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Arlington, VA – October 7, 2018: The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is pleased to announce we will be joined by a distinguished young group of special guest speakers at our final two Gold Card events: Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, Sarah Horvitz, and Kellen Squire at the Arlington Young Democrats Fireside Chat, and Mayor Levar Stoney at the Arlington Democrats Golden Gala. Delegate Carroll Foy is one of the freshman Delegates who flipped a seat last year in the Virginia General Assembly; Sarah Horvitz is the Political Director of Run for Something, and Kellen Squire was a 2017 candidate for the House of Delegates, challenging Rob Bell. Mayor Stoney is the youngest mayor of Richmond ever to serve and previously served as one of the youngest-ever and first African American Secretary of the Commonwealth in Governor McAuliffe’s administration. Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo noted “We are proud to showcase the best of our rising talent and our strong bench. These speakers are the vanguard of the blue wave and will keep it going for years to come!" Details for the events are as follows: Arlington Young Democrats Fireside Chat Wednesday, October 17, 2018, 7-9pm Busboys and Poets, Shirlington Arlington Democrats Golden Gala Saturday, October 20, 2018, 7-9pm Home of Bree Larsen For more information, please visit arldemsold.local/goldcard.

WHAT WE THINK Arlington Dems have adopted a resolution urging our county government to adopt socially responsible investment practices. With a total budget of over $1 billion, Arlington has many opportunities to make expenditures and investments to foster a cleaner environment and a fairer society. Help us urge our local elected officials to make this resolution a reality by adopting a policy of financial decision-making that is consistent with these important goals. One of the main goals of socially responsible investment is to protect the environment. Given the federal government’s abandonment of responsibility on the environment, and the ever-growing signs that significant, irreversible environmental damage is imminent if we do not act, it is incumbent on state and local governments do what they can. And they should do it now. Another goal of socially responsible investment policies is to avoid doing business with financial institutions with a history of fraud or discrimination. Instead, state and local governments should award their substantial books of business to financial institutions with a clean record. Across the country, a number of public and private entities are pursuing socially responsible investment. In Arlington, this would require the county government first to review the extent of its authority under state law to adopt a socially responsible investment policy. The county would then adopt, consistent with that law, any ordinances, procedures, or other measures needed to enable it to implement the policy. To the extent necessary, the county also would request from the Virginia General Assembly whatever additional authorities are needed to enable the county to adopt and effectuate such a policy. Many of Arlington’s elected officials have privately expressed support for a policy of socially responsible investment. Give them a nudge to convince them to move forward on this initiative. WHAT YOU CAN DO Outreach to Arlington County Treasurer Contact Carla de la Pava, the Arlington County Treasurer, at 703-228-4000 or treasurer@arlingtonva.us. Proposed script: Please adopt a policy of socially responsible investment for Arlington County to the extent permitted by applicable law and urge the Virginia General Assembly to provide whatever additional authorities are needed for the county to adopt this policy. It is important that our county act to protect the environment and to promote a fairer society in every way that it can. Outreach to Arlington County Board To email all five Arlington County Board members at once, including Katie Cristol, Christian Dorsey, Erik Gutshall, and Libby Garvey, address your comments to countyboard@arlingtonva.us Proposed script: Please support the Arlington Country Treasurer in adopting a policy of socially responsible investment for Arlington County to the extent permitted by applicable law and urge the Virginia General Assembly to provide whatever additional authorities are needed for the county to adopt this policy. It is important that our county act to protect the environment and to promote a fairer society in every way that it can. Outreach to Arlington’s General Assembly Delegation Finally, you can reach out to Arlington’s delegation in Richmond, including: Senator Adam Ebbin, 571-384-8957 or district30@senate.virginia.gov Senator Barbara Favola, 703-835-4845 or district31@senate.virginia.gov Senator Janet Howell, 703-709-8283 or district32@senate.virginia.gov Delegate Patrick Hope, 703-486-1010 or DelPHope@house.virginia.gov Delegate Mark Levine, 571-234-8481 or DelMLevline@house.virginia.gov Delegate Alfonso Lopez, 571-336-2147 or DelALopez@house.virginia.gov Delegate Rip Sullivan, 571-210-5876 or DelRSullivan@house.virginia.govProposed script: Please support Arlington’s adoption of a socially responsible investment policy by introducing or co-sponsoring legislation in the Virginia General Assembly to provide whatever additional authorities are needed for the county to adopt this policy. It is important that our county act to protect the environment and to promote a fairer society in every way that it can.

Join the Arlington Democrats for our monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 PM! This month we will feature updates, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events as well as a panel discussion on Labor issues. Meetings take place in the ground floor conference center of the NRECA building in Ballston (4301 Wilson Blvd).  Parking is available on the street and in the building (entrance on N. Taylor Street, validation available). View the agenda Full event details and map

Arlington, VA – September 9, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) has adopted positions on the bond and constitutional measures on the November 2018 ballot. Arlington Democrats voted to support a “yes” vote on all of the following ballot measures: Arlington County Bond Referenda: Yes on Metro and Transportation, because Arlington Democrats support the County’s efforts to enhance multi-modal transit as part of its ten-year Capital Investment Plan. Yes on Local Parks and Recreation, because Arlington Democrats support the County’s efforts to improve our parks and recreation spaces. Yes on Community Infrastructure, because Arlington Democrats support the enhancement of critical public safety infrastructure, such as Fire Station 8, as well as development of community infrastructure within the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, such as Nauck Town Square. Yes on Arlington Public Schools, because Arlington Democrats support our schools and recognize our County’s critical need to increase school capacity. Proposed Constitutional Amendments: Yes on creating a property tax exemption for flood abatement measures, because Arlington Democrats recognize the growing threat of extreme weather caused by climate change. This measure will give local governments the discretion to use a useful public policy tool for encouraging property owners to make their property more resilient to flooding where appropriate. Yes on removing a property restriction on the tax exemption for surviving spouses of disabled veterans, because Arlington Democrats support our veterans and their families, regardless of where they choose to live in the Commonwealth. Jill Caiazzo, Chair of the Arlington Democrats, said, “Arlington Democrats strongly support these common-sense measures that will move Arlington and Virginia forward in a fiscally responsible manner. Infrastructure improvement, world-class public education, science-based policy, and support for our veterans and military families are Democratic policy priorities.”

Arlington, VA – September 7, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is excited to announce the inaugural events of its newly-formed Blue Community Corps – the service arm of the local party. The Arlington Democrats created the Blue Community Corps, under the leadership of military veteran Chanda Choun, to put into action our core values as Democrats: inclusiveness, service to the community, and environmental stewardship. To that end, please join Arlington Democrats at the first two of many events to come: Cleanup at Barcroft Park September 15, 2018, 9am Join EcoAction Arlington to protect our environment. Volunteers will remove trash and debris from Four Mile Run waterways and capture data about the trash and liter collected in order to analyze and trace the source of the trash. Day of Service at VFW Post 3150 in Remembrance of 9/11 September 15, 2018, 1pm Support the Veterans of Foreign Wars by revamping Post 3150 in Arlington. Mason Veteran Patriots will be leading the way to invigorate the property by replacing floors, gardening, brick painting (with ribbons of service), power washing, and other maintenance. Jill Caiazzo, Chair of the Arlington Democrats, said, “The Blue Community Corps captures the spirit of service that drives Democrats. With this renewed focus on community-building, ably led by Chanda Choun, our goal is to provide a positive, solutions-oriented alternative to the acrimony of these divided times. We invite civic-minded volunteers of all political stripes to join us at these service events.”

Join the Arlington Democrats for our monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 PM!  Come early or stay late for a volunteer fair to find out about how you can help. This month we will discuss the upcoming ballot measures, get updates from around the county and Virginia races, and have an economic development panel discussion. Meetings take place in the ground floor conference center of the NRECA building in Ballston (4301 Wilson Blvd).  Parking is available on the street and in the building (entrance on N. Taylor Street, validation available). View the Agenda Full event  details and map

Arlington, VA – August 24, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is excited to host an Interfaith Eid Celebration. In these times of divisiveness and violence, Arlington Democrats believe it is important for communities to join together to learn about and embrace their similarities. Eid al-Adha celebrates an event all three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) have in common: the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to demonstrate his faith in God. The broader meaning of Eid is the importance of the value of faith, of life, and of charity and service to others. The celebration will take place Monday, August 27, from 7pm – 930pm at NRECA 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. The event will include: Remarks by local religious leaders; Voter registration; Free traditional Halal lamb meal (with vegetarian and vegan options) prepared by Syrian refugees and provided by Safar-Tas, a local caterer creating opportunities for refugees and immigrants in the DMV; and Non-perishable food donation drive led by NoVa Friends of Refugees and benefitting AFAC, in recognition of Eid’s focus on generosity and service to others. Jill Caiazzo, Chair of the Arlington Democrats, said, “We hope that communities of all faiths and beliefs will join this celebration, the core of which is generosity of spirit. The Arlington Democrats embrace the meaning of Eid and seek to build a welcoming community based on peace and unity.”

What’s the Problem? As part of the 2020 census, the Trump Administration plans to include a detailed question about each respondent’s citizenship. This question is likely to deter many people in households with an immigrant from responding to the questionnaire at all, out of fear that their answers could invite investigation by immigration authorities. Thus, the question is likely to result in significant under-counting of the population, especially in states with a significant immigrant presence – that is, in many blue or blue-leaning states. The consequences of this under-counting could be severe. The Census Bureau is seeking public comment on the census question on or before Tuesday, August 7. Voice your opposition to the question now using the link below. Under-counting of the population in blue states would artificially depress the power of blue states in both the House of Representatives and in Presidential elections. The number of representatives each state sends to Congress is based on that state’s share of the nation’s population, so under-counting in blue states would result in some Congressional seats being improperly taken from blue states and granted to red states. Under-counting of some groups would also distort geographic boundary-drawing in the next round of redistricting within states. While the redistricting process varies from state to state, it is always based in part on the geographic distribution of the state’s population. Under-counting in blue states would also unfairly diminish their voice in Presidential elections. The number of Electoral College votes awarded to a state is partly based on the number of its Congressional representatives. The census question on immigration status is yet another effort by the Trump Administration to undermine the fairness of our elections. Further, population figures collected by the census form the basis for distribution of more than $800 billion a year in federal funds. States use many of these dollars to support social safety-net programs, including healthcare, education, housing, and economic development. Under-counting the population of blue states would result in disproportionate allocation of these funds to red states. Yet another concern is that the Administration might in fact use census information in its anti-immigrant campaign. While census data is supposed to be used only in anonymous form, the Administration has shown no compunction about violating constitutional and statutory requirements. It is not a promising sign that, as recently released communications among high-level Administration officials demonstrate, it has lied about its purpose in adding the question. The Constitution requires the federal government to gather an accurate count of the nation’s population every ten years. Census data are heavily used by government, businesses, and analysts alike for a wide variety of purposes. Numerous users of census data oppose the immigration question out of concern that it will badly skew census results. Add your voice to theirs. Speak out against inclusion of the immigration question on the 2020 census. ]What Can You Do to Fix the Problem? The easiest thing to do is to submit your comments to the Census Bureau. You can do it online at http://cqrcengage.com/censuscounts2020/app/act-on-a-regulation?0&engagementId=484734. Proposed script: I oppose inclusion of any question about immigration status in the 2020 census questionnaire. Any such question is likely to result in an inaccurate count and subsequent distortion in the allocation of voting representation and the distribution of government funds. Note that your comment will be posted publicly in the Federal Register, as will your name, city, state, and ZIP (but not email address).

Arlington, VA – August 3, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) continue to add leading progressive voices to our all-star line-up for the Chili Cook-Off. We are pleased to announce Congressman Don Beyer will be joining us at the Cook-Off. This won’t be his first, as he won “Most Democratic Chili” with the “Beyer Fire” last year. Congressman Beyer, along with former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Congressman Adam Schiff, ranking Democrat on the Trump-Russia investigation, will officially kick off the election season. The first of four Gold Card fundraising events, the Chili Cook-Off will take place at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 Fillmore St., on Monday, September 3, 2018 between 2 pm and 5 pm. The proceeds of which help fund the Democratic Joint Campaign in Arlington. Tickets for the Chili Cook-Off and all four Gold Card events are available at www.arldemsold.local/goldcard. Other Gold Card events include: Honoring a Senior Democrat Celebration on September 30, 2018; A Fireside Chat presented by Arlington Young Democrats on Wednesday, October 17, 2018; and the Golden Gala on Saturday, October 20, 2018. We are lining up exciting speakers for each of these additional events. Jill Caiazzo, Chair of the Arlington Democrats, said, “Count on Congressman Beyer to bring the fire – both to his chili and to his opposition to the extreme Trump-GOP agenda! Arlington Democrats are excited to host him and other progressive leaders as we work together to build the blue wave.” For additional information and periodic updates on speakers and events, please visit us at arldemsold.local. ###

Workers with disabilities who are employed by the local contract-labor organization, Didlake, Inc., went on strike recently. They are custodians at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington. Some of the workers earn less than $13 an hour; none earn as much as $15 an hour. They endure difficult working conditions and lack access to affordable health-care coverage. They voted to join LiUna, an AFL-CIO affiliate, over a year ago, and in early May the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified LiUna as their representative. However, Didlake has appealed the NLRB’s decision and refuses to negotiate with the union. WHEREAS​ Didlake, Inc., is a corporation based in Manassas, Virginia, whose stated mission is to “create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities;” and WHEREAS ​Didlake workers at the Arlington National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, voted to unionize in a 2017 election compliant with the rules of the NLRB; and WHEREAS ​the workers came together to form a union in order to have a voice on the job to advocate for better pay, benefits, and working conditions; and WHEREAS ​Didlake has refused to recognize the union, and is calling on the NLRB to reverse the election results on the grounds that its disabled workers do not have the right to unionize; and WHEREAS​ the Regional Director of the NLRB ruled in favor of the workers and stated that Didlake’s disabled workers have the same rights as non-disabled workers; and WHEREAS​ the Arlington County Democratic Committee believes strongly in the dignity of all people, regardless of disability, and supports the freedom of all workers to unionize; therefore, be it RESOLVED​, that the Arlington County Democratic Committee calls upon Didlake, Inc. to respect the rights of its workers, recognize the union, and bargain in good faith for a fair contract. Passed and Approved on the 1st day of August, 2018.