Va. Senate Democrats boot Youngkin health commissioner, two other appointees
Democrats in the Virginia Senate wielded their majority power Tuesday to block confirmation of three of Gov. Glenn Youngkins appointees, including the states health commissioner.
In occasionally bitter exchanges that left a high-ranking Republican saying he was embarrassed for the institution, the Senate publicly discussed the perceived qualifications and shortcomings of several people the Republican governor picked for state jobs.
We typically try to do this in a respectful way so we dont have to talk about these people on the floor, said Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax. But if you want to talk about em, well talk about em.
On a party-line vote, the Senate blocked the appointment of Health Commissioner Colin Greene, Virginias top public health official, over comments he made downplaying the significance of racism as a driver of health disparities. Republican lawmakers said Greenes comments were not a reflection of his lengthy career in public service, but Democrats said the views he expressed were damaging the Virginia Department of Healths ability to function.
Whether hes inarticulate or not is not the point, said Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond. The point is his leadership is having a chilling effect on the work that the Legislative Black Caucus has done to address racism as a public health crisis.
https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/02/07/senate-democrats-boot-youngkin-health-commissioner-two-other-appointees/