Before Democrats, including Vice President Joe Biden, converge on Richmond this weekend for their Jefferson-Jackson dinner, another caucus will take place. The members say that as the Latino presence expands in Virginia, it’s imperative for them to be politically involved—especially as lawmakers make decisions specific to their communities with or without their input.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, that’s also why the Commonwealth’s Democratic Latino Organization has called its members to meet in Richmond this Saturday.

There is mixed reaction in Virginia regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of federal recognition of all legal marriages. In a statement, the Attorney General’s office says it will defend the Virginia Constitution, which defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, that position is pitted against another legal juggernaut, the ACLU, which is applauding the decision and says it will fight to pave the way for same-sex marriages within the state.

An amendment proposed by U.S. Senator Mark Warner to the immigration-reform bill is languishing in the Senate even as the legislation moves closer to passage.  The amendment would enable more highly skilled, foreign-born college graduates and entrepreneurs in science and technology to start businesses in the U.S.   Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports that as China, India, and other nations make gains to close their economic gaps with the U.S., Warner believes his plan is more imperative than ever.

Chris Chmura,
Chmura Economics & Analytics

A well-known economist is relaxing her predictions somewhat about the effects of federal sequestration on Virginia and now sees a reason for some optimism. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Chris Chmura says although the impact of the cuts will still hurt the Commonwealth more than most states, she expects there will be some modest job growth.

A panel of experts whose responsibility is preparing Virginia for more uniform laws throughout the 50 states is NOT ready to sign off on proposed human trafficking legislation. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, while one Commissioner for Promotion of Uniformity of Legislation believes the concept is great, he also says some tweaking is needed before the Commonwealth joins the other states that are ready right now.

Planned Parenthood and abortion-rights advocates may have lost the battle over the implementation of new Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities, but now the organization is targeting the gubernatorial campaign of the man they say is responsible for those new laws.  Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is now the recipient of Planned Parenthood Virginia PAC’s “Gynotician of the Year Award.”
Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports that in addition to the stethoscope and certificate dropped off at his office, the group hopes its efforts will result in handing him a defeat in November.

Photo Credit: Every Child Matters Campaign

Child advocates are calling out statewide candidates and demanding they take a stand on children’s issues and make them a major part of their campaigns.  The  “Strong Kids, Strong Virginia” initiative was launched after a recent Mason-Dixon survey found that the gubernatorial candidates’ views on the matter are murkier than those of current and former governors. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the coalition aims to raise awareness of these issues so that candidates and elected officials will take notice. 

A panel of state lawmakers has begun a serious review of Virginia’s tax credits, exemptions, deductions, and similar “preferences.”
The evaluation comes after the Joint Audit and Legislative Review Commission found that the tax breaks did not always perform as intended, were often inefficient, and cost the state billions of dollars in revenues.
But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the members of the Joint Subcommittee to Evaluate Tax Preferences say that overhauling the tax code will not be easy.

The General Assembly panel tasked with deciding whether Virginia should expand its Medicaid program or not held its first meeting–in a room packed with expansion opponents, many representing groups such as Americans for Prosperity.

The Senators and Delegates wasted no time getting up to speed on the complex facts about how the program currently operates. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the need for more flexible administration and control of skyrocketing costs emerged as two of the major themes.

Photo Credit: Virginia Organizing

A comprehensive immigration reform bill in the U.S. Senate that survived an effort to expand its border-security requirements still has a long way to go before its passage.  Meanwhile, a House bill with tougher enforcement provisions is being advanced by Republicans-led by 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, a state coalition says the Commonwealth’s residents prefer the Senate version … and it’s urging the Congressional delegation to support it.

Several organizations are still advocating for Virginia lawmakers to expand Medicaid within the Commonwealth. Opponents have argued that it is already too costly, is the largest single item in the state budget, and is in need of many reforms. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the Department of Medical Assistance Services says it is addressing one major expense-by simplifying the process for providing care to those who receive both Medicaid and Medicare.

Painting themselves as the “mainstream ticket,” the Democratic nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General say Virginians have a clear contrast between them and the Republican nominees, which the Democrats have dubbed “the Tea Party ticket.” And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, as a show of solidarity, the defeated primary candidates announced that they’re now committing themselves to getting their former opponents elected.

Not all minds learn the same way.  However, when it comes to education, millions of children across the U.S. are swept into the same system of state and federal mandates—with expectations of positive academic results AND developing a sense of individuality. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, parents at Patrick Henry Elementary school in Richmond, the Commonwealth’s only elementary charter school, are telling lawmakers that the state needs more charter schools and it’s time to get rid of the associated stigma.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, implementation of the Affordable Care Act is coming, and the reality is it will have an impact on businesses—large and small.  The Virginia Chamber of Commerce led a strategy session for its members to help make implementation less burdensome.
Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports that the question asked by many businesses—especially smaller ones— is how they can remain competitive and innovative while spending a significant share of dollars on health insurance.

Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is accusing the IRS of refusing to release $125-million  in settlement funds to Virginia.  It comes at a time when the IRS is under scrutiny for its spending and other questionable practices, but the Attorney General says that’s just a coincidence. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, after months of trying to get the agency to ante up, he’s shining a light on the problem through the media with hopes of getting a response.

Hunger pangs may be a sign to raid the refrigerator, order carryout, heat up some leftovers, or head to your favorite restaurant.  But thousands of Virginia children don’t have that option.  In fact—and it’s a little-known fact—area food banks throughout the Commonwealth are in greater need of supplies over the summer than over the holidays, when most food drives take place.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more details.

In a rare joint appearance, Virginia’s major-party gubernatorial candidates appeared on the same stage, albeit very briefly.  But Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe seemed to respect one another, while also describing their definition of transparency and open government—the theme for the Virginia Public Access Project luncheon.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, while they both have support for business and economic development in common, they are far apart on many other issues.

Although the General Assembly this year shot down one opportunity for Governor McDonnell to fulfill a campaign promise to restore the voting and civil rights of nonviolent felons, the Governor has found a way to sidestep lawmakers and make progress toward that goal.  A day after Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli unveiled his advisory report on the issue, McDonnell announced his own initiative.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it does not require amending the state Constitution.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has unveiled a list of options that would expedite the process of voting-rights restoration for non-violent felons.  The proposals were made by a bipartisan advisory panel he created after a rights-restoration amendment to the state Constitution that he endorsed failed to pass the General Assembly this year.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Attorney General says Governors can and should do more to intervene.

Meantime, Democrats aren’t buying the Attorney General’s change of heart. They accuse him of playing election -year politics as he campaigns for Governor.