Statewide tour highlights Republican leadership failures and new Democratic agenda

Richmond, VA—-House and Senate Democratic leaders announced the launch of the “Change the Assembly” tour at the State Capitol today. The leaders pledged to crisscross the Commonwealth to highlight the need to fix what’s wrong in Richmond and change the General Assembly this fall.

Democrats outlined seven reasons the people of Virginia want change in the leadership at the State Capitol.

Seven Republican Roadblocks: Seven Reasons for Change

• Opposed raising the minimum wage
• Fought life-saving stem cell research
• Brought us the abusive driver fee
• Scuttled efforts to raise teacher pay
• Roadblock in preserving our AAA bond rating
• Obstruct increases in long-term care for seniors
• Opposed the largest investment in education in Virginia history

“The House Republican leadership has stood in the way of Virginia’s progress every step of the way and it’s time for a change,” House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong said. “Democrats have stood for responsible government that works for the people of Virginia and that’s the message that we will take to the voters this fall.”

“Whether it was opposing the largest investment in public education or trying to fund transportation with $1000 speeding tickets, the people of Virginia are tired of the Republicans governing through rigid ideology and gimmicks.” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. “Last year we remodeled the State Capitol, this year we need to change the people that serve on the inside.”

“We need progressive leadership in the General Assembly, not regressive, backward ideology,” Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Dwight Jones said. “It’s time for a General Assembly that stands up for middle class families.”

“It’s time for the General Assembly to focus on improving the quality of life for all Virginians. The people of Virginia are tired of rigid ideology getting in the way of commonsense solutions,” Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mary Margaret Whipple said.

“The current form of haphazard, partisan governing has brought us a transportation plan that doesn’t work and ideological gridlock that prevents the General Assembly from doing the right thing by our schools and our colleges and universities,” Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw said.

“To keep Virginia moving in the right direction, I need more partners in the General Assembly who are committed to progress,” said Governor Tim Kaine. “Changing the Assembly will help us protect education funding and move forward on better health care policies.”

The tour kicked off after Governor Kaine’s million-dollar fundraiser in Northern Virginia last evening, and included a fundraising breakfast for Democratic House candidate Jeanette Rishell in Manassas this morning. Next stops include Virginia Beach, Danville, Rocky Mount and Leesburg.

Democrats are also proposing a proactive agenda for Virginia’s future. Last week, House Democratic leaders announced they would introduce a veterans’ bill of rights for military service members and their families. Over the next several weeks, Democratic leaders will announce additional policy proposals in different regions of the Commonwealth as part of their “Change the Assembly” tour

“We do not believe all good ideas come from Richmond so our agenda will be announced over the coming weeks from all four corners of the Commonwealth,” said Moran.