Week 1: Making History
Dear Friend,
We started our 2020 General Assembly session on Wednesday, January 8th. It was an historic day! The Democrats gained control of both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. The voters in Virginia turned out in November and endorsed an agenda that promoted equality, climate change action, adoption of gun safety measures, and quality public schools throughout the Commonwealth. Thank You.
ERA and Breaking Glass Ceilings - On the first day of session, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn was elected Speaker of the House. She is the first woman to hold this office and has inspired us all by breaking that 400 year-old glass ceiling. In sharp contrast to last year, Speaker Filler-Corn will bring the ERA resolution to the House floor for a vote, and I am confident that Virginia lawmakers will step up and endorse the amendment. The idea of Virginia becoming the 38th state, the final state necessary, to ratify the ERA gives me goosebumps. Floor votes on the Amendment could take place as early as Wednesday, January 15th. Keep checking the respective calendars of the House and Senate.
Governor Northam’s January 8th Remarks - Governor Northam delivered the State of the Commonwealth address on the evening of January 8th and it was the best speech I have ever heard him deliver. Of course, it helps that the State’s coffers are out-performing expectations and the November elections brought the Governor’s party into power. But, one must acknowledge that Governor Northam is making key investments in areas that will yield the biggest return: early childhood education, debt-free community college (something I have been working on), and increasing access to affordable health care. I have been collaborating with the Governor’s office on balanced billing legislation that would prevent surprise medical bills if a patient seeks emergency care with out-of-network providers.
Major Issues: Women’s Health, Gun Safety, and Clean Energy - Areas where you will see the most legislative progress this session are: protecting a woman’s right to access abortion care, common-sense gun safety measures, and clean energy bills. Besides being a chief sponsor or co-sponsor of key proposals in these areas, I am working with interest groups and developing strategies for legislative wins.
Early Successes - My bill to provide temporary assistance to individuals who have been convicted of drug-related crimes but who are now out of jail and trying to re-enter society reported out of the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. I am honored to have been elected by the Senate to Chair that Committee. Moreover, I was able to steer Senator Ebbin’s bill to improve detention services for refugee children to a positive vote from the Committee, enabling the bill to move to a vote on the Senate floor.
Clean Energy Plan - I have been working with the Virginia Sierra Club and Zero Carbon groups, among others, to amend the Virginia Energy Plan. My bill requires the creation of a plan, to be achieved no later than 2045, to create a net-zero carbon energy economy for all sectors, including electricity, transportation, building, and industrial sectors. This is an ambitious goal, but the levers of government must be re-directed to support the growth of a greener, cleaner, and sustainable Virginia economy. The bill is set to be heard on Monday afternoon. The health and well-being of future generations is at stake. We must live up to our moral obligation.
Bills to be Heard Next Week - I have a bill that gives local governments the authority to ban single use plastics and apply a 5 cent tax to encourage compliance. On a different topic, I am hopeful that my Hate Crimes Bill will report out of committee on Monday. This bill gives prosecutors extra tools in the “tool box” to bring additional charges if a crime was motivated by hate of the victim’s “gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, or disability.”
If you feel strongly about an issue, it is always helpful to visit lawmakers in Richmond to voice your support or concern about a particular bill. Many perspectives are needed to craft good legislation, so your personal story or relevant example may make a bigger difference than you realize.
It is an honor and privilege to represent you. I will be serving on the following standing committees this session: Local Government, Transportation, Agricultural and Natural Resources, and Rules, in addition, I will be serving on and chairing Rehabilitation and Social Services. I look forward to providing you with positive reports on the work of the General Assembly in 2020. We are truly under “blue” skies.
Sincerely,
Senator Barbara Favola
31st District - Representing Parts of Arlington, Fairfax & Loudoun