductive rights. I have fought again and again for Medicaid expansion. As the Democratic Leader, I have been there every day, fighting for the progressive values we cherish. I am running for reelection and I need your help. [Read more…]
The Veto Session
The Marathon and Maelstrom of the Veto Session —
Democrats Sustain All Governor’s Vetoes
The legislative year ends with what’s called the “veto session.” This year’s was held Wednesday, April 5, 2017, the day when the legislature considers the Governor’s vetoes and his proposed amendments to various bills. It is typically one of the longest floor sessions of the year and, as the Democratic floor leader, one of the most intense, as every vote counts on almost every issue. This year, Governor McAuliffe vetoed an unprecedented number of House bills, 21 in total. [Read more…]
Washington Chaos, Redistricting, and Other Political Machinations
With Washington D.C. in chaos, the emerging opposition to the Trump Agenda is having an impact in Virginia. We are seeing more citizens come to the State Capitol to protest the conservative agenda and argue for values we consider important, such as increasing the minimum wage, creating greater economic opportunity for more Virginians, investing in public education, protecting Planned Parenthood, or bringing redistricting reform. [Read more…]
