It has been over 100 days and 18 executive orders (and numerous amendments) since Gov. Ralph Northam (Democrat) declared a state of emergency on March 12, 2020. The governor has now called a special session of the General Assembly for August 18, 2020.
If Virginia is to continue as a Commonwealth with a constitutional government and not by executive orders of a governor, it is imperative that we limit the timeframe a future governor (regardless of party) can dictate how Virginians live their lives, without input from our General Assembly. When a prolonged crisis occurs, our Commonwealth needs to be governed by the laws our elected officials debate and vote on, and not one individual or party that is in power. For these reasons, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Virginia is supporting SB5001, which could be voted on during the August 18 special session.
SB5001, sponsored by Sen. Steven Newman (R-District 23), limits the governor’s emergency powers to 60 days total on any rule, regulation, or order. The language would amend the Emergency Services and Disaster Law to include, “No rule, regulation, or order issued under this section shall have any effect beyond 30 days after the date of issuance. If, however, the General Assembly does not take any action on the rule, regulation, or order within the 30 days during which the rule, regulation, or order is effective, the Governor may once again issue the same rule, regulation, or order but shall thereafter be prohibited from issuing the same or a similar rule, regulation, or order relating to the same emergency.”
Please take action!
- Call your state senator and ask that he/she co-sponsor the bill and then vote YES on SB5001. Click here to locate your senator. Be sure to let them know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Virginia.
- Forward this email to family and friends.
Please join me in prayer that
- Self-interest will be laid aside for the common good.
- Discernment between truth and falsehood will be clear.
- Legislators will take brave stands for righteousness.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.” Proverbs 11:14
Toni DeLancey
State Director