Statement on Executive Order 63

Statement on Executive Order 63

Fauquier, VA – Today, Delegate Michael J. Webert made the following statement about Governor Ralph Northam’s most recent Executive Order.

“We are a Republic, not a Dictatorship.”

“Indefinite Executive Orders are not the way to govern our Commonwealth, and the Governor has made a mockery of what it means to govern.”

“The Governor needs to call the General Assembly back into session. The elected representatives of the people deserve to be heard. Ruling the state by way of executive decree has resulted in terrible policy decisions that have irreparably harmed our great Commonwealth.”

“I don’t mind being governed, but I will not be ruled.”

Reopen the Commonwealth

Reopen the Commonwealth

Fauquier, VA – Today, Delegate Michael J. Webert released the following statement regarding the reopening of Virginia. 

“Virginians have waited patiently over the past few weeks for the Governor and his administration to reevaluate the decisions that have been made with regard to their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is clear that this one size fits all approach is not working.”

“The Northam administration has been falling behind in testing, and we rank very low in comparison to other states. In order to open up and still protect our vulnerable citizens, the Northam Administration needs to ramp up testing and work to protect the elderly in long term care facilities. This is where the vast majority of the cases and deaths have occurred.”  

“The economic destruction that has taken place in our state over the past month is beyond devastating. Nearly half a million Virginians have lost their jobs as a result of the shutdown, and the arbitrary definition of essential versus non-essential businesses is disingenuous at best.”

“I will not continue to sit back quietly while the Governor deems ABC stores and abortion clinics as essential while shutting down campgrounds, fitness centers, and a whole host of other businesses.”

“People are struggling to pay their mortgages, parents are having to put off ‘non-essential’ surgeries for their children, businesses with the ability to allow safe social distancing are not being allowed to operate, and the list goes on.”

“There are several industries that possess the technology to operate safely and effectively. The Northam administration needs to listen to the owners of these businesses and allow them to operate while also protecting public health.” 

“Some of our local healthcare systems have been functioning at below optimum levels and furloughed workers. This puts the health of our citizens in jeopardy as many preventive measures have gone by the wayside.”

“It is time for the government to stop picking winners and losers during this epidemic and place all businesses on the same, level playing field.”

“People across the Commonwealth and this nation want to get back to work.”

“It is time to reopen Virginia. Lives depend on it.”

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update

As you no doubt have seen, there’s a great deal of concern in our community regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), the respiratory illness that began in Wuhan, China and has now spread around the world. The Governor has issued a state of emergency for our Commonwealth and laid out additional steps Virginia is taking to limit the spread of the virus.

Currently, there are 17 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. Many colleges and universities have extended spring break, canceled in-person classes, and are switching to online instruction indefinitely.

In the meantime, there are a few common-sense steps to help keep you and your family safe and slow the spread of the virus:

If you are sick, stay home.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Avoid contact with sick people as much as possible.

• Avoid non-essential travel.

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).

• Stay up to date with the latest information. Visit www.VDH.virginia.gov/coronavirus.

My office is monitoring the situation in Virginia closely and will keep you advised as we learn more. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to my office at [email protected].

Anti-Corruption Legislation Passes Virginia House and Senate

Anti-Corruption Legislation Passes Virginia House and Senate

Richmond, VA – Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham) and Delegate Michael Webert (R-Fauquier) announced their legislation to improve accountability, transparency, and oversight within the Warren County Economic Development Authority has passed the House and Senate.

“Transparency is a must for good governance,” Webert said, “and with these bills, House Bills 1527 & 1528, we will begin to restore the public faith in these institutions. These bills are a commonsense starting point for ensuring that these officials have a comprehensive understanding of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act and the Freedom of Information Act. In addition, this will require these members to file a Statement of Economic Interest annually. No more operating in the shadows. It’s time for some light and transparency.”

Also speaking to the legislation, Senator Mark Obenshain said, “These bills requiring EDA directors and members to take ethics training and submit an SOEI is a step in the right direction in ensuring government transparency and accountability. We want to do our best to try and prevent what we saw in Warren County from happening again – these bills attempt to do that. Our EDA’s solve complex solutions and bring crucial economic initiatives to our districts. The work they do are much needed shots in the arm to our communities’ economies. The citizens deserve our trust and confidence and these bills help ensure they will have it.”

In short, the Senate and House Bills do the following. They require the executive director and members of each industrial development authority and economic development authority to take training on the provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (COIA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at least once every two years. The bills also require these members to file a Statement of Economic Interests (SOEI) with the clerk of the local governing body as a condition to assuming office and thereafter annually on or before February 1. These provisions will ensure that there is more oversight and more transparency within these boards.

Statement on 2020 Lobby Day

Statement on 2020 Lobby Day

Richmond, VA – Today, Delegate Michael J. Webert released the following statement regarding today’s Second Amendment rally at the Virginia State Capitol.

“Thank you to the tens of thousands of Virginians that came out today to support our Second Amendment rights. It was an amazing sight to see.” 

“Despite Governor Northam’s best efforts to keep everyone away by declaring a state of emergency, we saw the Second Amendment community rally together to petition their Government. No one was arrested, no one was injured, and the crowd even took time to clean up after themselves before they left.”

“I hope the Democrats heard us loud and clear today. The laws they have proposed would have zero effect on criminals. Instead, they would only put more limitations on law-abiding citizens – the same citizens that showed up today to peacefully protest.” 

“Keep the pressure on your elected officials – keep calling their office, keep sending them mail, keep showing up at the Capitol. The fight for keeping our rights has only just begun.” 

Warren County rally for your 2nd Amendment rights

Warren County rally for your 2nd Amendment rights

By Royal Examiner

On a cold, dark and damp Monday night, more than 200 citizens gathered at the Gazebo in downtown Front Royal for a rally on 2nd Amendment rights. Ross McVey, Republican Chairman Steve Kurtz, Vice Chair Amber Morris, Warren County Supervisor Dan Murray, Virginia Delegate Michael Webert, representative from Congressman Ben Cline, Tyler Adams and Commonwealth Attorney elect John Bell all spoke at the rally. Comments were read from Town Councilmen Gary Gillespie and Jake Meza, and Delegate Todd Gilbert all in support of our 2nd Amendment rights. The Royal Examiner was there to capture the event:

In the wake of around one thousand people showing up for the Shenandoah County Board Public Hearing on a Resolution of Support for a municipal declaration as a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Community, the Warren County Board of Supervisors’ Public Hearing has been moved to a Special Meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Warren County High School’s auditorium. The board’s regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Warren County Government Center.

Note: This article is from the Royal Examiner and originally appeared here on December 9, 2019.

Statement on Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties and 2020 Legislation

Statement on Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties and 2020 Legislation

November 27, 2019 | Press Release

Contact: 540-999-8218

Fauquier, VA – Today, Delegate Michael J. Webert released the following statement on the growing support for Second Amendment sanctuaries and proposed legislation for the 2020 General Assembly legislative session.

“I am happy to see so many counties declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, and I stand fully behind our right to bear arms that are guaranteed to us in the U.S. Constitution and the Virginia Constitution.”

“These are rights that SHALL NOT be infringed upon.”

“As most of you are aware, the Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions are not legally binding. However, it is vital to send a strong message to Richmond that we, law-abiding citizens, will not be treated like criminals because we possess certain types of firearms and firearm accessories.”

“My colleagues and I are currently in the process of drafting a bill that will protect the counties that have passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions and prevent the state from withholding funding from those localities because of their Second Amendment sanctuary designation.”

“As I have stated previously, I will not entertain emotional policy proposals that seek to undermine our Second Amendment rights and punish law-abiding citizens. I hope you will join me in this fight to protect our freedoms. Sic semper tyrannis.”

Michael Webert is a Virginia farmer who represents the 18th district, an area that covers all of Rappahannock, and portions of Fauquier, Warren, and Culpeper counties in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is currently serving his third term in the legislature, and sits on the following committees: Militia, Police and Public Safety; Commerce and Labor; Counties, Cities, and Towns.

LTE: Del. Michael Webert is fighting for Fauquier

LTE: Del. Michael Webert is fighting for Fauquier

As a Fauquier native, I grew up on Winchester Street in the heart of Warrenton. Throughout my childhood, I had the great pleasure of experiencing all of the riches this county has to offer. 

This year you have an opportunity to send the real deal back to Richmond to represent us here in Fauquier County – Del. Michael Webert. 

Michael Webert is fighting for us. He wears his district on his sleeve and understands the challenges we face as a rural area. Mike has also been part of this community for nearly 20 years. So, when Mike says he understands the needs of Fauquier County, he means it. 

Mike has been on the front lines in the state legislature to fight for our county. From passing legislation to reduce red tape and regulations on our business community to working diligently with our local sheriff’s office to combat the crisis level opioid epidemic, Mike has been the leader we need in Richmond. 

I’m proud to call Mike a friend and thankful for his service to the commonwealth. He’s a man of faith, a family man and a farmer – he’s one of us. 

I hope you will join me on Nov. 5 in voting for Michael Webert for delegate. He’s earned my vote, and I hope he’s earned yours, too. 

Eric Maybach 

Candidate, Fauquier commissioner of the revenue

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 30, 2019.

LTE: Voting for the person, not the party

LTE: Voting for the person, not the party

I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. In the 2017 state elections cycle, I repeated those very words numerous times during my run for state delegate and have not changed since. I vote for the best candidate, not party, and am disappointed by both political parties for creating and driving home such a partisan divide. 

When it comes to politics, I like the notion of sticking to local races that have a significant impact on my daily life. Not being a single-issue voter, I prefer to look at the sum of all parts when looking at a local candidate. For me, Del. Mike Webert has met the majority of my needs. 

Let me start by saying I don’t agree with all of his stances, and I feel you never should totally agree with any one politician. However, I can say Mike and I developed a mutual respect during public events held in 2017. Twice, we were the only candidates to show. We often talked at public events, including a Culpeper Youth Forum and a Marshall Business and Residents Association Meeting. At the event in Marshall, we solidified our respect while mutually discussing industrial hemp. 

Although Mike is not a veteran, he has family and close friends that are veterans. He has worked with several organizations to support the needs, even co-sponsoring a bill last year by the Joint Leadership Council. 

These are but two examples of Mike’s total body of work. This November, please vote for the best candidate. 

Will King 

Bealeton 

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 30th, 2019.

LTE: Why I Support Michael Webert

LTE: Why I Support Michael Webert

Michael Webert is running for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates where he has represented the 18th district since 2011. As a farmer, Mr. Webert has been a strong voice in environmental and conservation issues and was instrumental along with his fellow delegates in securing $84 million to help conserve our water resources and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering our water. 

Mr. Webert is a family man with a track record of helping the innocent. He is pro-life and vigorously supported Republican efforts in the General Assembly that successfully blocked legislation allowing for late-term abortions up to the moment of birth, even when a woman was in labor.  

Further, Mr. Webert helped pass legislation to require repeat domestic abusers to spend a minimum of two months in jail so victims could get the safety and space they need from violence in the home. Regrettably, Gov. (Ralph) Northam vetoed that bill and Democrats stood with Northam. 

Mr. Webert continues to fight for better funding in our school systems throughout the commonwealth and was instrumental in securing a 5 percent teacher pay raise in the 2019 General Assembly. 

He worked to block $1.2 billion in higher taxes proposed by the Democrats, and instead he and his colleagues successfully provided $1 billion in tax relief that actually lowered taxes for middle-class families. 

We need to keep Michael Webert in the House of Delegates. Please vote on Nov. 5. 

Phil Kasky 

Warrenton 

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 30, 2019.