Progress VA News

Women's Health Advocates Debut Wheel of Shame to Highlight Jackson's Extreme Rhetoric

Published May 23

Richmond, VA - Women's health advocates this morning debuted the "Wheel of Shame", featuring Lt. Governor candidate E.W. Jackson's extreme and divisive remarks. Outside of a fundraiser hosted by the State Senate Republican Caucus, activists highlighted Jackson's record of...

ProgressVA Releases 2013 RPV Convention Guide, Limited Women's Health Edition

Published May 17

May 17, 2013 Guide highlights candidates' opposition to women's reproductive health and access ProgressVA today released their 2013 GOP Convention Guide, Limited Women's Health Edition. The guide details the records of candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General on women's reproductive...

Politician Service Announcement: ProgressVA Reminds Officials Of Disclosure Requirements

Published May 16

May 16, 2013 Free travel, vacations, expensive meals must be reported In light of the troubles several elected officials have faced in recent weeks over forgetting to disclose lavish gifts, ProgressVA today released a Politician Service Announcement to remind legislators...

Barbara Comstock on Education: Record vs. Rhetoric

Published May 13

May 13, 2013 As community members prepare to attend a meeting on public education and class size with Delegate Barbara Comstock tonight, ProgressVA is encouraging members to make Comstock's record part of the conversation. In her two terms in the...

Cuccinelli Tax Plan Is Long On The Gimmicks, Short On The Governing

Published May 7

May 7, 2013 This morning Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli released an ideological tax proposal that would blow a hole in Virginia's budget and endanger the Commonwealth's record of sound fiscal management. Cuccinelli's plan simply pays lip service to ending a...

Anti-Choice Extremists Attempt to Rewrite Cuccinelli's Anti-Women's Health Record

Published Apr 23

Apr 23, 2013 Cuccinelli's crusade to restrict women's health isn't so easily erased Charlottesville, VA - New ads from the Washington, D.C.-based Susan B. Anthony List are attempting to hoodwink Virginians into forgetting Attorney General Cuccinelli's attempts to shut down...

Board of Health puts politics before medicine, approves Cuccinelli's outrageous women's health restrictions

Published Apr 12

Apr 12, 2013 Richmond, VA - The Virginia Board of Health today gave final approval to restrictions that single out first trimester abortions providers in an attempt to limit women's access to comprehensive reproductive care. The restrictions are strongly supported...

Cuccinelli and McDonnell's latest political attack on women's health to face final vote Friday

Published Apr 10

Apr 10, 2013 Politically motivated restrictions on abortion providers will face a final vote by the State Board of Health Friday morning. The regulations, which require women's health centers that provide first trimester abortions to retrofit their facilities to meet...

ProgressVA Condemns Senate Passage of Governor McDonnell's Abortion Ban

Published Apr 3

Apr 3, 2013 Richmond, VA - The Virginia State Senate this evening approved 20-19 the Governor's amendment to HB1900 to prohibit insurers from offering and individuals from demanding health insurance coverage in the health exchange that covers abortion services. ProgressVA...

Right-wing Hate Group Endorses Right-Wing Cuccinelli

Published Mar 29

Mar 29, 2013 The Family Research Council today endorsed Ken Cuccinelli's gubernatorial campaign, bringing into question the type of values Cuccinelli would represent as Governor. FRC is a Southern Poverty Law Center designated hate group. The organization has repeatedly demonized the...

ICYMI: Cuccinelli's Outrageous Slavery Comparisons Date Back to 2008

Published Mar 29

Mar 29, 2013 New details continued to surface this week about Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's history of comparing his right-wing anti-women's health crusade to the abolition of slavery. In fact, Cuccinelli's record of inappropriate comparisons dates back to at least...

Women's Health Advocates Deliver Thousands of Comments Opposing TRAP

Published Mar 28

Mar 28, 2013 Richmond, VA - Women's health advocates, ProgressVA, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia today delivered over 3,600 public comments opposing burdensome and medically unnecessary Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers (TRAP) to the Virginia Board of Health. The...

African-American Community Leaders Speak Out Against Cuccinelli Slavery Comparisons

Published Mar 27

Mar 27, 2013 Attorney General has repeatedly compared his crusade against affordable, comprehensive health care to slavery African-American community leaders this morning called Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's repeated remarks comparing his right-wing crusade against women's health and implementation of the...

Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition Condemns McDonnell Abortion Ban Amendment

Published Mar 26

Mar 26, 2013 Amendment prohibits insurance companies from offering policies in the health exchange that provide comprehensive reproductive health coverage Richmond, VA - The Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition today strongly condemned Governor Bob McDonnell's proposed amendment to HB1900/SB921 that prohibits insurance...

ProgressVA Strongly Condemns Governor's Signature of Photo ID Legislation

Published Mar 26

Mar 26, 2013 Reacting to news that Governor Bob McDonnell has signed SB1256, requiring voters to present a photo ID at the polls, ProgressVA executive director Anna Scholl released the following statement. "We all wish to protect the integrity of...

McDonnell's Abortion Ban Expected Next Week

Published Mar 22

Mar 22, 2013 Cuccinelli-style tactic would let government limit access to comprehensive and affordable reproductive health services Governor Bob McDonnell is expected to submit an amendment next week to SB921/HB1900, banning insurance companies from offering policies in the health exchange...

ADVISORY: Saturday Gun Show Protest To Target Rep. Goodlatte, Gun Violence

Published Mar 15

Mar 15, 2013 Roanoke Citizens Against Gun Violence will urge Rep. Goodlatte to take action to prevent criminals, terrorists, domestic abusers, and the severely mentally ill from easily buying guns Roanoke, VA - On the heels of Congressman Bob Goodlatte's declaration of...

Cuccinelli Back to Basics: Attacks On Women's Health

Published Mar 15

Mar 15, 2013 Ken Cuccinelli had quite the checklist this week: Skip out on his full-time, taxpayer-funded job to campaign for Tea Party votes at CPAC (and throw back a few mimosas during work hours) Completely avoid addressing the most pressing issue...

ProgressVA Statement on House Passage of New Voting Restrictions

Published Feb 20

Feb 20, 2013 Voting rights advocates call on Governor McDonnell to veto new voting restrictions Richmond, VA - ProgressVA this afternoon condemned the House of Delegates passage of SB1256 and SB1077, new restrictions that will make it harder for hundreds...

Citizens From Across Virginia Implore Legislature To Stop New Voting Restrictions

Published Feb 19

Mar 1, 2013 Scores rally to protect voting rights on Capitol Square Richmond, VA - Citizens from across the Commonwealth rallied on Capitol Square this evening to send state legislators a simple message: stop new voting restrictions. Scores of concerned voters braved the weather to personally oppose...

McDonnell Quietly Plotting To Push Abortion Ban

Published Feb 12

Feb 12, 2013 Administration working on amendment to restrict Virginians' ability to purchase comprehensive insurance policies with private dollars Richmond, VA - According to this morning's Virginian Pilot, Governor Bob McDonnell's administration has been working behind the scenes to attach an...

VA Pro-Choice Coalition Day Of Action Draws Activists from Across the Commonwealth

Published Feb 7

Feb 7, 2013 Grassroots advocates gathered in five action hubs to push for reproductive health access, Medicaid Extension Richmond, VA - Grassroots reproductive rights activists gathered at action centers across the Commonwealth today to advocate for reproductive rights and increased...

VA Conservatives Pass New Voting Restrictions, Continue Attacks On Voters

Published Feb 5

Feb 6, 2013 3 new voter ID laws in 3 years only makes it harder for Virginians to vote Richmond, VA - The Virginia General Assembly this morning passed new voting restrictions that will make it harder for Virginians to...

Pressure Mounts on Governor McDonnell To Oppose Sham Redistricting Bill

Published Jan 31

Jan 31, 2013 From grassroots to editorial boards, consensus on need for McDonnell veto Pressure is mounting on Governor McDonnell from voices across the Commonwealth to oppose the sham redistricting bill pushed through the State Senate last week. The legislation...

Cuccinelli Can't Whitewash His Anti-Women's Health Record

Published Jan 28

Jan 28, 2013 Women won't forget his long history of attacks on reproductive rights Richmond, VA - Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's long history of attacks on reproductive rights has defined his career. As Cuccinelli seeks to win over independent and...

Obenshain Flip Flops On Voter Suppression, Introduces Photo ID He Said He Opposed

Published Jan 28

Jan 28, 2013 Just one year ago, GOP Attorney General Candidate opposed Photo ID, called expansive voter ID categories "fair" and "reasonable" Richmond, VA - Speaking in favor of passage of SB1 on the the floor of the State Senate...

Grassroots advocates and citizens condemn attempted voting restrictions

Published Jan 28

Jan 28, 2013 Hundreds of thousands Virginians could face obstacles at the ballot box under proposed measures Richmond, Va. - Citzens and grassroots advocates this morning condemned proposed legislation that would make it harder for hundreds of thousands of Virginians...

ProgressVA Applauds Passage of SB701 As Step Forward for Equality

Published Jan 25

Jan 25, 2013 Legislation would extend workplace protections to LGBT state employees Richmond, Va. - ProgressVA today applauded passage of SB701 by the State Senate, legislation sponsored by Senators Donald McEachin and Adam Ebbin that would extend workplace protections against...

Hundreds Rally in Richmond on 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Published Jan 22

Jan 22, 2013 Dr. Karen Remley headlined gathering in support of reproductive rights hosted by the Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition Richmond, Va. - Hundreds of Virginians gathered in Capitol Square today to rally for reproductive rights on the 40th anniversary of...

Civic Engagement Organizations Oppose State Senate Move to Redistrict Mid-Decade

Published Jan 21

Jan 21, 2013 Surprise floor amendment radically redraws Virginia State Senate districts Richmond, Va. - Civic engagement organizations expressed shock and dismay today after the Virginia State Senate voted 20-19 to drastically redraw legislative boundaries. The move clearly contradicts Article...

Va. Senate Panel Advances Narrow Compromise to Require Background Checks On All Gun Show Sales

Published Jan 18

Jan 18, 2013 Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Applaud Advance But Amendment Still Leaves Key Recommendation of the Virginia Tech Review Panel Unaddressed Richmond, VA - The Senate Courts of Justice committee this morning advanced an amended proposal from Senators...

House Panel Refuses to Reconsider Controversial Anti-Women's Health Agenda

Published Jan 18

Jan 18, 2013 House of Delegates Subcommittee kills legislation to repeal 2012 legislation that inserted politicians into the doctor-patient relationship Richmond, VA - A House of Delegates subcommittee again rejected legislation this afternoon that would rescind last year's attacks on...

Politicians Block Pro-Women's Health Bills

Published Jan 17

Jan 17, 2013 House and Senate Committees Pursue Another Out of Touch Path on Women's Health Richmond, VA - Members on the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee and Senate Committee on Education and Health moved this morning to unilaterally kill...

Cuccinelli makes anti-clean energy deal with campaign donor

Published Jan 17

Jan 17, 2013 Attorney General spearheaded deal to effectively repeal Commonwealth's signature clean energy law while taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from polluting utilities Richmond, VA - Radical right-wing Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli this week spearheaded the effective repeal...

VA Tech Families, Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Laud President Obama's Public Safety Proposals

Published Jan 16

Jan 16, 2013 VA Tech Families, Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Laud President Obama's Public Safety Proposals Families ask Virginia legislators to support President's sensible proposals to stop the violence Richmond, VA - Family members of Virginia Tech shooting shooting victims...

Voting Rights Advocates Condemn Bill Designed to Limit Ballot Box Access

Published Jan 7

Jan 7, 2013 Legislation from Delegate Rob Bell would make it harder for thousands of Virginians to vote Voting rights advocates today condemned proposed legislation that would revise Virginia's voter identification law and make it harder for thousands of Virginians...

Boehner Pulls "Plan B", Time for Wolf to support "Plan A"

Published Dec 21 2012

House Speaker Boehner Pulls Fatally Flawed "Plan B" Tax Bill Off The Table After Failing to Rally Enough Support Congressman Wolf Implored to Call on Boehner to Allow a Vote on Senate-passed Middle Class Tax Relief Bill That the President is Ready...

100 Rally in Richmond to Demand Rep. Cantor reject "Plan B", Put Middle Class Before Millionaires

Published Dec 20 2012

100 Rally in Richmond to Demand Congressman Cantor Put Middle Class Before Millionaires Crowd spoke in opposition to so-called "Plan B" proposal before the House for vote today Richmond - Approximately 100 citizens gathered today in Kanawha Plaza in downtown...

RELEASE: ProgressVA condemns McDonnell refusal to participate in federal Medicaid expansion

Published Dec 17 2012

Governor rejecting Medicaid expansion that could provide health insurance to over 400,000 low-income Virginians In response to Governor McDonnell's announcement that he will block Virginia's participation in the federal Medicaid expansion, ProgressVA released the following statement from Executive Director...

Reaction: McDonnell again proposes raiding school funds to pay for roads

Published Dec 17 2012

Education is a core and vital function of government, not a free bucket of money to borrow from at will ProgressVA today released the following statement from Executive Director Anna Scholl in reaction to news that Governor McDonnell has...

Will VA Congressmen follow Rep. Rigell's lead on revenue?

Published Dec 14 2012

Virginia Beach congressman called for compromise in fiscal cliff negotiations and support for raising revenue After U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell of Virginia's second district publicly urged his colleagues to support increased revenue in any fiscal cliff deal, nonprofit organizations Virginia...

Pressure Increases on Virginia Congressmen To Put Middle Class Before Millionaires

Published Dec 11 2012

Hundreds of Virginians have turned out to events across the state to ask their Congressmen and Senators to protect the social safety net and get rid of the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% As time ticks down...

Memo to McDonnell: Republicans Putting Norquist on the "Naughty" List this Christmas

Published Dec 11 2012

While McDonnell sends his staff on a pilgrimage to the DC lobbyist, 50 Republicans and counting have disavowed Norquist pledge As Governor McDonnell's staff heads to Washington today to beg indulgence from D.C. lobbyist Grover Norquist to do something about...

Virginians Rally In Reston To End Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

Published Dec 3 2012

Dozens of activists ask Congressman Wolf to put the middle class before millionaires Reston, VA - Dozens of Virginians gathered on Saturday to rally for an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 2%. The activists...

Virginians Rally To End Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

Published Dec 3 2012

Dozens of activists ask Congressman Forbes to put the middle class before millionaires Chesapeake, VA - Dozens of Virginians gathered on Saturday to rally for an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 2%. The activists...

ProgressVA Names Attorney General Cuccinelli 2012 "Turkey of the Year"

Published Nov 20 2012

ProgressVA Names Attorney General Cuccinelli 2012 "Turkey of the Year" Award commemorates Cuccinelli's bullying of the Board of Health, prioritization of political agendas over sound medicine ProgressVA today announced Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as the recipient of the...

With Election Decided, Will Governor McDonnell Stop Dragging His Feet On Health Care?

Published Nov 7 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434)218-2113 anna@progressva.org With Election and Obamacare Decided, Will Governor McDonnell Finally Stop Dragging His Feet On Health Care? Political games over, it's time for McDonnell to move forward with implementation The...

ProgressVA Education Fund: New True the Vote documents show organization misleading Virginia poll watchers

Published Nov 2 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl, ProgressVA Education Fund (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Stacie Royster, Lawyers Committee For Civil Rights Under Law (202) 445-6101 sroyster@lawyerscommittee.org Josh Spaulding, Fair Elections Legal Network (202) 248-5347 jspaulding@fairelectionsnetwork.com Revealed: New True the Vote documents...

ProgressVA reacts to SBE decision, questions AG Cuccinelli's impartiality

Published Oct 24 2012

For Immediate Release October 24, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (540) 460-1269 anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Responds to SBE Vote to Request Attorney General Investigation Voter Registration Fraud by Republican Party Contractor ProgressVA questions AG Cuccinelli's ability to impartially investigate party while seeking their...

ProgressVA statement on resignation of Health Commissioner Karen Remley

Published Oct 18 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 18, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Statement on the Resignation of Health Commissioner Karen Remley In the wake of the new that Virginia Health Commissioner Karen Remley resigned today in protest of needless...

As Paul Ryan defends budget plan in tonight's debate, pressure increases on George Allen to have an opinion

Published Oct 11 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org As spotlight turns to Ryan's budget plan in tonight's debate, pressure increases on George Allen to come clean on where he stands Allen has repeatedly refused to tell Virginians...

Is today the day Romney comes clean about his plan for Virginia families?

Published Oct 4 2012

For Immediate Release October 4, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434)218-2113 anna@progressva.org Romney's trail of whoppers heads to Virginia: Is today the day he comes clean about his plan for Virginia families? As Romney heads to Fishersville today for a...

ProgressVA and CAP Action Release New Report 'The True Cost of the Romney-Ryan Plan To Virginians'

Published Oct 2 2012

For Immediate ReleaseOctober 2, 2012 ContactJoshua Dorner, 202.481.8153jdorner@americanprogressaction.org Anna Scholl, 434.218.2113anna@progressva.org RELEASE: ProgressVA and CAP Action Release New Report 'The True Cost of the Romney-Ryan Plan To Virginians' Washington, D.C. -- The Center for American Progress Action Fund launched...

Virginians Demand Answers From Romney On Taxes In Light Of New Report

Published Sep 27 2012

For Immediate Release September 27, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Virginians Demand Answers From Mitt Romney On His Taxes News report indicates Romney may have violated federal law in tax and ethics filings. As Mitt Romney today...

RELEASE: ProgressVA Condemns Va Board of Health Decision to Bow to Cuccinelli and McDonnell's Bullying

Published Sep 14 2012

Board voted 13-2 to prioritize political agendas over evidence-based medicine after shutting the doors on hundreds who wished to attend meeting Richmond, VA - ProgressVA today strongly condemned the decision by the Virginia Board of Health to prioritize politics over...

Board of Health Shuts Down Public Comment, Women's Health Advocates to Hold Alternative Hearing in the Parking Lot at 12:30

Published Sep 14 2012

For Immediate Release September 14, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (540) 460-1269 anna@progressva.org Board of Health Shuts Down Public Comment, Women's Health Advocates to Hold Alternative Hearing in the Parking Lot Richmond, VA - Hundreds of women's health advocates showed up to...

Women's Health Advocates Deliver Over 17,000 Petitions Opposing Clinic Regulations to the State Board of Health

Published Sep 13 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl, ProgressVA anna@progressva.org, (434) 218-2113 Contact: Caty Borum Chattoo, Virginia Coalition to Protect Women's Health caty.chattoo@gmail.com (301) 927-4752 Women's Health Advocates Deliver Over 17,000 Petitions Opposing Clinic Regulations to the State Board...

ProgressVA Applauds Board of Elections Rejection of Romney Attack on Democracy

Published Aug 7 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Applauds State Board of Elections' Rejection of Romney Request to Quash Voter Registration Over 8,000 Virginians signed petition to the Board asking for preservation of voter...

Virginia Women Access Preventative Care With No Co-Pay

Published Aug 1 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 1, 2012 Contact: Ashleigh Crocker ashleigh@progressva.org Beginning Today, 1,376,205 Virginia Women Access to Preventive Care With No Co-Pay, Thanks to Health Care Law The Affordable Care Act Allows Virginia Women to Take Control of Their...

Post-Aurora, VA legislators spend taxpayer dollars on group with long history opposing commonsense violence prevention

Published Jul 27 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2012 Contact: Lori Haas, Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws, (804) 399-4893 Anna Scholl, ProgressVA, (434) 218-2113, anna@progressva.org IN WAKE OF AURORA SHOOTINGS, WHY ARE 12 VIRGINIA LEGISLATORS SPENDING TAXPAYER MONEY ON AN ORGANIZATION WITH 17-YEAR HISTORY OF...

Civic Engagement Organizations Oppose Romney Request To Reject Voter Registration Applications

Published Jul 26 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 26, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl, ProgressVA (540) 460-1269, anna@progressva.org Civic Engagement Organizations Oppose Romney Request To Reject Voter Registration Applications Letter to the State Board of Elections states changing the rules in the middle of the...

Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws and ProgressVA Ask Virginia Legislators To Shed Light on ALEC Conference

Published Jul 17 2012

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE July 16, 2012 MEDIA CONTACTS: ProgressVA: Anna Scholl anna@progressva.org (434) 218-2113 Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws: Lori Haas (804) 399-4893 Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws and ProgressVA Ask Virginia Legislators To Shed Light on ALEC Conference Groups request...

ProgressVA Slams Ken Cuccinelli's Refusal to Certify Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers

Published Jul 16 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 16, 2012Contact: Anna Scholl(434) 218-2113anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Slams Ken Cuccinelli's Refusal to Certify Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers Cuccinelli prioritizes his extreme ideology and political career of the health of Virginia women ProgressVA today strongly criticized Attorney...

PROGRESSVA APPLAUDS BOARD OF HEALTH'S AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED TRAP RULES

Published Jul 16 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org PROGRESSVA APPLAUDS BOARD OF HEALTH'S AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED TRAP RULES While adopted amendments apply common sense to building requirements, Board failed to act on patient privacy and safety concerns ProgressVA today...

ProgressVA Celebrates SCOTUS Health Care Decision, Calls On McDonnell To Get To Work On Implementation

Published Jun 28 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 28, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Affordable Care Act This morning the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Obama's health care reform legislation. ProgressVA...

Romney Rally Host Received Over Half Million Dollars From Recovery Act

Published Jun 26 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 213-2118 anna@progressva.org Flip Flop Mitt To Hold Tuesday Rally At Salem Stimulus Beneficiary Carter Machinery received over half a million dollars from American Recovery Act Romney sometimes opposes Republican...

OVER 2,000 VIRGINIANS TAKE ACTION TO OPPOSE PUSH TO SHUT DOWN WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTERS

Published Jun 14 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl anna@progressva.org (434)218-2113 OVER 2,000 VIRGINIANS TAKE ACTION TO OPPOSE PUSH TO SHUT DOWN WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTERS Ideologically-motivated regulations pushed by McDonnell and Cuccinelli allies ignore medical advice, threaten patient privacy ...

ProgressVA applauds bipartisan group of legislators for declaring no ties to ALEC

Published May 30 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl anna@progressva.org (434) 218-2113 ProgressVA applauds bipartisan group of legislators for choosing constituents over out-of-state corporations While 35 legislators stand with their constituents, 105 lawmakers refuse to comment on their affiliation with...

FLASHBACK: COBURN CALLED GEORGE ALLEN'S TIME IN THE US SENATE "AN ORGY OF PORK-BARREL SPENDING"

Published May 24 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl anna@progressva.org (434) 218-2113 FLASHBACK: COBURN CALLED GEORGE ALLEN'S TIME IN THE US SENATE "AN ORGY OF PORK-BARREL SPENDING" Allen consistently supported higher spending while opposing common sense budgeting rules Tom Coburn...

ProgressVA Statement on Bob McDonnell's Refusal to Veto Voter Suppression Legislation

Published May 18 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl anna@progressva.org (434) 218-2113 ProgressVA Statement on Bob McDonnell's Refusal to Veto Voter Suppression Legislation Legislation will increase obstacles to voting for thousands of Virginians while executive order could cost taxpayers millions ...

Virginia Community Health Centers Receive $16,846,330 in Funding From Affordable Care Act

Published May 2 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anna Scholl May 2, 2012 (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Virginia Community Health Centers Receive $16,846,330 in Funding From Affordable Care Act Charlottesville, VA - Local community health centers today were awarded $16,846,330 in funding through the...

Hey Big Spender! Allen Touts Support From Anti-Earmark Crusader While Conveniently Ignoring His Own Big Spending Record

Published Apr 20 2012

For Immediate Release April 20, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Hey Big Spender! Allen Touts Support From Anti-Earmark Crusader While Conveniently Ignoring His Own Big Spending Record Richmond, VA - Not one to be hamstrung by his...

ProgressVA Launches Campaign Calling On VA Legislators To Quit ALEC

Published Apr 17 2012

For Immediate ReleaseApril 17, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org ProgressVA Launches Campaign Calling On VA Legislators To Quit ALEC 10 companies have fled corporate front group while Virginia lawmakers remain silent ProgressVA today launched a new campaign...

ALEC Releases Report Card Marking VA's Success Instituting Anti-Middle Class Policies

Published Apr 12 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Meanwhile, corporations flee organization designed to increase their bottom lines Richmond, VA--Under fire for pushing national campaigns make it harder for millions of Americans to vote and...

ProgressVA Leads Commonwealth's Romneycare Anniversary Celebration

Published Apr 12 2012

Richmond, VA - Today, ProgressVA joins Americans across the country to celebrate the six-year anniversary of Mitt Romney's signing of Massachusetts' health care reform law--the predicate to our national law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. "Many Americans...

Advocacy Groups Launch Petition Drive Urging Companies to Quit ALEC

Published Apr 10 2012

State Farm, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald's targeted by coalition Washington, D.C. A coalition of civil rights and government watchdog groups with members in all 50 states elevated the ongoing campaign to pressure corporations to withdraw from the American Legislative Exchange...

Corporate sponsors quit ALEC; ProgressVA urges Virginia legislators to do the same

Published Apr 6 2012

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods leave conservative group over controversial stands To date, 3 major corporate sponsors of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) have indicated they will not renew their memberships to the controversial conservative organization. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Kraft...

Progressive Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Put Virginia Families First in Budget Negotiations

Published Mar 21 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2012 Contact: Anna Scholl, ProgressVA (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Rishi Awatramani, Virginia New Majority (703) 589-0695 rishi@virginianewmajority.org Sean Holihan, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia 571-488-5742 sean@naralva.org Scott Price, Alliance for Progressive Values 804-338-5893 sprice@apvonline.org Progressive Advocates...

Progressive Advocacy Organizations to Urge Lawmakers to Put Virginia Families First in Budget Negotiations

Published Mar 20 2012

Media Advisory for Wednesday, March 21st For Planning Purposes Only Contact: Anna Scholl, ProgressVA (434) 218-2113 anna@progressva.org Rishi Awatramani, Virginia New Majority (703) 589-0695 rishi@virginianewmajority.org Sean Holihan, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia (571) 488-5742 sean@naralva.org Scott Price, Alliance for Progressive Values(804) 338-5893sprice@apvonline.org...

Gov. McDonnell ignores Virginians, signs anti-woman bill opposed by majority

Published Mar 7 2012

Willfully refused to listen to voices of tens of thousands of Virginians In response to Governor McDonnell this afternoon signing HB 462, which mandates expensive and medically unnecessary ultrasounds for women seeking an abortion, ProgressVA Executive Director Anna Scholl released...

Does Governor McDonnell have a listening problem?

Published Mar 6 2012

McDonnell changed his schedule this morning to duck Virginians, has insisted he will sign legislation opposed by majority of Virginians Governor McDonnell was supposed to head to polls at 11:15 this morning to cast his ballot in the Republican presidential primary....

ProgressVA Statement on McDonnell Amendment to Mandatory Ultrasound Legislation

Published Feb 22 2012

This afternoon, after receiving more that 33,000 petitions from across the Commonwealth opposing legislation targeting women's health, including mandatory ultrasound legislation, Governor McDonnell proposed amendments to SB 484. ProgressVA released the following statement from Executive Director Anna Scholl: "This morning,...

Advocates for women's health to deliver 33,030 petitions opposing personhood and mandatory ultrasound bills to Governor McDonnell

Published Feb 22 2012

Richmond, VA - A coalition of grassroots organizations supporting women's health delivered 33,030 petitions to Governor McDonnell Wednesday morning, opposing bills that insert the government into women's personal, private medical decisions. Virginians from across the Commonwealth have expressed their...

ICYMI: New York Times Highlights ProgressVA Report on "Pervasive" Influence of ALEC on Virginia Legislature

Published Feb 13 2012

In case you missed it, this morning the New York Times Editorial page profiled ProgressVA's report on the influence of a "little-known conservative organization financed by millions of corporate dollars" on Virginia's legislature. The American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC,...

ProgressVA calls on Lt. Governor Bolling and Governor McDonnell to oppose attacks on the right to vote

Published Feb 1 2012

Virginia Legislators Ignore Constituents, Pass Legislation Making It Harder for Thousands of Virginians to Vote In the face of widespread opposition, the House of Delegates today passed HB 9, a measure that will make it harder for thousands of...

ProgressVA Statement on House Privileges and Elections Committee Vote to Report HB9

Published Jan 27 2012

ProgressVA, a progressive advocacy organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Anna Scholl on the House Privileges and Elections Committee vote this morning to report HB to the full House. HB 9, sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole, would...

George Allen Hypocrisy Watch: Stimulus Edition

Published Jan 27 2012

After Vehemently Opposing Stimulus, Allen Touts the Success of Firms That Received Millions of Dollars in Stimulus Grants Paying no heed to his months of criticism of a "failed stimulus", George Allen has spent the past two weeks touring and...

House and Senate Committees Rubber-Stamp ALEC Bill at the Expense of Taxpayers

Published Jan 24 2012

Richmond - House and Senate conservatives voted this week to advance bills to limit tools for taxpayer accountability on construction projects that use state funds. Despite the numerous benefits of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), House and Senate committees approved HB33...

Delegate Barbara Comstock Introduces Legislation Written By Out-Of-State Corporate Lobbyists

Published Jan 10 2012

Touts "Fair and Open Competition in Government Contracting Act" without disclosing language was copied from prominent corporate front group Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-McLean) has introduced legislation for the 2012 General Assembly session that copies legislative language from model legislation circulated...

Candlelight Vigil Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be held at Capitol Square Bell Tower

Published Jan 10 2012

Groups plan vigil to honor Dr. King's struggle and legacy Richmond--On January 16, 2012, hundreds of Virginians will gather at the State Capitol to celebrate and honor Dr. King's legacy and values of equality, justice and opportunity. We Are Virginia...

Progressive Coalition to Welcome Legislators Back to Richmond

Published Jan 10 2012

"We Are Virginia" plans to remind legislators to represent their constituents, not lobbyists and campaign donors, during the General Assembly session Richmond - A diverse assembly of progressive groups and individuals will gather at the General Assembly on Wednesday, January 11th to...

ProgressVA Releases Report Detailing Influence of Corporate Front Group on Virginia Legislature

Published Jan 2 2012

American Legislative Exchange Council writes bills legislators pass off as own work A new report released today details the disturbing level of influence exerted on Virginia's legislature by a secretive, corporate front group. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which...

Virginia's Grinch Comes Early This Year: McDonnell Unveils 2-Year Budget Proposal Targeting Cuts Towards Programs Supporting Most Vulnerable Citizens

Published Dec 19 2011

"Pass the Buck" Bob's Christmas present to Virginia families targets cuts to those hit hardest by the recession Governor McDonnell unveiled his two-year budget this morning in a speech to the legislative money committees and this particular Christmas present...

Get the Facts: What "Pass The Buck" Bob Isn't Telling You About His Budget Proposals

Published Dec 19 2011

Over the past days, Governor McDonnell has rolled out headline-grabbing announcements of funding increases for higher education, transportation, and the Virginia Retirement System. Unfortunately, McDonnell hasn't been straight with Virginians about where he's getting the funds to pay for...

Protect Your Care Statement on George Allen's False ACA Ad

Published Dec 12 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 12, 2011 Contact: Dawn Petrosky dawn@progressva.org 571.384.8408 ALLEN'S 'GOING TO BE GREAT?' AD BADLY GETS IT WRONG ARLINGTON, VA - Today, Virginia Republic U.S. Senate candidate, George Allen released his latest campaign ad, complete with distortions about...

ProgressVA Awards Governor McDonnell "Turkey-of-the-Year" Honor

Published Nov 22 2011

Award recognizes his use of budget gimmicks, cuts to education, public safety and social service programs, and refusal to take a balanced approach to Virginia's budget deficit RICHMOND, VA - On Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, representatives from ProgressVA announced Governor...

Which Bob McDonnell does Dick Black stand with?

Published Oct 27 2011

One Bob McDonnell says public safety is government's top priority while the other cuts millions from public safety budgets while laying off Port Authority Police. Senate candidate Dick Black touts an endorsement from Governor McDonnell on his campaign website...

Which Bob McDonnell do Caren Merrick and Jeff Frederick stand with?

Published Oct 27 2011

One Bob McDonnell says public safety is government's top priority while the other cuts millions from public safety budgets while laying off Port Authority Police Senate candidate Jeff Frederick touts an endorsement from Governor McDonnell on his campaign website....

Which Bob McDonnell do Ben Loyola and Mickey Chohany stand with?

Published Oct 27 2011

One Bob McDonnell says public safety is government's top priority while the other cuts millions from public safety budgets while laying off Port Authority Police Senate candidate Ben Loyola touts an endorsement from Governor McDonnell on his campaign website....

ProgressVA Calls For Repealing The 'Romney Rule'

Published Oct 26 2011

'Romney Rule' Lets Millionaires Like Mitt Romney  Pay Lower Tax Rate Than Many Middle Class Virginians As Mitt Romney visits the Fairfax County Republican Campaign Headquarters today with Governor Bob McDonnell, ProgressVA, a state advocacy organization for a fairer Virginia,...

Video: "Pass the Buck" Bob McDonnell calls cutting "billions of dollars" from health care and education the "right track" for Virginia

Published Oct 20 2011

Virginians and local governments feeling the pain as McDonnell passes along state obligations while calling for even more cuts. Just a day after Governor McDonnell's Education Department admitted that federal stimulus funds saved or created at least 7,715 Virginia...

ProgressVA calls on Virginia politicians to return contributions from corrupt Koch Brothers

Published Oct 3 2011

Former Senator George Allen received over $100,000, Governor McDonnell over $90,000, from business interest that secretly sold petrochemical equipment to terrorism-sponsor Iran ProgressVA today called for Virginia politicians who have accepted contributions from Koch Industries and their owners, conservative activists...

ProgressVA Statement on Congressman Cantor's scheduled "jobs" event

Published Sep 7 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 7, 2011 In response to news first reported in Politico that Congressman Cantor will hold his own jobs event in Richmond this Friday, ProgressVA Executive Director Anna Scholl released the following statement: "Last week, Congressman Cantor called his...

"Borrowing Bob's" surplus announcement ignores state's true budget problems

Published Aug 18 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2011 Charlottesville, VA - ProgressVA today responded to Governor McDonnell's announcement of a larger than anticipated end of year surplus, reminding Virginians that accounting gimmicks and conservative revenue projections won't solve the state's true fiscal...

Virginian Pilot: Advocacy groups endorse Va. Senate Dem congressional map

Published Jul 27 2011

A coalition of left-leaning organizations are publicizing their support for the congressional redistricting plan advanced by Senate Democrats, which would group many minority voters in two of the state's 11 districts. The proposal favored by the groups -- the...

Richmond Times Dispatch: Groups back Senate redistricting plan

Published Jul 27 2011

Several groups came out in support of the state Senate's Congressional redistricting plan on Tuesday, saying it "improves representation of our state's growing minority population while preserving compact and competitive districts." ProgressVA, VirginiaNew Majority, Virginia AFL-CIO and the Democratic...

Coalition Announces Support For Locke Congressional Redistricting Plan

Published Jul 26 2011

Groups thank State Senate for their support of fair congressional redistricting. Richmond, VA - A coalition of organizations from across Virginia today voiced their endorsement of the so-called Locke redistricting plan. ProgressVA, Virginia New Majority, Virginia AFL-CIO, and the Democratic...

ProgressVA Criticizes Governor for Disingenuous Budget Claims

Published Jul 19 2011

"The Governor's claims to fiscal responsibility are disingenuous at best," said Anna Scholl, Executive Director of ProgressVA. "Our debts and obligations far outstrip the projected budget surplus. The Governor has essentially run up the state's credit card and now wants...