Archive for February, 2024
100 years ago, two women served in the General Assembly for the first time
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 29, 2024
As Women’s History Month opens Friday, the Virginia General Assembly now has the largest group of female lawmakers in history. Michael Pope has this story about Virginia’s first female lawmakers who broke the glass ceiling.
Pro-solar bills die as local authority rules Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 29, 2024
Efforts to allow more solar panel placement across the Commonwealth failed to sway lawmakers this session. But their patrons, who sought to supersede local efforts to block solar projects, hope they got the conversation started. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Marijuana marketplace legislation inches towards Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 28, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is about to consider a bill that would create a retail market for marijuana. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia moves closer to dropping food-to-alcohol sales ratio for many restaurants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 28, 2024
It’s long been a law in Virginia that establishments that sell alcohol must sell nearly half their earnings in food. But Tuesday, an effort to remove that requirement got endorsed in a House subcommittee, a massive step in a fight that’s been decades in the making. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Could Virginia finally implement a minimum wage for farmworkers?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 28, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering a bill that would overturn a law from the Jim Crow era. Michael Pope has the story.
An effort to allow electronic wills is dead this session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2024
The pandemic moved a lot of modern life online. But Michael Pope tells us that writing a last will and testament is not one of those things, at least in Virginia.
There are strong opinions on both sides of the skill games debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2024
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating if convenience stores and truck stops should have machines that allow customers to play video games that pay money when the person wins. And Michael Pope reports the opposition to the machines is growing louder.
Housing expansion via mother-in-law suites looks likely in 2025
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2024
As Virginia continues to suffer from a housing shortage, efforts to increase livable units struggle to make headway at the state’s legislature.
And while one bill promising to increase housing may be dead for this year, a study and support from leadership could put it on the path to success in 2025. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Virginia Senator starts Narcan training challenge during 2024 session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2024
As deaths from opioid overdoses continue to rise across the Commonwealth, a Virginia Senator is hoping to see as many elected officials get trained to use an emergency treatment as possible. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
After GMO program hits snag, what’s the future of restoring American chestnuts?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2024
150 years ago, American Chestnut trees provided food for people and animals throughout the eastern United States as well as lumber. Then, a fungus from Asia nearly wiped them out.
Researchers have been working to bring them back, but a genetically modified chestnut program hit a snag last year. As Roxy Todd reports, this has left chestnut fans wondering, what’s next?
An effort to add training on Virginia’s red flag law is moving through the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2024
Virginia’s red flag law has successfully taken guns out of the hands of people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Michael Pope has this story about proposed legislation that would encourage more law enforcement agencies to use risk orders.
Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears apologies for misgendering Senator Danica Roem
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2024
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears is apologizing for misgendering the only transgender member of the Virginia General Assembly. Michael Pope has more.
Virginia elected officials in Washington and Richmond push IVF protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2024
After the Supreme Court of Alabama found fertilized eggs are unborn people in the wake of the rollback of Roe v. Wade, Virginia’s elected officials in Washington and Richmond are pushing to protect in vitro fertilization. Brad Kutner has more.
Police officer injured on January 6th tours VA to share his story
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2024
A police officer who was seriously injured at the Capitol on January 6th of 2021 is touring Virginia this week – telling his story to state and local leaders, students and reporters.
His goal is to counter misinformation about what really happened, as Sandy Hausman reports.
State lawmakers want to raise teacher pay, but are at odds over how much
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 23, 2024
Teachers across Virginia may be getting a raise soon. But Michael Pope tells us lawmakers are disagreeing about how to calculate it.
Wildland firefighters demand higher pay
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 23, 2024
Summer is high season for wildland fires, but even now they’re a growing problem. This month alone there were more than 300 blazes on public land. There have also been 65 fires here in Virginia since the first of the year.
Putting out those fires can be dangerous work, but about 17,000 people hired to do that job have another concern – getting paid. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Pope & Schapiro: Budgets, the arena, and abortion
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 23, 2024
Senators, Delegates and the governor are all trying to figure out how to spend your tax dollars. And they’re not all on the same page.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Effort to rejoin RGGI survives House debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2024
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, is a multistate partnership that has seen hundreds of millions of dollars returned to Virginia.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has called it a burdensome tax and tried to remove the state from the agreement. But a budget amendment that would force Virginia to rejoin survived debate on the House floor Thursday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Virginia House Republicans disagree on prison reform in budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2024
Public safety has been a priority for Virginia’s Republican Party this session, but when the House GOP leader took issue with a reform effort in the budget, one of his own members pushed back. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Legislation allowing for more ADUs is still alive at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2024
Advocates for affordable housing are hoping members of the General Assembly will take action to increase the number of housing units. Michael Pope reports.
Many gun control measures are likely headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are moving new gun violence legislation to the governor’s desk. Michael Pope reports.
Abortion opponents flock to Richmond for rally
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2024
Thousands of people who oppose abortion rights were at the state Capitol today/Wednesday. Michael Pope has more on their rally.
Which budget is asking Virginians to pay more?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2024
It’s been a few days since the Virginia House and Senate released their competing tax proposals, and about two months since we got Governor Glen Youngkin’s budget. So, which budget will make Virginians pay the most? Brad Kutner has more in Richmond.
Virginia’s Latino Caucus enters the budget fray
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2024
Latinos make up about 11% of Virginia’s population, but only about three percent of the state legislature. But that hasn’t stopped that small percentage from speaking up in Richmond, especially as the 2024 legislative session moves into its more adversarial phase. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
Confederate heritage groups may soon lose their tax exempt status in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2024
Virginia saw a flood of efforts to remove Confederate monuments and iconography starting in 2020. Michael Pope has an update on one effort in this year’s legislative session.
Labor groups say they’re opposed to an arena project in northern Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2024
A proposed arena in northern Virginia is in serious trouble. Michael Pope has the latest.
UVA offers an alternative to the ER for people in need of ongoing support and reassurance
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2024
A recent review by the federal government found the median wait time in Virginia emergency departments was nearly three hours, and that time has been increasing since before the pandemic.
To address that situation, UVA is doing something new – sending a team of paramedics to the homes of those who visit the ER often. Sandy Hausman reports on that service.
Virginia legislature could inch towards a regulated crypto market with potential new commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2024
The Virginia Legislature established a definition for virtual currencies in 2022. This year, new legislation would create a commission to better understand and regulate its use in the Commonwealth. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
The General Assembly wants to eliminate predatory probate loans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2024
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a bill that would crack down on predatory probate lending. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia House and Senate release budget proposals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2024
The Virginia House and Senate released their budgets for the next two years Sunday. Both documents differ from Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed budget released late last year. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
House committee looks beyond data centers to Virginia’s high-tech future
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2024
A Virginia Beach-based data center and subsea cable company – along with other tech advocates spoke before a Virginia House of Delegates committee Monday. They talked about Virginia’s unique role in the global internet, but also warned about the opportunities they fear the Commonwealth is missing out on. Brad Kutner has more.
State lawmakers are targeting “junk fees,” but disagree on which ones should be cut
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2024
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a bill that would crack down on junk fees. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia House committee advances more changes to solitary confinement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2024
The Virginia legislature made bipartisan changes to the state’s use of solitary confinement last year when the body was politically divided. But now they’re revisiting the issue with Democrats in control of both chambers. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
The General Assembly is homing in on pesky invasive plants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering legislation aimed at cracking down on invasive plants. Michael Pope reports.
The fate of legislation barring school divisions from banning books may rest in the governor’s hands
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering legislation that would stop school boards from banning books. Michael Pope has the details.
Each chamber of the General Assembly to release their budget plans Sunday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2024
Democrats in the House and Senate release their proposed budgets to the public Sunday. That will show where the two chambers are on spending priorities and will require compromise with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s budget through a deeply secretive process in the coming weeks. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Pope & Schapiro: Halfway point of the 2024 General Assembly session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2024
The 2024 General Assembly session crossed the halfway point this week.
Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss what legislation is moving forward, which bills are dead and what the future might hold.
Virginia adds 21 stops to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2024
People who want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement can visit sites in 14 states including Virginia. Historic markers stand in Richmond, Farmville, Danville and now in Fredericksburg, which – this month – added 21 points of interest on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Advocates call on state lawmakers to support parental rights
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin was elected in 2021 – running on his support of parental rights. Now, his supporters are calling on members of the General Assembly to support the rights of parents, too. Michael Pope reports.
A bill enshrining the right to contraception is likely headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2024
Democrats in the House and Senate are sending the governor legislation to make sure that Virginians have a right to contraception. Michael Pope reports.
How will Governor Youngkin approach vetoes this session?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 14, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin will soon be considering hundreds of bills that a Democratic-controlled House and Senate will be sending him. Michael Pope has this preview.
After rejecting its own version, the Virginia Senate considers House plate reader bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 14, 2024
Police departments and sheriff’s offices might soon have new regulations about license plate readers. But as Michael Pope tells us, the bill has some serious opposition.
Oyster lobby pitches shell recycling as Virginia legislators slurp up the results
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 14, 2024
One of Virginia’s prized natural resources is its oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay, and groups that support the slimy little filter feeders were at the Capitol Wednesday to ask for support. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Crossover gives Virginia legislators a chance to consider compromise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2024
Tuesday’s floor session at the Virginia General Assembly marked the crossover point for the 2024 session. Brad Kutner caught up with Senators in Richmond on how they’re feeling about the work so far.
State lawmakers have a lot of work to do when it comes to “skill games”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2024
With a deadline looming, the state Senate passed a bill allowing skills games. But, Michael Pope reports there are still some big differences to work out.
At the session’s midpoint, Virginia’s freshmen legislators report on lessons learned
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2024
It’s been about five weeks since the start of the 2024 legislative session in Richmond. Brad Kutner spoke to several new and seasoned members about lessons learned by the body’s freshman class.
Senate Democrats push forward with minimum wage increase despite veto threat
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2024
As the General Assembly session reaches its mid-point, Democrats are moving forward with legislation to raise the minimum wage from to $15 an hour. As Michael Pope tells us, the governor is expected to veto it.
Virginia House Democrats force vote on controversial abortion bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2024
Virginia Democrats blocked most bills that would limit abortion access in the state, but one effort was allowed to advance to the full House floor Monday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Virginia Senate head throws roadblock in front of “Glenn Dome” proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin bashed Democrats in a speech at Washington and Lee University Saturday. But his comments are reverberating through Richmond where those same Democrats control the state’s legislature. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
One Virginia lawmaker wants to close the state’s “boyfriend loophole”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2024
Democrats in the General Assembly are poised to send several bills to the governor’s desk aimed at cracking down on gun violence. Michael Pope reports on one to close a loophole involving unmarried couples.
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