NEWS FOR MEMBERS
#DemocratsDeliver
On a walk at the state arboretum yesterday, I heard the first of the spring peepers and for just a moment all was right with the world. Sadly, much weighs heavily on our hearts right now, not least of which is the war in Ukraine, as well as stealthier attacks on liberty here at home. I hope you're going outside a little, getting centered, and finding ways to help. If you're reading this, I know you're plugged into the struggle for Democratic outcomes here at home.
Last month, Virginia House Bill 876 died in a Commerce and Energy subcommittee when three Republicans, including Warren County Delegate Michael Webert, voted to leave it on the table. This bill would have made it illegal for tobacco farmers to use child labor without family consent. Add to this their constant efforts to undermine public education, and it becomes clearer that Virginia Republicans have no interest in solving the problems that face the children of working families.
That is why we must prevent the GOP from making further gains in the midterm elections. With your help, we can bolster our presence with paid advertising and a headquarters for the election season - and by giving our candidates everything we've got. We have a wealth of good ideas in development, but we'll need more funding and volunteers.
If donating isn't possible right now, giving your time is just as valuable. We've put together a committee to help us enlist volunteers, facilitate training, and coordinate shifts for community outreach efforts and the campaign season. We need all hands on deck. Please respond here to let me know you're interested in helping.
I appreciate your commitment to supporting WCDC and hope to see you at our next meeting. Our plans are centered on growing membership, organizing volunteer operations, building goodwill in the community, and expanding our fundraising capacity. We welcome your feedback at the meeting and in the days after - and we look forward to getting started on the next chapter for Warren County Democrats.
Best, Paul Miller
Chair, Warren County Democratic Committee
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
Here are the phone numbers of your representatives in Congress. Use them frequently and make your voice heard!
Sen. Mark Warner 703-442-0670
Sen. Tim Kaine 703-361-3192
Rep. Ben Cline 540-432-2391
Representatives in Richmond:
Gov. Ralph Northam 804-786-2211
VA Sen. Mark Obenshain 540-437-1451
Keep up with the latest news, events and conversations by following the Warren County VA Democratic Committee on Facebook. Share and discuss the latest political articles, join in on an array of resistance actions, and get to know other members online.
Visit our Resources for Action and Engagement page for more ways to get involved and make a difference!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Redistricting Update: The Virginia Supreme Court has completed its review of the proposed final redistricting maps and accompanying memorandum prepared by the Special Masters (December 27th, 2021), approved, and released the new maps. The Court took into consideration extensive public comment, including those submitted in writing to the Clerk of Court, comments made on the interactive maps we shared with members in our last email, and comments that were made directly to the Court at public hearings held on December 15th and 17th. You can read about the Supreme Court of Virginia Redistricting Final Order and Approved Maps here. Read about the Supreme Court of Virginia Redistricting Final Order and Approved Maps here.
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WCDC recently launched text messaging for our members. We use texts to send reminders for meetings and alert members to volunteer opportunities and quick-turn calls to action. If you’d like to receive texts from us, send us your mobile number
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As we look forward to the 2022 midterms, one way you can really help WCDC is by joining our Club of 100 fundraiser. You can make your $100 contribution through Act Blue or by sending a check, payable to WCDC, to Warren County Democratic Committee, PO Box 615, Front Royal, VA 22630. Contributions help cover expenses such as yard signs, postcards, and donations to candidates. These funds are a critical part of our budget, and we appreciate any amount you can give. Thank you to Peg Goodyear for leading this effort.
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Now that more people are getting vaccinated, some of our members are considering reviving the monthly tradition of the Lunch Bunch at Mom's Country Kitchen (if you prefer another restaurant let us know). If you are interested in participating, please email us and tell us which day of the week and week of the month you would prefer, plus start time (noon, 1 p.m., or other) and location.
DEMOCRATS DELIVER FOR AMERICA
If you paid any attention to the news in early November, you know that Democrats in Washington delivered big time for all Americans with House passage of President Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan. Thirteen House Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the package, fulfilling Biden’s promise for a bipartisan plan.
Here are some more highlights of how our Democratic lawmakers in Virginia have delivered great things to all Virginians, regardless of party:
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In five weeks, Virginia Democrats reshape decades of state policy Virginia Mercury 2/12/202
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Enacted new voting laws to make voting easier.
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Boosted the minimum wage for the first time in 12 years.
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Raised pay for state employees, including teachers, sheriff’s deputies and state police.
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The LGBTQ panic defense is no longer a defense for murder or manslaughter.
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Enacted a bill of rights protects domestic workers from discrimination and harassment
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Virginia decriminalized pot possession.
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Virginia ends fiscal year 2021 with historic $2.9 billion budget surplus
Simply put, #DemocratsDeliver. These achievements underscore why we must keep the General Assembly, governor’s mansion and attorney general’s office in Democratic hands this November.
Want to know how #DemocratsDeliver for Virginia? Watch this 30-second video on Twitter.
FEATURED EVENTS
MONTHLY MEETING
Second Saturday of each month
11:00 AM
Our membership meetings are held the second Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at the Warren County Community Center or via Zoom if in-person meetings are considered high risk for Covid infection. For in-person meetings, please remember to bring your mask and practice social distancing.
Sign up to receive monthly meeting reminders.
DEFUND BEN CLINE
Final Wednesday of each month
7:00 PM via Zoom
Rep. Ben Cline is part of the Republican Coup Caucus promoting the lie that the 2020 presidential election results were fraudulent. He voted to block the certification of electors just hours after terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Help us call or write Ben Cline’s biggest donors to persuade them to stop giving him money. You can call or write letters at your convenience, or you can join our monthly letter writing events on Zoom (7 p.m. on the final Wednesday of the month). To get access to the resources or to join the monthly Zoom, email Lauren W.
You can also donate to the Democratic Party of Virginia’s campaign against Cline and five other key Virginia Republicans who stoked the divisiveness that led to the insurrection.
Paul Miller, Chair
Warren County Democratic Committee
A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR
There are many reasons why I'm proud to be a Democrat, not least of which is our party's record of fighting for fair policies for all. As a member of the LGBTQ community and a valley native, I know all too well that certain attitudes and policies can make a person feel unheard and disrespected. My husband and I have been together for more than twenty-five years, but not until Federal law caught up with the will of the people in 2015 were we allowed to make our commitment official - and legal.
Policy shapes opportunity. When it's inclusive and compassionate, legislation can open doors to more people, offering the full potential of our democracy. When restrictive and based in bigotry, policies can deny people everything from fundamental respect to essential needs. This was the case with policies that allowed localities to decide how to allocate the benefits of the GI Bill after WWII, too often denying Black service members equal access to housing. Also unjust are laws that prevent women from making the health decisions that are best for themselves and their families. In a sense, policies that fail to address climate change or gun safety similarly do a disservice to our children and the generations to come.
Being a Democrat is so important to me because it means standing up for everyone, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, or who they love. It also means demanding sensible approaches to commonplace problems that effect us all - and not being afraid to make bold and ambitious plans for the future. As someone whose family has been here for many generations, I know our valley has a troubling, complex, and storied past, but as a pragmatic optimist, I choose to put my energies and vision on where we can go from here. With open hearts and minds, a little imagination, and a lot of hard work, there is no reason that Front Royal and Warren County cannot be a model of modern, small town life: prosperous, green, and welcoming.
Be a part of shaping this vision by volunteering, becoming a member, or talking with me directly at outreach.warrendems@gmail.com.
In an increasingly polarized media environment, it can be hard to separate truth from political spin when it comes to the issues about which our community cares. Members of the Warren County Democratic Committee are dedicated to keeping you informed so you can make sound decisions each time you exercise your right to vote.
MOST RECENT ARTICLES:
Nov 8, 2021
Governor Northam and Transitions
by Rea Howarth, published in The Royal Examiner
Mar 11, 2021
by Steve Foreman, published in The Northern Virginia Daily
More Warren County Democrats in the News
BOOKS & FILMS
Expand your democratic horizons with our curated list of books and films.
