DOCSLIB.ORG

Jan 26, 2021 Wric.Com Private Prison Company Donated Money to Virginia Senators Who Killed Bill to End For-Profit Prisons in the State RICHMOND, Va

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Jan 26, 2021 Wric.Com Private Prison Company Donated Money to Virginia Senators Who Killed Bill to End For-Profit Prisons in the State RICHMOND, Va Jan 26, 2021 wric.com Private prison company donated money to Virginia senators who killed bill to end for-profit prisons in the state RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Nine of the 11 Virginia state senators who voted against a bill that would have abolished for-profit prison management by 2024 received campaign contributions ahead of this year’s General Assembly session from the company operating the state’s only privately run facility, according to campaign finance reports. On Jan. 15, the Virginia Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee debated SB 1179, proposed by Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), that sought to end the for-profit prison management system in the commonwealth by stripping the authority of the director of Virginia’s Department of Corrections to enter into contracts with private prison operators. The only prison in Virginia not operated by the Department of Corrections is Lawrenceville Correctional Center, which has been run by GEO Group, Inc., a Florida-based private prison contractor, since 2003. GEO Group donated to 29 state lawmakers in 2020, $26,500 to 12 Democrats and $8,500 to 17 Republicans, according to analysis from the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. 8News independently confirmed VPAP’s analysis by reviewing campaign finance reports filed with the state. The company contributed to the campaigns of nine members of the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee with donations ranging from $250 to $1,000. All of the senators who received donations from GEO Group rejected the measure from Ebbin: Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) – $250 Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr. (R-Augusta)- $250 Sen. Jen A. Kiggans (R-Virginia Beach) – $500 Sen. T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason (D-Williamsburg) – $1,000 Sen. Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) – $1,000 Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) – $500 Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) – $500 Sen. Lionell Spruill Sr. (Chesapeake) – $1,000 Sen. Scott Surovell (Fairfax) – $500 In a Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee meeting, Ebbin argued that private prisons hire fewer staff members and provide less training in order to cut costs, claiming that, on average, employees at Lawrenceville receive $5,000 less per year than workers at state-run facilities. “I want to stress that this bill does not close Lawrenceville,” Ebbin told the panel. “Lawrenceville is owned by the state, the brick- and-mortar facility. It wouldn’t close it. It would transfer the facility back to the Department of Corrections.” Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) asked Ebbin what empirical evidence he had that shows private prisons function worse than facilities operated by the state. Ebbin pointed to a study done last year, which was ordered by the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee after the panel set a similar bill from Ebbin aside for the 2020 General Assembly session, that he said found Lawrenceville would hire 93 additional staff members if run by the VADOC. Morrissey, who said his focus was the safety of inmates and referenced over 100 letters he wrote to wardens across the state to release offenders with pre- existing conditions amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic, later challenged Ebbin on language in the bill that would allow the VADOC to contract out other services after possibly taking over Lawrenceville. Sen. Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) asked Ebbin why the Department of Corrections couldn’t simply mandate additional staff members in a contract with private prison operators to solve the issue. “We’re the ones who deprive these people their liberty,” Ebbin responded. “We’re the ones who should ensure that their care is adequate and up to the standards of other facilities in the state.” “It seems to me like the issues Senator Ebbin is expressing are ones that are clearly in the control of DOC, who he is advocating would do a better job,” McDougle argued. “If they didn’t require more staff, if their oversight is not doing it, I’m kind of agreeing with Senator Morrissey. I don’t know why we think it’s a panacea that DOC is going to be doing a significantly better job.” After comments from the public and a bit more debate, the committee voted to kill the legislation. Five Democrats on the panel — Morrissey, Sen. Scott Surovell (Fairfax), Sen. Lionell Spruill Sr. (Chesapeake), Sen. Mamie Locke (Hampton) and Sen. T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason (D-Williamsburg) — joined the six Republicans who sit on the committee to vote against the bill. Campaigns receive several contributions throughout the year and money from GEO Group represents only a small fraction of what the senators on the committee received last filing period. 8News reached out to all nine senators on the committee who received contributions from the company before the 2020 session. Sen. DeSteph, the only lawmaker who responded, said he wasn’t aware of Geo Group’s donation before the vote on SB 1179. “I do not pay attention to who donates to our campaign and will tell you that had nothing to do with my vote on this bill,” he told 8News. “I think that we should continue to privatize our prisons if it is most cost effective to do so.” DeSteph added he was concerned of possibly removing power from the director of the state’s Department of Corrections to contract with private prisons. “I think they should have the authority to have these prisoners housed wherever they deem necessary,” DeSteph continued. “If they need to go to a private facility then so be it…However, I did not want to take a tool out of their toolbox.” After requesting an interview with GEO Group, a spokesperson shared a written statement. “GEO has had a long-standing partnership with the Commonwealth and supports candidates who recognize both the important role we play in providing high-quality services, as well as the role of our Continuum of Care program, which intensely focuses on rehabilitation programming and unprecedented post-release support services, plays in helping inmates earn their re-entry into society as productive and employable citizens,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. Before last year, GEO Group had contributed $67,540 to political campaigns in Virginia since 2015. No donations went to a Democratic candidate or lawmaker in that time, according to VPAP. House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian (D-Prince William) received the largest donation, $10,000, from GEO Group. Torian did not respond to our request seeking comment. Del. Elizabeth R. Guzman (D-Prince William), who is running for Virginia’s lieutenant governor, was the chief co-patron on Ebbin’s bill and has introduced similar legislation in 2019. “Well, you know I think Virginia is a state that is in desperate need of finance reform,” Guzman told 8News’ Kerri O’Brien in an interview. “We don’t have any type of limitations.” Guzman noted that she does not believe GEO Group influenced her colleagues’ votes, but called on the company to invest in staffing at Lawrenceville instead of political campaigns. “But I would say that maybe GEO Group should put its money into better staffing rather than campaign contributions,” Guzman said. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chamber Day at the Capitol January 24, 2018 – Omni Richmond Hotel TENTATIVE AGENDA
    Chamber Day at the Capitol January 24, 2018 – Omni Richmond Hotel TENTATIVE AGENDA 8:00 - 9:00 AM NETWORKING AND REGISTRATION 9:00 AM WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS Barry DuVal, President & CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce The Honorable Justin Fairfax, Lt. Governor of Virginia HOUSE PANEL 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Moderated by: Dr. Bob Holsworth, Managing Principal, DecideSmart Panelists: The Honorable Tim Hugo, Republican Caucus Chair, Virginia House of Delegates The Honorable Matthew James, Virginia House of Delegates The Honorable Margaret Ransone, Virginia House of Delegates The Honorable David Toscano, Minority Leader, Virginia House of Delegates 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM COFFEE BREAK IN FOYER Sponsored by LEAD VIRGINIA SENATE PANEL 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Moderated by: Dr. Bob Holsworth, Managing Principal, DecideSmart Panelists: The Honorable Siobhan Dunnavant, Senate of Virginia The Honorable Monty Mason, Senate of Virginia More panelists to be confirmed soon! 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM REMARKS Barry DuVal 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM NETWORKING BREAK 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM LUNCHEON KEYNOTE REMARKS The Honorable Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Afternoon 1:30 p.m. until Visit with legislators, attend meetings or tour the Capitol* (Free – attendees must schedule their own meetings and tours) Evening – Omni Richmond Hotel 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Old Dominion Assembly (Separate tickets required) *Please allow time to clear security each time you enter a state building. **The Capitol Building is located near the intersection of 10th and Bank Streets. The public entrance and visitor’s center for the Capitol is located on Bank St.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Virginia Capitol Connections
    Virginia Capitol Connections 2020 ai157531556721_2020 Lobbyist Directory Ad 12022019 V3.pdf 1 12/2/2019 2:39:32 PM The HamptonLiveUniver Yoursity Life.Proto n Therapy Institute Let UsEasing FightHuman YourMisery Cancer.and Saving Lives You’ve heard the phrases before: as comfortable as possible; • Treatment delivery takes about two minutes or less, with as normal as possible; as effective as possible. At Hampton each appointment being 20 to 30 minutes per day for one to University Proton The“OFrapy In ALLstitute THE(HUPTI), FORMSwe don’t wa OFnt INEQUALITY,nine weeks. you to live a good life considering you have cancer; we want you INJUSTICE IN HEALTH IS THEThe me MOSTn and wome n whose lives were saved by this lifesaving to live a good life, period, and be free of what others define as technology are as passionate about the treatment as those who possible. SHOCKING AND THE MOSTwo INHUMANrk at the facility ea ch and every day. Cancer is killing people at an alBECAUSEarming rate all acr osITs ouOFTENr country. RESULTSDr. William R. Harvey, a true humanitarian, led the efforts of It is now the leading cause of death in 22 states, behind heart HUPTI becoming the world’s largest, free-standing proton disease. Those states are Alaska, ArizoINna ,PHYSICALCalifornia, Colorado DEATH.”, therapy institute which has been treating patients since August Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, 2010. Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, NewREVERENDHampshir DR.e, Ne MARTINw Me LUTHERxico, KING, JR. North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West “A s a patient treatment facility as well as a research and education Virginia, and Wisconsin.
    [Show full text]
  • THE LEGISLATIVE LINE the Legislative Update from VPAR Number 1 January 20, 2020
    VIRGINIA PENINSULA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® THE LEGISLATIVE LINE The Legislative Update from VPAR Number 1 January 20, 2020 The 2020 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia convened on Wednesday, January 8th. This “long,” 60-day Session sees a new Democrat majority in the House of Delegates (55 Democrats to 445 Republicans), a new Democrat majority in the Senate (21 Democrats to 19 Republicans) and a Democrat Administration…the first time since 1994 that both Chambers and the Executive Branch are led by the same party. New majorities bring new leadership, and for the first time in Virginia’s history, the House of Delegates is led by a female, and the first time that the House has been led by a member of the Jewish faith. Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn assumed the gavel, assisted by another first: the first female Clerk of the House of Delegates, Suzette Denslow. Leadership in both bodies is dominated by Northern Virginia legislators, as are committee chair positions, but Hampton Roads is fortunate to have some dominant members in leadership as well, particularly in the Senate: Sen. Louise Lucas, Portsmouth President Pro Tempore Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Education & Health Sen. Mamie Locke, Hampton Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Rules Sen. Tommy Norment, James City Senate Republican Minority Leader Del. Cliff Hayes, Chesapeake Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Technology & Innovation Del. Jeion Ward, Hampton Chairwoman, House Committee on Labor & Commerce Del. Joe Lindsey Chairman, House Committee on Privileges & Elections Sen. Lynwood Lewis Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Government We should note, too, that Del.
    [Show full text]
  • Letter Signed by 58 Members of the Virginia General Assembly
    m STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION Division of Information Resources © June 5, 2020 MEMORANDUM TO: Document Co Clerk’s Office FROM: KenSchrad m30 RE: PUR-2020-001 I have attached a letter signed by 58 members of the Virginia General Assembly. Sent from the office of Delegate Jerrauld “Jay” Jones, I received the email on Friday afternoon, June 5, 2020. I ask that you pass this correspondence to the referenced case file. PUR-2020-00048 Ex Parte: Temporary Suspension of Tariff Attachment - Letter signed by 44 members of the Virginia House of Representatives and 14 members of the Virginia Senate S ID i) 8 IS June 5, 2020 ® 1 (! VIA ELECTRONIC FILING £ Honorable Mark C. Christie Chairman State Corporation Commission 1300 E. Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 Re: Commonwealth of Virginia, ex rel. State Corporation Commission, Ex Parte: Temporary Suspension of Tariff Requirements Case No. PUR-2020-00048 Dear Commissioner Christie: We greatly appreciate the State Corporation Commission’s continued efforts to protect Virginia consumers during the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic (“COVID- 19”). Please accept this informatory letter in response to issues and questions raised in the Commission’s May 26 Order in the referenced docket. In its Order, the Commission asserted that the current moratorium on utility service disconnections for nonpayment “is not sustainable” and could result in costs being “unfairly shifted to other customers.” The Order also suggested that this moratorium could have “negative impacts on small, less-capitalized utilities and member-owned electric cooperatives,” which “could impact vital services to all customers of such utilities.” The Commission requested comment regarding whether the current moratorium should be continued, and if so, for how long.
    [Show full text]
  • Oppose Mandatory Shift from May to November Elections for Virginia Localities Issue Brief
    Oppose Mandatory Shift from May to November Elections for Virginia Localities Senate Email Addresses: Issue Brief Sen. George Barker: District 39 Across Virginia, 44 percent of cities and 57 percent of towns hold Sen. John Bell: District 13 their local elections in May, rather than November. These localities Sen. Jennifer Boysko: District 33 choose to separate their elections from those for state and federal Sen. Amanda Chase: District 11 offices for a variety of reasons – doing so keeps the focus of local Sen. John Cosgrove: District 14 elections on local issues and keeps the cost of campaigning more Sen. Bill DeSteph: District 08 accessible for new candidates. The option to hold elections in May Sen. Creigh Deeds: District 25 gives localities the flexibility they need to best meet the needs of Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant: District 12 their communities. Sen. Adam Ebbin: District 30 Sen. John Edwards: District 21 Sen. Barbara Favola: District 31 SB1157 (Spruill) proposes to mandate that all localities hold their Sen. Emmett Hanger: District 24 elections in November. Sen. Ghazala Hashmi: District 10 Concerns Sen. Janet Howell: District 32 Sen. Jen Kiggans: District 07 The coincidence of local elections with those at the state and Sen. Lynwood Lewis: District 06 federal level inherently raises the level of partisanship of all Sen. Mamie Locke: District 02 elections, regardless of whether candidates are running without any Sen. Louise Lucas: District 18 party affiliation. By the same token, it introduces partisan politics to Sen. David Marsden: District 37 nonpartisan local issues; political parties make little difference Sen. Monty Mason: District 01 when it comes to community projects like paving roads and keeping Sen.
    [Show full text]
  • GOVERNOR RALPH NORTHAM ENDORSES JAY JONES It Is Time for a New Generation of Leaders to Take the Reins
    In the Democratic primary on June 8, VIRGINIA CAN MAKE HISTORY by electing its first Black Attorney General. Jay was born and raised in Norfolk. His family, descendants of slaves, has lived in Norfolk for Now, he’s running for Attorney generations and has a long history of public service. General to address the racial His grandfather was a civil rights attorney and the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board and the disparities exposed by COVID-19, first Black member of the State Board of Education. root out systemic racism and bias in the justice system, prosecute Jay serves as a state delegate, delivering progressive police misconduct and reduce results that expanded access to health care, increased the minimum wage, and protected our air, mass incarceration. water and land. GOVERNOR RALPH NORTHAM ENDORSES JAY JONES It is time for a new generation of leaders to take the reins. Jay Jones has stood with me “ every step of the way in our journey to make Virginia a more just and equitable place to live. He has been my partner as we have worked to change our Commonwealth. I’m honored to endorse him in his race for Attorney General. ” - Gov. Ralph Northam Jay is also endorsed by over 80 federal, state and local elected officials: Congresswoman Elaine Luria Senator Monty Mason Delegate Jeff Bourne Congressman Bobby Scott Senator Joe Morrissey Delegate David Reid Fmr. Attorney General Mary Sue Terry Senator Lionell Spruill, Sr. Delegate Luke Torian Senator Lynwood Lewis Delegate Alex Askew Mayor Levar Stoney Senator Mamie Locke Delegate Lamont Bagby LiUNA Paid for and authorized by Jay Jones for Attorney General.
    [Show full text]
  • Action Alert: Invasive Plants Legislation
    Action Alert: Invasive Plants Legislation By January 8, 2021! Ask your state senators and delegates to support this bill on invasive plants! Original source – Audubon Society of Northern Virginia Contact your legislators now and ask them to vote in favor of this bill, which will help guide Virginia in controlling the sale of invasive plants. This bill will mandate a study that will explore options for phasing out the propagation and sale of invasive plants in Virginia’s horticultural industry, which may include potential legislative action to be brought the following year to the 2022 General Assembly. The study group, which will include representatives from the nursery and landscaping industry, state agencies and environmental groups, will produce a report of their recommendations and findings. This is a big step forward in the fight against invasive plants! Please call or email both of your legislators now and ask them to support the study bill. During this unusually short legislative session, things will move very fast, so do not delay. You should write the state senator and delegate from your own district, but copy all the members of the Senate and House Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees (see below). When you contact your legislators please use your own words. Some points you might include: • Our local ecosystem is under serious threat from many quarters. We must stop making the situation worse. • Virginia native plants are the basis of our ecosystem. Invasive introduced plants crowd them out, bringing down trees and ruining our natural areas. • You yourself have seen commonly-sold introduced plants that have escaped into the wild (examples include English Ivy, Japanese Barberry, Japanese Pachysandra, Asian Wisteria, Burning Bush, Chinese Silvergrass, Privet, etc.) • It costs taxpayers large amounts of money to control these invasive species in their parks.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2015 Virginia General Assembly Election Update
    November 2015 Virginia General Assembly Election Update Prepared by: Williams Mullen Government Relations 2015 Virginia Elections A Statewide Overview On Tuesday, November 3rd , Virginians elected individuals to fill all 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly. Historically, Virginia has had a limited change in the members of General Assembly as a result of Virginia’s off year election cycle, but partisan redistricting in 2014, a shift in demographics in parts of the state and the retirement of many long serving incumbents, especially in the Senate, created more competitive races in 2015. In the end, despite the spending tens of millions of dollars, Republicans maintained control of the House of Delegates and the Senate, perpetuating the partisan split between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The House of Delegates Because of their overwhelming existing majority (67 Republican – 33 Democrats), there was no doubt that the Republicans would maintain control of the House of Delegates. Of the 100 seats in the House, there were only eleven seats in which an incumbent was not seeking re-election and in six of those eleven, just a single candidate was running, thus guaranteeing their election. Partisan control of the redistricting process results in the drawing of districts that generally favor most incumbents. Republican control of the last redistricting effort particularly protected Republican incumbents. Democrats won four of the six open seats which were previously held by a Democrat (Delegates Surovell, Krupicka, Preston and Joannou). The two uncontested open seats, previously held by Republicans (Delegates Mark Berg and Ed Scott), were retained by Republicans. Chris Collins, who defeated Delegate Mark Berg in a primary election, will represent House District 29 in the Winchester area and Nick Freitas will succeed Delegate Ed Scott, who did not seek re-election, to represent Culpeper and Orange and Madison counties.
    [Show full text]
  • Uber US Political Engagement August 2021
    Philosophy Uber believes in responsible corporate participation in federal, state, and local public policy discussions on matters that affect our business. We participate in the political process to help shape public policy and government actions that are consistent with our values and business objectives. Uber also supports officials, candidates, parties, and other politically oriented organizations that promote policies that are aligned with our priorities and that we believe will have a positive impact on the communities we serve. See Uber's U.S. Corporate Political Activity Policy to learn more about Uber’s approach to US political engagement. H1 2020 U.S. Corporate Political Contributions This list of corporate political contributions is updated semi-annually and contains contributions made in the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Recipient Candidate / Ballot State Semi-Annual Period Contribution Amount Measure Democratic Attorneys Not General Association Not Applicable Applicable H1 2020 $50,000 Duncan for Georgia Geoffrey Duncan GA H1 2020 $5,000 Friends of Steve Gooch Steve Gooch GA H1 2020 $5,000 Keep California Golden Not Applicable CA H1 2020 $100,000 Leading Texas Forward PAC Not Applicable TX H1 2020 $10,000 Nikema Williams for Senate Nikema Williams GA H1 2020 $3,000 Protect App-Based Drivers and Services Proposition 22 CA H1 2020 $117,587 Republican Attorneys Not General Association Not Applicable Applicable H1 2020 $50,000 Silicon Valley JOBS PAC Not Applicable CA H1 2020 $200,000 Teri for Georgia, Inc Teri Anulewicz GA H1 2020 $3,000 H1 2020 Corporate Independent Expenditures This list of independent expenditures is updated semi-annually and contains contributions made in the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
    [Show full text]
  • Wireless Bill Erodes Local Decision-Making Authority for the Siting of Towers and Poles
    Monday, January 15, 2018 Wireless bill erodes local decision-making authority for the siting of towers and poles HB 1258 (Kilgore) and SB 405 (McDougle) substantially limit the ability of local- elected officials to determine how wireless infrastructure is incorporated into their communities, and effectively removes citizen input in making decisions on the siting of towers and poles. VACo Members - Please contact your legislators to OPPOSE HB 1258 (Kilgore) and SB 405 (McDougle). Talking Points • Localities should not be stripped of their ability to determine how wireless towers and poles can be accommodated within their landscape. • Restrictions on how much localities can charge for applications will place a fiscal burden on government operations. • A “one-size-fits-all” approach is unnecessary. Wireless service providers can, and do, find solutions working with local governments and their citizens for the siting of towers and poles. Zoning Decisions Local land use tools allow for zoning decisions to be made based on the best interests of the community. Regarding citizen input, the proposal prohibits a locality from requiring a special exception, special use permit, or variance be obtained for wireless support structures that are 50 feet or less above ground level. Additionally, numerous provisions of the bill would limit local ability to address the visual impact of any wireless tower or pole, regardless of height. 1 Costs The measure also limits how much a locality may charge to review applications and adds a burdensome requirement that localities provide “an accounting of the actual costs incurred” to review each application for a new structure. During the 2017 legislative session, VACo agreed to support legislation (subsequently signed into law) to allow for “by-right” zoning approval for the placement small cell facilities (i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020-2021 Virginia Legislative Competitiveness Scorecard
    PAC 2020-2021 Virginia Legislative Competitiveness Scorecard August 17, 2021 SCORING & GRADING Transparency is essential to understanding the actions of legislators. Improving Virginia's competitiveness is essential to the continued growth of the manufacturing sector. The Virginia Legislative Competitiveness Scorecard will better inform members how frequently each legislator votes for manufacturing competitiveness. This should help members distinguish between the actions and words of the Virginia General Assembly. The 2020-2021 Virginia Legislative Competitiveness Scorecard includes the following 56 bills from 2020 and 45 bills from 2021: 2020 Priority Bills 2021 Priority Bills HB272, HB1132, HB1170, HB1628, HB1850, HB1876, HB1905, HB1935, HB1629, HB1680, HB528, SB590, SB817, HB1982, HB1984, HB1994, HB2048, SJ42 HB2134, HB2173, HB2185, HB2187, HB2200, HB2204, HB2270, HB2281, HB2333, SB1158, SB1164, SB1222, 2020 Defensive SB1292, SB1295, SB1354, SB1392, Priority Bills SB1403, SB1405, SB1445 HB45, HB46, HB68, HB77, HB153, 2021 Defensive HB358, HB395, HB534, HB577, HB582, HB617, HB640, HB643, HB644, HB706, Priority Bills HB785, HB798, HB833, HB898, HB981, HB1129, HB1136, HB1407, HB1450, HB1755, HB1862, HB1902, HB1934, HB1451, HB1526, HB1541, HB1664, SB7, HB1965, HB2016, HB2037, HB2103, SB8, SB11, SB94, SB95, SB426, SB481, HB2174, HB2221, HB2282, HB2312, SB588, SB782, SB851, SB860, SB894, HB2313, HB2330, SB1284, SB1319, SB939, SB966, SB998, SB1027, SB1075, SB1330, SB1406 SB1096 SCORING & GRADING Scoring is based on votes involving select VMA Priority and Defensive Priority bills. Priority bills are bills introduced on VMA's behalf, or a coalition to which it belongs, and directly relates to VMA legislative priorities developed by members, member committees, and the Board of Directors. They are supported by the VMA's Virginia MFG Competitiveness Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Virginia League of Conservation Voters
    VIRGINIA LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS Virginia General Assembly Conservation 2019 Scorecard valcv.org Virginia LCV Board of Directors Table of Contents Dana Krauskopf Lori Keenan McGuinness Chair Vice Chair p3 Foreword from Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town Sam Bleicher Leslie Cheek III p4 2019: The Awesome and the Awful John Grant Christopher G. Miller p6-7 2019 Legislative Heroes and Leaders George L. Ohrstrom II Jean Perin p8 2019 Special Award Winners Dick Raines Carey Whitehead p9 Scored Legislation Legislature rams through surprise SCC judge p12 Virginia LCV Staff p18 Impactful issues not in this year’s conservation scores Michael Town p20 Bill patrons: Where conservation victories begin Executive Director p21 2019 Scores: Virginia House of Delegates Lee Francis Kelly Tsow p24 2019 Scores: Virginia Senate Deputy Director Development Director Moving our agenda forward, post-scandal Avohom Carpenter Drew Edwards p26 Director of Civic Engagement Director of Finance and Administration Danielle Simms Bridget McGregor 2019 Scorecard acknowledgments Government Relations Manager Northern Virginia Organizer Content: Lee Francis, Kim Jemaine and Michael Town Raz Ahmadi Bri Carroll Graphic Design: Lee Francis Richmond Organizer Development Assistant Front Cover Photo: Sunrise Reflection by Barbara Houston of Quinton | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia Kim Jemaine Molly Negus Communications and Policy Associate Finance and Administrative Assistant 2 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard 2019 General Assembly Chaotic 2019 session yields conservation wins The 2019 General Assembly began on a nies. The coincidence of these two anniversa- energy by mid-century. pretty normal note. By the midpoint of ses- ries should not be lost on any Virginian. Virginia We need climate action now, and a few at sion, we had made steady progress on a host can and should not escape its painful history the General Assembly continue to successfully of important environmental issues with only a with racism and our continuing struggle with stand in the way, time after time.
    [Show full text]