VA ENDORSEMENT CORNER
Virginia AG Mark Herring was endorsed for re-election by prominent community leaders, Pastor Michelle Thomas, Rev. Cozy Bailey, and James E. “JJ” Minor III. Pastor Michelle Thomas said, “For over a decade, Mark and I have worked together shoulder to shoulder as community partners to protect the civil rights of marginalized Virginians and underrepresented communities of colors in Loudon county. I proudly urge Virginians to re-elect Mark Herring as Attorney General and partner in this fight for civil rights and justice over the next four years.” Read more about their endorsement of AG Herring here.

FIGHTING AGAINST HATE
Connecticut AG William Tong and District of Columbia AG Karl Racine will be co-hosting “A Community United, A National Convening Against Anti-AAPI Hate” with the Attorney General Alliance. The convening is part of AG Racine’s NAAG Presidential Initiative, “The People v. Hate: Standing up for Humanity,” and will raise awareness of hate and bias against the AAPI community. The day-long event which will take place on May 4^th, 2021 will bring legal and policy experts, leading advocates, and businesses and corporate leaders from across the country together. They will discuss solutions to address anti-AAPI hate and pledge to take educational and actionable steps to help stop hate. Learn more about the event here.

PUSHING FOR ENGAGEMENT
DAGA Co-Chair Massachusetts AG Maura Healey led a coalition of nine Democratic AGs in issuing recommendations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on establishing and operating a new Office of Public Participation (OPP) that will encourage more equal and active engagement by community members, consumers, and businesses in energy decision making. AG Healey said, “Creating the Office of Public Participation is an opportunity for FERC to encourage and meaningfully consider input from the people directly impacted by its decisions—not just companies with deep pockets and fancy lawyers.” Read the full letter here.

AG SPOTLIGHT

PURSUING ACCOUNTABILITY
North Carolina AG Josh Stein spoke to CNN’s Jake Tapper about his decision to call for the release of the bodycam footage in the police shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. In the conversation, AG Stein took a moment to send his support to the family and community of Andrew Brown Jr. Following the decision of Judge Jeff Foster in North Carolina to not allow for the public release of the body cam video, AG Stein called for transparency and said, “The police exist to protect the public, and we have them wear body and dash cams in order to provide transparency… That’s why I called for the release to be done without any undue delay.” AG Stein also noted, “For my office to play a role in the prosecution, the District Attorney must request our assistance.” This is just one more action taken by Democratic AGs to pursue accountability – specifically in matters dealing with law enforcement. We applaud our Dem AGs for continuing to fight for a more fair and equitable justice system.

 

GETTING TO KNOW THE CA AG
Last week Rob Bonta made history when he was confirmed by the California State Legislature to be California’s Attorney General. AG Bonta spoke with the New York Times and outlined his agenda for the next two years. AG Bonta said, “I see the role as the people’s attorney, to fight for everyday folks, to protect them from the abuse of those in power. That’s my frame.” AG Bonta also said, “I won’t be outworked. I never have been, and I won’t be here.” Read the full conversation here.

GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK

President Joe Biden highlighted his first 100 days when he addressed Congress and the American people on Wednesday night. To see what he’s accomplished see below: