As the day started, we feared the NAACP’s position in support of the bill threatened our efforts to defeat the bill. With help from Senator McEachin’s office and heavy lifting from Senator Locke, the NAACP changed their position to one of opposition. We thank the NAACP for taking another look at the bill.
On the floor
Senators Petersen, Favola and Locke spoke against the bill. The bill’s champions were Senators Garrett,
Obenshain, Stuart, Black and Martin.
When the
votes were on the board, it stood 18-18 (see below).
Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam cast the tie breaking vote against the
bill and it failed.
Take a look
at the vote below. Senator Puller was
not present for health reasons. Note
that those Republicans who "took a walk" helped us.
YEAS--Black, Carrico, Cosgrove, Garrett, Hanger, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Obenshain, Reeves, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner--18.
NAYS--Alexander, Barker, Colgan, Dance, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Howell, Lewis, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, McEachin, Miller, Petersen, Saslaw, Wexton--18.
RULE 36--Norment--1.
NOT VOTING--Chafin, Puller, Watkins--3.
Mr. President: NAY
We thank the eighteen Democrats who stood strong. We thank Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam for breaking the tie. Se thank Norment, Chafin, and Watkins for not voting.
Additional good news came when the Senate concurred with the House substitute for Senator Howell’s SJR218, sending this study of teacher turnover to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
