WASHINGTON – As the country confronts the prospects of another federal government shutdown and Republican brinksmanship wreaks havoc in Washington and states across the country like Virginia, the DLCC is highlighting the record of Democrats in state legislatures who are continuing to move the country forward, even as Congress stalls.
Nationwide, Democratic-led legislatures have taken action to protect or expand reproductive rights, passed legislation to address gun violence and keep our communities safe, and implemented protections for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Democratic state legislators are also passing legislation across the country to expand economic opportunity, grow the middle class, and safeguard our Democracy.
In new Democratic trifectas, the progress is especially pronounced. In Minnesota, Democrats codified abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, sick leave, and launched a free school lunch program. In Michigan, Democrats ended a right-to-work law, revived the prevailing wage for state construction projects, scrapped an abortion ban, boosted low-income tax credits, and cut taxes on residents receiving pensions.
Finally, in Virginia, a state with a split legislature and the second-highest amount of government employees, the stakes for this November’s elections could not be more clear. Democrats stand ready to use a full legislative majority to protect fundamental rights and grow the middle class while Republicans will use a majority to enact an extreme MAGA agenda including an abortion ban and rolling back voting rights.
In response to the possible federal government shutdown, DLCC Communications Director Abhi Rahman released the following statement:
“Local elections are the level of the ballot the furthest away from Washington, and right now, where the most work gets done. State Democrats scored historic wins in 2022 and have spent 2023 delivering for their constituents and moving the country forward. While Democrats confront reckless Republicans in Washington, our party must also continue to invest where we have the best opportunities to make progress – in the states.”
“Virginians are especially feeling the effects of this shutdown as they prepare for an election just weeks away. Republicans’ extreme priorities and inability to govern stand in sharp contrast to Democrats’ agenda for the future including protecting fundamental rights and growing the middle class. While Democrats untangle the GOP’s mess in Washington, the DLCC is ready to help Democrats move Virginia forward and elect Democrats all over the state in November.”
The DLCC is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures. Last year, the DLCC defied the odds by not losing any state legislative majorities, flipping four key chambers, and creating four new Democratic trifectas – the best midterm year for the party in power since at least 1934. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and pass the policies that have the biggest impact on Americans’ day-to-day lives.
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