Archive for January, 2025
Virginia legislators look to extend the standard deduction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2025
Tax legislation may not be the flashiest topic, but it touches just about everyone in Virginia. The state’s standard deduction is set to expire this year, and Brad Kutner spoke to Republican and Democratic lawmakers who want to make sure it doesn’t.
A bill that would change Virginia’s alcoholic beverage ratio for restaurants is moving forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering legislation that could change how the restaurant business works in Virginia. Michael Pope has the latest.
Pope & Schapiro: The plane crash, crossover, and Trump executive orders
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 31, 2025
The plane crash in Northern Virginia and the funeral of a former state senator have tempered the mood in Richmond.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
School testing scores improve little, but Youngkin says its coming
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin painted a positive picture of stagnant school test scores Wednesday. The governor pointed to intense tutoring programs and more current testing to suggest a better path was possible, but others questioned his term-long strategy. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Bills collecting information on data centers are having no luck in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
As data centers continue to expand across Virginia, some members of the General Assembly are trying to adapt. Michael Pope reports that they’re not having much luck.
What happens if Medicaid is cut? Virginia lawmakers aren’t waiting to find out
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
Democrats who run the General Assembly are worried that the Trump administration might cut Medicaid and take away health insurance for lower-income people in Virginia. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
An effort to study Virginia’s yearly elections is still alive in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections? Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia districts face the prospect of ICE agents entering schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are more than 730,000 school-aged children living in the U.S. without legal status, and the Trump administration has said federal agents may enter schools to take people into custody. Sandy Hausman reports on the response of some districts here in Virginia.
Virginia Democrats warn against Trump’s federal worker buyout as questions around funding freeze continue
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
A leaked copy of a buyout offer to federal workers shows they have a choice: leave by the end of the week with months of severance or potentially be fired without benefits later on. Brad Kutner reports on how Virginia lawmakers are responding to the news.
Virginia Senate Republicans lament death of tax cut efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Virginia Senate Republicans told reporters Tuesday that citizens may face higher taxes if Democrats in the majority get their way. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
The effort to end food insecurity on Virginia campuses
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering an effort to crack down on food insecurity on college campuses in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Federal funding freeze has Virginia lawmakers on edge
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are about to start negotiating a budget. But as Michael Pope tells us, they’ll be doing it in an environment of uncertainty.
To protect poultry against avian flu, avoid contact with wild birds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Avian, or bird, flu, continues to spread across the United States, mostly at poultry and cattle farms. There have been at least 66 confirmed cases in humans, and one person died earlier this month.
Poultry farmers and people with backyard flocks can protect their animals, and themselves, by limiting exposure to wild birds, as Roxy Todd reports.
Virginia Democrats are rejecting Youngkin’s tax proposals… for now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Some of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed tax cuts hit some speed bumps this week. Michael Pope has this check on their status.
The General Assembly wants to seal convictions for some crimes to help people get a job
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating a bill that could help thousands of people get jobs. As Michael Pope reports, it would allow people convicted of some crimes to have their records sealed.
The Virginia Senate has passed several gun-related bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are once again debating firearms. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia legislature kills bill to limit voice-activated purchases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
That voice-activated device in your home is always listening, and for families with young children, it’s raising questions about how easy it is for those devices to make purchases. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond, where legislators were looking to rein in those devices.
The General Assembly is working on adding some protections for federal workers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2025
Democrats in the General Assembly are planning for the potential impacts of the new administration in Washington. Michael Pope reports.
Some state lawmakers want to further expand collective bargaining rights for local employees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering an effort to overturn Virginia’s ban on allowing government workers to engage in collective bargaining. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Change in Washington, revenge in Richmond
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 24, 2025
Changes in Washington and revenge in Richmond are among the headlines this week.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Some state lawmakers are again trying to remove a tax break for Confederate groups
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2025
The Civil War happened more than 160 years ago. But, as Michael Pope tells us, members of the General Assembly are still trying to untangle some of the vestiges of it.
Bipartisan effort aims to stabilize Virginia’s pharmacies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2025
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, have been blamed for hurting the bottom line of privately owned pharmacies. And those in the industry say it’s forcing such small businesses to close their doors.
But what if the state made its own PBM?
Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
(Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Sen. Travis Hackworth as Sen. Danny Diggs.)
Lawmakers consider whether community health workers in Va. could bill to Medicaid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2025
A person’s access to resources like housing, food, employment, and childcare, can have more impact on a person’s health than genetic factors. That’s according to the centers for disease control and prevention. Community health workers help connect people with more resources, and some legislators are looking at whether these workers could bill to Medicaid. Roxy Todd reports.
Legal notice requirements in Virginia’s local publications survive another year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2025
A bipartisan pair of Virginia Delegates sought to roll back legal notice publishing requirements for localities this session. But both efforts are dead for the time being. Brad Kutner spoke with one local newspaper operator who says that’s a good thing.
Bipartisan legislators hope to reduce list of barrier crimes for school employees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2025
Virginia has long limited the ability of some formerly incarcerated people to hold certain jobs. But as the workforce shortage grows and those who once engaged in bad behavior mature, elected officials from both parties are looking to open up new pathways for employment. Brad Kutner has this report.
A bipartisan effort to study illegal cannabis products is moving forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2025
It’s legal to possess small amounts of marijuana in Virginia, although no one has a license to sell it. That’s created a booming industry of unregulated products – and, as Michael Pope tells us, worried lawmakers.
State lawmakers want to create a new rent relief program, but it comes with a hefty price tag
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are about to start trying to balance the books, and they are hearing from interest groups seeking money. Michael Pope reports on one group asking for help addressing housing insecurity.
Senate clears marriage, voting, abortion amendments; Right to Work amendment dumped
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 22, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are moving forward with three constitutional amendments proposed by Democrats.
But as Michael Pope tells us, they are rejecting an amendment supported by Republicans.
Senate clears marriage, voting, abortion amendments; Right to Work amendment dumped
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 21, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are moving forward with three constitutional amendments proposed by Democrats.
But as Michael Pope tells us, they are rejecting an amendment supported by Republicans.
Virginia’s “home school loophole” is up for debate at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating what is required for parents who home school their children. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s poet laureate shares a love for science with VMI cadets
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2025
During this – his last year in office – Governor Glenn Youngkin has further defined his administration by appointing a new poet laureate for the state. She’s a surprising choice with strong ties to the military and to science. Sandy Hausman has this profile.
Virginia Legislature advances social media data bill to catch those making threats
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2025
In February 2024, Roanoke City closed its public schools after threats against the system circulated online. Difficulty accessing data to find the culprit led to new legislation now being considered by the General Assembly. Brad Kutner has more.
One state lawmaker is pushing to add additional penalties for crimes involving “deep fakes”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 20, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating what kind of punishment should be on the table for people who use deep fakes to commit crimes. Michael Pope has more from the Capitol.
A handful of constitutional amendments continue to move forward in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 20, 2025
Several constitutional amendments are steadily advancing in the General Assembly. As Michael Pope tells us, the most controversial one, which guarantees abortion rights, was debated in the Senate Monday.
Is Virginia about to crack down on “junk fees?”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating a bill to crack down on junk fees. Michael Pope reports.
A marijuana marketplace faces unfavorable odds again this year in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2025
Marijuana is legal to possess in Virginia, and yet nobody has a license to sell it. Michael Pope reports that lawmakers are debating a bill to create a system of licensing dealers.
Pope & Schapiro: Campaigns for governor and for constitutional amendments
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 17, 2025
There are some new insights into the shape of the race for governor.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Advocates ask for more help addressing youth mental health
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2025
A 2022 report from Mental Health America found over 50% of Virginia’s youth, about 75,000 kids, reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode. Brad Kutner spoke with advocates and elected officials who hope to reduce that number.
Republicans push for ‘opportunity scholarships,’ but Democratic leadership is a no right now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2025
Republicans are hoping to give low-income families money for private schooling. Michael Pope reports some powerful Democrats are against the plan.
Cville lawyer who probed Unite the Right and January 6th on where we go from here
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 15, 2025
The 21st century has already been marked by two events that shook many people’s faith in democracy and the rule of law.
Violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville and pro-Trump forces attacking Congress left many people asking what can and should be done to restore faith in government.
One Virginia lawyer – tasked with investigating both events – has some answers in a new book.
Sandy Hausman spoke with him.
A potential casino in NOVA is already a divisive topic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating a bill that could eventually lead to a new casino in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope reports that opponents are organizing.
Gun violence prevention advocates flock to Richmond, with some support from Spanberger
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are hearing from advocates of gun violence prevention. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with more.
Abortion, gay marriage and felon voting constitutional amendments pass Virginia House
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2025
It’s not easy to amend Virginia’s constitution, but Democrats in the House of Delegates took the first step to amend it three times on the floor Tuesday. Brad Kutner was in the chamber and has this report.
Bipartisan legislators look to wrangle Virginia’s data center growth
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2025
Elected officials from both parties and chambers gathered in Richmond Tuesday to announce new guardrails on the state’s rapidly expanding data center industry. Responsible for billions in state and local revenue, the facilities have still generated outcry from communities, as Brad Kutner found.
Virginia lawmakers to again consider the state’s very loose campaign finance laws
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2025
Campaign finance reform is on the agenda again for members of the General Assembly this year. Michael Pope reports.
Republicans want to enshrine “Right to Work” into the Virginia Constitution
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating restrictions on labor unions. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Analyzing Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth address
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 14, 2025
After an unexpected delay, the General Assembly session is underway in earnest this week.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope have this analysis.
Virginia Democrats, Youngkin and Trump interested in Virginia’s drone problem
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed concerns about illegal drone use across the Commonwealth during his trip to President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate last week. Brad Kutner caught up with a Virginia state senator who has a bill to address the issue.
Youngkin: “The state of our Commonwealth is strong.”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin outlined his priorities to Virginia legislators as part of his annual State of the Commonwealth address Monday. Brad Kutner was in the House chamber and filed this report.
Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth speech draws mixed reactions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2025
On Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered a State of the Commonwealth address outlining his priorities for his final year in office. Michael Pope has reaction to the speech.
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