Virginia House Republicans Kill HB 159

 

Richmond, VA --  On Monday, February 5th, Republicans on the Virginia House Education Committee killed legislation requiring medically-accurate health information be provided to Virginia's high school students.

 

"This was a common sense bill that would have kept Virginia’s students healthy and helped them make healthier decisions." said VAYD President James Lewis, “Once again, Virginia House Republicans have chosen to put politics before the health of Virginians and that's just wrong.”

 

Members of the Virginia Young Democrats attended the committee hearing and testified in support of the bill. They all lobbied for the legislation (HB159) during their annual Lobby Day on January 15th.

 

VAYD Teen Caucus Chair Susanna Maize added that, "Between the Virginia Young Democrats Lobby Day and our advocacy in the committee room, VAYD demonstrated our commitment to advancing this common sense bill. Although the bill might not have been successful this time, our efforts will not end with the adjournment of today's committee.”

 

“It’s really quite simple,” said VAYD Political Director Maggie Davis, “Virginia’s youth will remember this for the next two years, and Republicans shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t keep the House in 2019.”

 

Supporting this legislation has been a long-term priority for the Virginia Young Democrats and was included in the organization's Lobby Day agenda that brought dozens of young people from around the Commonwealth to speak with legislators about their priorities.

 

For more information on this legislation and current Virginia sex education laws, visit a positive voice.