New Dominion Project Panel on Higher Education
Richmond, VA – February 21, 2012 – Today, Senator Barbara A. Favola (D - 31) strategized on how the Legislature can put core education policy principals into practice with New Dominion Project panelists Senator John Edwards (D - 21), Mike Signer, Chair of the New Dominion Project PAC, and Dak Hardwick of Harris Corporation, a communications giant who employ 2,000 engineers in the state of Virginia.
In a lively discussion that highlighted the power of fresh progressive ideas to overcome the gridlock and overreach in Richmond today, panelists and audience members, including the leadership of major Virginia organizations such as Virginia 21 and the Business Council for Higher Education for Virginia, discussed a set of principles drawn from a new NDP Strategy Paper titled “The Engine for the Future: Taking Higher Ed to the Next Level in Virginia”.
QUOTES FROM EVENT
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D-Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun):
On the Budget
“There is no topic more worthy of our attentions here in the Legislature than education, but we have shortchanged public education in our budget. The Governor, in his proposed biennium budget, cuts K through 12 public education to fund transportation, in spite of earlier promises to fix the region’s transportation needs and not compromise funding for core services. This approach hurts education and does not solve the transportation problem. His proposed budget takes $110M away from K-12 education during this biennium and grows the diversion to $500M over the next several years. In the past five years, education funding has been cut dramatically, leading to Virginia falling from 3rd in the nation to 41st in class sizes. Taking money out of our children’s classrooms is an unsustainable quick fix for roads that leaves our transportation problems unanswered and our children suffering. I will not support a budget with these misplaced priorities.”
On Early Childhood Education
“A track record of success in higher education goes back to opportunities in early childhood, and that includes Pre-Kindergarten. Analytical skills begin young. Everyone needs access to top notch Pre-K education. If Virginia families have access to Pre-K, Virginia students are more likely to graduate from High School and continue their education at a college or university. I came to Richmond to work to improve Virginia’s schools so we can compete in a global economy. I believe early childhood education is the most important investment we can make to achieve this goal.”
On College Grants
“This year, I have introduced legislation that would expand educational grants for students who begin their higher education at community college and transfer to four-year schools. The grant is more generous for those who pursue studies in the science, math, technology, nursing and teaching disciplines. These career paths were chosen because Virginia has a worker shortage in these areas and they are areas where our economy has the potential to grow. Today’s students will find vibrant careers waiting for them tomorrow.”
Senator Favola added, “It feels good to bring the focus in this building back to where government belongs, supporting our public schools, and away from where it does not belong, in the family planning decisions made by women and their families.”
Mike Signer, Chair, NDDPAC:
“It’s unsettling that all we’re hearing recently from Richmond is about transvaginal ultrasounds and lifting the one-gun-a-month gun ban. We need to get back on track for our citizens. Our institutions of higher education are Virginia’s crown jewels, but they’re at risk. We need to be talking about big ideas, big principles, and big goals. Our postsecondary system needs to remain the envy of the nation and we need to equip all our students for the challenges of the 21st century.”
Senator John Edwards (D-21):
“We must fully fund education from pre-K through university. We must support universities and research in order to support the economy. We cannot short-change research and innovation, because they are the future. In the last six years, for example, the Commonwealth dropped from providing 60% to 30% per pupil funding at Virginia Tech. Tuition has to make up the difference, burdening students. This is part of a general trend in the Commonwealth to short-change education.”
Dak Hardwick, Harris Corporation:
“In 15 years, your first-grader will be our engineer. But it’s too hard to find American engineers. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was the largest investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills in recent years, but it’s running out, so states like Virginia much now pick it up. It’s often hard to find people with good vocational skills in the U.S. Now companies like the Harris Corporation need to train them, raising the cost of doing business in the U.S. ”
UPDATE:
“'There is no topic more worthy of our attentions here in the Legislature than education, but we have shortchanged public education in our budget,' Favola said. 'The Governor, in his proposed biennium budget, cuts K through 12 public education to fund transportation, in spite of earlier promises to fix the region’s transportation needs and not compromise funding for core services. This approach hurts education and does not solve the transportation problem.
“'His proposed budget takes $110M away from K-12 education during this biennium and grows the diversion to $500M over the next several years. In the past five years, education funding has been cut dramatically, leading to Virginia falling from 3rd in the nation to 41st in class sizes,' Favola said. 'Taking money out of our children’s classrooms is an unsustainable quick fix for roads that leaves our transportation problems unanswered and our children suffering. I will not support a budget with these misplaced priorities.'"
"Stand for Women's Rights" Rally
Richmond, Virginia — February 20, 2012 — Today I spoke at the "Stand for Women's Rights" Rally at the Richmond Capitol. Over one thousand people stood together to fight the demeaning and invasive assault on Women's Rights launched by the Republican majority in Richmond. The extreme politics of the GOP is interfering with how doctors practice medicine and puts the health and safety of Virginia women at risk. Virginia will soon be the most restrictive state in the country on the protection of reproductive rights and access to abortion. Together we must stop this madness.
Photo Taken by Catherine Read
IN THE MEDIA:
"Democratic state Sen. Barbara Favola said she also heard Republicans may be caving under the pressure from women voters. 'They're backing off because they're now hearing from women about it,' she said. 'Yesterday we had hundreds of women line the walkway between General Assembly and the Capitol in silent protest.'
"...Sen. Favola said one solution Republicans have circulated to back away from the controversy is amending the bill's language to state that doctors may perform an ultrasound on a woman if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. 'It's absolutely silly,' she said. 'What are they doing? Do they just want to show they have power over women's bodies? If an ultrasound is medically needed, the doctor is already doing it. This is the most demeaning piece of legislation you could come up with.'"
"Northern Virginia delegates have largely led the charge against the measure, with Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax) warning it would make Virginia 'a national laughingstock' and Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington-Fairfax) calling it 'emotional blackmail.'
"Favola told a rally at the Capitol that fighting to repeal the measure will be 'one of the most important civil rights battles of our century.' Favola suggested that insurance companies will refuse to pay for the ultrasound, forcing the cost onto individual patients."
"Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington-Fairfax) has called it 'emotional blackmail' and told a rally at the Capitol that fighting to repeal the measure will be 'one of the most important civil rights battles of our century.' Favola suggested that insurance companies will refuse to pay for the ultrasound, forcing the cost onto individual patients."
"At an afternoon rally, Sen. Barbara A. Favola, D-Arlington, called the measure 'emotional blackmail' and 'demeaning' to women.
"'You are really taking on one of the most important civil rights battles of our century,' she told hundreds gathered at the Bell Tower.
"Favola said she feared the requirement could also be a costly one, saying that insurance companies would probably not cover the ultrasound procedure because it was 'not medically necessary.'"
Richmond Times Dispatch, 2/21/2012
"Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, said the ultrasound bill is 'emotional blackmail.'"
Fredericksburg News Desk, 2/21/2012
"'I'm intellectually, personally, emotionally angry and distraught over this,' said Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington. 'Why we want to repeal the 20th century, I don't know.'
"Favola calls the bill a 'very extreme agenda' that a group of people are trying to force on an entire state."
Photo Taken by Catherine Read
Favola’s Safety-Net Legislation Expands on McDonnell’s Food Stamp Law
Richmond, VA – February 14, 2012 – Today, welfare legislation sponsored by Senator Barbara A. Favola (D – 31st) baring striking similarity to a 2005 law introduced by then-Delegate Bob McDonnell was passed out of the Senate with bipartisan support. Senate Bill 552 would expand eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits to the same group of criminal record-holders that Governor McDonnell’s 2005 law enfranchised in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP), or the Virginia food stamp program. Both pieces of legislation overturn lifetime bans on ex-offenders convicted of felony drug possession receiving state benefits.
Senator Favola said, “Both Governor McDonnell’s 2005 food stamp law and my own piece of legislation are compassionate changes to existing law that restore fairness to social services by widening our safety net to include ex-offenders convicted of the non-violent crime of drug possession.”
“Under current law, felons who are convicted of other crimes, including murder in the first degree, are eligible to receive TANF benefits, but possession of marijuana is a crime that will permanently bar needy families from participating in the TANF safety-net program. Today in Virginia, children of ex-offenders are forced to share the consequences of their parents’ mistakes. I think that’s plain unfair, and I’m fighting to restore fairness to safety-net programs.”
TANF assistance goes to families with children who are the poorest of the poor. These families live right on the edge, owning very few assets and have little or no income. To qualify, a single mother with two children earns $2,008 a month or less. The maximum benefit she could receive from TANF would be $292 a month. Approximately 300 Virginia families would be eligible for assistance if Senator Favola’s bill becomes law.
Senator Favola added, “Parents of these needy children are re-entering society and attempting to start a new life. This program is a critical part of a safety net that enables offenders to start over, and end the cycle of recidivism.”
If passed, families will be eligible to receive benefits provided the ex-offender complies with all obligations imposed by the court and the Department of Social Services, is actively engaged in or has completed substance abuse treatment and participates in quarterly drug screenings.
Senate Republicans Fail to Act on Health Legislation
Richmond, VA — Today, Senator Barbara A. Favola (D - Arlington) and Senator Ralph S. Northam’s (D - Norfolk) legislation promoting the needs of Virginia health care consumers took a back seat to insurance companies as the General Assembly postponed action on Health Benefits Exchange legislation.
A bill favored by the health insurance industry remains in play and will be used as a starting point when the General Assembly meets again in 2013, while Senators Favola and Northam’s legislation was tabled. During the debate, the so-called “Anthem Bill” was championed by Health Insurance Subcommittee Chairman and insurance industry insider Senator Jeff McWaters (R – Virginia Beach), a former CEO of Amerigroup Corporation.
Senators Favola and Northam’s legislation was preferred by consumer advocates and closely followed recommendations of the Governor’s Health Reform Initiative advisory panel. In their legislation, the HBE was located in a newly created quasi-governmental agency with strong requirements for transparency and accountability.
“It is a mystery to me why Democrats and Republicans both acknowledge the urgency of moving forward on reforming our health care system, but we’re seeing partisan obstruction in the Senate committee. It is important to move forward before the federal government dictates the specifics of a Health Benefit Exchange. It’s important to do it right, and do it the Virginia way,” said Senator Favola.
“I am concerned that the Republican legislation neglects crucial recommendations made by the bipartisan Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council. This Council created a balanced and fair approach to a complex topic with input from legislators, experts and health industry leaders handpicked by Governor Bob McDonnell, and now we’re seeing over a year of hard work dismissed in one afternoon,” added Senator Favola.
Senator Northam said, “As a physician, I know how difficult it is going to be to get this exchange set up in time, even if we act now. By kicking the can down the road, Governor McDonnell and Senate Republicans have made yet another irresponsible decision.”
In January, AARP and Virginia Consumer Voices released survey results that show a majority of Virginians want consumers to be represented in creating the new health exchange and that they oppose insurance company influence.
“Most Virginians agree the majority of members sitting on the governing board of the state health insurance exchange should be consumers or consumer representatives, and most oppose insurance company representatives serving on the governing board,” said AARP Virginia State Director Bill Kallio.
Legislative Update SB 84: Young Adults in Foster Care
Today, my foster care re-entry bill passed out of the Senate unanimously. If voted into law in the House, this legislation will expand the options for young adults in the foster care program. Young adults between 18 and 21 will have 180 days rather than 60 days (the current time limit) to decide if they want to continue to receive foster care benefits.
Republican "Values Crusade"
Richmond, Virginia — Feb. 8, 2012 — Today, at a press conference in Richmond, Senator Barbara A. Favola (D-Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun) stood with members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses to denounce the dozens of extreme, divisive bills passed during the first month of session.
Senator Favola said, “Rather than bravely face the challenges of a modern society and creatively respond, Republicans have ignored education, transportation and the jobs crisis and prioritized a values crusade.”
“Republicans are sending bills to the Senate that subject welfare recipients to drug testing and allow state-funded adoption and child-placement agencies to turn away, for any arbitrary reason, parents and children who someone decides are not deserving of a family because of sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or marital status. This is state condoned discrimination.”
“The Senate has already passed bills forcing women to undergo a costly and medically unnecessary ultrasound before an abortion, a voter ID law rolling back voter’s rights and repealed an 18-year-old one-gun-a-month mandate. The so-called party of small government is rushing bills through the Senate that interfere in the most intimate, personal and private details of people’s lives.”
“Virginia’s families want a crusade to improve public schools across the Commonwealth so we can educate a 21st century workforce, to maintain the social safety net for Virginians who have fallen out of the middle class, and protect the quality of our water and natural resources. But the Republican budget is chipping away at these priorities,” Senator Favola added.
“My son went to Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia and with the quality education he received he now attends George Mason University. I want to preserve the opportunities my family had, for today’s Virginia families.”
Watch the video HERE.
UPDATE:
"Senator Barbara A. Favola (D-Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun) says Republicans in Richmond are on a 'values crusade' that has flooded the Virginia House and Senate with 'dozens of extreme, divisive bills.'"
— Fairfax News 2/14/2012
House & Senate Democrats Denounce Republican Overreach On Social-Issue Legislation
Richmond – At a press conference in Richmond Today, members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses stood together to denounce the dozens of extreme, divisive bills passed over the first month of session. Republicans have shepherded scores of bills through both chambers on controversial topics like abortion, handguns, voting restrictions, and discrimination while largely ignoring the economic and education focus that voters were promised in the recent legislative elections.
"Republicans are so focused on divisive policies that they are hindering our efforts at progress, putting our kids' education at risk, and leaving them less prepared for the future," remarked Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Donald McEachin (D-Henrico). "In the last four weeks, Senate and House Republicans have introduced hundreds of bills that target the poor, women, and immigrants, make it harder to vote, and discriminate against gays and lesbians. It's time for Republicans to put divisive ideology and raw partisanship aside."
"The Republican budget is chipping away at the priorities of Virginia families," said Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington). "My son went to Arlington County Public Schools, and with the quality education he received, he now attends George Mason University. I want to preserve the opportunities my family had for today's Virginia families."
"It was just last month in his State of the Commonwealth address that Gov. McDonnell warned Republicans not to overreach," remarked House Democratic Leader David Toscano (D-Charlottesville). "All people need to do is look at these bills – allowing guns in child care parking lots and airports, drug testing for poor people, and restricting a woman's right to choose. Meanwhile, we are short-changing our schools and not focusing enough attention on creating jobs and economic opportunity."
"Republicans have tried to minimize and downplay their support for these bills, claiming they are but a small portion of the legislation before us," said House Democratic Caucus Chair Mark Sickles (D-Franconia). "But they are generating the vast majority of headlines across the state, the vast majority of debate on the floor, and the vast majority of constituent responses in my district."
House and Senate Democrats remain committed to returning the General Assembly's focus to jobs, education, and transportation while ensuring that our schools and safety-net programs remain fully funded in the budget.
UPDATE:
Click HERE to view Barbara's appearance at the Democratic Caucus Press Conference.
‘Conscience Clause’ Goes Too Far
Richmond, Virginia — Feb. 8, 2012 — Today, Senator Barbara A. Favola (D-Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun) offered an amendment on the Senate floor to exempt children in foster care from Senate Bill 349, Senator McWaters’ proposed legislation that would authorize licensed, state-funded foster care and adoption agencies to discriminate in making services available to children and prospective parents. The so-called ‘conscience clause’ proposed by Senator McWaters would permit child placement agencies to create arbitrary disqualifying guidelines based on “written religious or moral convictions or policies”. Disqualifying characteristics of the child or potential adoptive parents could include religious affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.
Senator Favola said, “Foster children are Virginia’s children and the state should not be party to supporting discrimination in the placement of these children”.
“When a private organization, even a private religiously-affiliated organization, performs a quintessentially governmental function, including placing children with foster parents, it should do so in a non-discriminatory fashion. Having chosen to act in the state’s capacity, these agencies must be held to the same standard as if the state had itself performed the activities.”
“This amendment would maintain a distance between Church and State relationships and always put the child first,” added Senator Favola. “Discrimination limits the pool of foster parents available to these vulnerable children who are in desperate need of homes. Allowing agencies to discriminate may result in a child losing a placement with the most suitable family.”
UPDATE:
Richmond, Virginia — Feb. 21, 2012 — Today, Senator Barbara A. Favola spoke in the Senate Chamber against House Bill 189 before it passed the Senate. Delegate Todd Gilbert’s (R-15) proposed legislation is the House companion bill to Senator McWaters' Senate Bill 349. HB 189/ SB 349 would authorize licensed, state-funded foster care and adoption agencies to discriminate in making services available to children and prospective parents.
Senator Favola said, “The bill is far-reaching in the type of discrimination it allows. The fact of the matter is almost any reason could be used to discriminate, and the only protections that will remain will be federal protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color or nation of origin. Should a child placement agency have a “moral conviction” that favors stay-at-home-moms over working women, or married couples over divorced individuals, that discrimination will be allowed under this legislation. And this is state-condoned discrimination, because these child-placement agencies operate on state dollars. But the real heartbreaker is, of the 1,500 children in foster care ready for adoption in 2010, only 10% were placed with families. When we see this legislation pass, that number will be further diminished.”
IN THE MEDIA:
Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) said, “This bill is far reaching: not only will prospective LGBT parents will be affected, but any reason that a private agency comes up with could be used to discriminate against prospective parents. Agencies could discriminate against single parents, working mothers, or on the basis of religion. This bill allows the state to condone discrimination.”
— Agusta Free Press 2/22/2012
A "series of amendments by Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington, Fairfax counties) would have removed "foster care children" from the bill, claiming that allowing agencies to discriminate may not be in the child's best interests. Favola referenced the possibility of a divorced nurse wanting to adopt a special needs child or a distant relative of a different faith wanting to adopt -- both of which would be prevented if an agency claimed a moral objection to such placement."
— Metro Weekly 2/8/2012
"Virginia senator Barbara Favola represents Arlingon, Fairfax and Loudoun counties—she is one of fie democrats who introduced amendments to the bill. 'Having chosen to act in the state's capacity, these agencies must be held to the same standard as if the state had itself performed the activities,' Favola said in a statement."
— Channel 7 ABC Morning News 2/8/2012
"Arlington-based State Sen. Barbara Favola chimed in with a statement yesterday announcing an amendment to Senate Bill 349, a bill introduced by Republican State Sen. Jeff McWaters (R-Virginia Beach) that would authorize licensed, state-funded foster care and adoption agencies to discriminate in making services available to children and prospective parents.
"Favola noted that the so-called 'conscious clause' proposed by McWaters would permit child placement agencies to create 'arbitrary disqualifying guidelines based on written religious or moral convictions or policies,' with such disqualifying characteristics including religious affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.
Favola said, 'Foster children are Virginia's children and the state should not be a party to supporting discrimination in the placement of these children.'"
— Falls Church News-Press 2/8/2012
"Sen. Barbara Favloa, D-Arlington, tried to exempt children in foster care from the bill.
“'When a private organization, even a private religiously-affiliated organization, performs a quintessentially governmental function, including placing children with foster parents, it should do so in a non-discriminatory fashion. Having chosen to act in the state’s capacity, these agencies must be held to the same standard as if the state had itself performed the activities,' Favola stated in a news release.
“'This amendment would maintain a distance between Church and State relationships and always put the child first. Discrimination limits the pool of foster parents available to these vulnerable children who are in desperate need of homes. Allowing agencies to discriminate may result in a child losing a placement with the most suitable family.'”
— Ballston-VirginiaSquare Patch 2/10/2012
Senator Favola’s Proposed Legislation Restores Fairness to TANF
Richmond, VA – February 7, 2012 – Legislation proposed by Virginia Senator Barbara A. Favola was re-referred to full Committee out of the Senate Finance Sub-Committee today.
Senator Favola’s proposed legislation would restore fairness to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program by rescinding the lifetime ban on ex-offenders convicted of drug possession. Under current law, felons who are convicted of other crimes, including murder in the first degree are eligible to receive TANF benefits, but possession of marijuana is a crime that will permanently bar needy families from receiving TANF benefits. Under current law, children of ex-offenders are forced to share the consequences of their parents’ mistakes. Approximately 300 Virginia families would be eligible for assistance if SB 552 becomes law.
TANF assistance goes to families with children who are the poorest of the poor. These families live right on the edge, owning very few assets and have little or no income. To qualify, a single mother with two children earns $2,008 a month or less. The maximum benefit she could receive from TANF would be $292 a month. Parents of these needy children are re-entering society and attempting to start a new life.
If passed, families will be eligible to receive benefits provided the ex-offender complies with all obligations imposed by the court and the Department of Social Services, is actively engaged in or has completed substance abuse treatment and participates in quarterly drug screenings.
UPDATE:
Richmond, Virginia — Feb. 14, 2012 — Senator Barbara A. Favola's legislation restoring fairness to TANF passed the Senate this afternoon, Valentine's Day, with bipartisan support.
The Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn Patch put the Senator's legislation in context with conservative bills being considered in the Senate, including voter ID measures and a bill that would require social services to drug-test the poor.
"Political Notebook: Drug Testing the Poor"
Fairfax News and Alexandria News also reported on Senator Favola's proposed TANF legislation.
"Favola Bill Would 'Restore Fairness' to Needy Family Assistance Program"
"Senator Favola's Proposed Legislation Restores Fairness To Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program"
Favola Condemns Repeal of Protections Against Gun-Running
Richmond,VA — February 7, 2012 — Yesterday, as Republican legislation that lifts Virginia’s 18-year-old restriction on handgun purchases passed the Senate, Senator Barbara A. Favola (D-31) took a stand against gun violence.
“This bill eliminates Virginia’s only practical law that attempts to limit bulk purchasing of handguns for use by traffickers, who buy guns here in Virginia and sell them illegally all over the country. This legislation affirms our shameful reputation as a gun-running state.”
“This bill makes it easier for gun traffickers to acquire weapons that will wind up on our streets. This backward-looking bill will be a boon to gun-runners, and threatens to bring more violence to Virginia’s cities,” said Senator Favola.
Senator Favola added, “Senate bill 323 will open the floodgates to bulk, interstate purchases of handguns. That’s why Governor Doug Wilder signed the existing law in 1993. Conservatives are dismantling a key part of Governor Wilder’s legacy, which has kept guns off our streets and our neighborhoods safe for a generation.”
Background: Gun-running on the rise
“Despite what supporters of this bill say, this bill will make it easier for gun-runners to export violence from Virginia,” said Senator Favola. Evidence is mounting that Virginia is already falling into favor again with drug and gun cartels. In December, ten residents of Manassas, Virginia were arrested in a “three-year investigation of interconnected cocaine and firearm distributors,” Inside NoVa reported.
In June, The Virginian-Pilot reported, “five men funneled guns from Virginia's Eastern Shore to New Jersey and put them in the hands of gang members, murderers and drug dealer.” Over the last several years, more than 60 people have been arrested in connection with bulk firearms distribution.
The Senate voted 21 to 19 to pass Senate Bill 323, moving the legislation to the House of Delegates, where a similar bill has already passed. Governor Bob McDonnell has indicated his support for this legislation.
UPDATE:
"Sens. Chap Petersen (D-34th), Janet Howell (D-32nd) and Barbara Favola (D-31st), all Democrats, voted against the bill.
"'Despite what supporters of [Virginia Senate] Bill 323 say, this bill will make it easier for gun-runners to export gun violence from Virginia,' Favola tweeted Tuesday."
— Oakton Patch 2/8/2012
"Senator Favola added, 'Senate bill 323 will open the floodgates to bulk, interstate purchases of handguns. That’s why Governor Doug Wilder signed the existing law in 1993. Conservatives are dismantling a key part of Governor Wilder’s legacy, which has kept guns off our streets and our neighborhoods safe for a generation.'"
— Alexandria News 2/7/2012