By Shawn Nowlin
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) has had a busy spring. In addition to traveling all over the state to speak to his constituents, he’s also been active in Capitol Hall, introducing bi-partisan legislation and supporting popular resolutions such as highlighting the importance of local news.
One day after visiting Roanoke with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) to discuss a bipartisan infrastructure package, Warner met with leaders of the Black community at the Salem Civic to engage in productive dialogue.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Sherman Lea, Councilwoman Vivian Sanchez Jones, Professor Deneen Evans, Veteran Brenda Hale, the Rev. Dr. James Jordan, the Rev. Amy Lodge, and TAP Education Coordinator Charmaine Bonds. In the meeting, Warner, 68, made it clear that he was there to listen, not filibuster. “I’m here today to learn. I want to have an engaging conversation so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask,” he said.
Questions asked of the Senator ranged from police reform to accountability for elected officials. Activist Jordan Bell, who strongly believes that Black people deserve some type of reparations, asked, “In the Senate, have you and your colleagues ever discussed the topic of not worrying about the country, but Virginia passing a Reparations Bill for African American families?”
Warner responded, “Mr. Bell, that is a fair question. In the Senate, Cory Booker has taken the lead on this and he has something that would at least start the process. When you get into a conversation about reparations, are you only talking about individuals who can be traced back to slavery? It is a delicate topic, but progress is being made in that regard.”
Among the richest members in Congress, Warner very directly said he knows if it wasn’t for his skin color, he would have never been allowed to fail as many times as he did. “I am under no illusion that if I looked differently, the likelihood of me achieving what I’ve done would not have happened,” he said.
Once Dr. Jordan had an opportunity to ask the Senator a question, he wanted to know what is being done about making medicine more affordable. “Not everyone can afford simple things like insulin. I can afford it to a point, but something seriously needs to be done to make things more affordable,” he asked to which Warner replied, “If you are on Medicaid or Medicare, and you are paying more than $35.00 a month, you need to let my people know so we can get that fixed. Right now, there is legislation in Congress that specifically addresses that.”
When it comes to doing what is best for the Black community, Professor Evans said all options should be on the table. When she asked the Senator about leveling the playing field for mental health access, his response was, “What you just spoke about is something I’ve only begun to fully appreciate in the last few years. Big picture, we obviously need a lot more resources for mental health. I don’t know a family in America that doesn’t have a member with mental health issues. There ought to be the ability to make this case in a broader way.”
Because Congress is currently divided with Republicans controlling the House, any legislation backed by Democrats faces an uphill battle.
“Working toward common ground solutions that have a realistic shot of passing is what my colleagues on this side of the aisle are focusing on at the moment. We may not be able to get everything we want accomplished, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a significant difference,” Warner said.
