Dear Friends,
For the past six weeks, headlines have been dominated by the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite this fact, the legislative process has continued behind the scenes, with Easter Sunday marking the Governor's deadline to take action (either by approval, veto, or amendment) on legislation passed during the 2020 General Assembly session. The Governor met this deadline, choosing Easter weekend to sign into law numerous controversial bills on issues such as gun-control, eased access to abortion, in-state tuition for non-citizens, and a raft of other bills outlined in previous newsletters.
Later today, the Virginia General Assembly will convene in Richmond to consider the Governor's vetoes and amendments. This "veto session" will be unconventional, to say the least. Typically, the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia convene in the Capitol. Instead, the Senate will meet in a conference room at the Science Museum of Virginia, and the House will gather in a large tent on the Capitol grounds. (See photo at upper left--credit to the office of Senator Steve Newman.)
This format is entirely unprecedented. In addition to the less-than-ideal surroundings, legislators must today consider one veto and hundreds of amendments (to legislation and to the budget) that were made by the Governor. Under the best of circumstances, today would be a long day. Many of these amendments are weighty and include issues such as:
- postponement of the increase in minimum wage
- delay of local (May 5) elections
- postponement of the option for association health plans
- redesign of "driver privilege cards" (for non-citizens) to look more like standard Virginia drivers' licenses
- adoption of an emergency clause allowing certain inmates (including violent offenders) to quickly apply for parole
- postponement of the local option allowing for collective bargaining
- reconsideration of various budget provisions (as a result of the economic collapse stemming from the virus response)
Additionally, legislators today will be asked to consider a policy allowing members of the House and Senate to cast votes remotely (online) rather than in-person, as has been done for hundreds of years in Virginia. Current law stipulates that legislators must convene in-person to establish a quorum. Ending this provision would open the door to myriad challenges (legal, technical, and practical) and would upend the legislative process.
Today will truly be a historic day in Virginia. As the virus continues to upend our daily lives, governing takes on a sobering new reality. Virginians have heeded calls for social distancing with the goal of slowing the spread to preserve health resources. Numbers indicate that our Commonwealth has been relatively successful in this effort. Likewise, we are seeing the ongoing need to protect our most vulnerable citizens (particularly people in assisted living facilities and individuals with pre-existing conditions). As days of isolation turn into weeks and months, the human toll looks different. Loss of income with no hope in sight can be demoralizing at best and devastating at worst. I look forward to helping Virginians reengage with their communities so we can get back to work, school, and to our friends and families.
My previous emails outlined an array of resources and information regarding COVID-19. My office is available to assist with any questions, and I urge you to please reach out if we can be of help with any state agency (including the Virginia Employment Commission). For a prompt response, please email my legislative aide, Dayle Brittain, at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov or call 757-741-7001.
Sincerely,
