Representing Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

Newsletters

Newsletter - August 26, 2016

I'm honored to announce that on Sunday, September 11, from12 Noon to 2 pm, Dr. Ralph Northam, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and the Democratic candidate for Governor in 2017, will join Congressman Don Beyer to hold a reception in my honor at the home of David Lord, Senior Commonwealth's Attorney and President of the Alexandria Bar Association, at 1005 Russell Road in Alexandria. Earlier this year, Republicans who control the General Assembly passed a number of bills harmful to LGBT rights, women's reproductive freedom, and workers' rights. They tried to make it easier to commit gun crimes, to increase the impact of climate change, and to give massive subsidies to large polluting corporations.

Newsletter - July 27,2016

Like most of you, I've been watching our party's Convention in Philadelphia this week. What a contrast from that hate-filled cesspool the Republicans put on last week. We heard Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine tell us their detailed plans to raise wages, make education more affordable, increase access to healthcare, enact commonsense gun safety measures, protect a woman's right to make her own decisions about her body, and take action to mitigate the effects of climate change. We heard eloquent speeches from Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama about Hillary's and Tim's dedication and willingness to fight for the less fortunate. But I can't think of a better speech than the one Michelle Obama gave Monday night when she explained how important a role model the President is to children around the country.

Newsletter - June 22,2016

Thank you to everyone who attended the Alexandria Vigil for Orlando sponsored by Moms Demand Action: faith leaders, my fellow Members of the General Assembly, local officials, and LGBT activists. Most of all, thank you to the many hundreds who heard my cry from the heart in the YouTube video. Thank you to the very large number of you who did what I asked you to do. You called your Virginia Senators and demanded they join the filibuster and keep fighting until we have common-sense gun safety reform. Senator Mark Warner told me personally of the impact of your many calls. And that's why, despite all the odds against us, I have hope. When 90% of Americans (including 90% of Republicans) support universal background checks and oppose terrorists easily buying AR-15s, I know we can win, against even the stringent opposition of the NRA leadership. Even if we have to vote out of office every one of the NRA's Delegates, Senators, and Congressman...

Newsletter - May 19, 2016

With the vicious anti-choice, anti-LGBT, anti-labor, and anti-immigrant bills passed by the Republican majority that controls the Virginia General Assembly, it was only the vetoes of Governor Terry McAuliffe that saved Virginia from becoming just like North Carolina and Mississippi. We must continue with strong leadership in Richmond. That is why I'm proud to endorse Democratic Lieutenant Governor's Ralph Northam's campaign for Governor. Delegate Charniele Herring and I were happy to spend an evening with Ralph and his supporters in Alexandria and I look forward to joining him for many more campaign appearances in the future

Newsletter - May 1, 2016

I've been sued for speaking out! And I'm hardly the only one. Sixty-four of us -- including fellow Democrats in the General Assembly and in local government -- have been sued by the Arlington gun store that just opened in a peaceful residential neighborhood near a child care center despite the vociferous protests of residents who live there. The store complains that we 64 have criticized their business and singles me out in particular, because I have urged people not to shop there. I will not be intimidated by this flagrant attack on your and my First Amendment rights.

Newsletter - April 19, 2016

Although the session officially ended a month ago, the Virginia Constitution calls on all of us to return today at noon to vote on the Governor's 32 vetoes, 47 recommendations, and 30 budget amendments. As you read this, please know that I'm in Richmond right now working hard for you. I was thrilled to see Governor McAuliffe veto some of the worst bills to come out of this session, including bills that would have defunded Planned Parenthood, blocked the Clean Power Plan, and made it easier for criminals to have access guns (and even reduce criminal penalties for pointing a gun at someone). He vetoed bills that vilified undocumented immigrants, extended tax breaks for coal companies, and made it harder to register to vote.

Newsletter - April 14, 2016

I will travel back down to Richmond for several days next week in preparation for our reconvened session. In this session, we will consider 89 bills: Governor McAuliffe's 32 vetos and 57 recommendations. I'm reviewing the Governor's vetos and recommendations now. If you have views on any of them, please do not hesitate to write me at [email protected].

Newsletter - March 13th, 2016

Overall, I felt it was a productive first session. I was considered "quite active" for a new legislator and was the only Freshman to put forward a Floor Amendment (to allow hospice care). I also made several Floor speeches on bills other than my own. While this again is considered unusual for freshman legislators, I felt I did some good in raising doubt on harmful legislation and hopefully enough doubt to persuade Governor McAuliffe to veto or modify some of them.

Newsletter - March 6th, 2016

I spoke on the House Floor this week in memory of 29-year-old Crystal Hamilton and in support of her 11-year-old son. Many of you know the tragic story of Ashley Guindon, the brave Prince William County Police Officer who was killed on her first day on the job. The same man who shot Officer Guindon and two other police officers had just murdered his wife Crystal. Their son heard the gunshots and ran for his life.

Newsletter - February 28, 2016

This week, the House passed a budget for the next two years. With two major exceptions (see below), it was a good budget that largely tracked what the Governor requested with some missed opportunities. Most importantly, the budget has significant increases in education funding, including a 3% raise for teachers and the Governor's proposed Cost of Competing Adjustment for school support staff in Northern Virginia for Fiscal Year 2018. It also retained most of the funds the Governor provided for economic development