VA ENDORSEMENT CENTER
Virginia AG Mark Herring was endorsed by all elected Democratic AGs. In a statement, Dem AGs highlight their experience working alongside AG Herring saying, “Whether it’s eliminating the rape kit backlog, extending eviction protections through the pandemic or reducing gun violence in the Commonwealth, AG Herring has consistently taken on the tough fights. We’ve stood side by side with Mark in the fight for equality, safety, and justice; and resoundingly support his campaign for re-election as Virginia’s Attorney General.” Learn more about their joint endorsement of AG Herring here. And read more about AG Herring‘s proven progressive record here.

BONUS: AG Herring met with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as part of the Getting America Back on Track tour.

GREAT LAKES UPDATE
Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced that her re-election campaign has raised $761,103 from 3,837 contributors, reaching 25% of their fundraising goal. AG Nessel has been crucial to upholding democracy in Michigan and standing up for everyday consumers. This milestone in her fundraising efforts proves that she is prepared to be re-elected as Michigan’s Attorney General.

RAGA UPDATE
The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) continues to stay in the spotlight – and not for good reasons. This week it was announced that Missouri AG Eric Schmitt has taken over the role of chairman for RAGA, following Georgia AG Chris Carr’s resignation. AG Schmitt played a leading role in Republican AGs attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. At the same time, another senior staffer resigned over the organization’s new direction. Although the January 6^th rally turned insurrection took place four months ago, the fall out from RAGA’s actions continue as the Republican AGs double down on a path of extremism.

PURSUING EQUALITY
DAGA Co-Chair Nevada AG Aaron Ford, Illinois AG Kwame Raoul and Virginia AG Mark Herring took action around the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The Dem AGs filed an appeal with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment is now part of the U.S. Constitution. The three states represent the 36^th, 37^th, and 38^th states to ratify the ERA. As a reminder, the Trump administration blocked recognition of the amendment last year after Virginia became the 38^th and final state required to ratify the ERA. Read more about their efforts here.

TAKING ON OPIOIDS
A coalition of state Attorneys General, including District of Columbia AG Karl Racine and DAGA Co-Chair Massachusetts AG Maura Healey, filed a brief calling Purdue Pharma’s proposed settlement “unprecedented,” “unjust,” and “unconfirmable as a matter of law.” Democratic AGs had previously rejected the Sackler family’s proposed plan and described Purdue as a “criminal enterprise.” This time, Dem AGs are taking legal action. In an interview with NPR, AG Healey said, “The bankruptcy system should not be allowed to shield non-bankrupt billionaires. It would set a terrible precedent. If the Sacklers are allowed to use bankruptcy to escape the consequences of their actions, it would be a roadmap for other powerful bad actors.” Dem AGs have continuously fought for accountability for victims of the opioid epidemic, and this is just another example of the importance of electing Dem AGs.

UPDATE: FIGHTING AGAINST HATE
Connecticut AG William Tong and District of Columbia AG Karl Racine held “A Community United: A National Convening Against Anti-AAPI Hate” convening this week. During the day-long event, they covered topics ranging from the history of hate against the AAPI community to the response from law enforcement in the rise of targeted hate against the AAPI community. Attendees for the event included Second Gentleman Douglass Emhoff, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, and DAGA Co-Chair Nevada AG Aaron Ford. Following the event, the AGs released a resource toolkit that outlines how to report hate crimes and receive support and training on bystander intervention. Watch the event here.

LEADING TOWARDS JUSTICE
Washington AG Bob Ferguson announced that his office will be leading a 21-member task force to assess systemic causes behind the high rate of disappearances and murders of indigenous women. The task force will include tribes and tribal organizations, and policymakers at the local, state and federal level. AG Ferguson said, “For too long, tribal communities have suffered violence against Indigenous women…This task force is an important step toward achieving justice for victims and families, and bringing these women home.” Read more about the taskforce and AG Ferguson’s role here.

FIGHTING FOR SECOND CHANCES
Virginia AG Mark Herring launched a new tool that will help reduce housing discrimination and increase housing stability and options for Virginians with previous nonviolent convictions. In Virginia, rental housing can apply a blanket ban on renting to anyone with a criminal conviction, regardless of when the conviction occurred. In his announcement, AG Herring said, “Virginians who have made mistakes in the past and served their time deserve a fair chance to access safe, stable housing as they work to rebuild their lives and provide for themselves and their families.”

America’s teachers have been America’s superheroes over the past year. On National Teacher’s Day, DAGA recognized their dedication to giving students the best education.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

We couldn’t let the week end without recognizing a very important holiday that took place this past week: #MayThe4thBeWithYou

North Carolina AG Josh Stein met with Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff this week:

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK