Why Voting Matters: Republicans Stymied During Regular General Assembly Session
The 2022 Virginia General Assembly Session has adjourned “Sine Die”, with an April 4 special session expected to tie up a few loose ends on the budget and a handful of bills. The regular session clearly demonstrated a truth we all know too well: elections have consequences.
Republicans, now in control of the House of Delegates and the Governor’s mansion, made repeated attempts to roll back the progress we’ve made as well as promoting a Texas-style vision for the Commonwealth, only to find a brick wall in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
They tried and failed to:
Pass a number of voter restriction laws that would require a photo ID, that would limit absentee voting, and that would repeal same-date voter registration (currently on track to start in November).
Repeal a number of gun violence prevention laws, including the law allowing localities to ban guns from public spaces.
Ban the teaching of “Divisive Concepts” in schools.
Ban abortion after 20 weeks, require anti-abortion counseling and an ultrasound before receiving an abortion.
Repeal the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and Clean Car Standards (CCS), and take Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Appoint Donald Trump’s EPA Chief, Andrew Wheeler, to Secretary of Historic and Natural Resources.
Repeal collective bargaining rights for local governments.
Repeal the scheduled minimum wage increases.
Republicans were able to achieve some of their objectives, however. Two amendments to the Virginia Constitution were defeated by House Republicans: one would have automatically restored the right to vote for convicted felons once they’ve served their time, the other would have permited same sex marriage.
Democrats did take advantage of some bipartisan opportunities. On campaign finance reform, while House Republicans rejected an overhaul, a handful of measures did pass to ensure greater transparency. A bill requiring absentee votes be reported by precinct passed, while a bill expanding the State Board of Elections and giving the board authority to appoint the Commissioner of Elections has been continued to the special session.
In spite of the challenges, our delegation passed some important legislation, addressing issues such as:
Broadband affordability (Del. Subramanyam and Sen. Boysko)
Financial assistance and payment plans for the uninsured (Sen. Favola)
Continuing to allow to-go and delivery cocktails (Sen. Bell)
Foster care kinship notice (Del. Gooditis)
Allowing the Loudoun County School board to stagger terms (Del. Reid)
Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of an outward expression of faith (Del. Shin)
Prohibiting life insurance companies from discrimination against live organ donors (Del. Delaney)
Increasing protection for victims of child abuse (Del. Murphy)
Beyond the dog-eat-dog political fray arising from elections, there are some matters that are so essentially American that politicians of all breeds come together in near unison. Such was the case as Republicans and Democrats united to pass five bills to protect beagles at the Cumberland County beagle-breeding mill.
