Virginia Public Radio

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.

As the statewide and local campaigns heat up and we move closer to a Democratic Primary, the State Board of Elections wants to remind citizens of a number of rules to remember regarding voter and candidate ethics.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the Board takes seriously state code violations which could result in fines or other penalties.

Tens of thousands of state employees will likely see an increase in the cost of their health insurance plans beginning July 1st.   They also face a deadline this week,  as the Commonwealth begins to implement significant changes in its health insurance plans.  Open enrollment for revising health benefits, investing in flexible spending accounts, adding family members, and other options ends this Friday.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, reductions in premiums could await those who enroll in a new Wellness Engine called “MyActiveHealth.”

State revenues improved a little last month following a dismal drop of 6.1%  in March.  The news reassured members of the House Appropriations Committee, who worry that federal sequestration cuts could have a negative impact on both Virginia’s economy and the state’s coffers.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Finance confirmed that they have good reason for concern.

More than 13,000 GOP convention delegates have converged on Richmond from all over the state to confirm Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as the party’s gubernatorial nominee—and to nominate their candidates for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General on Saturday.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil talked with some of them to find out why they’re delegates, what they expect to hear Saturday, and who they’re supporting.

Liberty University is once again rolling the dice by asking a three-judge panel appointed by Presidents Clinton and Obama to side with the Christian-based college against some of the mandates in the Affordable Care Act.  The 4^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel  pointed out that Liberty’s case is broader than other, similar suits.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports that some judges questioned whether it’s premature since all regulations have not yet gone into effect.

A new Quinnipiac poll gauges where Virginia voters stand on Governor Bob McDonnell in light of the relationship between McDonnell and Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, who paid for wedding catering for the Governor’s daughter.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the poll suggests that the Governor has taken a popularity hit—but not enough right now to threaten his political career.

A Richmond judge has set a trial date for the felony embezzlement case of former Executive Mansion chef Todd Schneider, who is accused of stealing food from the residence.  Schneider also catered the wedding of Governor McDonnell’s daughter, and his descriptions of the relationships between Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, the McDonnell family, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli have prompted new investigations but no new charges.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more details from the courthouse in Richmond.