Virginia College and University Bailout: Democratic Base Camp

As the news fills with all the issues that localities are facing with regard to virtual learning and no "in-person" schooling for the elementary, middle and high schools all across the Commonwealth and the lack of adequate preparedness by the Northam administration, the political focus has shifted to colleges and universities in Richmond.

The question is why? 

Everyone understands the value of Virginia's colleges and universities, however the skyrocketing premiums paid for tuition in higher education has been unsustainable for quite some time burdening Virginia families and students with continued student loan debt without any relief in truth for twenty years. 

Virginia colleges and universities have been able to raise tuition and fees at will the past few decades so much that students today are being charged sometimes seven to ten times as much as their parents just two or three decades ago while the education lobbies have sought to prevent any alternative models in Richmond.

The college and university model in truth has never been afforded much competition. The lobbyists and politicians in Richmond have seen to that. For years other states have dedicated resources to distance learning at the college level and many well known universities have implemented massive online global campus programs to meet the needs of those seeking a degree or certificate in specific areas of study.

There is not one Virginia college or university known nationally for a distance learning program for adults, veterans or college bound students. In fact, about a decade ago there was push back from colleges and universities to keep such programs from even coming into existence in Virginia meanwhile place like the University Maryland Global Campus just across the Potomac River in Maryland now has over 85,000 students enrolled 100% online. Other states have similar programs. One such program is University of Texas El Paso- UTEP Connect which offers online programs targeting veterans as well as working families and students alike.

The question remains why Virginia with an estimated 750,000 veteran population has never determined to provide the resources for such programs at the state level to keep many of these veterans enrolled in Virginia instead of having to enroll outside the Commonwealth.

The pandemic has created much concern on campus however one of the real concerns that many are not addressing in truth is the fact that colleges and universities while dealing publicly with the Covid-19 situation and all the mandates are privately extremely concerned that the pandemic has now shown Virginia families that the four year college on campus "experience" may not offer the best method in terms of quality and affordability. For decades there has failed to exist true alternative for families other than the Virginia Community College System which has never been given its due with regard to the quality of education students receive. In fact, it was community colleges that were the first to implement limited distance learning programs for working adults years ago.

Now Virginia families are seeing that virtual learning or distance learning could have many benefits for college age students given it afford the opportunity for students to work while in college and stay at home if necessary and avoid campus living expenses and still receive a degree from the college or university. This creates a ton of fear at colleges and universities. No one wants to admit it but fact remains these colleges and universities are run like business entities that are subsidized by all tax payers. 

So much attention is paid to elementary and secondary education that very little every gets discussed regarding how much the Commonwealth actually pays to support colleges and universities. In 2019 Democrats campaigned on raising the level of funding for public school systems some 1 billion a year to meet the needs of schools. In order to do so where is that funding going to come from in the state budget? Why is education getting funded in the manner it is while roads , bridges and infrastructure go unaddressed? Its very simple. Roads do not vote.

Instead you see Virginia Democrats setting the table to implement measures like use of "internet sales taxes"dedicated to education. This should remind everyone of the promises made regarding proceeds from the Virginia Lottery. Democrats are very skilled at identifying areas of opportunities that must be addressed however never seem to figure out how to actually pay for them without having to raise taxes or create new taxes.

In the 2020 General Assembly Session, Virginians got real insight into the political priorities of the new majority in Richmond. In an effort to raise teacher salaries driven by the Virginia Education Association (VEA) the state would implement a college and university tuition freeze however than offset the impact of the freeze on colleges and universities by also providing them additional funding directly from the state. In effect the state shifted the funding from families paying any increases in tuition to providing colleges and universities the funding directly from tax payers (all) to compensate for any deficeit the freeze may have created. In essence a clever bailout.

In essence, college and universities would not have to cut expenses or implement wide spread structural changes to operations or how they conduct business due to the freeze in tuition. Of course many would claim that is a very simplistic observation but true nonetheless. Here is an example of how budgets simply move things around as a result of the "tuition freeze":

"Old Dominion gets another $2.8 million next year to increase need-based financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students, a 7.7% increase. Norfolk State University will get another $816,000 for financial aid, a 3.7% increase. The budget also grants the university $548,000 a year for its new Center for African American Policy.

Christopher Newport University will get $125,000 next year to increase need-based financial aid by 1.2%. The College of William and Mary will get another $146,000 next year for needs-based financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students, a 0.3% increase.

As their share of the tuition freeze funds, ODU would receive $3.2 million; CNU, $2.8 million; NSU, $1 million;and William and Mary, $900,000." (The Virginian Pilot)

Has the college model really changed all that much? It is basically the same model most parents experienced in college in terms of structure and form. The credit hour model and requirements are relatively unchanged just like the "four year' model approach however one thing that has changed has been the interjection of more and more "political" influence upon basic courses in humanities. Campuses have become incubators for both progressive and socialistic theory at the expense of conservatism. The political forces in Richmond understand this and understand that the college campus is a driver for the social and political movements that are the underpinnings of the Democratic Party. Liberal and Progressive educators now far surpass Conservative on campus and many argue that it has never been harder for a conservative educator to get tenure than today.

What we are seeing now with families and more engagement in learning and the overall education process and that scares the education industrial complex. A complex that has created a business model that is so insulated from any economic reality that families or society ever face whether recession, depression or even times of war. Yet the one thing that they could not have predicted was the impact of the Covid-19 virus and how it would create more awareness from parents in terms of the options they face with regard to education now.

The politicians are now faced with the fact that the virus may create a situation where less and less students begin to enroll in college. This would in effect blow up the model that has been created. Parents today are asking themselves for the first time whether or not it really is of value anymore to send children to college campus of the education they can receive online or virtually is equal or even better and at substantial savings.

Why would the state have to continue to increase financial aid funding if less and less students enroll? Why is the state having to increase the funding in the first place? Is it due to the fact that tuition has ballooned out of control? Why are colleges and universities  funded with state tax dollars not required to reduce operational expenses on their end and totally restructure in order to compete? Does not every college and university in Virginia whether public or private compete for each year's school enrollment? Is not the Commonwealth picking favorites in its budgets when it provides some schools with aid and others no aid. What is the model used to determine which schools get the aid? 

In the real business world we are seeing closures as a result of the pandemic of 2020. Are we seeing a school closures? Is not what we are talking about today in Richmond nothing more than a "bailout" for colleges and universities unprepared for the impact of pandemic? Governor Ralph Northam and the Democrats have yet to offer a single plan regarding the economic recovery of business development and jobs in Virginia during the month long "Special Session" and yet seeks to advance the following:

"Governor Ralph Northam today announced a higher education refinancing plan that will save Virginia’s public colleges and universities more than $300 million over the next two years. The Commonwealth of Virginia will take advantage of low interest rates by refinancing bonds issued by the Treasury Board of Virginia (TBV) and the Virginia College Building Authority (VCBA), which institutions of higher education use for capital projects. The Governor was joined by George Mason University President Dr. Gregory Washington and state legislators for the announcement at the university’s Fairfax campus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have tremendous impacts on higher education, including the fiscal health of our colleges and universities,” said Governor Northam. “Families all over the country are taking advantage of record low interest rates to refinance their home mortgages, and we want our public institutions to benefit as well. Refinancing will free up millions of dollars in savings allowing our colleges and universities to make critical investments, meet the needs of Virginia students, and continue offering a world-class education.”

Virginia has successfully avoided cuts to higher education during the pandemic. The Commonwealth has worked hard to maintain its valued AAA bond rating, which has allowed the state to be eligible for these favorable interest rates.

“Our public higher education institutions are critical to Virginia’s success, and we know they are hurting right now,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Janet Howell. “Allowing them to refinance some of their debt is an innovative way to save money when they need it most, and I look forward to supporting the legislative portion of this proposal next session.”

Many Virginia colleges and universities have seen a decline in revenue traditionally used for bond payments. These institutions are also navigating uncertainty regarding in-person learning, with many unsure when or how students will return to campus. Under the Governor’s plan, institutions will make no principal payments on their VCBA bonds through fiscal year 2023. The proposed restructuring would also extend institutions’ payment plans for two years beyond their current schedule, for both VCBA and TBV bonds.

“As stewards of the Commonwealth’s finances, we are always seeking creative solutions to financial issues,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian. “Helping public colleges and universities restructure their debt obligations allows them to focus their resources on the pressing needs they face right now as a result of the pandemic.”

As part of his plan, Governor Northam will work with the General Assembly to allow additional flexibility for higher education refinancing during the 2021 General Assembly session.

“Governor Northam is committed to supporting Virginia’s institutions of higher education,” said Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne. “These savings will make a tremendous difference for our colleges and universities as they navigate these challenging times.” (Office of the Governor)

Colleges and Universities are vital to the economy however there is no argument that the educational industrial complex is vital to the Democratic Party of Virginia politically and it is clear that Democrats seek to allocate more and more funding in this area without any real strings with regard to operational changes that would reduce tuition on Virginia families.

Democrats see very little need to demand such structural and operational changes to the education industrial complex as it simply plans to use more and more tax dollars generated on the backs of Virginians to fund more and more financial aid funding for Virginia colleges and universities requiring every Virginian to pay more at the end of the day whether a family has a student enrolled in college or not.

At some point does the Virginia Legislature not have to take into account the massive endowments that many colleges and universities in Virginia are sitting on or does it simply keep ignoring that fact and continue to "bailout" one of the largest business enterprises in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the education industrial complex.

Lets get back to putting Virginia families and students FIRST! Not an educational industrial complex that fails to put the needs of students first.

Guest Commentator, Jonathan Scott

September 25, 2020

"I know what its like to be the victim"- State Senator Amanda Freeman Chase

                                                     

During this weeks Virginia State Legislature's "Special Session", Virginia lawmakers debated law enforcement reforms in wake of the recent national instances of negative interactions between citizens and law enforcement. None of these instances however occurred in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, more law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty over the last few years than "officer shootings" resulting in the death of any citizens.

Nonetheless, never letting a "crisis" go to waste the Democratic Party of Virginia has sought to advance reforms that would impact the manner in which Virginia law enforcement operates. Some of the provisions can be argued from a civil libertarian view point as valid. One such provision is "no knock" warrants. The "choke hold" measure however appears to be something that was derived from other states in truth or at the very least copycatted because Virginia law enforcement does not engage in "choke holds" as a means of force when interacting with citizens.

https://wamu.org/story/20/09/10/virginia-senate-votes-to-ban-no-knock-warrants-and-create-process-to-decertify-police/

The S.B. 5030 bill puts Virginia Democrats in a very tenuous position. The appearance or "optic" this week is that Democrats do not support law enforcement and are attempting to undermine the ability for law enforcement to do its job effectively. Suburban districts certainly do not wish to see what is happening in places like Richmond City happen in their communities. Some in the Democratic Caucus support defunding police entirely where the majority appears to simply seek to enact reforms to appease the far left of the party. Many see this week as mere posturing for next year in attempts by some Democrats to avoid primary challenges from the "progressive" wing of the party which is well funded with resources coming from outside the Commonwealth. This week has put Democrats on soft footing for the House races coming in 2021 which resembles the door Democrats provided Virginia Republicans in the 1990's in terms of making crime and law enforcement a central theme in campaigning. Many political analysts draw a direct line of this theme to the election of Governor George Allen (R) during that decade.

In what appeared to be the perfect opportunity for Virginia Republicans to come together in a focused effort to begin to formulate new messaging for 2021, appeared shattered with one speech on the floor during the S.B. 5030 debate. State Senator Amanda Freeman Chase (I- Chesterfield) who no longer caucuses with the Virginia Senate GOP managed to once again spotlight on herself. This has become habitual for the State Senator who is seeking the GOP nomination to run for Governor in 2021. 

State Senator Chase (I) 

In an effort to address her "stand" or support for law enforcement, Senator Chase once again played the victim card. A card that Chase has routinely played over and over on the campaign trail all across Virginia in 2020. Recently, Chase claimed she was the victim of "liberal" restaurant owners in Harrisonburg, VA when  owners asked for her to wear a mask in accordance with the state mandate governing restaurant services. The owners provided Chase with reasonable accommodation though Chase never owned this fact in terms of informing her followers. Chase claimed she was "denied service" because of her refusal to respect Governor Northam's mask covering mandates. Chase would later claim that a "medical condition" of some sort prevented her from wearing masks yet multiple images of her mask wearing appeared on social media to undermine this claim.

On the Senate floor, Chase rose to oppose S.B. 5030 and in doing so determined to bring up the 2019 incident in which she had involving an interaction with Capitol Police at Pedestrian Plaza in Richmond where Chase attempted to park her car in an unauthorized parking spot. Chase asserted on the floor that she knew "...what its like to be the victim" as she described this interaction only to receive moans from her colleagues.  Chase sated she was thankful that the officer was no longer with the Capitol Police implying that the officer was a "bad officer".

Chase's comments stem from the 2019 incident in which Capitol Police officer Ashley Berryman refused to permit Senator Chase from parking in an unauthorized spot and where Berryman stated Chase became "irate" and used profanities directed at her.

Chase was quoted as stating to Berryman "You don't know the equality of women's right" and "Do you know who I am?" while Berryman remained professional and radioed her superior and support officer to determine if she was permitted to allow Chase to park in the area. After word came down the chain of command that Chase was not authorized to park in the area, Chase became even more agitated with Berryman and stated:

"Madame Clerk, Miss Piggy, gets to park her fat ass in front" referring to the Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaars who apparently was in fact authorized to park in the location and at the time first term Senator Chase was not. Chase was directed to park in her authorized deck.

Now Chase appears to insinuate that Officer Berryman was "bad officer" and was now longer with the Capitol Police because of her performance yet this is not the case at all. Ashley Berryman is now a federal law enforcement officer and by all estimations was elevated in her career field. Berryman was never removed from duty by the Capitol Police and was a well respected member of the department.

This incident followed another with Capitol Police where many believed that Senator Chase was using the Capital Police as a personal shuttle service for her own benefit.

The 2019 incident was merely the first run in with law enforcement that Chase claims to support. One thing is very clear and while Chase may claim to "support" or "stand" with law enforcement her own actions appear to provide a very different position. Chase has continued to use law enforcement throughout her campaign as a sword to advance her own paradigm on various issues and routinely with no corroboration.

For example, Senator Chase claimed earlier this year that she had credible information from law enforcement in North Carolina that Governor Northam was traveling to Manteo, NC during the pandemic to vacation on the weekends. This claim nor any corroboration from law enforcement was every provided. Then a few months later, Chase claimed that the Chesterfield County Chief of Police informed her that Antifa was planning to cross the James River and terrorize residents of her district and that the militias were being called out. The Chief denied any such conversation concerning Antifa too place. This followed Chase's assertions a year prior that the Chesterfield Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Karl Leonard was soft on illegal immigration and ultimately opposed the Sheriff's nomination. This opposition resulted in Chase being ousted from her local GOP committee for failure to support a bonafide GOP nominee per RPV rules.

It has become rather evident to the political community that Senator Chase is nothing more than an opportunist who continues in every instance to claim the "victim" card when it suits her politically. Any time that any questions arise regarding Chase for her own actions or statements Chase claims they are simply coming from "liberal operatives" or some conspiracy against her.

Chase has repeatedly made this claim over and over. When supporters formed a grassroots Facebook group for Chase and the group refused to permit her control of the group messaging or permit her to place donation links on the group page, Chase took to her own social media calling the group creators "fake" and "liberal plants". Chase would claim a "bait and switch" yet refused any attempts at mediation in terms of the group now with over 12,000 members. 

Chase has sought on two separate instances to undermine the group, once in April after a article was released by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and than again in August with no success.  Chase claimed to have no personal knowledge of the creators on her facebook page yet text messages were published demonstrating that Chase had been in contact with the creators as far back as October of 2019 where she enlisted their support as well as calls and texts during the 2020 General Assembly session completely discredit Chase's assertions and claims.

The Democrats had a field day. The liberal Blue Virginia page reported the circumstance as follows:

https://bluevirginia.us/2020/05/sen-amanda-chase-far-right-candidate-for-virginia-governor-in-2021-goes-to-war-with-her-supporters-over-control-of-a-grassroots-pro-chase-facebook-page

The group has continued to grow from 8,000 to over 12,000 since Chase began her campaign to undermine it claiming she was the "victim" once again. The groups description clearly describes itself as unrelated or affiliated to any campaign. The group can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/999287823791649

The pattern of claiming to be the "victim" appears to be the central theme of the Chase for Governor 2021 campaign. Based on recent fundraising reporting from Virginia Public Access this theme does not appear to be resonating. Chase trails Delegate Jennifer Foy (D),  State Senator Jennifer McClellan (D) , former Governor Terry McAulifee (D-undeclared) in donations and in the first full quarter Chase reported only $200,953. Here is the breakdown:

https://www.vpap.org/offices/governor/elections/

Chase's own response to the 2019 incident involving Officer Berryman is indicative of every instance in which anyone challenges State Senator Amanda Freeman Chase:

"I am a bit surprised by this report, which honestly, looks like it was written by democrat operatives."

Virtual Learning: How Gov. Terry McAuliffe and VEA Failed Virginia Families

As the Virginia Legislature continues its "Special Session" next week, one of the biggest issues that will get debated by legislators is how to address the Commonwealth of Virginia's public school system and the lack of "in person" schooling taking place as a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Legislators will have opportunity to consider legislation that attempts to address those students throughout Virginia that live in areas or regions that do not have broadband internet access to facilitate "on-line" or "virtual learning" as well as all the students in the urban and suburban areas with access.

However, it is important to remember that the unpreparedness that the Virginia public education system has experienced during the pandemic very well may have been avoided had it not been for Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia Education Association.

In order to understand why things are where they are in Virginia in terms of education it is important to look backward.

This week during the "Special Session" we have seen Delegates using a "virtual" session which they managed to of on Thursday yet many school systems are still lacking the infrastructure or tools to implement such programs effective

"Let’s empower parents to get the technology, to get their kids the technology to learn virtually... Let’s empower parents to get the tutoring and in-person teaching their children need to excel, regardless of how much money they make.” stated Delegate Carrie Coyner (R).

"I would hope that we would support school systems as they go virtual...not because it’s what we want, but because where we are right now in this epidemic it’s what we need. It’s what’s doable. It’s where students can best learn.” Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg (D).

Both Coyner and VanValkenburg have experience in education. Coyner is a former School Board member in Chesterfield County and VanValkenburg is a teacher in Henrico County. Both entered the House of Delegates after Governor Terry McAuliffe had left office and never had the opportunity to vote on Virginia's Virtual School Board first introduced in 2016.

These two counties represent significant school age populations in suburban Richmond rivaled only on Northern Virginia counties like Fairfax.

Where other states have transitioned to on-line or "virtual learning" though such platforms as Google classroom or Blackboard, Virginia lags behind. The question becomes how is it that Virginia get caught so off guard during the pandemic with the extended periods of no "in-person" learning and how could the state leave local jurisdictions in such a position of unpreparedness to deal with the situation.

Truth be told this very situation very well could have been avoided entirely. Republicans began working on legislation as early as 2015 regarding increasing the funding in the area of virtual learning though you will not hear much of that around Richmond these days. Members of both parties supported vital legislation in 2016 and 2017 that would have moved virtual learning forward in Virginia with the necessary funding. Virginia did in fact already have some on line learning programs through the Department of Education however, the virtual learning transformation sought via the legislation would have created a virtual school independently.

Here is the measure. Both Senate Bill 1240 and House Bill 1400 were identical.

Republicans Siobhan Dunnavant in the Senate and "Dickie" Bell in the House were the chief patrons of these vital virtual learning bills in 2017.

SB 1240 Virginia Virtual School Board

Virginia Virtual School established. Establishes the Board of the Virginia Virtual School (the Board) as a policy agency in the executive branch of state government for the purpose of governing the full-time virtual school programs offered to students enrolled in the Virginia Virtual School (the School). The Secretary of Education is responsible for such agency. The 14-member Board is given operational control of the School and assigned powers and duties. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the bill requires the School to be open to any school-age person in the Commonwealth and to provide an educational program meeting the Standards of Quality for grades kindergarten through 12, with a maximum enrollment of 5,000 students statewide. The bill requires the average state share of Standards of Quality per pupil funding for each enrolled student to be transferred to the School

Incorporates S.B 1380 ( Sen. Petersen (D) )

Incorporates S.B.  1570 (Se. Peake (R) )

02/03/17 Passes 38--0- 1 abstention Senate

02/20/17 Passes the House of Delegates 59-37

03/13/17- Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) 

04/05/17  Senate sustains Governors Veto  21-19

04/05/17- Veto Overide fails in Senate--- requires  27 YES votes.

So what happened? Why did this particular bill supported by both the House and Senate that not only passed in 2017 but had also passed both in 2016 get vetoed a second time by Governor Terry McAuliffe (D). This may provide insight.

         

This comes from the Virginia Education Association (VEA) Daily Reports dated April 6, 2017. Clearly the VEA stood in the way of this significant legislation becoming law. This provides some insight of how the lobbying efforts of the VEA who represents teachers throughout Virginia who pay membership may have directly resulted in where Virginia is today with virtual learning and why Virginia is playing catch up some three years later.

VEA had Virtual School Board in effect killed even after legislators supported it until the Governor vetoed the measure.

"Every year, on a Wednesday, six weeks after the close of session, the General Assembly reconvenes to take up the Governor's action on the bills passed by the legislature during the regular session. Yesterday was that day. Governor McAuliffe has vetoed 40 bills this session. Delegate Kirk Cox gave a floor speech announcing that the Governor has set a single-session record for vetoes. Because all his vetoes held, Governor McAuliffe has vetoed 111 bills during his term. That is a term record as well. Governor Gilmore has the next highest number- 91 vetoes. Delegate Toscano did remind the House that many of the House bills the Governor vetoed this session are identical to bills he vetoed last session.

The VEA was following a group of bills. These bills are all bad for public education and we are thankful to our members who have called, emailed, and written the Governor asking for his veto. We are also grateful that WE WERE HEARD! Governor McAuliffe vetoed all of the bills we requested. We expect the vetoes to be upheld since you need a 2/3 vote to overturn a veto. The Senate sits at 21-19, so it is very difficult to get a 2/3 vote in that body. The House, on the other hand, sits at 66-34, just one vote away from a 2/3 vote possibility. We followed the House closely, but we felt good that we had locked up our votes. Thank you to the 34 members of the House of Delegates who stood with us on the vetoes!

Today we will watch the following veto votes:

House Bill 1400, Delegate Dickie Bell's Virtual School Bill (the Senate version, Senate Bill 1240, from Senator Dunnavant is identical to the House bill and was also vetoed). In his veto, the Governor questioned the constitutionality of these bills. He also commented that, even with off-session work to improve this legislation, it passed in a nearly identical form as House Bill 8 from the 2016 session that he also vetoed. These bills would establish a separate Virtual School Board independent of the Virginia Board of Education and would receive state funding on a per-pupil basis based, draining those resources from our traditional public schools. All school divisions in VA are already required to offer on-line courses, and the VA Department of Education already offers full-time, virtual high school. The VEA opposed these bills and we are grateful the veto was upheld. In the House, the 34 Democrats were joined by Republican Delegates Bloxom, Farrell, Habeeb, Helsel, Hugo, Miller, Ware and Yost in sustaining the Governor's veto."

These bills in 2017 were first introduced in 2016 as House Bill 8. The Daily Press reported the following on March 31, 2016:

"Under the legislation, a student will be able to enroll in a state-approved virtual program if a parent determines that doing so is in the "best interest of such student," but no more than 2 percent of all students in a division could enroll.

The school would be tuition-free to all students, but comes with a $275,000 initial start up cost in Fiscal Year 2018 under the General Assembly-approved budget.

The state share of the per-pupil funding provided to each division would be transferred to the virtual school"

This was the basis it seems for the VEA determined effort for two years to keep the "Virtual School Board" from happening. The state share of the per student funding to local jurisdictions would be impacted if such a board were established and create an entity that very well may have been beyond its lobbying control.

So when Virginia parents look to Richmond for answers in terms of the circumstance the Commonwealth education system faces now with no in-person schooling to start the school year and the majority of school systems having to implement "virtual learning" understand that Virginia has been here before. Richmond had the opportunity not once but twice in 2016 and 2017 to get a jump start on such virtual learning for students and the VEA and Governor Terry McAuliffe(D) failed them.

Jonathan Scott

Guest Contributor

Virginia Assembly: Day 3 Virginia Senate Update

 

The Virginia Legislature "Special Session" day is underway and the Virginia Senate meeting at the Science Museum of Virginia on West Broad Street in Richmond is taking up various bills today coming from the Senate Education and Health Committee.

         

The Senate has determined to combine three bills (S.B.  5026, 5150, 5081) into one bill that has passed unanimously. These bills address that matter in which the public is informed with regard to outbreaks, location, cases and deaths resulting from said outbreak.

The Senate has also advanced S.B 5004 calling for every school building in the Commonwealth to have a School Nurse on site. This bill while passing was referred back to Finance Committee.

One bill that appears stalled is the bill relating to the prevention of evictions during the pandemic.  The Senate has put off this bill until next session in January. Virginia experienced a 16% rent failure rate in the month of July. It is believed that some 262,000 Virginians are "at risk" for evictions due to the pandemic.

Other measures under consideration:

SB5116-  In Home service verification by Department of Medical Assistance; electronic verification system

SB5114- Requires each School Board to make available in person instruction to each enrolled student when an area is determined not to have adequate internet services

SB5109- Provides that employees and residents of nursing homes receive priority testing for Covid-19

SB5064- Employer reporting of Covid-19 for each workplace with 30+ employees to health services

SB5028- Emergency Services and Disaster Law- Prohibits any Governor from issue any rule, regulation or under under his powers under Emergency Services that affects the operation of any public or private elementary or secondary school in Virginia. Bill also makes it so the State Board of Health cannot issue such order either.

SB5076- Paid Sick Leave during Covid-19 crisis from public and private employers for full or part time employees if the Governor has declared a state of emergency in response to health threat.  (FAILED)

Virginia's State Legislature Convenes Special Session

         

Citing "uncharted territory" the Virginia Demcorats seek to consolidate even more power and authority with several rules changes motioned on Tuesday during the Special Session in Richmond. House of Delegates has convened at the Siegal Center part of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Senate has convened at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Aliscia Andrews: Rising Star in Virginia GOP

 

Jonathan Scott

Guest Contributor

There are very few conservative candidates who have impressed me more the last few election cycles in Virginia than Tina Ramirez (VA7) and Aliscia Andrews the Republican nominee in the Virginia Tenth Congressional District. Both ladies are first time Republican candidates that determined to seek the nomination to challenge Democratic Congresswoman and are rising stars in the Virginia GOP.

Tina Ramirez's candidacy in the Virginia Seventh Congressional District fell short as the convention nominated Delegate Nick Freitas (R) who has run a few local races as well as a statewide primary race against Corey Stewart in 2018 for U.S. Senate in which he lost. The story with Rameriz very similar with Andrews in that very few gave either a chance to win the nomination especially given both were nominating conventions. Conventions in Virginia tend to produce the most entrenched interest of nominees and often through rather suspicious means. Ramirez  finished behind Freitas in balloting but performed extraordinary for a first time Congressional candidate with limited resources. Andrews, a Marine veteran and a a contractor with Department of Homeland Security path to the nomination was one of precision campaigning.

Aliscia Andrews had only 27% after the first round of balloting at the VA10 Convention. Most never gave Andrews much of a chance going into the convention however far too many underestimated to level of retail campaigning and relationship building she dedicated herself to throughout the campaign. After speaking with many participants in the convention many stated that while Andrews was not their first choice they respected the fact that she was always gracious and engaging and ran a very respectful campaign when it came to the other challengers. This in the end was the difference in getting her nominated.

The expected winner was Rob Jones. Jones in fact won the first two rounds of balloting securing 31% in the first round than 34% in the second. Andrews increased her votes to 33% in the second round after Jeffery Dove was removed from contention. By the third round it was down to Jones and Andrews after Matt Troung was removed after the second round where he earned 32% just one percent less than Andrews. In the third and final round Andrews defeated Jones 57-42%.

Andrews has been running a dedicated "WEXIT" campaign focused on defeating Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D) in November. Andrews rarely concentrated any time focused on fellow potential nominees and stayed laser focused on speaking to voters (delegates) on how to unseat Wexton. "Wexit" is a play on the "Vexit" movement that popped up where some counties in Virginia have been courted by West Virginia to join it given they resemble West Virginia more than Virginia culturally and politically. Many Virginians in rural and mountain areas no longer see Richmond as relating to them and their lifestyles let alone respecting it. 

The VA10 represents all of Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun Counties in western Northern Virginia and incldues Winchester, Manassas, Manassas Park and parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties.

Jennifer Wexton (D-V10) similar to Abigail Spanbeger (D-VA7) was elected during the so-called "blue wave" of 2018. Wexton defeated Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock(R) while Spanberger defeated Rep. David Brat (R). Both were successful in winning the suburban vote especially that of women. Wexton won Fairfax by 18 points over Comstock very similarly as Spanberger won Henrico County in suburban Richmond by the same margin. Whereas Spanberger only won two localities in the VA7 and won, Wexton five localities outright and one within 1% margin.

Andrews likely will win Clarke and Frederick County however will need to make major inroads in my childhood home in Loudoun County. Fairfax is strong Wexton country and the  urban areas of Manassas and Manassas Park are very Democratic with heavy immigrant demographics that have been supporting Virginia Demcorats the last few cycles in mass. Loudoun was once a strong "red" county but has seen  shift with the massive growth of the federal government and the growth that it has experienced resulting in a shift towards the left just like Fairfax experienced decades before.

Andrews however carries none of the "establishment" baggage that Wexton used effectively against Comstock so it will be interesting to see how the Wexton campaign plays things and whether it will simply run against Trump given its a Presidential cycle. Trump lost the VA10 by seven points in 2016 and performed roughly the same as Comstock in Loudoun County.

Having lived in both the counties of Loudoun and Chesterfield the two are very similar and will determine the outcomes of both Congressional races this November. Chesterfield is following the same journey politically as Loudoun as it to is now moving to the left at the polls in statewide elections though still supporting GOP candidates locally.

Andrews like Rameriz will not be defined by the outcomes of this race as both have already far exceeded any expectation most had with regard to their campaigns. 

Draft Denver Riggleman (R) for Governor Launched

 

With the Republican nominating conventions now complete for the 2020 November Elections,there is now a grassroots effort underway to "draft" Representative Denver Riggleman (R) to run for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2021.

Many Republicans see Congressman Riggleman as the kind of candidate that can appeal to areas of the Commonwealth that thus far the Virginia GOP has been unable to engage and connect with. The suburbs.The defeat of Chairman Jack Wilson on Saturday August 15, 2020 at the Republican State Convention signals to many that the party will move further right and alienate demographics that the party must tap in order to change the outcomes of the the last decade where the Democrats have swept elections.

Some doubters point to Riggleman's recent defeat in the Virginia Fifth Congressional , however that result and the reasons behind it are exactly what makes Riggleman an appealing candidate to far more Virginians especially centrists and swing voters.  The Republicans have little chance to win these voters in the "middle" from either party if State Senator Amanda Chase (I-R) is nominated. Riggleman has an outstanding conservative record in Congress that appeals to many in the party that are outside the far right social conservative camp. The social conservatives defamed Riggleman for performing a same sex wedding and for that reason alone sought to stack the deck in the district committee and worked to undermine his re-election. Committee members were paid by the challenger in such an offensive manner to many that the State Convention just passed an amendment to the Party Plan to ensure that such issues never happen again.

The social conservatives have long carried their own agenda which has proven not to be in the best interests of growing the party in Virginia the last decade. The social conservatives are focused on "settled issues" and "litmus tests" which is limiting the party in attracting more Virginians to the candidates it nominate. In fact, one could argue that the local committees are no longer reflective of the conservative electorate at large in Virginia which are nominating unelectable candidates.

Riggleman speaks to a broader audience withing the Virginia GOP with a broader message than mere social issues that the majority of voters in Virginia have moved past. Riggleman has had to fight the Conservative Fellowship and Middle Resolution elements of the party that seek to return Virginia to the 1990's environment and believe they can undo all the changes or progress that Virginia has experienced especially in the area of respecting gay marriage and individuals rights to marry the person of their choice. These social conservative elements seek to place their religious belief systems upon all Virginians independent of any ramification regarding what Republicans and the Republican Creed stand for.

The real battle in 2021 will come when the RPV determines how to nominate candidates. After experiencing what happened in his home district at its convention it is no wonder that Denver Riggleman may contemplate running for Governor as an independent. Ironically, State Senator Chase has threatened to run an independent campaign should the RPV determine to hold a convention and not a primary. This is an interesting dynamic that two candidates would consider third party runs. It speaks to just how dysfunctional things have become within the Virginia GOP in 2020.

Supporters have taken to social media to organize a "Draft Denver Riggleman for Governor" campaign and forming a Facebook group to encourage Riggleman to enter the Governor's race in 2021.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/333270554377849

Denver Riggleman's clear grasp of the business community and economic conditions Virginians face and his depth of knowledge regarding issues facing Virginia in agriculture, defense, and technology far out pace the only other Republican candidate declared in State Senator Chase.

The following are Denver Riggleman's  recent approval ratings:

Endorsement of President Donald Trump

Campaign for Working Families 100%

National Right to Life Committee 100%

National Retail Federation 100%

Americans for Prosperity 100%

Heritage Action for America 100%

American Energy Alliance 97%

Family Research Council 100%

https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/181445/denver-riggleman-iii