The Connection

Incumbent

Town of residence: Arlington​

Age: 43

Family: Wife, Kristen and three daughters, Emma, Patty and Lilly

Education: St. Mary’s University, TX, (B.A. 1993); The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., (M.A. 1996), The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, Washington, D.C., (J.D. 2001)

Offices held, dates: Delegate for the 47th District of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 2010-Present

Occupation and relevant experience: Executive Director at the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance, and Adjunct at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Community involvement: Founder and first president of the reorganized Buckingham Community Civic Association (2003-2009), chaired the Arlington County Community Services Board (2005-2008), co-chairman of the Arlington Implementation Task Force to End Homelessness (2008-2010), and Commissioner for the Arlington CountyCommission on Aging (2002-2007).

Website: www.hopeforvirginia.org

Email address: delphope@house.virginia.gov

Twitter handle: @HopeforVirginia

Name three favorite endorsements: The Virginia Chapter of the AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood of Virginia, and the Virginia Education Association.

Questions

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

My top priority will always be to push the commonwealth to do more to help those most in need.Through its family assistance, health care, unemployment and other programs, government already has the tools to respond to Virginians in times of crisis, but we must act with greater speed and determination. The commonwealth should do everything it can to use federal matching dollars in existing and new programs to help people get back on their feet. But I’m not satisfied with the state merely being a conduit for federal funds. We need to make every effort to enhance new revenue to meet these core needs.

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

My experience and proven record of working across the aisle with fellow legislators.

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 have successfully worked across the aisle on numerous legislative issues, including a prohibition against the shackling of pregnant inmates and providing compensation to victims of eugenics sterilization. Governor McDonnell appointed me to serve on the Virginia Health Reform Initiative, the only House Democrat appointed.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

Expand Medicaid, require universal background checks for all gun purchases, increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per/hr, increase funding for mental health and intellectual disabilities.

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

Arlington has seen greater development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

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

Yes, these predatory lenders are engaged in fraudulent and anti-consumer activities and the entire industry should be outlawed.

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, I have introduced Medicaid expansion legislation in the past, and will continue to do so. Medicaid expansion is my highest priority.