The Connection

Incumbent, unopposed.

Town of residence: Arlington

Age: 45

Family: Wife – Sarah Zevin, Son – Aaron Rafael

Education: Vassar College, B.A. – Tulane Law School, J.D. with Certificate in Environmental Law

Offices held, dates: State Delegate, 49th District: 2012-Present

Occupation and relevant experience:

Government Relations Consultant – Hoffman Lopez, LLC (2012-present)

Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2010-2011)

Director of the Virginia Liaison’s Office for Governor Tim Kaine (2006-2009)

Community involvement:

Arlington Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission (2003-2006)

Board Vice Chair of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center

Board Co-Chair of the Arlington Veterans’ Memorial YMCA

Member of the Commonwealth Coalition's Virginia State Advisory Board (2006)

Member of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership's, Northern Virginia Regional Board (2005 to 2014), State Board (2014 to present)

Twice elected the Deputy Chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee

President of the Arlington Young Democrats (2003-2004), Named Virginia Young Democrat of the Year in 2004

Former State Central Steering Committee Member of the Democratic Party of Virginia

President of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV)

Former At-Large Member of the Democratic National Committee

Website: www.AlfonsoLopez.org

Email address: info@AlfonsoLopez.org

Twitter handle: @Lopez4VA

Name three favorite endorsements: Virginia League of Conservation Voters

Virginia Education Association, Equality Virginia Advocates

Questions

What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackle it?

Last year, Environment Virginia released a report naming Virginia the fifth worst state in the country for toxic dumping. In addition, every year Virginia falls further and further behind our neighboring states in developing our renewable energy resources such as solar and wind. This is simply unacceptable. Virginia can and should be doing more to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Whether it is clean air to breath, safe drinking water, or renewable energy to grow our economy and create a sustainable energy future, our environment is an essential resource to the Commonwealth that deserves our attention. That is why I founded the Virginia Environment and Renewable Energy Caucus in the General Assembly. This bipartisan coalition of legislators works with the Governor’s Administration and environmental stakeholders to identify legislative priorities and move them forward in the General Assembly.

What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

Over the past four as a member of the House of Delegates, I’ve proven that I can be an effective advocates for the issues that are critical to the people of Arlington and Fairfax County. I’ve successfully sponsored legislation establishing a statewide Affordable Housing Trust Fund, expanding Medicaid access to immigrant women and children, creating new opportunities for renewable energy throughout the Commonwealth, and supporting Virginia small businesses so that they can grow and thrive.

Given the political makeup of the state legislature, what examples from your own experience suggests you can successfully bridge the intense partisan differences there?

I’ve worked with Republicans on numerous issues to find common ground. As the founder of the bipartisan Virginia Environment and Renewable Energy Caucus, I’ve collaborated with members on both sides of the aisle to pass environmental legislation. In addition, I partnered with Republicans to advocate for in-state tuition for children with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status and to get the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

Virginia needs to close the coverage gap by expanding access to Medicaid for all Virginians that are below 138% of the federal poverty line.

We need to create a permanent funding source for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund so that it can grow and fund more projects throughout the Commonwealth.

Virginia should establish mandatory renewable energy and energy efficiency standards so that we can develop our untapped renewable energy resources and create a sustainable energy future.

We need to redefine “small business” in Virginia so that truly small businesses can compete on an even playing field for state contracts.

Virginia should address the epidemic of gun violence across the Commonwealth by passing commonsense gun violence prevention measures such as universal background checks, limits on military grade weaponry, outlawing domestic abusers from possessing a gun, and preventing guns from falling into the hands of toddler and young children.

How has your district changed in the last 10 years? What caused those changes?

The 49th District remains one of the most diverse communities, not just in Virginia, but the entire country. Because our community is such a great place to live, work, and raise a family, we have seen tremendous growth and change over the past few years. As we continue to grow, we need to make sure that we also develop the necessary infrastructure to maintain our high quality of life as well as our ethnic and economic diversity.

Will you support legislation restricting high interest lending including car title loans?

Yes – we need to end these predatory lending practices that prey on the most vulnerable members of our community.

Will you support funding for Fostering Connections which would result in an influx of federal funding for foster children aging out of foster care?

Yes

Do you support expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and if so, what would you do to make that happen?

Yes, which is why I am working to elect more members of the General Assembly that will support Medicaid expansion. The Governor and the Democratic Leadership have offered numerous plans using models from states like Arkansas and Indiana, but Republicans have been unwilling to compromise or even negotiate at every turn. The only way to close the coverage gap in Virginia is to elect more members of the General Assembly that support Medicaid expansion.