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

University researchers in Virginia say they’re on the verge of making significant medical breakthroughs. But in order to achieve those results, they need more state funding. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the State Capitol.

Listen Here: http://www.wvtf.org/news_and_notes/audio/201106240644040.biotech.mp3

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.

State employees who’ve always thought they had the perfect idea to improve Virginia’s government but never believed anyone would listen … now have the ear of the Governor.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they have about two weeks to submit their suggestions … and the one with the most innovative idea will get more than a penny for his thoughts.

Every day that a law enforcement officer puts on a uniform and leaves for work, there’s always the possibility that it may be the last time their loved ones see them.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, recent events have made a Public Safety Memorial Commission more determined than ever to create a monument and program to pay tribute to the fallen and assist their families.

Virginia IS apparently for lovers … of parks—where attendance is setting records as a recreational destination for millions of visitors.  75 years ago, the Commonwealth established its state parks system, and as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, Governor McDonnell has proclaimed June as a month to commemorate that anniversary.

Former Governor Doug Wilder has recently returned from a trip to Africa.  His purpose there was to provide advice to help elected leaders restructure their government after years of political unrest.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Wilder says he came back more knowledgeable about issues with which his own country has struggled.

Since the start of the War on Terrorism, 233 Virginians have been killed in the line of duty—20 since last year’s “Wall of Honor” ceremony at the State Capitol.  Leaders at this year’s tribute reminded Virginians that while they enjoy this Memorial Day weekend with cookouts and vacations … the sacrifices made by these fallen members of the military allow all Americans to enjoy their freedoms.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports.

With Virginia’s primary elections fast approaching in August and the general election a few months later, state leaders want to prevent voting irregularities as much as possible. That’s why the State Board of Elections is addressing a problem that occurred last November which may not have affected that electoral outcome—but could potentially skew future election results.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the Capitol.

State employee e-mails are subject to Freedom of Information requests made by the public under Virginia’s open-government laws … which also allow the costs of providing records to be passed along to the requester.  But the e-mails have become so voluminous and cluttered that costs to retrieve them have skyrocketed.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council is concerned that steep charges could have a chilling effect.

Some regions of the Old Dominion appear to be coming out of the so-called Great Recession. But recent cost-of-living data shows Virginians pay more or less depending on where they live. Virginia Public Radio’s Jay King has the story.

In Virginia, more than 300-thousand children are exposed to domestic violence annually… and a state panel has been working to mitigate this problem and identify gaps in services to victims.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, although resources are available to families, they aren’t sufficient to prevent the cycle from continuing.

There hasn’t been a systematic study of seniors in Virginia since the late 70s and early 80s … and since then the needs of the Commonwealth’s aging population have changed dramatically. Now there’s a new study in the works to assist in planning for what is being called the “age wave.” And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the feedback indicates that there’s a lot of preparation to be done.

U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor returned to his Richmond-area district to host a jobs forum comprised of small business-owners and economists … to discuss the challenges they are facing. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Cantor said he would like to take many of Virginia’s business models back to Washington and incorporate those practices there.

An alliance of advocacy organization is seeking to delay state regulations that would prevent adoptions by gay couples in Virginia. The new rules removed proposed language that would ban discrimination in adoptions based on family status, sexual orientation and other factors. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the groups say the State Board of Social Services revised the language without adequate time for public comment.

State lawmakers are working to develop new appropriations criteria in the wake of an Attorney General’s opinion clarifying that direct funding to charities violates the state constitution.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the goals include determining whether they can still receive some version of state funding—and, if so, under what conditions.

A consortium of anti-uranium mining groups says it’s stepping up its campaign to visit communities and inform residents and lawmakers about the risks of uranium mining in Virginia.  Although there is a statewide ban on uranium mining, several companies are lobbying the state to lift it in order to mine a large deposit in Pittsylvania County—and perhaps elsewhere—to create jobs and prosperity.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

Although some believe the practice is invasive…Virginia is moving forward with familial DNA testing that helps police capture violent offenders.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the technology will be used as a last resort …and even defense attorneys may embrace the approach.

A three-judge panel heard oral arguments in appeals of two U-S district court decisions that either upheld the federal-health care law or struck down the mandate requiring most Americans to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.  The two cases heard before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals arose from lawsuits filed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Liberty University.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the federal courthouse in Richmond. https://virginiapublicradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/appeal1.mp3

Virginia’s Freedom of Information Advisory Council is weighing whether the law should allow the public to know -and the media to publish-the names, positions, and compensation of state employees … or whether such transparency is an invasion of privacy.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the members agree that the public has a right to know how tax dollars are being spent … but they’re not sure yet how MUCH information is appropriate.

While Governor McDonnell will be spending next week abroad in Asia to build business relationships there, he’s asking Virginians to continue building relationships with small businesses as part of the Commonwealth’s Business Appreciation Week.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

Despite the fact that federal officials have once killed a proposal to lift the moratorium on offshore gas and oil drilling, Governor McDonnell says he is not dissuaded … and is continuing his push to convince President Obama and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to expedite the process.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, McDonnell says rising gas prices are hurting families and businesses so much that a delay will cripple the economy even more.

The Sierra Club’s response is that even if the moratorium were lifted today, it would still take years to take advantage of any oil or gas discovered, and during that time, the country could be investing in renewable, cleaner energy exploration and development.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights “Freedom Riders” movement … that began when13 men and women departed from Washington, D.C., on a commercial bus trip to challenge the unconstitutionally segregated interstate bus facilities.  But a pioneer in the movement says it started before 1961, right in Virginia’s  capital city.  And, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, state Senator Henry Marsh says that although African-Americans have made great strides, too many in this generation have forgotten the battles that afforded them today’s opportunities.

One in five children ages 9 through 17 experiences a mental health disorder in the course of a year—and one in 10 is very serious … according to the latest national data.  Now a new report that focuses on the Commonwealth examines whether these children are being adequately treated … and, as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, it found deficiencies in the array of services statewide.

An Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony and unveiling of a new garden in front of the Governor’s Mansion provided an opportunity for First Lady Maureen McDonnell to showcase her new pride and joy.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it also was an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of planting trees and starting gardens.

The Virginia Senate has finally agreed to an amended redistricting bill after Governor McDonnell vetoed the first version.  But although there are some Republicans who were ready to sign off on this new plan, others say that the Democratic majority still protected their own interests.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the Capitol.

Eight people are dead and more than 50 injured after heavy storms and tornadoes swept through the Commonwealth overnight. Virginia Public Radio’s Beverly Amsler reports.