RESOLUTION ON VISION ZERO IN ARLINGTON

WHEREAS Vision Zero is an international strategy “to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.”

WHEREAS the Arlington County Board states that “Arlington’s transportation network is relatively safe by national standards, with an annual average of 0.84 traffic deaths per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 11.17 traffic deaths Vision Zero in Arlington per 100,000 people, but no death or severe injury on our streets or trails is acceptable.”

WHEREAS the Arlington County Board adopted a resolution committing to Vision Zero in 2019 and adopted a five-year action plan in 2021.

WHEREAS the Vision Zero Year 1 Annual Report was published in May 2022, noting that fatal and severe crashes in 2021 were consistent with previous years.

WHEREAS the Vision Zero framework tackles safety for the four main transportation modes in Arlington County: walking, bicycles, driving, and public transit.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

•       The Arlington Young Democrats support investments in establishing the infrastructure necessary to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the County.
•       The Arlington Young Democrats support the County Board’s Five-Year Action Plan for Vision Zero.

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge County Board members to maintain the deliverables laid out in the Vision Zero Five-Year Action Plan. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

The Arlington Young Democrats are in favor of measures taken by the County to do its part to institute driver and pedestrian safety measures. It is important that the County stay consistent with its values and work to provide a safer county for all Arlingtonians.

RESOLUTION FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF ARLINGTON TRANSIT’S BUS FLEET

WHEREAS Climate Change represents the largest existential threat to the human species.

WHEREAS Climate Change is set to impact the health and wellbeing of Arlingtonians.

WHEREAS Climate Change is primarily caused by the increased presence of greenhouse gas among other harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This includes but is not limited to Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide.

WHEREAS the burning of fossil fuels is the leading cause of increased greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

WHEREAS fossil fuels include but are not limited to…coal, crude oil and natural gas.

WHEREAS natural gas accounts for 36% of the United States’ total Carbon Dioxide, emissions.

WHEREAS the entirety of the Arlington Transit bus fleet uses natural gas as a fuel source.

WHEREAS daily operation of Arlington Transits bus fleet adds to the County’s carbon footprint.

WHEREAS Arlington County has made a goal to operate as a carbon neutral county by 2050.

WHEREAS the continued use of natural gas-powered buses runs in direct conflict with this goal.

WHEREAS switching to an energy source that has zero emissions will help the County achieve this goal.

WHEREAS electrifying the Arlington Rapid Transit bus fleet as well as the related infrastructure will reduce the County’s carbon footprint.

WHEREAS the County has indicated that it will look to transition to an electric bus fleet for ART buses.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

•       The Arlington County Young Democrats support the acquisition of 74 electric ART buses by the end of 2024 in the County’s proposed Capital Investment Plan.
•       The Arlington County Young Democrats support investments in establishing the infrastructure necessary to transition  the ART bus fleet completely to electric buses by the end of 2026.
•       The Arlington County Young Democrats support the retirement of any and all Arlington Transit vehicles that are powered by fossil fuels.
•       The Arlington County Young Democrats continue to support the County’s efforts to become a carbon neutral county.

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge County Board members to electrify the entirety of the Arlington Transit bus fleet. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

The Arlington Young Democrats are in favor of measures taken by the County to do its part to institute climate control measures. It is important that the County stay consistent with its values and work to provide a cleaner, greener county for all Arlingtonians.

RESOLUTION FOR THE INCREASE IN NUMBER OF GLASS RECYCLING DROP OFF LOCATIONS

WHEREAS recycling materials is a procedure that reduces negative impacts on the environment.

WHEREAS glass is a material that can be recycled indefinitely without decrease in structural integrity.

WHEREAS glass is also a material that has a relatively low rate of recycling.

WHEREAS the County has already taken some action to address the issue of low recycling rates for glass.

WHEREAS a result of these measures, glass recycling has become a revenue stream for the County.

WHEREAS a result of these measures, the County has guaranteed that over 5 million tons of glass have been recycled.

WHEREAS these measures have proved helpful, more can be done to address this issue.

WHEREAS the County’s over two-hundred thousand residents only have access to five locations for glass recycling drop off.

WHEREAS these sites are at most, about 2 miles from any residence in the County, which privileges residents with cars who can easily drive to these locations.

WHEREAS no such sites exist in the County’s largest and most populated areas. This includes the Rosslyn-Clarendon corridor, Arlington Boulevard and Columbia Pike.

WHEREAS even existing sites only provide one location along major roads such as Langston Boulevard and neighborhoods such as Shirlington and Pentagon City.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

The Arlington Young Democrats support the expansion of the County’s glass recycling efforts. 

• The Arlington Young Democrats support an increase in the number of purple glass recycling drop-off locations across the County.
• The Arlington Young Democrats support increasing the number of glass drop-off locations until they are within one mile of every residence in the County. This will work to ensure that all residents can recycle glass easily, not just those with cars.
• The Arlington Young Democrats support the inclusion and expansion of coverage in prominent Arlington neighborhoods such as Rosslyn, Clarendon, Pentagon City and Shirlington.
• The Arlington Young Democrats continue to support the monetizing of glass recycling with Cap Glass Recycling as a revenue stream for the County.

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge the County Board to continue to increase the number of glass drop off locations around the County. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge the County Board to incorporate community education and feedback into the determination of the associated drop off locations. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

RESOLUTION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ‘PLAN LANGSTON BOULEVARD’

WHEREAS the population of Arlington County has increased 14.33% since 2010.

WHEREAS the Arlington County residents see the 56^th highest increase in rent rates in the largest urban localities in the nation.

WHEREAS an increasing number of Arlingtonians have to leave the County due to high cost of housing.

WHEREAS Persons of Color and those living in historically disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by these exorbitant cost increases.

WHEREAS the average cost of a single family, detached home in Arlington County is $1.3 million.

WHEREAS 70% of the total land area in the Langston Boulevard area is left for single family homes, but they only represent 43% of housing units in the area.

WHEREAS the Langston Boulevard area is designed primarily for the use of automobiles.

WHEREAS the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridors has already benefitted from County planning and development.

WHEREAS Columbia Pike has already benefited from extensive County planning and development.

WHEREAS the third largest corridor in Arlington, Langston Boulevard, remains underdeveloped, dependent on automobile traffic and privileges an ever-shrinking proportion of Arlington County’s population…

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats continue to support the County in its efforts to revitalize one of Arlington County’s major roads.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats continue to support increased housing supply to guarantee housing for established residents of Arlington.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats continue to support increased housing density to allow the County to accommodate new residents and celebrate their contributions to the County.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats support the development of new businesses along Langston Boulevard to generate increased tax revenues for the County.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats support a diversified housing marked with single family and multi-unit housing in the Langston Boulevard Corridor.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats support efforts to reduce dependence on automobiles and shrink the County’s carbon footprint through green urban planning.

·       The Arlington County Young Democrats support the maintenance of important historical touchstones along Langston Boulevard.

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge County Board to continue to fund and support ‘Plan Langston Boulevard’. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

The Arlington Young Democrats also call on its members to urge for increased transparency regarding ‘Plan Langston Boulevard’. Many throughout the County have complained that the process is opaque, and their voices are not heard by the Planning Board. Through the use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff, members can pressure the County to make this process more transparent and responsive to feedback from residents.

The Arlington Young Democrats are in favor of a community-oriented redevelopment plan that takes all voices into account. Plan Langston Boulevard is a complicated, but necessary step the County must take if it is able to provide housing for its residents.

RESOLUTION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ‘MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING STUDY’

WHEREAS Arlington County has recognized the need to generate more “missing middle” housing, defined as “a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units—compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes—located in a walkable neighborhood”.

WHEREAS in 1938 row houses and similar types of multiple-unit housing were banned in Arlington for decades to “preserve suburban character”.

WHEREAS these and other restrictive covenants are examples of redlining, a nationwide 20th century practice designed to price non-white groups out of certain neighborhoods.

WHEREAS today 61% percent of the County population are made up of non-Hispanic whites yet occupy 70% of the County’s single-family neighborhoods.

WHEREAS Arlington County has commissioned this study to examine the needs of generating more housing that is not solely single-family homes or high-rise apartments.

WHEREAS “missing middle” is NOT a tear down of existing residential housing; rather, it serves as a blueprint for future sustainable development and growth in Arlington County.

WHEREAS “missing middle” housing is separate from “affordable” housing and seeks to increase housing options in the County for residents at all income levels.

WHEREAS an inadequate response to the housing shortage in the County would result in more longtime Arlington residents being forced out of their homes due to skyrocketing costs.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

•       The Arlington Young Democrats continue to support the County in its ‘Missing Middle’ efforts through the Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies.

.    The Arlington Young Democrats support increasing the supply of housing in the County, leading to more opportunities for residents to live and own a home.

.    The Arlington Young Democrats support the County’s efforts to address institutional racism in the housing market through these efforts.

.     The Arlington Young Democrats support the County’s efforts to create more housing while also addressing issues of sustainability and preserving the tree canopy.

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge the County Board to continue to raise awareness of the Missing Middle Housing Study. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails, and any other relevant form of correspondence to residents. Many residents of the County do not know that the project exists.

The Arlington Young Democrats also call on its members to urge for increased transparency regarding the Missing Middle Housing Study. Through the use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff, members can pressure the County to make this process more transparent and responsive to feedback from residents.

The Arlington Young Democrats are in favor of a community-oriented redevelopment plan that takes all voices into account. In particular, the Missing Middle Housing Study should prioritize affordability, equity, and sustainability in its plans to increase diversity in housing types in the County.

WHEREAS the United States Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and allowed states to ban abortion in a 5-4 vote, and

WHEREAS abortion has been banned or likely will soon be banned in about half of the States, and

WHEREAS the Dobbs v. Jackson decision could lead the United State Supreme Court to overturn the right to same sex marriage, same sex sexual activity between consenting adults, and birth control in future United State Supreme Court cases, and

WHEREAS the Dobbs v. Jackson decision could also lead the United State Supreme Court to overturn the right to interracial marriage in future United State Supreme Court cases, and

WHEREAS at least 1 in 4 people with uteruses in the United States have had a least one abortion by the age of 45, and

WHEREAS 62% of people who have an abortion have a religious identity, and

WHEREAS many Jewish leaders see abortion being illegal as an affront to their religious freedom, and

WHEREAS 56% of Catholics “said abortion should be legal in all or most cases,” and

WHEREAS abortion rights is supported by a majority of mainline Protestant denominations, and

WHEREAS many schools of thought within Islam belive abortion should be allowed in the first 120 days of pregnancy, and

WHEREAS people who received an abortion had better economic outcomes than people turned away from having an abortion, and

WHEREAS 60% of people who get an abortion already have at least one child, and

WHEREAS the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world and that rate is even higher for Black Americans, and

WHEREAS the overturning of Federal abortion rights will have a disproportional effect on Black Americans, and

WHEREAS abortion is about 14 times safer than giving birth, and

WHEREAS abortion is healthcare, and

WHEREAS abortion rights are human rights.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Arlington Young Democrats call on:

• The Arlington County Board to affirm safe, legal, and affordable abortion access in Arlington County, VA, and
• The Virginia State House of Delegates and the Virginia State Senate to reject any abortion restriction bills proposed and reject any abortion restriction proposals by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and
• The Virginia State House of Delegates and the Virginia State Senate to enshrine abortion access in the Virginia Constitution, and
• Other states to codify abortion rights in their states, and
• The United States Congress to codify abortion rights into federal law, and
• The United States Congress to support a long-term push for a constitutional amendment to codify abortion rights in the Constitution of the United States, and
• The Democratic Party and other Democratic organizations do the same in their states and localities.

Call To Action:

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members and allies to support abortion rights through continued protest, support for pro-abortion election candidates, material support for those seeking abortion services through abortion funds and other aid networks, and have conversations with family, friends and acquaintances on why abortion rights are important to protect.

ON THE INVASION OF ARMENIA BY AZERBAIJAN

By the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS Armenia and Azerbaijan have had hostile relations and conflicts dating back to the 1990s;

WHEREAS Azerbaijan successfully invaded Armenia in 2020 and allegedly committed numerous crimes against humanity against the Armenian civilian population[1];

WHEREAS Azerbaijan has conducted a new invasion of Armenia in 2022;

WHEREAS Azeri state rhetoric is increasingly genocidal against the Armenian population[2];

WHEREAS Armenia has a history of being the victims of genocide and imperialism;

WHEREAS President Biden was the first US President to recognize the Armenian Genocide in 2021[3];

WHEREAS the Armenian-American population has deep roots in our country, society, and culture;

WHEREAS we as Democrats strive to speak out against imperialism and genocide in all its forms;

WHEREAS we as Americans have a responsibility to help victims of imperialism and genocide resist despite any lack of geopolitical interests;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Arlington Young Democrats;

1.     Call upon members of our community to demand Senators Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Congressman Don Beyer speak out in favor of aiding the cause of defending Armenian sovereignty;
2.     Call upon members of our community to donate to the Armenian Red Cross and other aid organizations

[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2020/12/armenia-azerbaijan-decapitation-and-war-crimes-in-gruesome-videos-must-be-urgently-investigated/

[2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-azerbaijan-armenia/azeri-president-says-armenia-is-a-country-of-no-value-idUSBRE8AJ1DC20121120

[3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/24/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-armenian-remembrance-day/

RESOLUTION TO LIMIT RIGHT TURNS ON RED IN ARLINGTON COUNTY

WHEREAS nationally, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes with automobiles.

WHEREAS these fatalities are rising to their highest levels in decades.

WHEREAS Virginia pedestrian fatalities are at similarly high levels.

WHEREAS pedestrians in Arlington die every year as a  result of automobile traffic and 25% of all crashes in Arlington County involve pedestrians.

WHEREAS pedestrians do not have safety systems in place to protect themselves in the event of a crash with a car.

WHEREAS most pedestrian fatalities occur at intersections and older Arlingtonians and young children are the most vulnerable to being hit while crossing the road.

WHEREAS a large number of these fatalities occur when vehicles are turning right at a red light.

WHEREAS cities such as New York and Washington, D.C. have implemented Vision Zero Policies to eliminate pedestrian fatalities.

WHEREAS Arlington County has followed the lead of these forward thinking cities and localities around the world and adopted a Vision Zero Policy of their own.

WHEREAS New York City and Washington, D.C. have taken steps to limit or ban right turns on red in their respective localities.

WHEREAS Arlington County’s commitment to zero pedestrian fatalities involves some changes to the County’s infrastructure to protect pedestrians.

WHEREAS the current plans under Vision Zero only target the streets with highest pedestrian volumes.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT…

The Arlington Young Democrats support the implementation of a partial or complete ban on right turns on red in the County.

The Arlington Young Democrats support efforts that the County Board and Manager can take to protect pedestrians, especially the most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities from a costly mistake from a distracted driver.

The Arlington Young Democrats support measures that would delay the changing of a traffic light from red to green to allow pedestrians extra time to cross the street.

The Arlington Young Democrats support the immediate implementation of the above measures.

ACTION ITEMS

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members to urge the County Board to continue to implement these changes as soon as possible. This includes use of social media, phone calls, emails as well any other relevant form of correspondence to County Board officials and their staff to accelerate the processes associated with this project.

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS the United States of America (US) has been in a state of enmity with the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) since 1979.

WHEREAS the US entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran Nuclear Deal, in 2015 to halt the enrichment of uranium and development of nuclear weapons in Iran under President Obama’s administration.

WHEREAS the US proceeded to withdraw from said agreement in 2018 under President Trump’s administration. 

WHEREAS Iran breached the limit set on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium in 2019 after Trump indicated the US’s withdrawal from the JCPOA. 

WHEREAS President Trump ordered a drone strike to assassinate Iran’s top military official, General Qassem Soleimani.

WHEREAS said drone strike was an act of aggression and provocation that could incite a war that the US has been working to avoid for the past decade. 

WHEREAS The United States Congress was not consulted on launching military strikes against Iran before the assassination of Soleimani was carried out. 

WHEREAS growing tensions in the Middle East provide a volatile environment for a conflict of this magnitude. 

WHEREAS The stockpiling of potential nuclear weapons by Iran, should they develop them, will increase the cold war between the two nations and could lead to catastrophic consequences.

WHEREAS US troops, diplomats, and allies in the region and around the globe are in increased imminent danger as a result of this escalation.

WHEREAS the results of the Iraq War have proven that going to war with a country to remove the current government without an exit strategy is an ineffective form of diplomacy. 

WHEREAS the threat of sanctions against Iraq are reckless and counterproductive. 

WHEREAS Military and defense spending as a result of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere have contributed to the nation’s trillions of dollars of debt. 

WHEREAS numerous studies have shown that, even after controlling for all other variables,
misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws reduce annual wages for union and non–union
workers by around $1,558 on average,1 decrease the likelihood that workers receive employer–
sponsored health insurance or pension plans,2 and increase the likelihood that workers in
industries such as construction will be injured or die on the job;3
WHEREAS numerous studies have shown that misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws have no
discernable positive impact whatsoever on a state’s overall job growth4 or the health of its
manufacturing sector;5
WHEREAS private–sector workers in states with misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws are, in
the words of the Economic Policy Institute, 5.6% “less likely to be union members or to be
covered by a union contract;”6
WHEREAS the erosion of union membership since the mid–1950s has contributed to wage
stagnation,7 rising levels of income8 and wealth inequality,9 and declining levels of civic
participation, political involvement, and voter turnout among lower and middle income
Americans;10
WHEREAS every single national Democratic Party platform between the 1948 and 1980
Presidential elections called for the repeal of all misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws;
WHEREAS the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House and Senate endorsed repealing all
misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws in November, 2017 as part of the “Better Deal”
platform;11

WHEREAS around 62% of the American public, the highest point in over 15 years, approve of
organized labor;12
WHEREAS a 2016 ballot measure enshrining Virginia’s misleadingly–named “right–to–work” law
in its constitution was rejected by about 8% (slightly less than double Hillary Clinton’s margin of
victory in the Commonwealth that same year);13
WHEREAS repealing Virginia’s misleadingly–named “right–to–work” law is organized labor’s top
legislative priority for 2019.
Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that–
1. The Arlington Young Democrats call on Governor Ralph Northam and every Democrat in
the General Assembly to publicly support HR 1806, which would repeal Virginia’s
misleadingly–named “right–to–work” law.
2. The Arlington Young Democrats call on our Virginia Democratic Senators and members
of Congress to introduce and promote similar legislation on a national level.
Call to Action:
The Arlington Young Democrats urge local supporters and chapters to work with labor unions
across the Commonwealth to lobby all local and state representatives to support HR 1806 and
take all necessary steps to advance a broader pro–labor agenda within the Democratic Party.

Resolution Supporting the Repeal of All So–Called “Right–to–Work” Laws
WHEREAS numerous studies have shown that, even after controlling for all other variables,
misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws reduce annual wages for union and non–union
workers by around $1,558 on average,1 decrease the likelihood that workers receive employer–
sponsored health insurance or pension plans,2 and increase the likelihood that workers in
industries such as construction will be injured or die on the job;3
WHEREAS numerous studies have shown that misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws have no
discernable positive impact whatsoever on a state’s overall job growth4 or the health of its
manufacturing sector;5
WHEREAS private–sector workers in states with misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws are, in
the words of the Economic Policy Institute, 5.6% “less likely to be union members or to be
covered by a union contract;”6
WHEREAS the erosion of union membership since the mid–1950s has contributed to wage
stagnation,7 rising levels of income8 and wealth inequality,9 and declining levels of civic
participation, political involvement, and voter turnout among lower and middle income
Americans;10
WHEREAS every single national Democratic Party platform between the 1948 and 1980
Presidential elections called for the repeal of all misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws;
WHEREAS the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House and Senate endorsed repealing all
misleadingly–named “right–to–work” laws in November, 2017 as part of the “Better Deal”
platform;11
1 https://www.epi.org/blog/new–study–confirms–that–right–to–work–laws–are–associated–with–significantly–lower–
wages/
2 https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/03/12/scott–walker–right–to–work–and–labors–waning–
power/wages–are–lower–in–states–with–these–laws
3 http://ufcwlocal1546.org/faq/right–to–work/
4 https://prospect.org/article/does–right–work–actually–lead–more–jobs
5 https://projects.cberdata.org/reports/RightToWork.pdf
6 https://www.epi.org/publication/right–to–work–is–wrong–for–missouri–a–breadth–of–national–evidence–shows–
why–missouri–voters–should–reject–rtw–law/
7 https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2018–08–31/weakened–unions–explain–stagnant–wages
8 https://www.epi.org/blog/union–decline–rising–inequality–charts/
9 https://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/economy/reports/2016/12/01/164578/building–middle–class–
wealth–through–unions/
10 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/opinion/conor–lamb–unions–pennsylvania.html
11 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/01/democrats–add–to–better–deal–platform–
with–a–slew–of–pro–labor–union–ideas/?utm_term=.abd7ac2ed31d
12 https://news.gallup.com/poll/241679/labor–union–approval–steady–year–high.aspx
13 https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_Right_to_Work_Amendment,_Question_1_(2016)

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats
WHEREAS Virginia was one of three American states with a total ban on public sector collective
bargaining until 2020;1
WHEREAS public sector workers in Virginia were paid between 18.3% and 20.8% less than private
sector workers in Virginia and earned approximately 8.9% less in benefits than public sector workers in
other states because they couldn’t collectively bargain;2
WHEREAS low–pay and benefits made it especially difficult to attract and retain public school teachers,
firefighters, custodians, school nurses, social workers, police officers, and other crucial public service
workers in Virginia;
WHEREAS Del. Elizabeth R. Guzman and Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko introduced HB582/SB939 to legalize
collective bargaining for all state and local government employees across Virginia;
WHEREAS the House of Delegates passed HB582 without any major changes;
WHEREAS Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw blocked SB939’s passage until local governments were
given the ability to opt out of collectively bargaining with their employees even if they voted to unionize;
WHEREAS Gov. Northam announced that public sector collective bargaining would not be permitted
until May 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic;
WHEREAS Virginia public employees need a voice on the job now more than ever to ensure safe
working conditions as they risk their lives to transport coronavirus patients, sanitize public buildings and
spaces, feed students who rely on free or subsidized lunches, and more;
WHEREAS collective bargaining is also vital to ensure that state and local governments do not force
public employees to bear the brunt of the ongoing economic downturn with further cuts and privatization
of public services;
WHEREAS allowing public sector employees to collectively bargain during the coronavirus is not an
unreasonable request since the U.S. permitted collective bargaining in war production industries during
WWII;3
Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Arlington Young Democrats:
1. Call on Governor Northam to allow all state and relevant local government employees to
collectively bargain by reinstating the July 1, 2020 start date.
2. Urge the Virginia General Assembly to pass legislation giving all local government
employees the right to collectively bargain.
1https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/02/05/virginia–shake–vestige–jim–crow–by–giving–public–sector–workers–freedom–bargain–
collectively/
2https://www.epi.org/publication/virginia–public–sector/
3https://prospect.org/special–report/good–war–workers/

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS providing financial support for young progressives seeking a political career will bolster the progressive movement and build a talent pool for future local/state/federal administrations.WHEREAS the Democratic campaign arms all have unpaid internships.

WHEREAS according to a 2017 study by the bipartisan, non-profit  organization Pay Our Interns, just 32% of Senate Democrats and 3.6% of House Democrats offer paid internships compared to 51% and 8% of Senate and House Republicans, respectively.

WHEREAS, of Arlington’s Congressional representatives, there is a lack of paid internships compared to internships available.

WHEREAS on June 14, 2018, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in a promising bipartisan vote, approved a $5 million fund for all Senators to offer paid internships.

WHEREAS liberal organizations and think-tanks form the backbone of the progressive movement by providing resources, experience, and dedicated advocates for progressive/liberal ideas.

WHEREAS conservative groups are outspending liberal groups by a 3-1 margin in “millennial” outreach.

Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that –

1. The Arlington Young Democrats call on our Virginia Democratic Senators to begin offering paid internships as soon as possible while utilizing the internship appropriation in FY19 to set the example for other Democratic lawmakers.
2. The Arlington Young Democrats call on Democratic elected officials in Virginia and Democratic candidates for office in Virginia to offer paid internships and/or other paid positions in their campaigns as soon as possible, as to strengthen the long-term Democratic momentum in Virginia politics.
3. The Arlington Young Democrats call on the Democratic Party (DCCC, DLCC, etc.) to begin offering paid internships immediately to build a talent-base for future campaigns.
4. The Arlington Young Democrats call on all liberal/progressive donors to begin paying interns and offer more entry-level positions in their advocacy organizations, and to encourage all Democratic Party organizations to do the same.

Call to Action:

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members and allies to continue dialogue and insist the individuals and organizations noted above should provide paid internships; actions include sending emails, letters, phone calls, the use of social media, and direct questioning when provided with the opportunity.

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS the Republic of Turkey is a NATO ally that has supported US military actions in the
Middle East, yet its government has slid into dictatorship, theocratic rule, and increased
friendliness to the Vladimir Putin regime in Russia;

WHEREAS the Kurdish people of northern Syria and northern Iraq have been staunch friends
and partners in the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS);

WHEREAS the Kurdish nation is a stateless ethnic group with its own culture, language,
customs, and society, one that promotes democracy, egalitarianism, feminism, and secularism;

WHEREAS the Kurdish military forces in Syria and Iraq have lost over 10,000 lives to the war
against radical jihadism on our behalf;

WHEREAS the Turkish regime of President Erdogan is fixated on wiping out any stable Kurdish
state, sovereign or autonomous, in fear of inspiring similar movements in western Turkey;

WHEREAS the Turkish military has invaded Syrian Kurdistan, targeting civilians as well as
military units, intent on demolishing what was a stable region;

WHEREAS Turkey’s invasion threatens the safety and freedom of other ethnic and religious
groups in the region, like Yazidis, Assyrians/Syriacs/Chaldeans, and Turkmen and Arabs
supportive of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
WHEREAS the invasion of Syrian Kurdistan could destabilize Iraqi Kurdistan, another US
development priority in the Middle East;

WHEREAS the Turkish invasion was approved by President Trump, who does not represent the
will of the American people, who hold a deep gratitude to the Kurds for their sacrifice and
friendship;

WHEREAS the Republican Party has completely forsaken their role as the “foreign policy party”
and instead supplicate to anything President Trump says or does;

WHEREAS the Democratic Party is the party of foreign policy professionals, human rights
activists, and Americans who understand that patriotism means honoring alliances;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

That the Arlington Young Democrats demand the Virginia Democratic congressional delegation,
Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Congresspeople Don Beyer, Gerry Connelly, Jennifer
Wexton, Abigail Spanberger, Bobby Scott, Donald McEachin, and Elaine Luria, make the
following pronouncements:

 Denounce the betrayal of the Syrian Kurds by President Trump

 Begin working immediately to reverse the decision to abandon the Syrian Kurds and
make efforts to mitigate the disaster

 Condemn the resettlement agenda against the Kurds, Yazidis, Christians, and other
minority groups by the Turks

  Push for sanctioning of Turkish political and military leaders

Action Items:
The Arlington Young Democrats call on all members, allies, fellow Virginians, and American
patriots to contact Virginia Democratic members of Congress to demand support for the Kurds as
outlined above. This includes, but it not limited to: phone calls to offices and joining in protests
supporting the Kurdish cause.

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

Forcefully Condemn the Trump Administration’s Attacks on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer + (LGBTQ+) Community and Call on National and State Leaders to Enshrine Protections for LGBTQ+ Individuals 

WHEREAS President Donald Trump announced that the United States would henceforth ban transgender people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces; 

WHEREAS the Trump administration has issued guidance allowing medical professionals to opt out of providing care for LGBTQ+ patients based on the providers’ religious beliefs; 

WHEREAS President Trump signed an executive order declaring it the administration’s policy to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which provides health coverage for millions of LGBTQ+ people; 

WHEREAS the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a proposed rule that would allow federally funded shelters to deny admission to transgender people; 

WHEREAS the Trump administration ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, jeopardizing the future of thousands of LGBTQ+ DACA recipients who were brought to the U.S. as minors; 

WHEREAS President Donald Trump instituted a discriminatory and hateful travel ban that separated countless LGBTQ+ families; 

WHEREAS all references to LGBTQ+ issues were removed from the official White House webpage upon the swearing in of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in an attempt to erase LGBTQ+ people; 

WHEREAS under the guidance of Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education revoked the Obama Administration’s guidance detailing school protections for transgender students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; 

WHEREAS the House of Representatives under Republican leadership passed the American Health Care Act, which if enacted would have eliminated coverage of pre-existing conditions for millions, including LGBTQ+ Americans; 

WHEREAS the Trump administration re-implemented and expanded the “Global Gag Rule” (GGR), which prohibits U.S. aid to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide critical abortion- related care and services, thereby also adversely impacting funding for organizations that combat HIV/AIDS in the developing world; 

WHEREAS President Trump has refused for three years in a row to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in proclaiming June as Pride Month; 

WHEREAS former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed the Department of Justice’s stance that employment discrimination on the basis of gender identity is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965; 

WHEREAS the Department of Health and Human Services reinterpreted Section 1557 of the ACA, also known as the Health Care Rights Law, to allow for health care discrimination on the basis of gender identity; 

WHEREAS the Trump administration is considering the repeal of policies that ban adoption and foster care agencies from receiving federal funding if they refuse to work with LGBTQ+ couples; 

WHEREAS the Commonwealth of Virginia allows the practice of “conversion therapy” even though all leading professional medical and mental health associations reject “conversion therapy” as a legitimate medical treatment; 

WHEREAS the law of the United States and the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia do not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in private sector employment; 

WHEREAS the Trump administration has consistently appointed officials with political views that are harmful to the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED, that the Arlington Young Democrats forcefully condemn the Trump administration’s vicious attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and urge the United States Senate to pass and the President of the United States to sign the Equality Act that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination; 

RESOLVED FURTHER that the Arlington Young Democrats call on the Virginia House of Delegates, the Virginia State Senate, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia to: 

• Pass legislation prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation; 
• Pass legislation to help ensure the safety of transgender people across the commonwealth; 
• Pass legislation prohibiting the despicable practice of “conversion therapy”; and 

RESOLVED FURTHER that the Arlington Young Democrats call on Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to announce that transgender troops may continue to serve openly in the Virginia National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard, and Virginia Defense Force. 

Call to Action: 

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members and allies to support the LGBTQ+ community in their fight for full equality by insisting that federal and state leaders work together to pass complete protections from discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals. We urge our members and allies to send emails, write letters, call their representatives, use social media, donate to pro-equality candidates, and employ direct questioning when provided with the opportunity to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community and demand full equality through the passage of laws. 

Adopted by the AYD General Body: June 19, 2019 

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS the Climate Crisis constitutes a growing threat to the populations of Virginia, the United States, and the world

WHEREAS the Climate Crisis was recently detailed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a threat that the world has as little as 12 years to act on

WHEREAS the IPCC detailed the simplest way to limit the Climate Crisis as limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius

WHEREAS the United States would need to reduce carbon emissions to net-neutral by 2030, and zero carbon emissions by 2050

WHEREAS Virginia contributes 103 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, marking it as the 18th most polluting state in the United States (as of 2014)

WHEREAS there is robust scientific evidence to show that the effects of climate change have already and will continue to be detrimental to human health, especially for vulnerable populations

WHEREAS reaching net-neutral carbon emissions is a challenge that involves all sectors of the economy

WHEREAS building an intersectional alliance of business, labor, advocacy, and science is the only way to face the challenge with a united front

WHEREAS the Democratic Party is the only political party dedicated to defending against the Climate Crisis

WHEREAS there are many different policies that can be put in place to attain this goal, and we will need most of them to succeed

WHEREAS the Green New Deal (GND) provides a political framework for these policies to be debated and implemented

WHEREAS thanks to Republican obstruction on the Federal level, it is imperative for State-governments to lead with their own Green New Deal frameworks

WHEREAS the Arlington Young Democrats represent a population of dedicated, progressive, young Democrats who desire a world not marred by an increasingly dire Climate Crisis

WHEREAS there is a chance that the Virginia legislature might flip to Democratic control in 2019, and that the 2020 session will be the best chance for a Virginia Green New Deal to be realized

WHEREAS the Arlington Young Democrats wish to make their priorities known

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following positions and policies represent the priorities of the Arlington Young Democrats in a Virginia Green New Deal:

Industrial Transformation

• Implement a moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure and fossil fuel exploration
• Establish an iterative planning of emissions and prices with set goals for 2030, 2040, 2050; 2035 for electricity
• Develop offshore wind, land-based wind, and solar specific targets (under total clean energy targets)
• Repeal HB2611, which prevents the implementation of a carbon-emissions “Cap & Trade” regime 
• Provide tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles
• Construct more electric car infrastructure
• Emphasize manufacturing for wind turbines and solar plant parts
• Tax incentives for businesses that go into former coal plant towns
• Incentivize more businesses to install solar panels
• Develop additional infrastructure to process recycling

Economic and Social Justice

• Grant greater authority to local governments for energy consumption within their jurisdictions, including repealing the Dillon Rule
• Mandate that all renewable energy and construction projects associated with the GND use Project Labor Agreements
• That workers be fairly compensated for lost construction projects involving fossil fuels, including supporting union job training programs
• A living wage for all workers in renewable energy projects
• Enhance economic focus on renewable energy projects by capping investor-owned electric utilities executive salaries and compensation
• That fossil fuel workers should receive at a minimum the same level of wages and benefits when they move to a new job
• Explore more green space atop high density buildings
• A total ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene containers
• Increase regulation of livestock waste lagoons

Action Items

The Arlington Young Democrats call on members and allies to continue the dialogue and insist that local and state elected officials recognize the Climate Crisis and act on the Green New Deal framework. These actions include sending emails, letters, phone calls, the use of social media, and direct questioning when provided with the opportunity. 

Furthermore, the Arlington Young Democrats call on members and allies to exert maximum political pressure during the next Virginia legislative session. As leading campaign volunteers and fundraisers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Arlington Young Democrats will not tolerate any abdication of duty, dismissiveness, or mediocre responses to the Climate Crisis amongst members of the Democratic Party.

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats
WHEREAS the global COVID–19 pandemic is severely affecting the health and economic well–
being of the American people,
WHEREAS the US Congress has only passed a single relief bill in the summer of 2020 and has
failed to follow up since,
WHEREAS the Democratic–majority US House of Representatives has passed versions of a
relief bill that was never picked up by the GOP–majority US Senate,
WHEREAS the GOP–majority US Senate are currently negotiating a relief bill with a bipartisan
group of 8 Senators (“Gang of 8”), the latest version allocates $908 billion for relief efforts,
WHEREAS included in the bipartisan bill is a limited liability shield for corporations who, in
forcing workers to work despite the pandemic, would be temporarily shielded from legal
consequences if their workers get sick from the COVID–19 virus,
WHEREAS the GOP Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell is demanding a much longer
liability shield for corporations, and is holding up passage of the bipartisan bill as a result,
WHEREAS Democratic US Senators involved in the negotiations are showing signs of
acquiescing to Senator McConnell’s demands and thus endangering millions of American
workers,
WHEREAS the Democratic Party professes to be the party of working people;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Arlington Young Democrats;
1. Call on “Gang of 8” member Senator Mark Warner to refuse any watering down of the
existing bipartisan draft by Senator McConnell, especially any extension of the liability
shield for corporations;
2. Call on Senator Tim Kaine to pledge to refuse to support any COVID–19 relief bill that
does not adequately protect American workers who stand to suffer most from the
pandemic;
3. Call on Representative Don Beyer to similarly pledge to refuse to support any COVID–19
relief bill that does not adequately protect American workers who stand to suffer most
from the pandemic.

Submitted by the Arlington Young Democrats

WHEREAS The internet was created to be a means to freely and openly distribute ideas and technologies;

WHEREAS Net Neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should be mandated to treat all data equally;

WHEREAS Without Net Neutrality, ISPs can throttle internet connections, discriminate against certain types of data, and extort internet companies for faster access to consumers;

WHEREAS the Arlington Young Democrats have long supported Net Neutrality and publically encouraged Virginia elected officials in February 2015 to use their influence to encourage the FCC to classify ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act;

WHEREAS In 2015 the FCC re-classified broadband providers as common carriers under Title II, thereby allowing the FCC to enforce Net Neutrality rules on ISPs;

WHEREAS In December 2017, the FCC under new chairman Ajit Pai voted to dismantle the 2015 rules, thereby again allowing the nation’s largest cable and phone companies to throttle, block, and discriminate internet services.

Resolved, That –

1. The Arlington Young Democrats continue to support the right of every American to have access to affordable, high speed internet services.
2. The Arlington Young Democrats continue to support the classification of internet service providers as common carriers under Title II.
3. The Arlington Young Democrats urge Speaker Paul Ryan to bring to vote a resolution on the recently repealed Net Neutrality rules under the Congressional Review Act.
4. The Arlington Young Democrats urge all local and state representatives to take all action at their disposal, such as requiring Net Neutrality as a condition of franchise agreements.

Call to Action:

The Arlington Young Democrats urge local supporters and chapters to bring this attention to local, state, and federal representatives, put pressure on Congress to find a bipartisan legislative solution to enshrine Net Neutrality into law, and take all necessary steps to advance a Net Neutrality agenda within the Democratic party.