A dozen Team Englin volunteers joined House of Delegates candidate Greg Werkheiser’s “Werkforce” to march in the Lorton 4th of July parade today as a show of force in support of Greg against the Republican incumbent. The Werkheiser contingent far outshone the opposition in both numbers and energy.

“I’m proud to share some of Team Englin’s grassroots energy with Greg,” said David. “We need to build the grassroots to help terrific Democrats like Greg unseat Republican incumbants so we can change the balance of power and pass sensible, progressive legislation that will benefit the people of the 45th district and all Virginians.”

On Saturday, Marion Werkheiser and a group of Werkforce volunteers borrowed Team Englin’s phone lines at Campaign Central to reach out to voters and turn out people for the parade.

In addition to David, Shayna, Caleb, and team, Arlington School Board Chair Libby Garvey, Delegate Mark Sickles, and Delegate Kris Amundsen marched in support of Greg. State Senator Toddy Puller, Fairfax Board of Supervisors chair Gerry Connelly and Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland also came out to show their support.

“I look forward to fighting for progress side-by-side with Greg in the General Assembly – and to doing the work to help make sure we have that opportunity,” said David. “Thank you to members of Team Englin for making the long drive down – and special thanks to Jeff Lieberman for staying and knocking on those doors for Greg! Together, we’ll help the 42nd send a great Democratic delegate to Richmond.”

Following the parade, David, Shayna, and Caleb spent the afternoon stopping by various neighborhood Independence Day celebrations in the 45th district, including the famous annual picnics in Hollin Hills in Mount Vernon and Rosemont in Alexandria.

“We are so fortunate to live in an area where our neighborhoods have such a strong sense of community,” said David. “It sure was a wonderful way to mark the Fourth of July.”

David bagged groceries today with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran to announce the lowering of the food tax that begins today. Thanks to legislation passed as a result of last year’s budget reform, shoppers will see the state portion of tax on food decrease by 1.5 percent.

“Cutting the food tax will make our tax system more fair and more progressive, and it will make a real difference to the people being squeezed the most by our area’s high cost of living,” said David. “I look forward to working with Delegate Moran and the entire Democratic Caucus to fight for legislation like this that will keep Virginia on the right track.”

“This is great news!” said Delegate Moran as he sacked groceries, “Thanks to our leadership in passing budget reform last year, we were able to cut taxes for people who need it most including seniors and working families” adding, “These delegates and candidates want to keep Virginia on the right track we began under Governor Warner — the track of fiscal discipline that will allow us to improve our schools, fix the transportation crisis, and improve public safety.”

In 2004, Delegate Moran played a key role in passing Governor Warner’s budget reform package, which included cutting waste and creating a fairer tax code. Eliminating the state’s share of the food tax was part of this package. Moran emphasized that it was important to elect candidates like David to continue making progress in Richmond.

In addition to cutting taxes for individuals and businesses, Governor Warner’s budget reform cut waste allowing Virginia to preserve its AAA bond rating and prompting Governing magazine to vote Virginia the “Best Managed State.”

“Cutting the food tax is great for people like me,” said one senior citizen as she was checking out. “Those pennies add up. I can now put that money towards my medication or doctors bills.”