Battle for More Conservative Policy Shaping Up in Legislature

By Hannah Hess, Virginia Statehouse News Thursday, January 12, 2012

RICHMOND - As Virginia Republicans grabbed the reins in the state Senate on Wednesday, a coalition of progressive interest groups geared up to fight against expected conservative policy shifts.

"There is obviously a different makeup of the General Assembly this year, and I think everybody here recognizes that it's going to be an uphill fight to promote and protect our priorities this year," said Anna Scholl, executive director of ProgressVA, a statewide, multi-issue progressive advocacy organization that was among the groups rallying Wednesday at the statehouse.

"We want to present as strong a front as possible," Scholl said.

Senate Republicans, tied for control with Senate Democrats, argued and won a rule change enabling them to stack committees and the power to decide whether bills live or die. Each party holds 20 seats.

By giving Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling the power to use his tie-breaking vote on organizational matters, Republicans secured control of both chambers of the Legislature — in addition to the executive branch — and crushed Democrats' hopes for a power-sharing agreement.

Newly elected Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment assured his colleagues the move was not a "power grab," but rather the result of a careful study of existing rules. Democrats alleged that by overriding the rule guaranteeing committees reflect the same partisan makeup of the Senate as a whole, Republicans violated the will of Virginia voters.

They vow to seek a resolution in court, pushing a Richmond Circuit Court judge to rule on a lawsuit filed by Democratic Caucus Chairman Sen. Don McEachin challenging GOP authority.

State Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke City, accused his colleagues of violating Virginia's constitution. State law allows for 40 senators, but Edwards said Bolling would be acting as the 41st.

In a passionate appeal, state Sen. Yvonne Miller, D-Norfolk, accused Republicans of violating the will of "the people that elected me."

Norment urged the Senate to continue working together.

Sixty members of Virginia Organizing, a coalition of labor, environmental and pro-choice groups, including ProgressVA, rallied on the sidewalk outside the General Assembly building Wednesday morning.

"I'm concerned about the economy and the lack of jobs," said Jacqueline Davis, 65, of Charlottesville, a member of the group. "I would like for corporations not to continue to have huge loopholes in paying taxes. I would like to see health care for all. I would like for abortion to remain legal, and I don't want to drink uranium."

Virginia Organizing members are concerned that uranium mining, which the General Assembly is considering legalizing for the production of nuclear reactor fuel, could have negative effects on the environment and people's health.

Davis and others canvassed the floors of the building on the opening day of the 2012 session and knocked on all 140 members' doors. Together they delivered goodie bags containing symbolic items. A tube of glue was included to represent the strength of a united coalition.

This is the first year the eight groups have united as a single force. Scholl said she hoped the Republicans would follow the will of Virginia and allow Democrats to have some input on the legislative agenda.

"Virginians don't support an extreme conservative agenda," she said.

During a news conference focusing on the 2012 session, Bolling hinted at Republican plans. He vowed to protect the state's right-to-work laws, which prevent unions from forming exclusive agreements with Virginia employers. Bolling said he would work to maintain the laws as a way to expand business.

Members of the Service Employees International Union, the largest health-care union representing more than 1.1 million members, also joined the Virginia Organizing coalition.

Jenny Lawson, executive director of Virginia Civic Engagement Table, a grassroots organizing advocacy group that helped Virginia Organizing develop its strategy, rallied the group to support health-care workers.

"We need to pay our workers well … taking care of people in their homes cost-efficiently … and doing the services that actually help people," Lawson said to an applauding audience.

The coalition plans to continue to support each others' issues throughout the 60-day session.