Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - In a Commonwealth of 400 years of legislative history, more was made today. Virginia, for the first time, has a woman speaker. Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) was nominated by the new Democratic majority, although the vote on the House floor was unanimous. Filler-Corn, among other things, promised passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.
The ERA was subject of both a press conference and a rally on the first day of session. The issue was big in 2019 as well, and some analysts felt it hurt Republicans in their attempt to hang onto the chamber when the amendment did not pass.
There has been a small controversy over the rules. The new majority Democrats have decided to work under the old rules for one additional day, saying they are not ready with the new document. The rules govern a number of things, including committee representation.
