Virginia House Democrats

Joint Statement
Democratic Caucuses, House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia

We are living in extraordinarily challenging times in our state and in the nation. Virginians are losing their jobs, their homes, and their economic security at a pace unprecedented in modern times. And it does not seem that there is an end in sight.

Just like Virginians are struggling to make ends meet, our state government is struggling as well.

Our revenues are the worst we have seen in seventy years. There is little solace to realizing that other states may be faring more poorly.

We clearly will not be able to do business as usual.

There is the assurance that we begin our recovery as the Best Managed State in the nation, the Best State to do Business and with our AAA Bond rating still intact. We will work to maintain this position of strength by making the following our priorities:

• Restoring our economy and putting Virginians back to work;
• Strengthening the public’s trust in government;
• Ensuring that people and goods can move safely and efficiently in our state;
• Protecting our most valuable and vulnerable citizens; and
• Maintaining adequate funding for the continued support of education.

As the General Assembly opens its annual session, we pledge to keep Virginia the best place in the country to live, work, and do business. And we pledge to work with the new Administration to meet this goal.

As our constituents expect us to, we pledge that we will not let partisanship get in the way of practical solutions. We will be bold in seeking solutions that are long-term, sustainable, and in the mold of good government in Virginia. We will be open to new ideas that support our priorities.

There is no doubt that if we work together, we have what it takes to emerge from this recession in a strong way.

Delegate Ward L. Armstrong
Minority Leader, House of Delegates

Senator Richard L. Saslaw
Majority Leader, Senate

Delegate Kenneth R. Plum
Minority Caucus Chair, House of Delegates

Mary Margaret Whipple
Majority Caucus Chair, Senate

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