VCC Magazine Winter 2020

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020 10 Continued at top of next page A New Day Reigns in the Old Dominion By Paula Miller Nearly 87 years ago during his inaugural speech, President Franklin D. Roosevelt cautioned Americans that, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” His words resonate with me as I hear some Virginians brace for what they “fear” is an upcoming General Assembly session that will produce legislation shattering constitutionally-guaranteed personal liberties and alter the fabric of the Old Dominion. Having had a seat at the table (or on the House floor to be more specific), I see new direction taking shape, but not to the extent that some vocal majorities fear. As is often said, “elections have consequences,” and Virginia’s November 2019 election results undeniably dictate change-in leadership, and, in terms of policy and priorities. It happens no matter which political party is in charge. What will be exciting to watch is the next chapter ofVirginia’s rich history being written. I plan to be present to see the Commonwealth of Virginia swear into office its first-ever female Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Speaker-designee Eileen Filler-Corn assumes the leadership post as the first Jewish Speaker of the House as well. As her mentor in the House of Delegates, I watched Delegate Filler-Corn embrace her duties with heartfelt determination and pursue her legislative priorities with a commitment to “...and fairness for all.” Trained as a lawyer, I am confident of her understanding of theVirginia Constitution and the Constitution of the United States of America. I feel certain history books (and eBooks) will one day describe her tenure as Speaker as a leader who was firm, fair and a dynamic trailblazer. One of the new speaker’s foremost priorities will be transparency. And, I feel certain, this will be the new Virginia Way. From recorded subcommittee votes to committee meetings requiring advance notice, the public can be assured transparency is on full display regardless of the controversial nature of any legislation brought forth. It should come as no surprise that because Virginia added supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment to the legislative lineup last November, the gender equality measure will be approved by the majority of Virginia lawmakers and potentially enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The majority appears committed to enacting a number of gun restrictions during the session, including a ban on the sale of military- style weaponry. It will likely come with a grandfather clause. It is likely we will see support for universal background checks and a red flag law adopted. Support is also growing for a gun free zone at the Capitol. On the hot topic of legalization of marijuana, I see Virginia taking baby steps, with decriminalization winning support in 2020. I predict debate on legalization will be deferred to a future session. The tenor of the younger, more diverse and progressive chamber is worth watching as it stands to have its voice heard as a result of the blue sweep. What will be important is that the new Democratic majority in the General Assembly does not overstate its mandate. The wild card for the current legislature, of course, is control of redistricting in 2021. Also worth watching is whether Democrats continue to shepherd and approve their long-sought-after redistricting reform in the 2020 session, now that they are the majority party. I am an optimistic person by nature. I believe Democrats will be steadfast in their legislative pursuits but not stubborn when it comes to compromise. I believe that women’s issues, concerns of the LGBTQ community and many other decades-long battles will have a full and fair hearing. A Seat at the Table NewWomen, New Chairs Delegate Jeion Ward I am humbled and proud to serve as the chair of the Commerce and Labor committee, and the significance of being the first woman and first African American to hold that position is not lost on me. The fight for equity transcends party, race, or gender— it is about everyone having a seat at the table, and this coming session, we will have the most diverse leadership at any point in the Virginia House of Delegates’ 400-year history. This is a triumph not just for women, or for people of color, or for working Virginians, but for our Commonwealth as a whole, and the responsibility for me is both weighty and exciting. Delegate Jeion Ward represents the 92nd District, which includes Part of Hampton. Senator Barbara Favola Duringmy service on theRehabilitation and Social Services Committee, I immersed myself in the policy issues that came before the Committee. I have “an open door” policy and am willing to meet with all stakeholders and make it a point to understand who the “winners and losers” might be as I consider every piece of legislation. Moreover, I balance that information against the principle of what is in the “best interest of the public.” I believe Virginians want a sensible regulatory framework for the alcohol and beverage industry while ensuring that the impact of the industry does not negatively affect public health and safety. Another major part of the work before the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee is overseeing safety-net programs like the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and programs that support our foster children. On these issues, I will guide the Committee to support policies that enable individuals to achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Programs that offer re-entry support to individuals being released from jail are worthy of adoption. I am also committed to establishing legal guardianship opportunities for family members willing to care for related children when their biological parents can no longer care for them. Both of these efforts should garner bi-partisan support and I will work towards that goal. I am honored to be one of four female committee chairs and appreciate the fact that “sisters” will be available for advice and counsel. I predict that the laws passed in this upcoming session will better reflect that realities of Virginia’s families because more women will be “at the table.” Delegate Roslyn Tyler It is a distinct honor and privilege to be selected as the first African American female to serve as chairperson of the state education committee. I was appointed to this committee in 2006 and now serving for 14 years. I am excited about the opportunity to work to address our education disparities and provide the necessary educational foundation such that each child, regardless Continued on next page