Social Security was never meant to be the primary source of income for most Americans upon retirement … but more than half of retirees rely on those benefits to make ends meet in their senior years.  Although the AARP encourages Americans to develop additional retirement plans, it now has a tool on its website that not only provides alternatives for retirement, but helps people decide the best time to retire in order to maximize Social Security benefits.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the State Capitol.

Those who have fallen behind on their mortgage have about a week to apply for a HUD- sponsored emergency homeowners program that gives unemployed and underemployed Virginians an opportunity to receive interest-free, forgivable loans.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more details from the State Capitol.

Virginia follows a national trend in which minority youth are disproportionately represented in the Juvenile Justice System.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, a special work group of the Criminal Justice Services Board has been tasked with assessing why—and then developing a plan to address the problem.

Governor McDonnell has issued an executive order that will eventually transition many of Virginia’s state-owned vehicles to alternative fuels. As Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the goals are to promote energy independence, decrease polluting emissions, and even stimulate entrepreneurship.

The Virginia Retirement System had an exceptionally good return on its investments this year, recovering most of the steep losses incurred during 2008 and 2009.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, with less than 75% of future liabilities currently funded, a larger share of taxpayer dollars may be needed to fully restore the pension fund.

Virginia is seriously weighing the recommendation of a George Mason University study which suggests that localities maintain their own secondary roads instead of the state.  Cash-strapped localities don’t like the idea of the state handing over the responsibility to them.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, some state officials say the current system is antiquated and prevents the Commonwealth from focusing on higher priority projects.

Virginia is considered a water-rich state, yet during periods of minimal rain, the state struggles to maintain its potable water values. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the Department of Environmental Quality is pushing for regulations that will allow businesses  and homeowners to use reclaimed water– and conserve other water of higher quality.

In the near future, motorists in most of Virginia will be required to get the same vehicle emissions testing required by jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. But some organizations say the process is too time-consuming and an inconvenience to drivers, especially those who must pay for costly repairs if their vehicle fails the test.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

An estimated 160,000 unauthorized workers live in Virginia– but there’s no way of knowing how many may have worked for the state through private contractors. That’s according to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission…which also found that most state agencies do little to make sure that their contractors comply with a federal immigration law that prohibits hiring such employees. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, no state policies require agencies to monitor who their contractors hire.

Virginians have expanded protections under new laws that just took effect. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, while lawmakers admit they still have more work to do, they hope the new statutes will help prevent criminal acts and violence … such as in the highly publicized death of UVA lacrosse player Yeardley Love.

July 1st means minors in Virginia will have more protection under the law even if they don’t believe the more punitive laws are for their benefit.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Governor McDonnell ceremonially signed some of the bills and discussed their effect.

When the state fiscal year begins Friday, a number of new laws will take effect that reduce the financial burden that many Virginians endure when they are injured, jobless, or taking care of loved ones who suffer from disorders or disabilities.  In Part 1 of our series on new state laws, Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports some highlights from the State Capitol.

Virginia is now hammering out phase two of a plan to curtail the flow of pollution into the Chesapeake Bay and other impaired waters. The Environmental Protection Agency has already approved the first phase, which aims to curb the total amount of nutrients that reach the Bay and tidal tributaries .As Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the next phase will set new criteria for local governments.

State officials briefed the media on the status of Virginia’s natural resources and environmental priorities … while also announcing that Governor McDonnell will host the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meeting with other Governors in July.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the state’s initiatives include an array of new laws that take effect on Friday.

A segment of the state’s prison population is withering away behind bars.  But a State Senator is asking the Department of Corrections to consider alternatives to incarceration.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, he’s calling for cost-effective but humanitarian options for the geriatric population.Geriatric

While Virginia and its first responders have proven the state can hold its own during natural disasters and emergencies such as September 11th, the state’s Secretary of Homeland Security says there have been deep federal cuts in funding for essential programs and services. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the Secretary says those cuts are making the Commonwealth more vulnerable in the event of a national emergency.201106230522200.security

News that Virginia may end the fiscal year with at least a $100-million budget surplus has prompted members of the House Appropriations Committee to caution that Virginians should tamp down their expectations.  They say sluggish national GDP growth of 1.8% and several state indicators suggest that the economy is slowing down … and as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, other factors may also loom on the horizon.

More than 100,000 Virginia children suffer from some type of serious mental health disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia … yet according to a Department of Behavioral Health study, many of their needs are not being met.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, a child advocacy group has sent a letter to Governor McDonnell that recommends reforms to implement before the problem gets worse. 

Virginia’s colleges and universities will be adding six-thousand new slots for in-state students this Fall thanks to initiatives enacted by the General Assembly this past session.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the bill signed by Governor McDonnell aims to enable tens of thousands of additional students to get college degrees over the next 15-years.

Environmental groups are applauding Governor McDonnell’s signing of eight pieces of legislation that he says will help Virginia become the energy capital of the East Coast.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they also say the Commonwealth has a lot of catching up to do to compete with other states that are seeking the same designation.

The Commission formed 12 years ago to help revitalize Virginia’s fiscally stressed tobacco regions has had a positive impact … but it has also funded projects that have not contributed to the regions’ economic renewal.  That’s according to the General Assembly’s watchdog agency … which also found that grants awarded by the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission were not always linked to economic need.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the State Capitol.

While the recent unexpected E-coli-related death of a young Southwest Virginia child is alarming, the health officials want it understood the case was most likely not connected to the deadly outbreak in Europe. The Virginia Department of Health reports some illnesses and deaths caused by the bacteria are NOT that unusual in the Commonwealth.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they also say it’s imperative for the public to know how to recognize and deal with E-coli-related problems.

While the General Assembly reconvenes for Congressional redistricting, the process of redrawing the boundaries will actually be drawn out over how to make sure that the minority population is fairly represented under the Voting Rights Act.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the process will continue in negotiations about the two chambers’ methodology for calculating that.

While the Justice Department continues reviewing the revised statewide General Assembly districts, both chambers will return to Richmond Thursday, June 9th to decide how to redraw the Congressional boundaries.  The Senate, controlled by Democrats, and the House, controlled by Republicans, are expected to ultimately reject each other’s proposals.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, some want lawmakers to put far more thought into the process for the people—rather than protect their own political interests.

Family members who are temporarily caring for a relative’s children have found that some Virginia school systems will not permit those children to go to school where the caregiver lives—unless the biological parents relinquish custody.  That could create obstacles to kinship care, yet the schools also have legitimate concerns.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Commission on Youth has brought together stakeholders–with a goal of finding a viable solution.

Sunday marks the anniversary of one of the most influential documents in American history.  The Virginia Declaration of Rights will be 235 years old … and as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, its influence has been far-reaching—both in the U.S. and around the world. 

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling remains optimistic about the continued growth of Virginia’s workforce. He spoke to business leaders in Roanoke about creating jobs and investing in the economy. Virginia Public Radio’s Beverly Amsler reports.

Last week’s announcement by veteran State Senator William Wampler that he will not seek re-election is yet another sign that the faces of the General Assembly will change significantly after November’s elections.  But with numerous Senators and Delegates retiring—and no word yet on the Justice Department’s approval of new districts—many Virginians wonder who will represent their interests. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, despite the uncertainty, both Democratic and Republican officials are confident that voters will have a wide selection of qualified candidates on the ballot.