VCC Magazine Winter 2020

V I R G I N I A

Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E

INSIDE Women Step Up

Winter 2020

VIRGINIA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | @ VEA4Kids | veanea.org

2020 VEA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA VEA SUPPORTS LEGISLATION THAT: • VEAWILL INITIATE LEGISLATION TO: •

Supports and protects the safety and mental health of our public school educators and students. • Maintains designated school property as gun-free zones.

Restore the probationary period for teachers to three years. Reduce the total number and type of required Standards of Learning assessments to the minimum federal requirements. Eliminate the requirement that school principals report to law enforcement certain disciplinary incidents that may constitute a misdemean- or offense. Open participation in Virgin- ia’s current state employee health insurance program to all school employees.

• Provides resources to ensure that school employees earn a living wage and that teacher salaries are at or above the national average. • Fully funds the revised Standards of Quality (SOQs), as adopted by the Virginia Board of Education. high-quality teachers and school personnel and im- proves professional devel- opment opportunities for all school employees. • Protects professional teaching licenses. • Increases funds directed to programs serving Virginia’s most at-risk students. • Supports the needs of and addresses the inequities in Virginia’s small and rural school divisions. • Improves, implements, and • Attracts and retains funds programs, resources, and professional develop- ment for educators to support student behaviors that reduce the need for suspensions and expulsions.

•

VEA OPPOSES LEGISLATION THAT:

• Undermines the efforts of the Virginia Board of Education to meet its Constitution- al authority to define the standards for a high-quality public education in our Commonwealth. • Provides public dollars to non-public schools. • Transfers the authority for

•

•

granting charter schools away from the local school board.

• Undermines the health or

Keep up with all the latest legislative news affecting schools by reading VEA’s daily updates during the General Assembly session. You’ll find them at www.veadailyreports. com . We’ll Keep You Informed

retirement benefits of school personnel.

KATHY BURCHER | GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | 804-651-4192 | kburcher@veanea.org

Winter 2020 C O N T E N T S VIRGINIA CAPITOL CONNECTIONS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE 4 Girl Scouts 5 My Mother, Madam Speaker 6 Women of the 2020 House of Delegates 7 Women of the 2020 Senate 8 What I Have Learned 9 Women of the Past and Present 9 Huge Progress in Five Years 10 A New Day Reigns in the Old Dominion 10 A Seat at the Table: New Women, New Chairs 12 QM Asks: Legislators Answer 13 2020 Committee Chairs Named 14 A Guardian of the Senate 15 The Powerful Voices of Virginia Women 16 The Photography of Wanda Judd 18 The Importance of Women’s Political Representation 19 Virginia Delegate Fights for Student Journalist Protections 21 Fund Our Schools 22 1:250 Means Counseling Access for All 23 Overhauling Racial Discrimination in the Code Point-Counterpoint 24 Pass The Equal Rights Amendment 25 ERA Built on a False Premise 26 Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services 28 Virginia Consumer Healthcare Alliance Focused on Making Coverage Affordable

Virginia Girl Scouts helped to unveil the new statues on the Capitol grounds. They honor extraordinary women throughout Women Step Up

the history of the Commonwealth.

page 5

corn

darner

page 8

Vanderhye

page 9

page 9

Wagner

On The Web www.vccqm.org

29 Governor Baliles: A Life of Service 30 Association and Business Directory 30 The Lighter Side of Lobbying

page 10

Miller

Volume 26 Number 1 • Editor-in-Chief –Bonnie Atwood • Assistant Editor – Cierra Parks • Student Editors –Hannah King • Publisher –David Bailey • Art Director –John Sours School Distribution – schools@capitolsquare.com • Advertising – Ads@CapitolSquare.com • Printer –Wordsprint • Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine (ISSN 1076-4577) is published by: Virginia Capitol Connections • 1108 East Main Street • Suite 1200 • Richmond, Virginia 23219 • (804) 643-5554 • Copyright 2020, Virginia Capitol Connections, Inc. All rights reserved. The views expressed in the articles of Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine , a non-partisan publication, are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

3

Girl Scouts unveiling a past of accomplishment and honor for women in the Commonwealth.

Girl Scouts with Virginia Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Janice Underwood.

Excitement rose during the ceremony as pairs of Girl Scouts stationed on the monument courtyard unveiled the statues.

Girl Scout Junior Brogan Beall getting her first look of Adele Clark in bronze, one of the twelve women honored.

Girl Scout visitors with Virginia First Lady Pam Northam.

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

4

My Mom, Eileen Filler-Corn, was the first woman to hold the role of Leader M th r, Madam Speaker By Alana Corn

mom worked on this legislation, year after year. In 2017, just as the legislation had the support to pass, the wording was changed to say that this topic “may” (as opposed to “shall”) be included in family life education curricula, ultimately weakening the bill. As a college student at the time, I remember calling her in disbelief. She would always tell me that the perfect can’t be the enemy of the good. This not only stuck with me, but has shaped how I view social change and the importance of political engagement, no matter the circumstances. The bill was weaker than what she had fought so hard for—every survivor, every young person and every individual deserves more. Finally, in a subsequent session, the language reverted to the original proposed wording, and the final bill passed with a 91-9 vote in the House and unanimously in the Senate. All of those years being in the minority, she never stopped working to elevate the voices of advocates. Many of her successes came about as a result of her bringing individuals to the table to share their unique stories. Whether she was working to pass a savings plan for those with disabilities, or working to expand access to health care, or many other policies she has worked on, my Mom continuously worked across the aisle to further the dialogue on so many issues. At a time in our society when politics can feel so divisive and exhausting, leaders like my mother have proven that there's a better way. She approached policy making in a respectful way where we can engage in difficult dialogue, collaborate, share perspectives and most importantly listen and understand the perspectives of those who we may disagree with. Not unlike what she taught me growing up about respecting others, she has used that philosophy in her legislative career. I believe that’s why she was able to pass legislation even while in the minority, and was voted by her Democratic colleagues into leadership. She collaborates and works with people in a respectful way. I know that’s what she’ll do as Speaker. It seems fitting that the long overdue ratification of the ERA will pass under the leadership of the first woman to hold the gavel during a session with the largest number of women elected to serve in the

in the Virginia Legislature, and with the electoral victories this past November, she is on her way to be the first female Speaker of the House inVirginia’s 400-year-old legislature, the oldest continuous law-making body in theWestern Hemisphere. Public officials sacrifice much to serve their communities. When my Mom was first elected in 2010, there were less than 20 women in the General Assembly and she was the only mom with school-aged kids at home. During the General Assembly session when my brother and I were still in high school, my Mom would always make it home from Richmond during the week to see us. After a day full of debating and voting on the House floor, she would somehow manage to show up to drive me to sporting or school events, and still have time to attend a community event or meet with a constituent. While doing all that, she also worked to make the legislature more family friendly and welcoming to others. The Virginia House now has record numbers of diverse members that look much more representative of the Virginia I know. While it inspires me to think about all of the incredible legislation that is going to pass this upcoming session with Democrats in the majority, I am especially excited about the passage of the ERA. Virginia would become the 38th state to finally put gender equality into the constitution. I can’t help but think about how much work it took to get here. Throughout the years watching her serve, I saw first-hand the patience and tireless work ethic that was required in order to make Virginia a better place to live. Even when there was no expectation of immediate action resulting from her advocacy, she never stopped speaking up and fighting on the issues that so many constituents cared about. In her early years of serving as a Delegate in the minority, I remember learning about the shameful, disturbing practice of shackling women who were incarcerated, during childbirth. She was in a subcommittee meeting and a bill was being proposed to limit the use of restraints in these situations. I was shocked, not simply because of the topic, but because my mom was the only woman on the subcommittee and therefore the only one who had experienced childbirth. Even though she knew how dehumanizing and unnecessary this practice was, unfortunately she was outvoted. I wish I could tell the younger version of myself that by 2020, the same legislative body would include so

General Assembly. This January, my mom will continue to demonstrate these core values as she presides over Virginia’s most historically diverse group of elected officials in the history of the House of Delegates. I could not be more excited of what she will accomplish and could not be prouder to be her daughter. Alana Corn is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Download the Virginia Capitol Connections App Today! virginiaredbook.com

V

many powerful and determined women bringing their critical, unique perspectives to the table. Throughout the years I’ve watched her fight for access to contraception and common-sense gun safety bills—but there was always one issue that has been particularly impactful for me. Since 2016, I have watched her push for legislation on consent that would incorporate age appropriate, evidence-based curricula regarding the meaning of consent into family life education classes. When you really think about it, is family life education truly comprehensive without including topics related to healthy relationships or decision- making skills? For so many, the first time that consent is often discussed publicly is at a college orientation. Despite opposition, I watched as my

chipdicks @ gentrylocke.com 804.225.5507 gentrylocke.com/chip CHIP DICKS Legislative Counsel

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

5

Women of the 2020 House of Delegates

Dawn M. Adams

Lashrecse D. Aird

Hala S. Ayala

Amanda Batten

Emily Brewer

Kathy J. Byron

Betsy Carr

Jennifer Carroll Foy

Kelly Convirs-Fowler

Carrie Coyner

Karrie Delaney

Wendy Gooditis

Nancy Guy

Elizabeth R. Guzman

Charniele Herring

Sally Hudson

Eileen Filler-Corn Speaker of the House

Kaye Kory

Delores L. McQuinn

Martha Mugler

Kathleen J. Murphy

Marcia S. “Cia” Price

Margaret B. Ransone

Roxann L. Robinson

Danica Roem

Shelly Simonds

Kathy Tran

V

Roslyn C. Tyler

Jeion Antonia Ward

Vivian E. Watts

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

6

Women of the 2020 Senate

Jennifer Boysko

Amanda Chase

Siobhan Dunnavant, M.D.

Barbara A. Favola

Ghazala Hashmi

Janet D. Howell

Jennifer “Jen” Kiggans

Mamie E. Locke

Susan Clarke Schaar Clerk of the Senate

V

L. Louise Lucas

Jennifer L. McClellan

Jill Holtzman Vogel

65

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

7

What I Have Learned By L. Karen Darner

rationale for removing this barrier.Why should the wife of an abuser not be afforded equal protection under the law? Everyone was encouraged to offer her concerns, issues during the House floor debate. And I am reminded of the Speaker’s comments later when he described the vision before him—many women of the House “popping up” simultaneously to speak for the bill. A number of female legislators later offered their thanks for being encouraged, prepared, and involved in the debate. These times of collaboration have been inconsistent.And eventually, the partisan divide became too obvious to ignore, even as a member of one party or the other. If you avoid becoming friends, and positions on an issue become more important than Virginia, then it has become easier to maintain the silence requested by one party or the other. No fraternization— even that term has its gender influence. History shows that although Virginia women voted immediately following the ratification of the 19th amendment, the state did not ratify that same amendment until 1952. Remember that, 32 years later, and it counted! Nothing has created more of a division based on stereotyping and misinformation than ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia, from the 1970’s until today. Originally, both parties worked nationally for ERA ratification, under the leadership of Democrat Liz Carpenter and Republican Elly Peterson within the organization ERAmerica. Republicans and Democrats, women and men, have kept that vote from reaching the House floor inVirginia. A new approach has brought the bipartisan team, and for that we can be grateful.When I was working for the Equal Rights Amendment’s passage in the Virginia General Assembly in the late 1970’s, I kept thinking “I can’t believe that a state with a flag showing a bare-breasted woman standing on a dead man doesn’t already have an ERA.” Perhaps leadership and understanding by women and men, Democrats and Republicans, will bring a different result to the Old Dominion this time. My new found hero is Delegate-Elect Shelley Simonds who was elected this past November. She never gave up, and perseverance is part of leadership. “The best is yet to come.” L. Karen Darner is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1991-2004 representing the 49th District. For a uniquely Richmond experience, stay at Richmond’s oldest and newest boutique hotel. From the tatooed entrance doors on our suites, to the art and furnishings from local artisans, to the finest RVA craft beers and Black Hand Coffee Company products, The Commonwealth is like none other. Our luxurious suites are equally comfortable for an overnight romantic getaway or a long- term assignment. Located in the heart of downtown, directly across from the Virginia State Capitol. Welcome Home Located steps from the General Assembly, Virginia State Capitol, and federal courts buildings, we’ve been the Richmond hom for legislators and lobbyists f r over a ce tury. With 59 guest suites and 3,000 square f et of flexible event space, we are large en ugh to host your meeting or reception, yet small enough to offer the personal attention you deserve. V

I was elected to represent Arlington in the historic body called The Virginia House of Delegates in a special election held in January 1991. In late November I attended a conference sponsored by the Rutgers University, Center for American Women and Politics. (CAWP) I was awed by the participants, elected and hope-to-be elected women from every state, whose resumes had years of experience in campaigns, but as volunteers, and their backgrounds were impressive. This was to be the Year of the Women for the U.S. House and Senate. The only women sitting in the Senate in 1991 were one widow of a man who had served, and one other. Two of 100. In our audience in 1991 were Patty Murray, Barbara Mikulski, Carol Moseley-Braun, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer, whose 1992 election would triple the number of women in the US Senate, to a whopping six! Every woman running for the U.S. Senate would share her experiences as an “agent of change” candidate, and also seek suggestions, support as she geared up for a statewide campaign. Their election was the result of a number of things, particularly demographics, global politics, scandals with incumbents, ripple effects of the women’s liberation movement, Clarence Thomas’s nomination for the US Supreme Court by an all- white, male Senate Judiciary Committee, and the beginnings of the reports of sexual harassment. And then, I heard Beverly Byron, a quiet conservative Democrat from Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. She chaired the Military Personnel and Compensation Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. Now how in the world did she get that position? Seniority, and although her military experience was limited, she was a parent. She told us of how she asked many other members of the subcommittee how satisfied were the uniformed officers and enlisted servicemen with the daycare provided at military bases throughout the world. “No problem” was the refrain. But Representative Byron decided to ask the same question directly of these servicemen…and women. When the results of her survey were compiled, everyone was in for a surprise. First, many male soldiers were divorced, and had no spouse who “stayed at home and took care of the children”. Childcare was scarce on bases, and often too expensive off the military. The recent increase of women in the military found their concerns and issues similar to their male counterparts. As a result, Chair Byron began to identify changes that needed to be made at every military base, targeting the needs, taking suggestions from those for whom childcare was a missing link. This was one of the best examples to me of avoid assumptions or stereotyping, and “You should never judge a book by its cover.” Ever heard that before? A woman’s perspective, expressed by her questions, just may be different from a man’s. We found that to be true in the House of Delegates, even when only 15% of the body were women.We were not homogeneous. Our parties, backgrounds, districts, ages, and experiences were quite different. As a result, when Arlington Delegate Judy Connally looked into data of women’s health in research projects, she found no research using women—data were extrapolated frommen in the research. Her study of this complete disregard for the health of women in our Commonwealth led to the formation ofWomen’s HealthVirginia which is headquartered in Charlottesville, providing an annual health fair about women, for women. Throughout Delegate Connally’s tenure, she communicated with both sides of the aisle regarding the challenges and possibilities for women’s health. Some sessions we have had a bipartisan caucus or issues group for women. This often led to co-sponsorship of legislation, or small conferences. When the statute of limitations for reporting marital rape was abolished, each woman of the House was provided with data and

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

8

Women of the Past and Present By Margaret Vanderhye WhenVirginia’s first women legislators, Sarah Lee Fain and Helen T. Henderson, departed for Richmond and the General Assembly session in 1924, they were dubbed “legislative debutantes”, given a tea party, and showered with flower petals. This January, 41 women legislators arrived in Richmond with something more

Huge Progress In Five Years… Just Think What Can Be Achieved In The Next Five By Jody Wagner What a difference five years has made for women in politics—in 2015 women were vastly under-represented in elected office, both nationally and in Virginia. With women making up 51% of the population, women held less than 20% of the seats in both Federal and state legislatures. That has changed significantly over the past five years. In 2015 • there were 17 women in the US Senate; today there are 25. • therewere 76women (out of 435) in theUSHouse of Representatives; today there are 102. • Virginia had no female Congressional representation; in 2018 we added three Congresswomen. • today the Speaker of the U.S. House is a woman. Virginia has seen even more dramatic change. When the General Assembly convenes in January, there will be 11 women in the State Senate out of 40 Senators, and there will be 30 women in the House of Delegates out of 100! A mere five years ago, there were only 19 female Delegates. Virginia’s Senate will be 25% female and the House will be 30% female. Not only is the number of females serving in the House of Delegates historical, but the Speaker of the House of Delegates will be Eileen Filler-Corn. Speaker-Elect Filler-Corn will be the first woman to hold that role in the Commonwealth’s 400-year history. So why does it matter? I am not a proponent of electing women just because they wear a skirt. We should always strive to elect individuals that will best represent our interests and lead our government forward. Having qualified women in Federal and State government matters for several reasons. First, it doubles the talent pool. I am so encouraged when I look at the qualifications, knowledge and enthusiasm the women elected in Virginia bring to their service. Women representatives tend to better understand and advocate for family issues—promoting education, healthcare, childcare, family leave and care for seniors.

valuable: power! Virginia has a female Speaker of the House for the first time in its 400-year history. Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (HD 41) is joined by Clerk of the House, Suzette Denslow, and House Majority Leader, Del. Charniele Herring (HD 46). Women hold 30 seats in the House but chair fully half of the committees (7 of 14). Women hold 11 of the 40 Virginia Senate seats and chair 4 of the 11 committees, including the powerful Senate Finance Committee. The gains in leadership are even more remarkable considering that barely 100 women have served in the Virginia House in its entire 400-year history, compared with well over 9,000 men. Women have also contributed disproportionately to the diversity in the General Assembly; the legislature today looks more like the whole Commonwealth because of the women who refused to let race, ethnicity, or gender become a barrier to electability. Contrast the diversity of the present membership with the 1984Virginia legislature when Yvonne Miller became the first African-American woman to be seated in the House. She said fellow legislators thought she was a maid and told her so. Nevertheless, she persisted! She subsequently served in the Senate from 1988 to 2012 when she died in office, but with her powerful convictions, dignity—and voice—she served as an inspiration and role model for many women leaders. Ask past and present women legislators to comment on what to expect from the new team, and they will tell you that “women’s leadership” looks a lot like—leadership—with some subtle but important distinctions. Former Delegate Kris Amundson (HD 44) recalled a budget fight early in her House career during which several women delegates of both parties got together while they waited out the “conferees’ brinksmanship tactics”. One of Amundson’s House colleagues at the time, RepublicanAnne “Panny” Rhodes of Richmond, remarked that if the women gathered in the room were given a day’s time and access to the House Appropriations staff, they could get the entire standoff resolved. Amundson’s point is that “women are less

See Huge Progress In Five Years , continued on page 11

See Women of the Past and Present , continued on page 11

Sunday, 9:30 AM – VPM (Richmond, Charlottesville & Harrisonburg) Sunday, 10 AM – Blue Ridge PBS 15.1 (Roanoke & Lynchburg) Tuesday, 5 PM – WHRO-World (Norfolk) Wednesday, 8:30 PM – Southwest VA PTV 15.2 (Roanoke & Lynchburg)

Thursday, 5:30 PM – WHRO-World (Norfolk) Check the schedules of additional stations: ARC TV (Southwest)

Norfolk’s Network , TV-48 Suffolk Network , TV-190

V I E W I N G S C H E D U L E

Weekly show information is on Facebook— THIS WEEK IN RICHMOND Past shows may be seen on vpm.org/watch/this-week-in-richmond

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

9

A New Day Reigns in the Old Dominion By Paula Miller Nearly 87 years ago during his inaugural speech, President Franklin D. Roosevelt cautioned Americans that, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” His words resonate with me as I hear

A Seat at the Table NewWomen, New Chairs Delegate Jeion Ward I am humbled and proud to serve

as the chair of the Commerce and Labor committee, and the significance of being the first woman and first African American to hold that position is not lost on me. The fight for equity transcends party, race, or gender— it is about everyone having a seat at the table, and this coming session, we will have the most diverse leadership at any point in the Virginia House of Delegates’

some Virginians brace for what they “fear” is an upcoming General Assembly session that will produce legislation shattering constitutionally-guaranteed personal liberties and alter the fabric of the Old Dominion. Having had a seat at the table (or on the House floor to be more specific), I see new direction taking shape, but not to the extent that some vocal majorities fear. As is often said, “elections have consequences,” and Virginia’s November 2019 election results undeniably dictate change-in leadership, and, in terms of policy and priorities. It happens no matter which political party is in charge. What will be exciting to watch is the next chapter ofVirginia’s rich history being written. I plan to be present to see the Commonwealth of Virginia swear into office its first-ever female Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Speaker-designee Eileen Filler-Corn assumes the leadership post as the first Jewish Speaker of the House as well. As her mentor in the House of Delegates, I watched Delegate Filler-Corn embrace her duties with heartfelt determination and pursue her legislative priorities with a commitment to “...and fairness for all.” Trained as a lawyer, I am confident of her understanding of theVirginia Constitution and the Constitution of the United States of America. I feel certain history books (and eBooks) will one day describe her tenure as Speaker as a leader who was firm, fair and a dynamic trailblazer. One of the new speaker’s foremost priorities will be transparency. And, I feel certain, this will be the new Virginia Way. From recorded subcommittee votes to committee meetings requiring advance notice, the public can be assured transparency is on full display regardless of the controversial nature of any legislation brought forth. It should come as no surprise that because Virginia added supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment to the legislative lineup last November, the gender equality measure will be approved by the majority of Virginia lawmakers and potentially enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The majority appears committed to enacting a number of gun restrictions during the session, including a ban on the sale of military- style weaponry. It will likely come with a grandfather clause. It is likely we will see support for universal background checks and a red flag law adopted. Support is also growing for a gun free zone at the Capitol. On the hot topic of legalization of marijuana, I see Virginia taking baby steps, with decriminalization winning support in 2020. I predict debate on legalization will be deferred to a future session. The tenor of the younger, more diverse and progressive chamber is worth watching as it stands to have its voice heard as a result of the blue sweep. What will be important is that the new Democratic majority in the General Assembly does not overstate its mandate. The wild card for the current legislature, of course, is control of redistricting in 2021. Also worth watching is whether Democrats continue to shepherd and approve their long-sought-after redistricting reform in the 2020 session, now that they are the majority party. I am an optimistic person by nature. I believe Democrats will be steadfast in their legislative pursuits but not stubborn when it comes to compromise. I believe that women’s issues, concerns of the LGBTQ community and many other decades-long battles will have a full and fair hearing.

400-year history. This is a triumph not just for women, or for people of color, or for working Virginians, but for our Commonwealth as a whole, and the responsibility for me is both weighty and exciting. Delegate Jeion Ward represents the 92nd District, which includes Part of Hampton. Senator Barbara Favola Duringmy service on theRehabilitation

and Social Services Committee, I immersed myself in the policy issues that came before the Committee. I have “an open door” policy and am willing to meet with all stakeholders and make it a point to understand who the “winners and losers” might be as I consider every piece of legislation. Moreover, I balance that information against the principle of what is in the “best interest of the public.”

I believe Virginians want a sensible regulatory framework for the alcohol and beverage industry while ensuring that the impact of the industry does not negatively affect public health and safety. Another major part of the work before the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee is overseeing safety-net programs like the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and programs that support our foster children. On these issues, I will guide the Committee to support policies that enable individuals to achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Programs that offer re-entry support to individuals being released from jail are worthy of adoption. I am also committed to establishing legal guardianship opportunities for family members willing to care for related children when their biological parents can no longer care for them. Both of these efforts should garner bi-partisan support and I will work towards that goal. I am honored to be one of four female committee chairs and appreciate the fact that “sisters” will be available for advice and counsel. I predict that the laws passed in this upcoming session will better reflect that realities of Virginia’s families because more women will be “at the table.” Delegate Roslyn Tyler It is a distinct honor and privilege to

be selected as the first African American female to serve as chairperson of the state education committee. I was appointed to this committee in 2006 and now serving for 14 years. I am excited about the opportunity to work to address our education disparities and provide the necessary educational foundation such that each child, regardless

Continued on next page

Continued at top of next page

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

10

that has been ignored may herald a solution they hadn’t contemplated. When Sarah Lee Fain and Helen T. Henderson left for Richmond in 1924, women had only recently achieved the right to vote. They must have been filled with trepidation, keenly aware of the high expectations placed on them despite the limitations that society imposed on them. But as so many women had done before them and would continue to do to this day, they brushed off their flower petals, raised their heads high, and blazed a trail for countless women to follow. So, what will the new “women’s leadership” look like? It will look a lot like leadership: principled, collaborative, and solution-oriented. It will also feature clarity, decisiveness, and forbearance. Yes, there will be legislative battles, because there will be issues worth fighting for. But from time immemorial, women have always been in the business of “getting ready”, of “being prepared” even against tough odds. Their important talent is knowing that even with the best armor, not all victories are achieved in a Coliseum. Margaret Vanderhye of McLean, Virginia, served as the Delegate for the 34th House District from 2008 to 2010. granddaughters. Not only will it encourage young women to serve in government, but it will signal to them that there are no boundaries in any field. While women have made great strides in the past five years, there is still have a long way to go to reach parity. For example, Virginia has had only one female statewide elected official, and that was Mary Sue Terry who served as Attorney General two decades ago. Representation by women is not a “won and done.” It will take continued diligence to support and encourage women to serve in elected office. I hope you will join me in making that effort a priority. Jody Wagner is from Virginia Beach and served as state treasurer of Virginia and as Virginia Secretary of Finance in the Kaine administration. we must strive for is a fair tax system. As Finance Chair, I look forward to robust examination of a number of key issues: How does dependence on the real estate tax effect local services, address non-residents, and relate to ability to pay. The challenge of achieving fairness across economic classes was underscored in the state income tax debates of last Session. The recent focus on tax preferences will continue to enlighten accountable policy decisions. Obviously, I could go on! Suffice it to say, I’m grateful for the opportunity to foster open, inclusive dialogue on the broad impact of our state and local tax system. A New Day Reigns in the Old Dominion continued from previous page I do not fear the new majority. I am concerned only when opinions are ignored and constituents voices are not heard. Near the end of my seven year legislative career, when members had an opportunity to move to different seats on the House floor, I purposely picked the middle of my row, right where the Democrat and Republican seats met. I wanted to make sure I could get to know my colleagues better and understand why they were taking the votes they did. I became a better listener. It did not always change my vote, but it opened my eyes. I trust members of the 2020 General Assembly will keep their eyes and ears wide open. Paula Miller served in the Virginia House of Delegates (D-87th District) from 2005-2012. She lost her seat due to redistricting. She currently works for the Virginia Department of Transportation and serves as Communications Manager for the Hampton Roads Bridge- Tunnel Expansion Project. V V

of their address, can receive a high-quality education to enter the world of work. During the 2019 General Assembly, we addressed the teachers shortage by taking the right steps toward increasing teacher's salary towards the national average , which was the intent of my HB 2332. However, during this 2020 General Assembly session, our priorities will continue to be early childhood education, college affordability and better broadband accessibility for rural communities. I am looking forward to a successful and productive 2020 General Assembly Session and Virginia will continue to be one of the best states to raise a child and do business. Delegate Vivian Watts I’m excited to have the opportunity

to Chair House Finance Committee. It brings me full circle to the tax research I focused on in my first decade and a half out of college. Many professional doors were closed to women at that time, but this gave me the great gift of setting my own agenda in active citizen involvement. The needs of our schools, mental health, environmental protection, and providing infrastructure all pushed me to focus on

And women can, and I believe will, address issues unique to women—frompassing the Equal RightsAmendment, to guaranteeing equal pay for women, to making it easier for women to report sexual assault. Many believe that women are better at working across the aisle and developing compromises to get things done. I certainly hope that is true. Virginia and the nation are facing significant issues, from establishing budgets to passing responsible gun legislation—I look forward to watching our female legislators roll up their sleeves and get things done. It will be particularly exciting to watch Speaker- Elect Filler-Corn guide the process. But the biggest benefit of more female representation may be that these women become valuable role models for our daughters and Huge Progress In Five Years from page 9 In her 2018 welcoming remarks to the large new group of women legislators, Watts expressed her “appreciation for what makes the core of any woman especially tough…they have to reach deep to know who they truly are…These women are strong, but they’re also acutely aware of the plight of others”. The current women leaders in the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation, have not achieved their current positions without experiencing the sting of being underestimated, discounted or dismissed somewhere along the way. They are therefore more likely to be empathetic and open to the possibility that the voice likely to engage in posturing for position. They’ll argue strongly for their ideas, but they want to come to a decision and move on.” Delegate Vivian Watts (HD 39), the new chair of the House Finance Committee, has served in the House for 28 years, the longest of any woman. She remembers when the only bathroom for women legislators was a long hallway away from the Chamber, when the lounge next to the House floor (where many deals were negotiated) was off limits to women, and when she was informed that she needed permission to wear pants when the House was in session. Women of the Past and Present from page 9 how basic government responsibilities could be paid for. Setting my own agenda, I could follow facts wherever they led on who is impacted by each tax, judge for myself the rationale of any given “loophole,” weigh what is prudent enforcement versus red-tape. I concluded there is no fair tax. I can argue against each one. What

V

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

11

QM Asks: Legislators Answer In your opinion, what was the main deciding factor in this election?

Editor’s note: The QM invited all legislators to express answers to these questions. Some chose to answer; some did not.

• Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler – I am confident that key issues during the 2020 session will be the long-overdue passing of the ERA, establishing essential environmental protections and policy, and the continued push for a healthcare system that is affordable (and accessible) for Virginia families. • Senator Barbara Favola –Lawmakers will respond to the issues that motivated voters in this past election. Over 80 percent of Virginians support universal background checks and red flag laws. These proposals will certainly move forward Passage of the ERA was also very popular among voters. Many Virginians told me that they really wanted to make history by having the oldest democracy in the new world, be the 38th to ratify the Amendment. Moreover, a desire for a more just and fair society is a theme that cuts across party lines. This will bring criminal justice reform and a relaxation of restrictions on voting rights. • Delegate Clinton Jenkins –Some of the key issues in the General Assembly 2020 will be Gun Control, the Economy, Affordable Health Care, Reproductive Health and Education. • Senator Joe Morrissey –The two “G’s” will dominate the session- Gambling and Gun Reform. Additionally, establishing a Clean Energy Standard will be on the front burner of every legislators agenda. • Delegate Dawn Adams –The key issues will be in response to the peoples expressed concerns—feeling safe from gun violence, feeling safe from discrimination, feeling values through equality, feeling optimistic about their healthcare, educational and employment futures. What surprised you most about this election? • Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler –By far the most surprising thing about this election was the overwhelming turnout, especially on this “off, off-year”. Virginians sent a message this year that they care and they are paying attention. • Senator Barbara Favola –The level of voter interest was a surprise in this election. Turnout averaged about 40 percent of registered voters across the state. This mirrored a gubernatorial election without a statewide candidate on the ballot and all the advertising dollars that accompany a statewide race. Usually, turnout is between 28 and 32 percent in an off-off year. Clearly, voters were excited about our candidates and our Democratic message. It is incredibly powerful when candidates look like the people they will be representing and bring real-life experiences that will inform policy- making in a positive way. Folks were motivated because of the “table” of decision-makers was expanding to include more women and more people of color. The take away from this election is that the demographic shift in Northern Virginia and the urban areas of the State will be transforming politics in the Commonwealth for years to come. • Delegate Clinton Jenkins –The biggest surprise was the high voter turnout for this election. • Senator Joe Morrissey –The huge amount of outside Virginia money that flowed into both parties campaign coffers- particularly the Democrats. Indeed, some legislators ought to introduce legislation to reduce Campaign Finance reform legislation that will limit the amount of out of state money a candidate can receive. Consider the following. Unions- and most Americans for that matter- have great angst about foreign sovereign (i.e. Russia, Ukraine) influencing a Federal Election but most similar angst about a foreign sister state. • Delegate Dawn Adams –The degree of incivility, meanness, and general expense surprised me equally. • Delegate Alex Askew – I think what surprised me the most was the record voter turnout we saw across the Commonwealth. Historically, it has been difficult to get people to the polls in off-year elections. The record voter turnout we saw in Virginia is a reflection of the growing interest in political process amongst voters in the Commonwealth.

• Delegate Dawn Adams –I think Virginians wanted to feel heard, they wanted their worries and concerns validated even if it had been through baby-steps. The legislators who listened, and demonstrated care and credibility seemed to win. • Delegate Alex Askew –The main deciding factor in this election is the majority of Virginians have been longing for change, and they expressed their advocacy for change by showing up to the polls and voting for more progressive ideas. Virginia saw record voter turnout numbers for an off-year election, and I believe that this is due to more people becoming more involved in the political process. The issues Democrats ran on, such as comprehensive gun reform, fully funding our education system, and protecting our environment resonated with voters across the Commonwealth. Our democracy functions better when more people get involved. • Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler –In this election, I believe there were a few main factors. Those factors being the issues Virginians in my district face each and every day: Accessing affordable and quality healthcare, a need for a livable wage, and devastational flooding. My constituents know that I will work for them, not anyone else. • Senator Barbara Favola –Many voters wanted to voice their displeasure with the Trump Administration and validate “bread and butter” issues such as the need to raise the minimum wage, improve access to affordable healthcare and pass gun safety legislation. Voters also cared about accessing safe and legal abortions, given the composition of the Supreme Court and the importance of State legislatures in protecting this right. • Delegate Clinton Jenkins –I believe that the main deciding factor in this election was the redrawing of our district, which corrected the issue of racial gerrymandering. Allowing the voice of all citizens of Suffolk to ring clear and be heard. • SenatorJoeMorrissey –InstrongRepublicanDistricts(e.g.Southwest Virginia) if you run with an “R” next to your name you automatically won. Similarly, both in Northern Virginia as well as our urban cities, if you ran with a “D” on your back you also won. Accordingly, the real question is what was the deciding factor in Elections where there was a competitive District. Our two primary issues were Trump and guns in that order. Let’s be clear. In any House or Senate District that was competitive, if you ran as a Democrat you started the 100-meter dash with a 10-meter lead. Was this Fair? Probably not but that’s the political landscape that we were in during this election cycle. The Second factor was guns. The biggest lender in this Election was the Republicans canceling the Special General Assembly Gun Session after 90 minutes. • Delegate Alex Askew –Some of the key issues this session will be fully funding public education, protecting affordable healthcare, protecting our environment and combat sea-level rise, reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and passing the Equal Rights Amendment. There is a wide array of issues that we hope to tackle this session, but I believe that these issues should be at the top of the agenda in 2020. Too many people are going broke because of the cost of drugs. Our sea levels are rising dramatically and many areas in my district and coastal Virginia are seeing the effects of climate change firsthand. The public school system in Virginia needs legislation passes that supports our teachers and counselors, as well as legislation that makes sure every child has access to a quality education regardless of their zip-code. I’m ready to tackle these issues and finally bring meaningful changes to these areas. What will be the key issues in General Assembly 2020?

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

12

Would you care to make a prediction about the upcoming Session?

• Senator Barbara Favola –I think the upcoming session will be productive and focused on issues that will make a real difference in the lives of Virginians. Legislative actions will be designed to bring more equity, more inclusiveness and more equality to the day-to-day lives of Virginians. Moreover, I am also confident that the Democrats will govern in a transparent way and bring more sunshine to the “politics as usual” approach. • Delegate Alex Askew –I predict that the General Assembly will pass several pieces of legislation that benefit the greater good of the Commonwealth.With a Democratic majority in the General Assembly, I am confident that we will see a strong slate of bills that will make healthcare more accessible and affordable, protect our environment, and make Virginia one of the top places in America to live and do business in. • Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler –My prediction is that this will be the most productive session in decades. I have a feeling Virginians will feel proud of their state government. 2020 Committee Chairs Named V

House Committee

Chair

Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

Ken Plum

Appropriations

Luke Torian Jeion Ward Kaye Kory

Commerce and Labor

V IRGINIA D EPARTMENT OF S MALL B USINESS AND

Counties, Cities and Towns

Courts of Justice

Charniele Herring

Education

Roslyn Tyler Vivian Watts David Bulova

Finance

General Laws

Health, Welfare and Institutions Mark Sickles Militia, Police and Public Safety Patrick Hope Privileges and Elections Joe Lindsey Rules Eileen Filler-Corn Science and Technology Cliff Hayes Transportation Delores McQuinn Senate Committee Chair Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Chap Petersen Commerce and Labor Dick Saslaw Courts of Justice John Edwards Education and Health L. Louise Lucas Finance Janet Howell Rules Mamie E. Locke Rehabilitation and Social Services Barbara Favola General Laws George Barker Local Government Lynwood Lewis Transportation Dave Marsden Privileges and Elections Creigh Deeds

S UPPLIER D IVERSITY

M ore than 97% of Virginia’s businesses are small . We are your economic development agency , helping you grow and prosper through increased

What we offer… • Virginia Small Business Financing Authority providing access to capital; • Business Development and Outreach providing education and outreach to assist small businesses with strategic growth and development; • Certifications to enhance procurement opportunities

revenue and job creation .

for SWaM and DBE qualified businesses.

For further information about services offered, please visit us at www.sbsd.virginia.gov or call (804) 786-6585

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

13

A Guardian of the Senate: The Honorable Susan Clarke Schaar By Bonnie Atwood This article originally appeared in the Summer 2011 issue of Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine.

That door opened to a winning campaign, and then to a job in the transition office. From there, Schaar made her own transition—to the Senate, working under Senate Clerk Louise Lucas (no relation to the current Senator). She was assigned quite suddenly when a predecessor resigned. “I survived under fire not knowing a single member of the Senate when I started” she remembers. Her title was “Engrossing Clerk.”

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. —Robert Frost

The choice could not have been easy for the young girl from Brunswick County, but she made the right one. Susan Clarke, now The Honorable Susan Clarke Schaar, was the oldest child in her family of five. She had just graduated from college, her mother had retired from teaching and her father had been diagnosed with cancer. But her parents did what parents do: they nudged their daughter out of the nest. Schaar had attended Westhampton College of the University of Richmond. At first, her major was English. Then she switched to history

That was back in the day of cut-and-paste—quite literally. (For you younger readers—that means we revised documents using scissors and glue.) After Ms. Lucas’ tenure, Schaar was administrative assistant to the Clerk of the Senate, the legendary Jay Shropshire. Mr. Shropshire was Clerk until Schaar succeeded him when he became Governor L. DouglasWilder’s Chief of Staff.

and found out about the oral exams, which were “not for me!” Political science became her field. She did student teaching, looking at becoming a history/ government teacher, but found out that most school systems wanted those teachers to be football coaches, too. Another “not for me” moment. “Coaching football wasn’t exactly my strong suit,” says Schaar dryly. Still, political science was a good fit. She loved studying civil rights. She wrote a paper on the rights of the Native Americans, never dreaming that one day she would have a big role inVirginia government and tributes to Native Americans, women, and minorities. Her interest in Native Americans stemmed from a cross-country trip when she was just a fifth-grader. She traveled with her uncle and his family, making

In her role as Clerk, Schaar has countless responsibilities including records management, human resources, facilities management, technology management and other administrative duties for the Senate. She is working on the Women’s Monument, the Native American Monument, and the Public Safety Memorial. She was a key driver in the Capitol renovation project. “The Capitol project was the project of a generation,” she says. She has traveled the world representing not only the Commonwealth of Virginia, but the United States of America. She has met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (They didn’t shake hands because the Queen did not initiate a handshake.)

their way out west, they stopped to visit Indian reservations. She talked with Native American children her own age, and these interactions made a lasting impression. After graduation from college, she was offered a teaching job with Brunswick County. And she would have taken it. But her parents said not so fast. “I don’t want you to take the job,” were the words Schaar remembers from her parents. Why? “We want you to see the world and then if you want to come home that is fine.” Her parents wanted her to spread her wings and see it for herself. Again—the choice could not have been easy. It was off to Richmond. She shared an apartment with three other young women. They say that success is the intersection of preparation and luck (and a lot of hard work). Her preparation was that year of typing class; her luck was DortchWarriner. Schaar (then young Susan) had signed up for a study hall her junior year of high school. Early in the semester, she was called in to the principal’s office. Mr. Jefferson Jones, the principal, reminded her that he knew her parents well. He knew everything. He knew, for example, that the family television was shut down very night at 6:30 p.m. for homework time. “Walter Cronkite was it,” recalled Schaar. And the wise Mr. Jones knew, too, that this student need not spend an hour in study hall. She should get a practical skill like typing under her belt. “Whenever I saw him after high school ,” she said, “I thanked him for that advice.” Typing came in handy when Dortch Warriner (then a lawyer, later a federal judge) called to send her down to an interview with a political campaign he was involved with. She interviewed to work typing contribution letters for the Mills Godwin campaign for governor of Virginia. She saw the typing class as her “foot in the door.”

Schaar, in short, has a front-row seat to history, and gives it the importance and dignity that it requires. Does she love each and every minute? “There are days,” she confesses honestly, “when it’s just the nitty gritty.” Schaar’s honesty extends to her heartfelt expression of her grief for the late and The Honorable Bruce Jamerson, the Clerk of the House of Delegates. “Bruce and I were together 38 years,” she says. “It was like a working marriage. We knew what the other was going to order for lunch.” Between them, they had 78 years of institutional knowledge. She said it took six weeks for her to drive home without crying, and she was honest enough to say that some of those tears were in anger. But meanwhile, her job, which is “a job I love,” she says, goes on. She continues to enhance the Capitol, particularly the Senate staff offices, decorating the walls with work of Virginia artists. She has artfully placed a quill pen on a Senate conference table. She has personally collected an extensive collection of china decorated with cardinals and dogwood that she plans to leave with the office one day. And she enjoys work outside of the Senate, too. She served on the University of Richmond Board of Trustees from 1990 to 1994. She spends time with her grandchildren. She goes kayaking (“not whitewater”). And she rescues animals. Last year, she and her sister found homes for 18 kittens. She has three rescue cats and one rescue dog of her own. All the players in Schaar’s life, from her parents, to her high school principal, to Bruce Jamerson, and all the good people in between, have left the Senate of Virginia in good hands. Bonnie Atwood is editor of Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine .

V

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020

14