JANUARY 16, 2022
The inauguration of a Republican governor seems like an event worthy of the restart of the Smith Mountain Lake Dems Newsletter. If one thinks that we don’t have a big job ahead of us, the news of Governor Youngkin’s first actions should be an eye-opener.
“Glenn Youngkin ran on the principles of rolling back [Democratic] accomplishments.”
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker
In addition to the inauguration there is the news of the final redistricting maps. On the Congressional level, we are no longer residents of the 5th district. Most of our members will find themselves in the 9th Congressional District which is currently represented by Morgan Griffith. This change will not take effect until after the upcoming November election. Griffith announced his plans to run again in what will be our new district.
As a reminder, the Virginia Congressional representatives who voted against certifying the 2020 election were:
- Rob Wittman (R-1st)
- Bob Good (R-5th)
- Ben Cline (R-6th)
- Morgan Griffith (R-9th)
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement on Glenn Youngkin’s inauguration:
“A booming economy, record low unemployment, the best state for business two years running, historic investments in public education, expanding health care to more than 600,000 Virginians, raising the minimum wage, and a host of progressive reforms and investments have elevated Virginia as a leader in the South and across the nation. The progress we’ve made through Democratic leadership, combined with our economic track record, has moved Virginia forward over the past eight years.
“Glenn Youngkin ran on the principles of rolling back these accomplishments, and he has made it clear that he fully intends to take us backwards. But not on our watch. The Democratic Party of Virginia, along with our Democratic partners in the House and Senate, will stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that the progress we have made over the past two administrations is not erased by Glenn or his extreme, right-wing administration. We will hold Glenn and his administration accountable every step of the way, and we will remind Virginians that the ‘moderate from Northern Virginia’ is nothing more than a political puppet for the far right.”
Save the Dates
Mon. Jan 24 7:00pm General Membership Meeting (Zoom)
Tue. Feb 8 10:00am Book Club – Unthinkable by Jamie Raskin (Zoom/Office)
Tue. Feb 8 1:00pm Steering Committee Meeting (Zoom)
Mon. Feb 28 2:00pm General Membership Meeting
Articles & Sites of Possible Interest
Youngkin sworn in as governor, scraps mandates on masks in schools, COVID vaccinations for state workers
By Mel Leonor, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Youngkin’s nine “Day One” executive orders
By Andrew Cain, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Virginia’s new AG Jason Miyares announces major investigations within hours of taking office
By Andrew Mark Miller, Fox News
Youngkin pick for medical adviser bucks trends on Covid
By Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post
Miyares fires 30 in AG’s office
By Patrick Wilson, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Cabinet pick to ‘change the trajectory of the commonwealth’
By Allison Winter, Virginia Mercury
Youngkin taps critical race theory opponents to lead public education in Virginia
By Kate Masters, Virginia Mercury
Youngkin-backed bill could give charter schools an easier path to opening
By Mel Leonor, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Trump EPA head, coal lobbyist tapped as Virginia’s environmental chief
By Sarah Vogelsong, Virginia Mercury
Virginia Health Commissioner Norman Oliver will step down Jan. 14, at Youngkin’s urging
By Mel Leonor, Richmond Times-Dispatch
‘I never really had a sense of fear:’ Rep. Morgan Griffith on January 6 riot
By Mark Spain, WSET-TV
Good to run for re-election in 2022
Smith Mountain Eagle
Big Stone Gap woman seeks Dem nod to challenge Griffith for Congress
By Mike Still, Kingsport Times News
State flood fund has sent millions to Hampton Roads — but Youngkin plan would cut it off
By Katherine Hafner, Virginian-Pilot
Ward: Gov.-elect Youngkin’s proposed CRT executive order opposes the spirit of the Virginia Constitution
OP-ED By Catherine Ward, published in The Washington Post
Virginia’s Youngkin, Miyares say they plan to challenge Biden’s coronavirus mandates
By Laura Vozzella AND Jenna Portnoy, The Washington Post
First Look: VA General Assembly to tackle absentee ballots and elections.
wirc.com
Senate panel clears first school construction measure.
Cardinalnews.org
Weed, taxes and schools: How the 2022 General Assembly could affect you.
vpm.org
Republican school bill mocked for claim Frederick Douglass debated Lincoln
the guardian.com
Pipelines Should Not Be Part Of Virginia’s Energy Future
poweredbyfacts.com
These 24 States Improved Access to Voting This Year
democracy docket.com
Off the Subject
Online orders for free at-home COVID tests to begin Jan. 19
virginiamercury.org
What are rapid tests and how do they differ from other tests?
rapid tests.org
All The Science You Need To Make Your COVID-19 Decisions
projects.fivethirtyeight.com
Armchair Activist
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin recently announced his intention to appoint coal industry lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. The person serving as Virginia’s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources must have a demonstrated commitment to conserving our precious natural heritage, reducing toxic and climate-warming pollutants, and promoting environmental justice. Wheeler, former President Trump’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, fails to meet any of these qualifications.
Ask your state senator to reject Wheeler’s nomination! TAKE ACTION NOW
(See smldemocrats.org for contact information for your state senator.)
On Behalf of the Election Support Committee
Joanne Bebel and Cindy Connine
SML Democrats 