(Updated at 11:05 a.m.) Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán has proposed a 2024-2025 budget that he says avoids new expenses in a lean fiscal year compounded by state funding uncertainty.
He presented an $824.7 million budget — which increases the current budget by $12.2 million, or 1.5% — to the Arlington School Board last week.
The superintendent said his budget includes a $29.5 million gap, in part because APS could lose some $5.7 million in state funding. These come from cuts Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed in his budget for preschool, tutoring and compensation supplements.
“Here’s the bottom line: with everything I’ve shared, with the revenues that I have provided, the cuts that we have done, the expenditures that I’ve outlined [excepting staffing changes tied to enrollment, a part-time custodian and $100,000 for a new student safety software] are not new expenditures,” Durán said during his presentation on Thursday night. “Everything else is currently things that we’re maintaining and sustaining.”
In the best-case scenario, the nearly $30 million gap would drop to $5 million with a 2.5 cent tax rate increase and a competing state budget proposed in the Virginia senate that would send $11 million to APS. The Arlington County Board authorized hearings on a 2.5 cent tax rate increase in large part to address funding gaps if Youngkin’s budget is approved.
“This is not the budget that any of us want to be presenting,” said Board Vice-Chair David Priddy, who read comments from Chair Cristina Diaz-Torres, who could not attend the meeting. “At best, this maintains the status quo of APS, but we know the status quo is not sufficient for our students, for our staff or for our community.”
Youngkin’s conservative budget comes despite a recent report from the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission, which found Virginia gives less funding to schools than the national average, using outdated models from the Great Recession, Durán noted.
On top of this statewide deficiency, APS receives less funding from the state, says School Board member Mary Kadera. State funding accounts for 29% and 27%, respectively, of the budgets for the public school systems in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, compared to 15% for APS, she said.
To mitigate the gap, the budget includes some $21 million in cuts. Durán axed $15.7 million in Central Office expenses and reduced staffing by 38 full-time equivalent positions: 19 in the Central Office, of which four are vacant ($2.7 million) and 19.8 school-based art, music and PE positions ($2.15 million).
This change corrects outdated planning calculations without increasing class sizes or impacting classroom instruction, per Durán’s presentation.
“There may be ways in which we can do better with this year’s budget, even with the challenging numbers just presented,” School Board member Miranda Turner said. “I very much appreciate that you focus cuts on… Central Office and not within the schools, but we need to compare the proposed position cuts… We have essentially the same number of positions being cut in Central Office, several of which are vacant anyway.”
Durán says APS began the budget process with a much larger, $73.4 million gap, largely due to the use of $53.7 million in one-time funding in the current budget. Most of this sum was used to make salaries more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.
For the 2024-2025 budget, Durán proposes $17 million in step increases and a cost-of-living adjustment, which could be augmented by the 3% compensation increase included in the state Senate’s proposed budget. (Youngkin’s plan includes a 2% salary increase for teachers, per the Virginia Mercury.)
The APS proposal disheartened June Prakash, the leader of the local teachers union, the Arlington Education Association.
Two anti-predatory towing bills from Arlington lawmakers have cleared the House of Delegates and will now head to the state Senate for discussion.
Seven years ago, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) signed a bill preventing Northern Virginia jurisdictions from requiring real-time authorization of tows by the requesting business or parking lot during business hours.
The law overrode county regulations requiring this “second signature,” which was set to go into effect that summer.
Del. Alfonso Lopez (D) aims to reverse this with his Anti-Predatory Towing Act, HB 959, which cleared the House of Delegates on Monday in a bipartisan vote of 98-2.
If the Senate follows suit and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signs it into law, Arlington and its Northern Virginia neighbors would once more be able to require a second signature authorizing the tow, an authority other Virginia jurisdictions still enjoy.
The bill also lets localities require towing operators to take and keep photos or other evidence substantiating why the vehicle was removed, which Lopez says would curtail the practice of “spotting” that enables predatory “smash & grab” practices.
It also changes the penalty for certain trespass towing offenses in Northern Virginia from $150 per violation paid to a state literary fund to 10 times the total amount charged for removal, towing and storage — to be paid to the victim.
“Simply put, Northern Virginia will no longer be explicitly prevented in the Virginia Code from having the same towing ordinances that are normal practice in the rest of the Commonwealth,” Lopez said in a statement. “These bills are the result of extensive work with advocates and communities to address predatory towing practices, which continue to plague residents in Northern Virginia. And I’m proud that they both won such broad, bipartisan support.”
The House also passed Del. Adele McClure’s (D) accompanying bill, HB 1287, 93-5, with one abstention.
HB 1287 clarifies existing powers Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties and the city of Alexandria have regarding towing.
Those localities are already allowed to require towing companies to obtain a permit to tow to a storage or release location outside of the locality. Her bill makes it clear that the provision does not restrict those localities from requiring permits for towing within the boundaries of the locality, as well.
In a statement, McClure asserted that towing ordinances are “a local issue.”
We need to make sure that areas in Northern Virginia have the same authority as every other community to pass ordinances around permitting towers. This is a local issue that must be solved at the local level, but it requires action in the General Assembly to empower our localities. Arlington has already taken steps to enact this change once it becomes law, and I am proud to champion this bill to meet that need and respond to our local leaders. As these bills move to the Senate for consideration, I am proud to continue working with Delegate Lopez and Arlington County to achieve our mutual goal of curbing predatory towing.
This is not Lopez’s first crack at towing legislation.
He supported a bill in 2022, which failed, that would have given residents and localities more ability to protect themselves against alleged bad-actor towing companies. The bill responded to public scrutiny of Ballston-based Advanced Towing, which is often accused of predatory towing practices, though such accusations fizzled in court after the previous Virginia Attorney General sued the company.
Lopez and state Sen. Barbara Favola reprised the bill in 2023 but it also did not pass. That bill also would have resulted in heftier civil penalties for predatory towing than the current $150 fine.
Tackling predatory towing was a priority of the Arlington County Board in both the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions.
The 2024 legislative session will start in two weeks and, in advance, the Arlington County Board and local delegates and senators have hammered out their shared priorities for the session.
A week and a half ago, Board members approved its package of legislative priorities for the 60-day session, including two new additions.
One wording change might signal the Board’s interest in tackling the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. “Landscaping equipment” was added to a county climate goal to encourage “private sector efforts to support and regulate energy efficiency incentive and climate programs.”
The Board also added a push for sustained funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. Legislators expressed their sympathy for this request but noted historical issues with adding dollars to the program, which has already seen an uptick in staffing expenses as a result of previous expansions.
Overall, the priorities of the County Board boil down to fully funded commitments to local governments, respect for local authority and workforce resiliency. This last priority could look like streamlining the process for hiring people in the public safety, mental health and childcare sectors through paid internships, student loan repayment programs or changes to clinical supervision hours.
“These are areas where we have acute shortages in the county,” Board Chair Christian Dorsey said in a meeting last month with legislators. “[We need to be] getting out of this idea we compete with all other jurisdictions for these personnel, we really need to have every boat lifted with everybody’s needs… met.”
Fully funding mandates, meanwhile, could look like more staffing support for jail diversion efforts and body-worn camera programs. Respect for local authority would look like ensuring zoning and land-use decisions remain at the local level.
Other county priorities include:
- increased investments in affordable housing
- better consumer protections for those who have their cars towed
- authority and support for transitioning unused offices into childcare or other community uses
- increased penalties for the sale of vaping products to minors as well as the authority to prohibit vape shops near schools
- the ability to regulate tree canopy coverage
Delegates Alfonso Lopez and Patrick Hope, Delegate-Elect Adele McClure, and Senators Adam Ebbin and Barbara Favola told the Board they are working on legislation for some of these priorities. Their pre-filing deadline is Jan. 10, 2024, the same date the legislative session begins.
Favola and Lopez are in talks with Arlington Public Schools about a bill allowing the prohibition of vape shops near schools, while Ebbin and Hope aim to set up licensing requirements for vape shops. Favola has prefiled a bill that would allow childcare centers to operate in unused offices.
Top of mind for local legislators, meanwhile, is enshrining the possibly imperiled civil liberties of abortion, voting rights and same-sex marriage in the state constitution.
Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled abortion should be a decision made by the state, a ruling that some advocates predict could jeopardize the court decision that legalized same-sex marriage. After the Dobbs abortion decision, Virginia’s Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin tried, unsuccessfully, to rally voters around a 15-week limit this election.
A recent lawsuit over redistricting in Arkansas, meanwhile, has possibly teed up voting rights for Supreme Court review.
In response, Favola filed a constitutional amendment on abortion that includes no gestational limits and makes exceptions only for a “compelling state interest.”
Arlington’s two state Senators have landed key leadership roles after Democrats won control of the General Assembly last week.
State Sen. Barbara Favola will continue as Majority Whip, sharing her duties with Richmond’s Sen. Lamont Bagby, according to a Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus press release. Sen. Scott Surovell, who will represent southeastern Fairfax County, is set to become the majority leader.
“I am looking forward to working with the Democratic Leadership team and all of my colleagues on issues important to the Commonwealth,” Favola said in the release. “We have a diverse and talented team of newly elected Senators who will bring fresh perspectives to the challenges facing the Commonwealth. I am confident that our Democratic team will deliver common-sense solutions that actually improves people’s lives.”
State Sen. Adam Ebbin, meanwhile, will take on the role of Vice Chair, previously held by Surovell.
“I look forward to working with my Senate Democratic colleagues to find solutions for the betterment of all Virginians. I am ready and excited to get to work,” he said in a statement.
Favola and Ebbin secured resounding victories in their districts, the new 40th and 39th districts, respectively, each earning more than 75% of the vote against their Republican opponents. Arlington Democratic candidates to the House of Delegates — incumbents Alfonso Lopez and Patrick Hope and first-time candidate Adele McClure — also won their races handily.
Not only were Democrats able to hold their majority in the 40-member Senate, securing 21 seats, but they also flipped the 100-member House of Delegates with a narrow majority, taking 51 seats.
Local political experts and officials say that the party’s victory and high voter turnout were driven in part by concerns about Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his Republican party’s support for a 15-week abortion ban, while races were more competitive due to redistricting.
The updated Democratic leadership list is below.
- Sen. Scott Surovell, majority leader
- Sen. Mamie Locke, caucus chair
- Sen. Adam Ebbin, vice chair
- Sen. Aaron Rouse, secretary
- Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, treasurer
- Sen. Barbara Favola, whip
- Sen. Lamont Bagby, whip
Last week’s election may have had few surprises locally but it shook up the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates.
Virginia elections analyst Sam Shirazi caught up with ARLnow’s Jo DeVoe to talk about how Democrats won majorities in both legislative chambers and why Arlingtonians should look outside the county’s deep blue bubble and pay attention to state politics.
Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn.
(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) Tight races for the state legislature and proposed restrictions on abortion motivated Virginians to the polls on Election Day.
This was despite the lack of statewide and federal elections, which typically drive turnout. The races for local office and the Virginia General Assembly played out against the backdrop of Republicans vying for a trifecta — control of the governor’s office as well as the lower and upper legislature chambers — and Democrats trying to stop them.
At stake were abortion rights, as Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) floated trying to pass a 15-week ban if Republicans took the Senate and kept the House.
Arlington had two state Senate and several House of Delegates seats on the ballot. Only three races had challengers, however, and among them Democratic incumbents Sen. Adam Ebbin, Sen. Barbara Favola and Del. Alfonso Lopez all won last night. While their road to victory was easier, the competition was stiff elsewhere in Virginia, commanding their attention and that of other politically minded Arlingtonians.
“It’s a little strange in Arlington because we’re in this blue bubble in what’s essentially a purple state leaning slightly toward Democrats,” says Sam Shirazi, an East Falls Church resident and Virginia elections analyst. “Virginia is just one of those states where, especially in these state elections, as opposed to federal elections, it’s almost always going to be close. ”
Shirazi had predicted Democrats would secure slim majorities in the Senate and House of Delegates, which he says is coming to pass. Democrats flipped the House and retained the Senate, not in a sweep but by securing key seats in suburban counties such as Loudoun and Henrico.
Arlington played a supporting role in these races, says Arlington County Democratic Chair Steve Baker. Volunteers spent 40 days canvassing, making thousands of phone calls and sending out 18,000 postcards and targeted seven districts of which Democrats won in six.
“Grassroots organizing works,” said Kip Malinosky, chair of the initiative dubbed Beyond Arlington. “Democrats win when we’re talking about issues that matter: abortion rights, voting rights, and gun safety. I’m proud that we played a role in helping Democrats win across the state.”
State Sen. Adam Ebbin, who was re-elected in the 39th District, said Virginians sent their governor a strong message last night.
That message would be that you can work with people across the aisle to get things done for the betterment of the Commonwealth rather than dividing them in a cynical and twisted manner. And I believe that Virginians don’t want, and will express by the end of tonight, that we don’t want the government banning books. We don’t want people interfering with our personal freedoms, whether it’s reproductive rights, your right to breathe clean air, or the safety of our communities from gun violence.
Shirazi says the state races were closer due to Virginia’s 2021 redistricting effort, in which he participated.
“Previously the maps were drawn by the legislatures themselves and obviously they had an incentive to try and protect themselves, to maybe protect their party,” he said. “This time… a lot of the incumbents, either in the primary or the general election, lost, so we had a lot of turnover in the General Assembly, and then, both chambers were competitive because they weren’t drawn to favor either party.”
“That’s why there was a lot of suspense going into the election,” he continued.
Election Day got off to a busier-than-expected start this morning.
As of this morning, some 9,200 voters turned out to vote today, according to the Arlington County’s Dept. of Elections.
“So far, the pace today has been slightly busier than June,” observed Tania Griffin, the communications director for the elections department.
This year is an off-off-year, or one with neither gubernatorial nor presidential offices on the ballot. In Arlington, voters are selecting candidates for local offices as well as representatives to the state Senate and House of Delegates.
Mallory McPherson, who is chief of precinct 146, told ARLnow that the flow of voters has been stronger than she expected.
“Usually the state elections are a little quieter but it’s been steady all day,” she said, noting a mix of voters so far. Before 9 a.m., it was mostly people voting on their way to work and since then, more families have stopped by.
9am turnout estimates show ~6 % of Arlington has voted today. This does not include the ~12% who voted early or by mail. 🗳️#ArlingtonVotes #Election2023
— Arlington Elections (@ArlingtonVotes) November 7, 2023
Griffin says early voting, which ended Saturday, “definitely picked up in the last week.”
Early voting kicked off in September to a muted start, with only one poll open. After additional locations opened, the pace ramped up and on the last two days of early voting, more than 800 people cast ballots.
Overall, early voting far outpaced numbers in the last comparable election year, 2019. This year, 7% voted early and in-person while another 9% requested mail-in ballots.
In 2019, 9% of voters voted absentee, both in person and mail, Griffin said. Total turnout in 2019 was 37%.
“The difference between in-person absentee voting today vs. 2019 is in 2019 voters were required to provide an excuse to vote early,” Griffin said.
The morning kicked off with a confrontation outside one of the polling places involving Matthew Hurtt, the chairman of the Arlington GOP, which he recorded and posted on social media.
Hurtt was near the Dawson Terrace Community Center, offering people sample Republican ballots, when an unidentified voter confronted him, making liberal use of expletives.
“You might as well have been walking up to my head and… putting a gun to my head and telling me not to vote and you expect me not to take that [expletive] personally?” the man said.
Unhinged progressive confronts Republican poll greeter in Arlington, Election Day 2023. pic.twitter.com/fgRfNxVS7X
— Matthew Hurtt (@matthewhurtt) November 7, 2023
He's me. The guy started before he went in, and I assumed he would keep it going when he came out… so I hit record.
— Matthew Hurtt (@matthewhurtt) November 7, 2023
The scene appeared notably calmer at Arlington Central Library, where Democratic Arlington County Board candidate Maureen Coffey observed a lot of activity this morning.
Central library is POPPING! So many voters already today and our great delegate @HopeforVirginia 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/H6OfoOsk8I
— Maureen Coffey (she/her) (@maureencoffeyva) November 7, 2023
Coffey is one of four candidates vying for two seats on the Arlington County Board, along with Democrat Susan Cunningham, Republican Juan Carlos Fierro and independent Audrey Clement.
The victorious candidates will replace a seat Katie Cristol vacated this summer and a seat that Board Chair Christian Dorsey will leave behind this December.
Two Virginia State Senate races are also competitive: incumbent Democrat Sen. Adam Ebbin is going up against Republican Sophia Moshasha for the 39th District and incumbent Democrat Sen. Barbara Favola is going up against Republican David Henshaw for the 40th District.
Races are less competitive for local delegates to the lower chamber of Virginia’s state legislature.
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from David Henshaw, who is running for the 40th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican. His opponent, Democratic incumbent Barbara Favola, did not submit an essay.
My name is David Henshaw. I’m a Christian, husband, and father of two girls. I was privileged to serve our country as an Air Force pilot for over 24 years, and I remain passionate about fighting for our individual freedom and liberty. If elected to the State Senate, I promise to serve our community and ensure Arlington remains a great place to live.
My top priority is to protect the sanctity of the family by expanding the law to protect parent’s rights in our public schools. I believe parents know what is best for their children and should be at the head of the table. My opponent, Senator Favola, voted to allow students to hide gender dysphoria from their parents and against requiring parental review of sexually explicit material. Notification is required to go on a field trip or provide an aspirin — shouldn’t parents be notified about a major issue like dysphoria?
I also disagree with Senator Favola on whether male students should compete in female sports and use female locker rooms. While we should show compassion and protect transgender students from bullying and harassment, we need to do it in a way that is fair and safe. Males should not compete against girls — it’s not fair; and they should not use female locker rooms — it’s not safe.
Our schools were one of the last in the country to re-open after COVID, driving a tangible loss of learning that is reflected in the lowest 4th and 8th grade math and reading scores in over 20 years. I would provide parents a choice in their children’s education by offering Education Savings Accounts that enable them to use a portion of their tax money to invest in non-public options. I would also fund at least one school in each district with a year-round option, and expand the number of charter schools.
I support free-market policies while my opponent is for bigger government and higher taxes, despite inflation that is out of control and outpacing wage growth. Arlingtonians are tired of high gas prices and grocery bills that are up 27% since 2020. I would lower the corporate tax rate, lower the personal tax rates, and remove excessive regulation. I’d also tie the tax brackets to inflation — they haven’t changed since 1990 — and add brackets to ease the burden on the lower and middle class.
I’d also repeal both the Clean Car law and the Clean Economy Act. Both hurt the lower and middle class while providing miniscule benefit to the environment. Studies indicate that electric cars cost approximately $10,000 more than gas cars, and energy costs will increase $800/month for the average family under these laws.
Crime is up in Arlington every year since the 2020 “Defund the Police” campaign and legislation that my opponent supported. Several Arlingtonians tell me they no longer feel safe to walk alone in their neighborhoods. Crime was up 18% in the latest 2022 report, and the Arlington police chief indicated he’s short 100 law enforcement officers. We must recruit and hire more law enforcement heroes and fully fund our departments.
My goal was to present you with a clear distinction between my policy positions and those of my opponent. I hope you find my views commonsense and pragmatic, and respectfully request your vote on Nov 7th. Together we can make Virginia a beacon of success for the entire country and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
David Henshaw (R)
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Adam Ebbin, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Democrat.
Dear Neighbor,
I have represented portions of Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax in the Virginia Senate since 2011, and for eight years in the House of Delegates before that. With the coming unprecedented turnover in the General Assembly as a result of retirements and redistricting, I look forward to continuing my service as an experienced progressive leader for Northern Virginia.
Democrats have made important progress. We need to protect it. We made the largest investment in affordable housing in Virginia history, expanded Medicaid to cover more than 700,000 Virginians, gave raises to our educators and first responders, and we took historic action to reduce the damage of climate change. I passed bills that first decriminalized – then legalized – cannabis, banned guns in state buildings, and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
But Governor Youngkin and his fellow Republicans are trying to drag us backwards. They want to repeal the RGGI tax on corporate polluters, repeal criminal justice reforms, gun safety laws, and LGBTQ+ protections, and limit reproductive freedom in Virginia. The Democratic Virginia Senate Majority has defended that progress: we’ve fought Republican efforts to reduce education spending, we’ve blocked Republican bills that would weaken the right to vote, and we have been the Blue Brick Wall protecting the last bastion of reproductive freedom in the Southeast.
That’s why you need to vote. Early voting ends on Saturday, November 4 th . Election Day is Tuesday, November 7 th .
With Governor Younkgin in office until January 2026, there are many things we Democrats can do to keep making progress – not just playing defense. We can protect reproductive freedom in Virginia’s Constitution, and finally repeal the ban on marriage equality that was added to the state constitution in 2006. The General Assembly can approve these constitutional amendments, and send them to the people for their approval without the interference of Governor Youngkin.
But doing that starts with electing a Democratic majority in 2023.
We have critical fights ahead to protect Virginia’s public education and health care systems, as well as our AAA bond rating. I stood strong with my colleagues on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee this year against Youngkin’s reckless permanent tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Instead, we succeeded in forcing Republicans to invest more in public education and mental health – investments that would be unaffordable with Youngkin’s new permanent tax cuts.
Thank you for the honor of representing you in the State Senate. I’m asking that you again entrust me with your vote, so I can keep delivering results and protecting the progress we’ve made from extremists trying to take Virginia backwards.
I’ve worked hard to get results for our community’s progressive values, including protecting access to reproductive health care, safeguarding tenants from unlawful evictions, investing in our schools, banning guns from state buildings, and passing protections for LGBTQ+ Virginians. But there’s more work to do, and I’m up for the fight.
With your support, I’ll never stop fighting for you.
Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia
Running to Represent the 39 th Senate District
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Sophia Moshasha, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican.
As a Virginia native, and having been a proud resident of District 39 for many years, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community. My background in technology has given me a unique perspective on how to tackle our current economic challenges and pave the way for future success. I am dedicated to utilizing this experience to drive meaningful change and ensure that our district not only thrives but remains a model of inclusive and responsive governance.
With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, I aim to bridge the gap between our community and our government, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but also considered in the decision-making process. I strongly believe in utilizing technology to make civic engagement easier and more accessible for all residents. By embracing innovative tools and methods, I am determined to create a more transparent and inclusive political environment for our district where all opinions are welcomed. My endorsement by the bi-partisan Forward Party speaks to my commitment to collaboration, as well as my more moderate platform that would better represent all of District 39’s diverse constituents.
As someone who deeply values family and community, I am troubled by the lack of representation and comprehensive solutions that truly address our district’s needs. My opponent has been in office for almost two decades, yet there remains a disconnect between the priorities of the constituents and the decisions being made. It is time for a fresh perspective, one that not only advocates for change but also delivers tangible results for every member of our community. My platform includes respect for parents’ inclusion in matters regarding their children’s health, well-being and education, and a moderate view supporting women’s right to decide on pregnancy termination within reasonable timeframes, subject to certain exceptions relating. Unfortunately, my opponent doesn’t exhibit compassion or moderacy and supports abortion until the moment of birth.
Drawing from my experiences, I promise to prioritize three crucial areas: education, economy, and community safety. I am dedicated to amplifying our educational system by ensuring adequate resources for our schools and promoting programs that prepare our students for the demands of the future. Additionally, I will work tirelessly to create a business-friendly environment that attracts investments and opportunities to our district while empowering our workforce through robust development and employment initiatives. My platform includes keeping our business-friendly Right-to-Work laws in order to keep and attract jobs for Virginia residents.
My endorsement by the Motorist Coalition speaks to my commitment to make commuting more affordable in Northern Virginia by eliminating the car tax, lowering tolls and stopping predatory ticketing and towing.
Please take a moment to read my platform about my goals to help our community live the quality life they deserve! I thank everyone for their continued support and hope to have your vote for a representative who truly cares about the opinions and needs of all residents in District 39!
(Updated at 4:40 p.m.) While Arlington has tended to be a Democratic stronghold, two of its incumbent state Senators who are up for re-election are still feeling the urgency of this election where abortion is concerned.
Sen. Barbara Favola is up against Republican David Henshaw for the newly redrawn 39th District and Sen. Adam Ebbin is up against Republican Sophia Moshasha for the 40th District.
With the election season coming to a close, ARLnow asked about their top priorities. For Favola and Ebbin, that starts with blocking GOP attempts to limit abortion access and raising wages for teachers. Henshaw and Moshasha both zeroed in on enshrining parental rights in schools and crime and safety, with Henshaw also supportive of lowering the cost of living through lower taxes.
Favola says her first priority is ensuring that access to abortion care under the Roe v. Wade framework “remains safe and legal.”
“This important healthcare decision must remain between a woman and her doctor,” Favola said. “The government should have no part in this personal decision and recent proposals by Governor Youngkin to criminale providers should an abortion ban be adopted are not acceptable. Arlington voters overwhelmingly believe that bodily autonomy should be a protected right. I will work to bring a state constitutional amendment before the voters regarding the right to bodily autonomy.”
But Henshaw says Democrats are pushing for abortion policies that go beyond what the average Virginia voter thinks is reasonable.
“I think they’re out of touch with most Virginians,” he said.
He pointed to a 2021 poll showing that 65% of Americans surveyed say abortions should be illegal in most or all cases. The same survey found Republicans and Democrats alike support abortions if the mother’s life is endangered, if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if the child has a life-threatening illness.
“They’re still pushing for full abortion all the way up to 40 weeks,” he said, referencing a 2019 attempt to loosen restrictions on third-trimester abortions.
At the time, then-Gov. Ralph Northam tried to explain why third-trimester abortions typically occur, such as when the baby has a severe deformity or is not going to survive. In these cases, he said a mother would deliver the child and the child would be “kept comfortable” while a “discussion ensues between the physicians and the mother.” Some Republicans later interpreted his comments as supporting infanticide.
Ebbin says abortion is one of many issues threatened if Republicans take the Senate and enact a “full-on MAGA agenda.”
“If Republicans were to take control of the legislature, they would criminalize abortion, that’s been clear,” he said. “They would roll back the progress we’ve made on gun safety — getting rid of red flag laws and background checks — based on what they’ve introduced in years past and passed in the House.”
He says it is important for Arlingtonians to elect Democrats to prevent Gov. Glenn Youngkin from “running amok” and “weaponizing his incompetence,” pointing to $201 million less in public school aid that was lost due to a state error.
By contrast, Ebbin says, Democrats led an initiative to give teachers a 12% raise.
“We have to commit more money for teacher and law enforcement salaries to fill the gaps in both public service sectors,” he said.
