Dear Friends,
Three critical elections are coming up on February 21st: the primary for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Race, the Virginia Special Election for the 4th Congressional District, and Special Election for Gainesville Supervisor in Prince William County.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which has the potential to flip this Court from conservative to progressive, is considered the most important race of 2023 by the New York Times, Politico, Daily Kos and others. One of the nation’s most purple states, Wisconsin could well hold the outcome of the 2024 election in its hands, in which case a Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision could be the deciding factor. The extremely partisan (though nominally non-partisan) all-candidate primary is Tuesday, Feb. 21st. There are four candidates – two progressives and two MAGA conservatives. The two highest vote getters will go on to the April 4th general election. We must make sure that at least one of those two is a progressive – so please phone your hearts out for the next week! Wisconsin Democratic Party Phone Banks (most days) – Human Rights Campaign WI (Thursday) – Grassroots Dems (Saturday) – Swing Blue Alliance (Monday).
We have to work hard these last days before the February 21st special election to make State Senator Jennifer McClellan the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress! Although CD 4 is considered dependably blue, anything can happen a week from Tuesday! Please put in a little time for our beloved Senator. We can’t take her election for granted!
Kerensa Sumers is running for Gainesville Supervisor in Prince William County, a tough district, and the Republicans have nominated a far-right extremist who we really need to beat back in order to send a message. Election Day coverage, canvassing and phone banking (Sunday & Monday) are requested. Find more information here.
Please take time to take action on the updated Calls to Action (CTAs) below; they are helping!
ALL IN,
Stair
CALLS TO ACTION
HB1448 and HB1379 will be heard in the Senate Public Education Subcommittee. These bills are part of the attempt to ban books in public school libraries by requiring all library resources to be cataloged by sexual content. We oppose these bills, and you can help get them stopped by answering this call to action.
HB1387 will be heard soon in the Senate Education and Health Committee. This bill is an anti-trans bill that we oppose. You can protect our most vulnerable students by answering this call to action.
SB1043, which incorporates two other bills that we endorsed, SB1257 and SB1268, will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee. Help improve mental health resources in our public schools by answering this call to action.
SB1215 has been reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and will be going to the House. This bill will help recruit and retain teachers by increasing their compensation. Please support this bill by answering this call to action.
Public Education CALLS TO ACTION – Take Action NOW for the Senate Floor Vote!
– Help improve mental health resources in schools by asking your senator to vote YES on SB818 and SJ228. Click Here to Take Action
– Support English Language Learners by asking your senator to vote YES on SB1118. Click Here to Take Action
– Improve student academic achievement by getting your senator to vote YES on SB1334. Click Here to Take Action
– Improve teacher learning and mentoring by getting your senator to vote YES on SB1325. Click Here to Take Action
– Protect vulnerable students by asking your delegate to vote NO on HB1387. Click Here to Take Action
Reform the Recall Process: CALL TO ACTION – Take Action NOW for the Senate Floor Vote!
Sen McClellan amended SB1328 and it passed committee with unanimous support! Please contact your Senator today and ask them to vote for SB1328 on the Senate Floor. The bill enhances public confidence in the recall process and sets clear standards to establish cause for removal. Click Here to Take Action Contact: Luisa Boyarski, luisaboyarski@gmail.com
OPPOSE HB1430 Allowing Large Manufacturers Big Exemptions on their Electric Bills: Tell Senators on the Commerce and Labor Committee (C&L) to reject HB1430, which has already passed the House. Large manufacturers are asking for special treatment to be exempt from paying costs that the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) makes all customers pay. More study is needed before creating this type of special carve-out. Click Here to Take Action by Feb. 16.
SUPPORT Shared Solar: Two bills SB1266 and SB1083 are expected in House Commerce and Energy on Thurs., Feb. 16. Click here to send an Action Network email to your House Rep by Feb. 16, Noon.
Keep the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in place. It’s the law! Enter a comment on this Regulatory Action. RGGI has been the law since 2020 and we oppose the Youngkin administration directing the Air Board to discontinue participation.
Join the Sierra Club of Virginia and Tell the Air Board: RGGI Protects Virginians
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Represent US Zoom Meeting US Supreme Court Case (Moore v. Harper)
You are invited to RepresentUs New Jersey Zoom Sat 2/18 11 am. Learn about the Supreme Court Case on the “Independent Legislature Theory”.
Tuesday, February 21 (and weekly) at 6 pm
Virginia Redress Network’s Monthly Meeting
Learn what progress Virginians are making on restitution and the many issues relating to racial and social justice.
Wednesday, February 22, 8 – 9pm ET
Sneak Peek: MVP’s Early Strategy for 2024
Dive into Movement Voter Pac’s strategic plan to win big in the 2024 cycle and hear about their pathway to a Progressive Decade through 2033. Be sure to inquire about their Virginia strategy.
Truth Brigade Workshop and Orientation
Wednesday, February 22, 7-8:30pm
RASR Presents What Can Reparations Look Like?
What do you think of when someone mentions reparations? Reparations can take many different forms, from acknowledgement of pervasive systemic racism that leads to inequity, to restitution or compensation for harms done, and many points in between. Join our panel discussion with individuals that are advocating for various forms of reparations for their communities and others. Panelists include members of the African American Redress Network (AARN), Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), Brown Grove Preservation Group, and Black Broad Branch Coalition.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET
Sweep Salon: Breaking Through the Misinformation Around Sex Ed
When it comes to sex and relationships education, there’s so much misinformation out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually being taught. Join Jaclyn Friedman, founder and ED of EducateUS, to learn about the National Sex Education Standards, what’s taught in each grade and why, and how you can help fight back against lies and fear by sharing this simple information with people you know.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Alexandria
Saturday, February 25 from 11 am – 2 pm
Annual Black History Month Celebration
Harvest Assembly Baptist Church
Join the Fairfax NAACP. This year’s theme is Black Resistance – Rebuilding Black Wall Street. We will be welcomed by emcee Shirley Ginwright, Past President Fairfax County NAACP, and keynote speaker Curtis Valentine, Founder of Real Men Teach as we celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans and enjoy a great soul food lunch!
Annandale
Sunday, February 26, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Supervisor Walkinshaw’s 2023 Campaign Kickoff
The Home of Susan & Tom Johnson
Join Katherine White and Stair Calhoun for a lunchtime meet and greet in Annandale supporting Lily Franklin for Delegate (HD-41) in Southwest Virginia. Hear from Delegates Marcus Simon, Kathy Tran, Briana Sewell and others on the 2023 General Assembly. Don’t miss this warm & welcoming lunchtime event with great folks, food, & refreshments all to support Lily!
Congressman Gerry Connolly’s 29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fête!
Arlington
June 30 – July 2, 2023
National NOW Annual Conference
Doubletree Hotel
Mark your calendars now for a weekend of feminist fun and purpose! Details, including registration and hotel information, will be coming soon.
Chantilly
Mustang Sally’s Brewing
Join the Fairfax County Democratic Committee vote for all your favorite candidates as they kick off the 2023 Fairfax County Democratic Primary Season!!! This event will be held 4-6pm at . There will be lots of candidates, fun snacks, drinks, and lots and lots of voting!
Charlottesville
Saturday, February 25 at 1:30pm EST
Coffee Chat at C’ville Coffee and Wine
1301 Harris Street, Charlottesville
Join Charlottesville NOW.
Harrisonburg
International Women’s Day March
The Harrisonburg International Women’s Day Committee’s mission is to “Uplift the value of all women who come from diverse backgrounds and identities. We celebrate the voices of women through recognizing achievements and supporting collective pursuits for justice in our communities.” Join us! Contact: iwdharrisonburg@gmail.com
Herndon
Monday, February 20, 7:30-9:00am
February 2023 Breakfast – Counties Rule
Amphora Diner in Herndon – 1151 Elden St.
Join Dulles Area Democrats for a look at some of the issues driving deliberations on local County Boards. Our guest speakers are Phyllis Randall, Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and James Walkinshaw, Fairfax County Supervisor for the Braddock District. They will address a range of issues, including equity initiatives, budgetary priorities, and County-State relations in our fraught political environment.
Friday, February 24, 6:00 – 8:30pm
Fundraiser for Chris Falcon, Candidate Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court
Please join in for an evening of dinner, drinks and music at the home of Sergio and Olga Rimola in support of Chris Falcon’s candidacy for Fairfax Clerk of Court.
Fairfax
Erika Yalowitz for State Senate Launch
Home of Maggie Godbold and Steve Bershader
Join Erika and her team as she launches her campaign for Senate and shares some of her highest priorities: to protect our children and community from the dangers of fentanyl and firearms, making sure that people in Virginia can make their own reproductive decisions, and keeping public education public and accessible to all.
Game Day with FCDC at Tina Barchik’s
Join for Fairfax Dems’ first annual, Game Day. It’s sure to be a good time with specially designed, one-of-a-kind games, game day snacks and drinks.
Sunday, March 26, noon – 2pm, Lake Barcroft
Meet Ben Litchfield for Senate – Securing the Senate for Working Families
Join Boyd Walker, Kathie Hoekstra and Duncan Barron for lunch at Stair & Mike Calhoun’s to support Ben Litchfield’s campaign for Senate District 27. Control of the Virginia Senate is on the line in 2023 and the majority runs through Fredericksburg. Let’s get together and help Flip It Blue!
Lorton
Saturday, February 18, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
15th Annual Mount Vernon Democrats Mardi Gras Celebration & Straw Poll
Workhouse Arts Center
Come for the music, food and fun! Enjoy New Orleans-style Gumbo and Jambalaya, Beignets, King Cakes, and other delicious food. Listen to great live New Orleans jazz music from a six-piece dixieland jazz band, and dance the night away.
Reston
Saturday, February 18, 2PM-4PM
Walter Alcorn’s 2023 Campaign Launch for Reelection as Hunter Mill District Supervisor YMCA – 12196 Sunset Hills, Reston
Please join Walter Alcorn and his special guest Congressman Gerry Connolly. The event is FREE, yet please consider contributing to Walter’s re-election campaign.
Richmond
Friday, February 17,7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Virginia Museum of History and Culture,
428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond
Join Equality US to celebrate Artists4ERA and the Equal Rights Amendment.
Roanoke
The Hope Center, 506 11th St NW
Join Freedom Virginia’s southwestern Virginia organizer Eddie with Shmura Glenn and a representative from the Harrison Museum. They will honor Burrell Memorial Hospital, Henrietta Lacks, Dr. Finn Victor, Miriam Smith, RN, Dr. Walter Claytor, and others. The celebration will include gift cards, a nice door prize, and the community is encouraged to attend!
