Education – Page 4

Trump’s Impact

February 2, 2017 by David Toscano

Trump’s Actions Affect Virginia

The new President’s chaotic first ten days in office are being felt in Virginia. First, the proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act without a replacement would mean 400,000 Virginians would lose their insurance, and Virginia could lose 50,000 jobs. Second, the president’s announced hiring freeze will have one of its greatest impacts on Virginia, as our state has a high level of federal employment. These are bad enough, but what has set off the largest firestorm is his Executive Order last weekend, which effectively creates a Muslim ban on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries. [Read more…]

General Assembly Week 3: The Pace Increases

January 27, 2017 by David Toscano

We have completed the first three weeks of session. “Cross-over,” the date by which all bills must be passed by the originating chamber so they then can “cross over” to the other chamber for consideration, is approaching. The Clerk of the House reports that 1,400 pieces of legislation are already in play in the House of Delegates, not including all the amendments being negotiated nor any of the bills that will cross over from the Senate to the House in early February. With so much happening, it’s not possible to cover everything that the House worked on this week, but here are a few highlights (and lowlights) of interest. [Read more…]

One Week Complete…

January 20, 2017 by David Toscano

It’s been a busy first full week in Richmond. Things are moving quickly and many issues have been considered.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act without Replacement will Hurt Virginians

On Monday I challenged all 100 colleagues in the House to sign a letter to be sent to our Congressional delegation asking that the Affordable Care Act not be repealed without a replacement. Republicans in Congress are poised to make a move that could take health care away from 20 million U.S. citizens and 400,000 Virginians and create an enormous problem for our budget. All Democrats serving in the House of Delegates co-signed my letter. As of Friday, none of my Republican colleagues had agreed to sign the letter. Please watch my speech and share it. [Read more…]

Time to Make a Plan to Vote!

November 4, 2016 by David Toscano

As unbelievable as it may seem, Tuesday is Election Day and it is time to make a plan, not only to vote, but to get your friends and neighbors to do so as well. This election will be close and every vote will count, but remember that voting is easy, and it is the only way to send a clear message about the direction of this country.

You Can Still Vote Absentee

If, for any reason, you are either out of town or fall into any of the 19 criteria that allows you absentee voting, you can vote personally at your registrar’s office on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (City) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (County). Make a plan!

On Tuesday

On Tuesday, November 8, the polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Talk to your neighbors and those who may not have rides to the polls to coordinate when you will go and who you will take. Then call people that you know from other states and encourage them to vote as well.

What is At Stake

Not only do we have a candidate who we must reject because of his lack of understanding on foreign policy, his temperament, his heartless approach to immigration, and his appeal to the worst qualities in the American electorate, but we have a candidate we must support because she is more qualified than anyone who has run for the highest office in the land, and who has policies and approaches that will boost the middle class, help students with their massive debt, make the rich pay their fair share of taxes, and who has a steady hand to guide the ship of state. That person is Hillary Clinton, and I fully support her.

Also on the Ballot

There are several other major decisions on the ballot. I hope Jane Dittmar will be an easy vote for you. I have known Jane for 25 years and she has the qualities and judgment that will dramatically improve the House of Representatives when she is elected.

Although I do not have a chance to vote on the bond referendum in Albemarle County, I would urge you to support it. It will be a great assistance to our schools.

I urge you to vote “NO” on the Constitutional Amendment involving “Right to Work.” There is no threat to Right to Work in Virginia and no reason to put a statute that has operated for almost 60 years in the Constitution. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There is no threat and, therefore, no good reason to amend.

Last Thought

Finally, if you see any irregularities at the polls, you can call 844-4VA-VOTE (844-482-8683) to report it. I suggest that we all remain calm and enjoy what will hopefully be a great day for Virginians and this country.

Politics and The Great Cost Shift in State-Funded Higher Education

October 20, 2016 by David Toscano

“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…]