The stars come out for GMU Young Dems event

By Marcus Motta: Some of northern Virginia’s biggest names were on hand for the George Mason University Young Democrats annual fundraiser, Pennies for Patriots. Led by Reps. Gerry Connolly (11th CD) and Jennifer Wexton (10th CD), the pols praising the Young Dems at the Feb. 29 event also included the Speaker of the House, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (41st), fellow Delegates…

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As Virginia passes ERA, new women’s suffrage museum opens

By Susan Laume: Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) announced Virginia’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) on Monday, Jan. 27. In her official statement, she said, “We stand today on the shoulders of the thousands of women — and men — who have fought for the last 97 years to secure the ERA’s ratification. Finally, women have a…

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Lawmakers welcome 50+ Committee on day of advocacy for seniors

The 50+ Committee of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee spent a busy day in Richmond on Jan. 16 meeting with state lawmakers on issues that are key to seniors. Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35), the Senate’s majority leader, recognized the group from the floor of the Senate, and numerous other legislators also made time for this important constituency. Issues discussed included…

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Northern Virginia dominates legislature leadership

As the Virginia state legislature opened for business this week, Northern Virginia legislators scored more than half the standing committee chair positions – as well as providing the Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House, and House Majority Leader. Senators and delegates from our region will hold 14 of the 25 committee chairs, covering topic such as agriculture, commerce, transportation,…

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Gun supporters disrupt Fairfax County legislator forum

Gun rights advocates interrupted speakers frequently with boos, shouts and chants as the Fairfax County state legislative delegation held its traditional public forum on Jan. 4, four days in advance of the opening of the General Assembly this Wednesday. Gun supporters, many with orange “Guns Save Lives” stickers, were prominent in the audience at the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium…

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Eileen Filler-Corn first woman Virginia House speaker

Northern Virginia’s own Eileen Filler-Corn has been elected speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates — the first time a woman has held the position. Filler-Corn, who has represented the 41st district, based in Springfield, since 2010, will also be the first Jew to hold the post. “The firsts are not lost on me – the first woman and the…

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State legislators welcome 50+ delegation from NoVa

Although the weather was cold, the reception was warm as 10 state lawmakers met with a delegation of 50+ Committee members, part of Fairfax County Democratic Committee, in Richmond on Jan. 17. The 50+ members discussed key issues for seniors with legislators, including mobile voting in long term care facilities, creation of an elder care abuse registry, and ensuring staffing…

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Sierra Club awards Va. Del. Kathy Tran for promoting solar energy

By Susan Laume:  The Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club presented Virginia Del. Kathy Tran (D-42) with their Energy Freedom Award on Sunday, Jan. 6, citing her sponsorship of two bills in last year’s legislative session supporting solar energy. Although the bills did not pass, Sierra Club spokesperson Susan Stillman said in presenting the award that Tran’s sponsorship was important…

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