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WHEREAS, in each of the last two years, Oxfam rated Virginia 51st-- the worst place in the nation -- to be employed, because of our state’s anti-worker minimum wage, weak worker protection, and insufficient right-to-organize laws; WHEREAS income inequality has been increasing dramatically in Virginia and nationwide; WHEREAS Virginia enacted its “right-to-work” law in 1947; WHEREAS in “right-to-work” states like Virginia, annual wages are $1,558 less on average than in other states, with lower health benefits and pensions and less safety on the job; WHEREAS “right-to-work” laws are designed to weaken labor unions by prohibiting union security agreements, which require all employees who benefit from collective bargaining to pay the union for bargaining on their behalf; WHEREAS “right-to-work” laws have their historical roots in racist efforts to preserve the hateful practice of segregation; WHEREAS unions reduce wage inequality by obtaining higher wages for low- and middle-wage workers and greater benefits for all employees, and unions have been shown to reduce gender and racial pay gaps; WHEREAS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as ‘right to work.’ It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights. Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining by which unions have improved wages and working conditions of everyone”; WHEREAS repealing Virginia’s “right to work” law would allow our state’s workers to organize for better working conditions and family-sustaining wages; and WHEREAS one of the core values of the Democratic Party is to support workers’ rights, including the right to form and join unions; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: The Arlington County Democratic Committee urges the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Northam to repeal the misnamed “right to work” law. Passed and Approved this Resolution on the 5th day of February, 2020.

WHEREAS, despite significant efforts, there remains a persistent gap between the average achievement of students of color, English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students and the average achievement of other students in Arlington Public Schools (APS); WHEREAS children who lack the opportunity to realize their full potential in grades K-12 face lifelong limitations on their economic opportunities and quality of life; WHEREAS opportunity for all is a core Democratic policy goal; WHEREAS we support APS in its continuing efforts, consistent with its 2018-2024 Strategic Plan, to close the opportunity gap, formerly known as the achievement gap, including, among others: (1) expanding implicit bias training for teachers and school administrators, so that, among other things, teachers have and communicate high expectations for children of color, English learners, and students with disabilities; (2) expanding learning opportunities, including making early childhood programs more broadly available and expanding special learning opportunities for older students; (3) hiring additional qualified teachers of color; (4) employing data-driven efforts to ensure that discipline is applied fairly to all students, without regard to color, disability, or ethnicity; and (5) coming into compliance as soon as possible with all provisions of the settlement agreement reached by APS with the U.S. Justice Department regarding services for English learners; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: The Arlington County Democratic Committee hereby supports APS’ redoubling of efforts to close as soon as possible the opportunity gap in APS. Passed and Approved this Resolution on the 5th day of February, 2020.

Photo credit: Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Ferguson, left, swears in incoming Arlington Electoral Board member Matthew Weinstein. Looking on is David Bell, who is retiring from the body effective Feb. 29, 2020. InsideNoVa.com David Bell, who served the voters of Arlington County and promoted Democratic values on the Arlington County Electoral Board from 2009-2011 and 2014 to present, will retire from the Electoral Board on February 27, 2020. Prior to serving on the Electoral Board, David Bell served as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington County for 37 years, where he made innumerable contributions to Arlington’s legal system. He also was a stalwart volunteer for the Arlington County Democratic Committee over many years. His public service and volunteerism were defined by his dedication to Arlington County. WHEREAS David Bell joined the Arlington County Clerk's office in February 1971, was promoted to the position of chief court clerk in 1974, and was appointed Clerk of the Court by the judges of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in 1976; WHEREAS David Bell became one of the youngest elected Clerks of the Court in Virginia history at the age of 28 in 1977; WHEREAS David Bell received professional recognition throughout his tenure as Clerk of the Court, including the prestigious William L. Winston Justice System Award from the Arlington Bar Association for his contributions to the county's court system; WHEREAS David Bell was first appointed in 2009 to replace Fred Berghoefer on the Arlington County Electoral Board; WHEREAS David Bell was reappointed to the Electoral Board in 2014 and has served honorably and with utmost professionalism and dedication ever since; WHEREAS David Bell consistently furthered Democratic principles and policies on the Electoral Board by administering free and fair elections in Arlington County; WHEREAS, in addition to his public service, David Bell was an avid Democratic volunteer, most memorably serving as a leader in the Arlington Young Democrats and hosting the traditional Election Eve yard sign dash to all of Arlington’s polling locations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Arlington County Democratic Committee thanks David Bell for his many years of service to Arlington County as Clerk of the Court, a member of the Arlington County Electoral Board, and a dedicated Democratic volunteer; and be it RESOLVED FURTHER that the Arlington County Democratic Committee will prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David Bell as an expression of the Committee’s respect and fondness for David Bell and appreciation for his decades of service to the Committee and our community. Passed and Approved this Resolution on the 5th day of February 2020.

Join the Arlington Dems for our monthly meeting at Drew Model Elementary School! This meeting will feature an overview of the national delegate selection process as well as updates and volunteer opportunities. Create change in your community. Get involved with Arlington Dems today! View the Agenda | View Event Details | View the Presentation

Arlington County Democratic Party Announces Endorsement Process for 2 School Board Seats and Adopts Primary as Nomination Method for County Board Seat on November Ballot ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 15, 2020—The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) has announced dates for caucuses it will host for candidates seeking its endorsement for the two county School Board seats that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. In the separate race for a County Board seat, Arlington Dems announced the selection of a primary as the method for nominating the Democratic candidate. The deadline to formally request the Arlington Dems’ endorsement in the School Board race is March 2. If more than two candidates seek the endorsements, caucuses to determine who will receive the endorsement will be held May 7 and 9. Caucus times, locations and more information are available on the Arlington Dems website. Because the School Board is non-partisan under state law, a partisan primary can’t be held to determine the Democratic candidates. All Arlington County School Board candidates run as independents, but political parties may endorse them. Arlington Dems historically have used the caucus process to identify the Democratic endorsees for School Board. “Although the lion’s share of attention will be focused on the presidential election this year, the School Board is one of Arlington County’s most important elected offices,” Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “Arlington Dems encourage candidates who are dedicated to Democratic values and policy priorities to seek our endorsement.” To be considered for the Arlington Dems’ endorsement, candidates must file a letter of intent with the organization by the March 2 deadline, and pay a $432.16 nonrefundable fee (2 percent of a School Board member’s starting salary). Full rules for seeking the endorsement are available on the Arlington Dems’ website. The seats up for election are now held by incumbent board members Nancy Van Doren and Tannia Talento, who both have announced their intentions not to run for re-election. If fewer than two candidates seek the endorsement by the March 2 endorsement filing deadline, Arlington Dems’ Steering Committee will determine whether and/or who the committee will endorse. Arlington Public Schools educates about 28,500 students in 41 elementary, middle, high and secondary schools, and other programs. The fiscal year 2020 budget is about $670 million. The School Board consists of five members who serve overlapping four-year terms. In the separate County Board race, in which current County Board Chair Libby Garvey has announced her intention to seek reelection, the deadline to file required paperwork with the Virginia Department of Elections for the June 9 primary is March 26. More information is available in this “Candidate Bulletin.” The five-member County Board is Arlington’s governing body. Vested with local legislative powers, the Board oversees a $1.4 billion budget. County Board members, elected at large, serve staggered four-year terms.

ARLINGTON, Va., JAN. 14, 2020—Especially mindful of the role the commonwealth and Arlington County can play in the country’s historic 2020 elections, the Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) has elected new leadership, prepared for a new representative on the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee, and geared up to recruit new volunteers. The committee elected new senior leadership, along with 86 precinct captains and 53 Steering Committee positions. It also laid the groundwork to elect a new representative to the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee in February. Additional appointments to volunteer leadership positions also will be made in February. In addition, Arlington Dems announced a New Volunteer Open House on Jan. 27, to encourage residents to get involved “in this most important election year of our lives,” Chair Jill Caiazzo said. Prospective candidates for the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee position have until Jan. 25 to formally declare interest. To ensure equitable gender representation, the candidate must be male. If more than one candidate declares his interest, an election will be held during Arlington Dems’ Feb. 5 election. More information is available on the Arlington Dems website. Arlington Dems’ next New Volunteer Open House will be Jan. 27, 7 PM-8:30 PM, at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd., in Arlington. Residents interested in volunteer roles—including postcard writing, voter registration, Metro flyering, door-knocking, phone banking, social media posting, campaign lit translation, data analysis, web design, poll greeting, and more—are encouraged to attend and learn about the committee and its work. Learn more on Arlington Dems’ Facebook page calendar. “Arlington Dems will play a critical role in electing Democratic candidates to all levels of government in 2020,” Caiazzo said. “We will provide a one-stop shop for volunteers of all shades of blue – and even a little purple – who are ready to fight for a better tomorrow by electing Democratic candidates to office. The stakes could not be higher, and Arlington Dems will rise to the challenge.”

TAKE ACTION. Join the Arlington Dems for our monthly meeting in January! This month features our reorganization meeting, business and government updates, an overview of volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, as well as great speakers and activities! Create change in your community. Get involved with Arlington Dems today! View agenda | View presentation| View event details

HOLIDAY PARTY! Join the Arlington Dems for our December monthly meeting and holiday potluck party, featuring living legend Eleanor Smeal of New Feminist Majority! Bring your favorite dish, best memories of 2019, and big ideas for 2020 -- including how we are going to pass the ERA! View the agenda | View event details

ARLINGTON, Va., Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019—Deadlines are approaching for candidates interested in serving as an officer of the Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) or as one of its precinct captains across Arlington’s 54 precincts, in advance of the Committee’s Jan. 8, 2020 reorganization meeting. Candidates for one of the 13 officer posts have until Dec. 2 to file the required registration form, while candidates interested in being a precinct captain have until Dec. 27 to file. Officer posts up for election are: Chair; Deputy Chair; Precinct Operations Chair; Voter Support Chair; Finance Chair; Press and Public Relations Chair; Outreach and Visibility Chair; Communications Director; Volunteer Coordinator; Secretary; Treasurer; Sergeant-at-Arms; and Parliamentarian. Any eligible Arlington County voter who meets the following requirements by the applicable December deadline noted above shall be eligible to seek election to an open post: Complete and submit a reorganization meeting filing form. Pay a $25 reorganization meeting fee (or qualify for an exemption). Requirements for elected officers may be found in the Committee’s reorganization and caucus governing rules. A description of the officer roles may be found in the Committee’s bylaws. Eligible Arlington County voters also may register to vote at the reorganization meeting by Dec. 27. More details on voter registration requirements are available at arldemsold.local/reorg. “Arlington Dems’ mission is to increase the number of Democratic elected officials at the local, state and national level, as well as to support Democratic policy positions” Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “Heading into what promises to be very eventful and challenging 2020 presidential and congressional elections, we seek the most committed and hard-working volunteer officers and precinct captains to help Virginia and neighboring states to elect more Democrats and to return the White House and U.S. Senate to Democratic control. We encourage candidates with a commitment to serve and a dedication to Democratic ideals to seek these positions.” The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is the official county organization for the Democratic Party of Virginia. Arlington Democrats is open to anyone interested in advancing Democratic candidates, policy priorities and values in Arlington. Learn more at the Arlington Democrats website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

While impeachment drowns out other news, the Trump Administration quietly continues its assault on long-standing, fundamental, civil-rights protections. Recently, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed a rule that would eviscerate the established standard governing enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. Public opposition could still halt adoption of the proposal or at least persuade HUD to scale it back. You can help by spreading the word. Talk about the proposal and why it’s wrong in your social media posts. Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper. Email your Congressperson. Write to HUD. Urge your friends to do the same. Contact information and suggested text are included below. Also, plan now how you are going to help Democrats win next November. While the nation has made progress since enactment of civil-rights legislation in the 1960’s, we have much work left to do to make the United States a place of equal opportunity for all. We must replace the present administration with one that will strengthen rather than undermine our civil-rights laws and help build a fairer society. The Fair Housing Act bans racial and other discrimination in many activities affecting housing. For several decades, both HUD and the federal courts have read the Act to ban conduct that has a discriminatory effect even if there is no proof that it was undertaken with an intent to discriminate. In 2013, the Obama administration adopted a HUD rule confirming this “disparate impact” principle and standardizing its application. The disparate impact standard has helped halt some far-reaching discriminatory practices. In 2011, Countrywide Financial Corporation reached a $135 million settlement with the Justice Department for allowing its brokers to charge 200,000 black and Latino borrowers higher interest rates than similarly qualified white borrowers. In 2012, Wells Fargo reached a $175 million settlement with the Justice Department for placing 300,000 black and Latino borrowers in subprime loanseven if they qualified for prime rates, or charging them higher fees, thereby forcing these borrowers to pay higher costs than similarly situated white borrowers. Discriminatory housing practices very much remain a problem today. HUD’s proposal would make housing discrimination cases significantly and unreasonably more difficult to win. The proposed rule would reverse the no-showing-of-intent standard and instead require plaintiffs to prove a “robust causal link between the practice and the disparate impact.” Causation is hard to prove, especially if landlords and lenders are savvy enough to be careful about what they say and write down. Requiring proof that a practice with clear discriminatory effects was motivated by discriminatory intent would make many discrimination cases impossible to win. It would allow discriminatory housing practices to flourish. HUD’s proposal would also require plaintiffs to show that the challenged practice is “arbitrary, artificial and unnecessary.” In practice, this could mean that if any legitimate purpose was served by a practice, it would be legally acceptable, even if the same purpose could be achieved by another practice having no discriminatory effects. The proposed rule would undermine fair housing enforcement in a number of other ways as well. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson has published a defense of the proposed rule. It flatly misrepresents current law. Moreover, rather than defending the ways his proposal would change the law, he fails to acknowledge what the proposal actually would do. Leading housing and civil-rights organizations such as the NAACP, along with former Justice Department officials, state Attorneys General, Members of Congress, and other public and private organizations have filed comments strongly opposing the proposed rule. HUD is likely to adopt the rule once it has publicly responded to these comments. While the rule can then be challenged in court, it reflects policy choices that courts may be reluctant to overturn. Please raise your voice against this attack on fair housing. Here’s a proposed script for using to write to your elected representatives or to your local newspaper, and for use in discussions with others: HUD’s proposal to change the disparate impact standard for fair-housing complaints would severely weaken fair-housing rights. Housing discrimination remains a serious problem in our country. Moreover, because of serious shortages of affordable housing, people victimized by housing discrimination have limited options for alternative housing. Instead of weakening our commitment to civil rights, we should be strengthening it. The existing disparate impact standard has worked well and should be left in place. Contact Representative Don Beyer at https://beyer.house.gov/ Contact Senator Mark Warner at https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/ Contact Senator Tim Kaine at https://www.kaine.senate.gov/ Write to the Washington Post at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/letter-to-the-editor/ Contact Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 451 7th St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20410

Extensive Campaign Work Across the Commonwealth Helps Flip the General Assembly Blue for First Time in 26 Years ARLINGTON, Va., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019—The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) elected Democrats in all 14 Arlington elections on Tuesday, including four contested races, while simultaneously playing an oversized role statewide in the historic flip of both houses of the General Assembly. In the contested races, Arlington returned Janet Howell to the District 32 state Senate seat, Alfonso Lopez to the House of Delegates District 49 post, and Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey to the Arlington County Board. Unopposed Democratic victors in Arlington included: State Sens. Adam Ebbin (30th) and Barbara Favola (31st); Dels. Mark Levine (45th); Patrick Hope (47th); and Rip Sullivan (48th); Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti; Sheriff Beth Arthur; Revenue Commissioner Ingrid Morroy; Treasurer Carla de la Pava; and School Board Member Reid Goldstein. “Arlington Democrats congratulate all 14 Democrats on their victories in Arlington today,” Arlington Dems Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “We’re confident they will continue to advance progressive policies that will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable and just county and commonwealth for all.” With 10 of 14 races on the Arlington ballot uncontested, Arlington Dems were able to deploy significant volunteer power across the state in the quest to restore Democratic majority control in state government for the first time in 26 years. Hundreds of Arlington volunteers canvassed, called, texted, and wrote to voters as far away as Virginia Beach in an effort to flip the legislature blue. All told, Arlington Dems provided campaign support to 26 candidates outside of Arlington, 16 of whom were victorious Tuesday at 10 p.m. EST. Four races remained too close to call. “The extensive and exhaustive volunteer efforts statewide of Arlington’s Democratic volunteers, including the Arlington Young Democrats,  were nothing short of remarkable,” Caiazzo said. “Arlingtonians demonstrated that they have a clear vision of where Virginia should be headed—and it’s not in the direction that the extreme Trump-GOP is taking the country. We’re eager for the accomplishments that this new Democratic legislative majority will achieve.” “Heading into the critical 2020 presidential race, we’re especially excited about the tremendous grassroots enthusiasm that fueled Democratic victories statewide. This historic victory belongs to the grassroots activists as much as it belongs to the Democratic Party,” Caiazzo continued. “Arlington Dems thank them all, including the Arlington branch of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Arlington Action Group, Indivisible Arlington, Network NoVA, Our Revolution Arlington, Virginia Grassroots Coalition, and We of Action. We look forward to working with them, as well as our strategic partner, the D.C. Democratic Party, to return a Democrat to the White House next year.” Republicans held razor-thin margins in both houses heading into this election, and the commonwealth was the only state in the country in which a Democratic sweep was possible. In addition to likely making reforms on issues ranging from gun safety to women’s, voter, and reproductive rights, the sweeping Democratic victory is regarded as further repudiation of Trump and the Republican Party, and a bellwether for Democrats heading into the 2020 presidential election. Voter turnout was considerably stronger in the county Tuesday than in 2011, the most-recent election with no national or statewide races. In Arlington, 56,250 voters cast ballots Tuesday, which constitutes 36.9% of active voters. In comparison, the 2011 general election, which featured the same races, drew 35,356 voters, or 26% of then-active voters. Arlingtonians took full advantage of absentee voting in this election: slightly more than 5,100 votes were cast absentee, or about 9% of total ballots cast, compared to 2,248, or 6%, in 2011.

Hundreds of Arlington volunteers canvassed, called, texted and wrote to voters as far away as Virginia Beach in effort to flip the legislature blue ARLINGTON, VA., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019—The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) was confident its volunteers would rise to the challenge of defending the races within Arlington’s borders in Tuesday’s (Nov. 5) off-off year election. But the likelihood of a groundswell of support for Democratic victories in the remainder of the state wasn’t nearly as strong. And contests beyond Arlington would determine whether this election would deliver the historic results that would shift the balance of political power in Richmond. The commonwealth is the only state in the country in which Democrats are regarded as having a serious shot at flipping both houses of its legislature on Tuesday. Virginia Republicans now have only a two-seat majority in both the House of Delegates and the Senate. Given its lingering status as a “purple” state, a flip of the General Assembly also would be viewed as further repudiation of the policies of President Donald Trump and a bellwether for Democrats headed into the 2020 presidential election. Arlington Dems Campaign As Far Away as Virginia Beach Arlington Dems decided early to unleash its resources to support strategic contests beyond Arlington. Together with Arlington Young Democrats, the organization and its committees, including Beyond Arlington and Arlington Blue Families: Supported 21 General Assembly candidates outside of Arlington through canvassing, calls, and/or campaign contributions. This included 14 House and 7 Senate candidates. Wrote and sent 20,000 postcards to voters in support of 14 Democratic candidates, including 11 challengers. Deployed more than 100 volunteers to canvass for Democratic candidates in Chesterfield, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, and Prince William counties, and in the Virginia Beach area, essentially every weekend since late August. Conducted 25 phone banks since August, or an average of two a week, urging voters in swing districts to cast ballots for Democratic candidates. Featured “Beyond Arlington” candidates at all of its marquee events throughout the summer and fall, to raise awareness in the county about the importance of volunteering and supporting candidates outside of Arlington whose election would help to bring meaningful legislative reform to the commonwealth. For example, Sheila Bynum-Coleman, who is again seeking to unseat District 66 Del. and Speaker of the House Kirk Cox (Chesterfield), was featured at the Arlington Dems October Golden Gala, one of the organization’s highest-profile annual events. Bynum-Cole appeared alongside District 9 Sen. Jennifer McClellan (Richmond) and Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, one of the nation’s most influential gun safety organizations. Polls conducted across Virginia have identified gun safety as a pivotal issue for voters in this election. Other events featured District 2 Del. Jenniffer Carroll Foy (Ashburn/Prince William), District 50 Del. Lee Carter (Manassas/Prince William), District 28 delegate candidate Joshua Cole (Fredericksburg/Stafford) District 10 Del. Wendy Gooditis (Loudoun/Frederick), District 13 Del. Danica Roem (Manassas), District 86 Del. Ibraheem Samirah (Fairfax/Loudoun), and District 42 Del. Kathy Tran (Fairfax). Recognizing the need to engage new generations of voters for this election and the 2020 presidential election, the Arlington Young Democrats have been particularly active this election cycle. Since September, the group held weekly canvass trips across the commonwealth, knocking on close to 4,500 doors, making 350 phone calls, and talking face-to-face with nearly 5,500 eligible voters. “Arlington is fortunate to have an electorate that largely supports progressive candidates, as well as very engaged volunteers,” Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “We recognized the historic opportunity to achieve progressive policy priorities in our commonwealth. Our volunteers have fought hard across the state to elect Democratic candidates to the General Assembly who will pass important legislation on healthcare accessibility, economic opportunity for all, gun safety, women’s, voter, and reproductive rights, and other critical issues.” “We believe this election will have historic implications for Virginia and will be a shot across the bow to the White House that 2020 is coming. We are just getting started,” added Arlington Young Democrats President Dan Matthews. Committed to taking care of its own in Arlington, Arlington Dems also: Raised nearly $50,000 in Arlington, including through events such as the one headlined by Watts. Delivered about 52,000 Arlington Democratic Messenger newsletters by hand via 450 volunteers across 500 routes. Sent more than 56,000 texts supporting Democratic candidates and urging Arlington voters to cast ballots. Conducted a paid social media campaign that is on course to generate more than 100,000 impressions through content supporting Arlington Democratic candidates and causes. Recruited and trained 650 poll greeters that will be deployed throughout the county on Election Day to offer voters Democratic sample ballots, a significant legion in an off-off year election. Coalescing around the theme “Turn Virginia Blue, Keep Arlington Blue,” Arlington Dems began its efforts early. Its largest event of the year, the annual Blue Victory Dinner, in May highlighted Arlington’s 14 races, as well as four Democratic candidates outside of Arlington: District 87 Del. John Bell, seeking the Senate District 13 seat (Loudoun County); Cole; Dan Helmer, running for the District 40 House of Delegates seat (Fairfax); and Shelly Simonds, seeking the District 94 House of Delegates seat (Newport News).