McEachin lauds autism bill in Times Dispatch

State Senator Donald McEachin talks about his autism bill in today's Times Dispatch:

While polio may have been the children's epidemic of the last century, autism appears to be the scourge of the early part of the 21st century. In the United States and here in Virginia, almost one in every 70 boys and one in every 110 girls are afflicted by the disorder.

Like other epidemics, autism doesn't care about race or socioeconomic status — all children are vulnerable. Moreover, while no one yet knows why, autism is growing at the shocking rate of 10 percent to 17 percent per year. The Autism Society estimates that the cost of caring for a child with autism over a lifetime ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million — and that our country faces close to $90 billion in annual costs for autism.

Read "Autism bill helps all Virginians" in today's Times Dispatch.

Democratic Legislators form a Progressive Caucus

From the office of State Senator Donald McEachin:

Legislators Announce Formation of Progressive Caucus

Richmond – This morning, a group of legislators gathered to announce the formation of a Progressive Caucus in the Virginia General Assembly. At the announcement, Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) said, “Progressive values are Virginia values. Families across the Commonwealth want their legislature to focus on issues that matter to them.” Delegate Hope continued, “The Progressive Caucus serves to fight for the interests of the average citizen and to educate the public on Progressive issues.
“We will define our agenda in time for this fall’s elections so voters can see what we stand for.”

His colleague, Delegate Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) added, “While Virginia can be slow to change, we have to keep pace with the times when it comes to issues like stem cell research, global warming and society’s attitudes towards gays and lesbians. As progressives, it is important that we stand together as we move Virginia forward.”

Delegate David Englin (D-Alexandria) stated, “It’s time for progressive legislators to organize and work together to advance the progressive values that we share, so we can keep our Commonwealth moving toward that day when every person – including the poor, the elderly, the week, the dispossessed – has a fair shake and an equal shot at the American dream.”

Delegate Kaye Kory (D- Fairfax) added that “it’s about taking the best values of the past and taking them to the future. It’s about inclusion.”

Delegate Jeion Ward (D-Newport News) talked about working men and women who have built Virginia’s economy. “Nothing is wrong with belonging to a union.”

Delegate Mamye BaCote (D-Hampton) quoted from Scripture, saying “Love thy neighbor.”

Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) concluded the press conference. “We standing here today believe that Virginians are fair and open-minded and want a Commonwealth that reflects those values. We will work together to improve the environment, support a strong, vibrant, quality, twenty-first century, public education system for all our children, devise and implement a long-term transportation program including a critical component of mass transit and of updated infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and provide all Virginians equal opportunity, justice and fairness.”

Members of the General Assembly continue to join the Progressive Caucus which will be working throughout the year to support and create legislation that upholds their goals and values.

Membership as of 2.23.11 listed below:






The Virginia Progressive Caucus Members

The Honorable Robin A. Abbott
The Honorable Mamye E. BaCote
The Honorable Robert H. Brink
The Honorable Betsy B. Carr
The Honorable Adam P. Ebbin
The Honorable David L. Englin
The Honorable Patrick A. Hope
The Honorable Matthew James
The Honorable Mark L. Keam
The Honorable Kaye Kory
The Honorable Mamie Locke
The Honorable Jennifer L. McClellan
The Honorable A. Donald McEachin
The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn
The Honorable Joseph D. Morrissey
The Honorable Kenneth R. Plum
The Honorable James M. Scott
The Honorable Scott A. Surovell
The Honorable David J. Toscano
The Honorable Roslyn C. Tyler
The Honorable Jeion A. Ward

###

Donald McEachin talks about budget's impact on Henrico Schools

State Senator Donald McEachin talks about the impact that Governor McDonnell's proposed budget will have on Henrico County schools.

Senator McEachin's SB747 anti-workplace discrimination bill

State Senator Donald McEachin speaks in favor of his SB747, which would eliminate workplace discrimination in the Commonwealth of Virginia's state workplaces. From State Senator Donald McEachin:

Senator McEachin Expresses Profound Disappointment
with Defeat of Non-Discrimination Legislation

Richmond- Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) expressed his profound disappointment and dismay with the defeat of his non-discrimination legislation yesterday by a House of Delegates subcommittee. “As witnesses were lined up out the door prepared to testify, as individuals stood in support of the bill, with little discussion, the legislation was defeated on a Party line vote.

“This legislation is very simple. It simply says that state workers will be judged on merit and on job performance, not on other irrelevant characteristics. For Virginia to be competitive, for the Commonwealth to attract and keep the best employees, we owe our workers basic protections and grievance procedures.

“Not that many years ago, in this very Commonwealth, African-Americans were subject o these same prejudices, same insecurities about heir jobs, same subtle and insidious harassment. We codified those protections and that has made a significant difference. If a state employee feels he or she is being judged because of his or her skin color they have avenues to take, procedures to follow and the Commonwealth will respond. Now, is the time to offer these same basic civil rights to other who have been judged not on merit but on characteristics that have absolutely nothing to do with their work performance.

“I commit that I will continue this fight until ALL Virginians have equal justice, opportunity and fairness. Let me also thank all of those who have aided me in this fight. Together, will make the difference,” the Senator concluded.

Sen. Donald McEachin Discusses the Senate's Transportation Bill

McEachin Lauds Peaceful Approach to Responsible Gun Laws

Senator McEachin Commends and Thanks Senator Jim Webb

From State Senator Donald McEachin:

Senator McEachin Commends and Thanks Senator Jim Webb

Richmond – Senator A. Donald McEachin issued this statement about Senator Jim Webb (D- Virginia). "Virginia Democrats and all Virginians are incredibly fortunate that Jim Webb chose to put aside his personal life for over six years to serve Virginians in the United State Senate. This is not the first time Jim Webb has made personal sacrifice for his country. As a matter of fact, his entire adult life has been about service and sacrifice, from his gallant service in Viet Nam to his tenure as Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan to his service as our Senator. Just as in the past, Jim Webb has not been afraid to stand up for what he thinks it's right, regardless of whether it’s popular. His recent groundbreaking work on criminal justice has the potential to change our country for the better. His GI Bill is already changing the lives of our veterans. Jim Webb is the true embodiment of a patriot and I am proud and honored to call him my friend."

SJ 295 Celebrates Kappa Alpha Psi Centennial in Virginia

State Senator Donald McEachin and his fellow Kappa Alpha Psi brothers celebrated an important anniversary in Virginia this year.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 295
Commending Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., in Virginia.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 13, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 14, 2011

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., an internationally renowned organization founded to promote the achievement and encourage the success of its members throughout their lives, celebrated its centennial anniversary on January 5, 2011; and

WHEREAS, in 1903, nine young men at Indiana University formed the Alpha Kappa Nu Greek Society, the forerunner to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., to strengthen their voice on campus and to unite them in their goals of achievement, high academic and moral standards, and pursuit of higher education and meaningful careers; and

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was founded on the campus of Indiana University on January 5, 1911, by 10 exemplary men?Elder Watson Diggs, Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Ezra Dee Alexander, Henry Tourner Asher, Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul Waymond Caine, George Wesley Edmonds, Guy Levis Grant, Edward Giles Irvin, and John Milton Lee?who envisioned a brotherhood in which young men of culture, patriotism, and honor would unite in a bond of fraternity; and

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., has enriched and positively influenced the lives of its members through its presence on American campuses in 46 states and the District of Columbia and its chapters across the globe in Japan, Korea, Bermuda, the Grand Bahamas, the Republic of Panama, South Africa, Germany, and the United Kingdom; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Gamma, the first chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., founded in the Commonwealth, was formed on the campus of Virginia Union University on April 9, 1927; and

WHEREAS, since 1927, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., has developed a thriving presence in the Commonwealth, which includes 25 collegiate chapters and 19 alumni chapters whose members share the common vision of achievement, scholarship, and brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, distinguished members of the Virginia chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., have exemplified the finest attributes of the fraternal order through their achievements in the fields of business, education, science and engineering, agriculture, journalism, medicine, civil rights, law and politics, religious leadership, social service, and philanthropy; and

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., graduates and alumni have achieved success and proudly served the public as pediatricians, classical musicians, journalists, farmers, surgeons, psychologists, civil servants, state and federal judges, athletes, ministers, artists, educators, and members of the armed forces; and

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., remains committed to educating future leaders, encouraging dedication to the community, cultivating a sense of civic pride and engagement, and mentoring young collegians; and

WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., reveres its rich traditions and celebrated history and also looks to the future by pursuing a quest to achieve in every field of human endeavor; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., invited members to gather in Norfolk on January 22, 2011, to celebrate the fraternity?s 100th anniversary and its venerable tradition of raising the sights of its members and encouraging them to their greatest accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Virginia chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on the celebration of their 100th anniversary and their commitment to achievement and leadership in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., in Virginia to commemorate the fraternity?s achievements and as an expression of the General Assembly?s best wishes for the fraternity's continued growth and success.

McEachin challenges Governor's anti-Richmond budget

State Senator Donald McEachin took on Governor Bob McDonnell's budget for burdening Richmond taxpayers with more debt while sending the borrowed funds elsewhere:

Senator McEachin Speaks in Support of Hold
Richmond Harmless LCI Budget Amendment

Richmond- Today, at a press conference, Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) spoke of his serious concerns about the governor’s proposed budget. “This budget, proposed by Governor McDonnell, asks us to support significantly more debt. At the same time, we are being asked to harm our schools and our school children because there will be appreciably fewer funds for Richmond. And in the governor’s transportation plan, the Richmond Planning District is dead last.

If Richmond is not held harmless, Richmond schools will have to lay off personnel, increase class sizes and eliminate needed resources. Moreover, the budget the governor has presented will cause public safety lay-offs, all while significantly increasing our debt. Future governors’ hands will be tied because the debt will be so high their choices will be drastically reduced.

Governor McDonnell’s budget is just not Richmond friendly,” Senator McEachin concluded.