Legislating Against Discrimination
I passed several bills last week that would advance equality for women, gay and lesbian married couples, and LGBT state employees.
GMU Students Rally to Lower Student Debt
Members of GMU Student Power Travel to Richmond to voice concern over rising debt.
Twelve students from George Mason University traveled to Richmond with the Virginia Student Power Network, rallying and calling for debt-free education, and for increased educational opportunities for undocumented students. Rodrigo Velasquez, a junior at Mason from Springfield and GMU Student Power’s organizer, was one of the 12 from Mason who also went to Richmond.
Gun Violence, Monkeys and Tax Loopholes
Thanks to all who attended my recent legislative Town Hall Meetings in Arlington and Lee District. We discussed issues including the budget, ethics reforms, gun safety, homelessness among our veterans, and transportation improvements on Route 1.
Commentary: Economy, Budgeting Top Opportunity Agenda in Arlington
Senator Ebbin’s Weekly Richmond Report
Last week, my fellow Democratic Senators and I unveiled our 2015 legislative priorities, an “Opportunity Agenda,” which focuses on six core principles. They are Economic Security; Voter Access and Participation; Equality; Education for a Brighter Future; Restoration of Faith in Government; and Leading Healthier and Safer Lives.
Addressing Growing Student Population in Arlington
New schools and boundary changes in the works in Arlington Public Schools.
While the rest of county moves into the new year, Arlington County Schools are finding themselves in the middle of a challenging one. Arlington schools have faced a 21 percent increase in student population over the last five years and anticipate a 19 percent increase over the next five. This has put a strain on school resources, and consequently has forced the schools to ask for budget increases. Meanwhile, the schools have begun plans to shift school boundaries to spread the student population as evenly as possible.
Arlington Brief: Whipple Named to State Board
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has appointed former state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple to the Virginia Board of Health. Whipple is currently employed as the regional director for community and member outreach for the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Whipple will fill the seat vacated by Eric Deaton, who resigned his seat on the board to take a position outside of Virginia.
Arlington Votes
A morning with the election staff and voters at Arlington’s Madison and Marshal precincts
Arlingtonians lined up to vote on Election Day to choose between Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie. At a more local level, they also chose a candidate to represent the 8th district in the House of Representatives, to vote on the candidates for County Board and School Board, and to vote on four bonds.
Vihstadt Fights To Keep Seat
Incumbent John Vihstadt fights to keep seat and kick out the streetcar.
After 15 years of a Democratic-controlled County Board in Arlington, John Vihstadt, an Independent, has been throwing a few wrenches into the board’s plans.
Facing Off in County Board Rematch
Democrat Alan Howze campaigning for comeback victory.
Things did not go well in Alan Howze in the previous election.
An Economic Debate
8th Congressional District candidates differ over priorities.
Congressional candidates Don Beyer and Micah Edmond squared off last week at a forum in what could rank as one of the election season’s tamest political debates.
Waging Upstream Battle Against Mainstream Parties
Taking a Chance on an Independent.
John Saylor says with pride that he was Gwendolyn Beck’s friend long before he became her campaign manager. Like most friends in the Washington area, he’d talk politics with Beck.
Carson Runs as Libertarian
Jeffrey Carson, the 8th district’s Libertarian candidate, has an unconventional campaign.
Following Don Beyer’s Political Journey
Don Beyer likes climbing mountains. One of his two current dreams is to climb a via feratta, one of the climbing routes along the alps. Beyer has a certain fascination with the Eiger, or “The North Wall.” For Beyer, the appeal is in the challenge.
Micah Edmond Walking the District
On the campaign trail with Edmond.
Micah Edmond’s 8th District Congressional campaign has a problem.
Voting Early
Virtually every voter in Virginia is eligible to vote absentee, which includes voting in-person absentee at a variety of locations between Sept. 19 and Nov. 1.