Newsletters
Newsletter - March 22, 2020
Hopefully, you are well and taking precautions to avoid the Covid-19 virus. I've now sent out several emails detailing how to protect yourself and others from the pandemic that you can find on my website at MarkforDelegate.com
We must all keep in mind, as we practice social distancing over the next few weeks, that we are fighting to save not just our own lives but the lives of everyone else in our community. Banning together in times of crisis to look out for the vulnerable people among us is among our best traditions.
We are all our brothers' keepers and our sisters' keepers.
Newsletter - March 18, 2020
Before I get to the joy of telling you about all the bills I passed this session (PART THREE, for those anxiously awaiting), I have the more grim yet vital task of updating you on what your state and local governments are doing to minimize both the spread and the negative impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has on the lives of all Virginians, especially our most vulnerable. By now, you know that schools are canceled and many companies are encouraging people to work from home.
Newsletter - March 16, 2020
I proudly share with you PART TWO of the MANY successes of the Virginia General Assembly's 2020 legislative session, which adjourned sine die on Thursday, March 12: Redistricting, Budget, and More.
Understanding that issues are interconnected, I broke the bills down roughly by issue areas so you can review to the area which interests you most, but I certainly encourage you to read about everything.
Newsletter - March 15, 2020
There's a ton of information in this newsletter. So much that I again ran out of space for the email client! So this is just Part One.
The 2020 Virginia General Assembly addressed a wide variety of progressive priorities that had stagnated in the more than a quarter-century since Virginia Democrats were last in power.
We passed legislation that will make Virginia more prosperous, healthier, more inclusive, and more equitable. I can't possibly detail all 1,351 bills we approved, but I can provide below the highlights of substantial major legislation we approved and I supported. There's a lot of it!
Newsletter - March 13, 2020
The Virginia General Assembly's 2020 legislative session is over. We adjourned sine die yesterday on Thursday, March 12.
We will meet again on April 22 for a one-day session to vote on the Governor's amendments and vetoes.
I've been compiling a list of legislative accomplishments to send you, which I still hope and expect to send out over the weekend, but events related to COVID-19 have kept me focused on that crisis.
Newsletter - March 12, 2020
While you are reading this email, I'm on the road, wending my way back to Richmond for the final day of Session. I got up at 5:30 am this morning so I can make it to the Capitol in time for 9 am Caucus and our 10 am session. If all goes well, I'll be back in Alexandria and finally be able to stay home for awhile for some badly-needed rest and relaxation. It feels good to sleep in my own bed again and not to have to worry that I'll oversleep an alarm and possibly lose three of my bills.
Newsletter - March 11, 2020
We are almost done! I'm back in Alexandria for some short rest and relaxation and then we return to Richmond tomorrow to finish the budget and appoint some judges. I expect we will adjourn tomorrow sine die.
So very soon, you will get my newsletter featuring the great many successes of our progressive caucus and details on the fate of all my bills. It may take more than one newsletter to tell you everything. Here's a quick preview!
But before diving into my summary of the past week in Richmond, I want to be sure you know where to find important and accurate information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Newsletter - March 1, 2020
As many of you know, two days ago, I endorsed former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who -- I'm sorry to say -- just announced he quit the race. Oops. My timing may not have been the greatest...
Because I had to vote absentee (since I'll be in Richmond on Tuesday), I cast my vote for him on Saturday. Now I've lost my vote. Ack!
I'm not happy about it. But hopefully, I'll never lose my vote again. I'm looking forward to the Virginia bill I copatroned becoming law which will allow all of us to vote absentee on the Sunday and Monday before Election Day and even on Election Day, so long as the ballot is postmarked by Election Day. If this legislation had been the law right now, I wouldn't have lost my vote this Tuesday. I suspect it will be the law for every future election, including this November.
Newsletter - February 29, 2020
This Tuesday, March 3, is the Democratic Presidential Primary in Virginia. Virginians will help decide who will take on Donald Trump this November.
Polls are open on Election Day from 6 am to 7 pm. You will vote at your regular polling location. More details on where and when to vote below.
We are fortunate to have several truly outstanding public servants and candidates running to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will work my heart out to elect whomever ends up being the nominee.
Newsletter - February 22, 2020
Politics, whether we like it or not, is often personal.
This past week, I experienced both the best and worst of personal politics.
Many of you know that my family's story, my sister's story, is one the main reasons I ran for office.
It's why I fight for vulnerable people.
It's why I'm so attuned to issues of domestic and sexual violence.
It's why injustice rankles me so much.
It's why I believe that passive acceptance of injustice is dangerous.
It's why I fight so hard, despite personal and political risks, to stand up for people being abused or mistreated.
It's why I don't back down when threatened.
Thursday, February 20, would have been the 57th birthday of my sister Janet, who was murdered by her husband in 1996.