Virginia Public Radio

The devastation in the wake of Japan’s sudden massive earthquake is a reminder that emergency preparedness is critical for an effective response to natural or manmade disasters.  And while Virginia hasn’t encountered major earthquakes, the state HAS sometimes been hit hard by tornadoes and hurricanes.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the state is sponsoring a drill across the Commonwealth on Tuesday to help residents get ready.

The first of 10 statewide public hearings conducted by the Independent Bipartisan Redistricting Commission yielded slightly The first of 10 statewide public hearings conducted by the Independent Bipartisan Redistricting Commission yielded slightly more than two dozen observers and speakers.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, some questioned the fairness and effectiveness of the process.

Expect more lobbying for higher tobacco taxes, more state anti-smoking initiatives, a ban on nicotine products that resemble candy and mints, and a push to expand restrictions on smoking indoors … IF a new statewide anti-tobacco alliance gets its way.  Although the coalition has no official name or agenda, its members say they will continue the work of the now defunct “Virginians for a Healthy Future”… and aim to also expand on its successes.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports. 

Each year Virginians are bilked out of millions of dollars through fraudulent schemes.  During this National Consumer Protection Week, Virginia’s Attorney General has launched a campaign to make the public aware of the scams…which clever perpetrators are disguising as legitimate services.  Tommie McNeil reports from the Capitol.

Funding levels for Public Broadcasting went through a long series of proposed changes as the General Assembly hammered out revisions to the two-year state budget.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the final outcome of the budget negotiations produced both winners and losers.

Democratic U-S Senator Mark Warner brought a sobering message to Richmond:  that the soaring federal deficit will bankrupt the U-S unless steps are taken this year to begin reigning it in.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, Warner said all revenue and spending options must be on the table.

State lawmakers made significant changes to the dates when Virginia voters can head to the polls this year and next.  The General Assembly approved bills to change when primaries will be held for the House of Delegates and state Senate elections this year … and the Presidential elections in 2012.  Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

There are quite a few bills headed to Governor McDonnell’s desk to be signed into law that will give Virginia’s Social Services a boost. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, although there are some that he may not sign, one that received unanimous support in both chambers will greatly benefit the state’s seniors receiving unemployment benefits.

During the recent Virginia General Assembly session, most of what was reported were the controversial issues of the budget, transportation, state liquor privatization, and abortion.  But lawmakers also debated many pieces of legislation that are just as compelling—not only in Virginia, but nationwide.  And, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, one of those bills tackled the issue of human trafficking.

Bipartisan legislation that is on its way to Governor McDonnell’s desk aims to revamp the way Virginia’s colleges and universities deliver higher education.  Lawmakers say the bill is a roadmap to prevent tuition spikes … and enable an additional 100,000 degrees for in-state students.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the Capitol.

Before adjourning, both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly agreed unanimously on a state budget for the first time in decades. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the process  involved making compromises.

After a lengthy debate in the Senate and a rare tie-breaking vote by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Virginia is on track to become the first state to regulate clinics that perform first-trimester abortions.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie Mcneil has more from the State Capitol.

Before the Virginia General Assembly reconvenes to address state legislative and Congressional redistricting, the rules must be set for how the lines will be drawn and submitted to the Department of Justice.  The Joint Reapportionment Committee met to begin developing those rules, and some members are asking how to define the term “minorities” and how voting habits should affect the process.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the State Capitol.

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State lawmakers are honoring an obscure Virginia woman who launched a scientific revolution—but never knew it.  All of the members of the General Assembly signed a resolution paying tribute to Henrietta Lacks …whose cells were used by researchers to develop the polio vaccine and make other significant discoveries.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the Capitol.

House of Delegates and Senate budget negotiators have been meeting to discuss their competing state spending plans…which feature some stark differences in education, transportation, state pension, and health care funding.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the conferees say progress in reconciling their differences is slow.

After numerous sessions of trying to get it passed, a bill to permit an option of castration for chronically violent sex offenders is finally moving forward, and the bill’s sponsor couldn’t be happier. The language in the bill is watered down from its original version, but as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it could ultimately change how Virginia treats those with ongoing predatory traits.

A bill that stiffens penalties for underage drinking and driving-which could impose up to a year in jail for the offense-has sailed through both chambers of the General Assembly and is now headed to the Governor’s desk.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the law isn’t as tough on teens as some who opposed it thought.

A tax bill that originated in the House of Delegates and has passed overwhelmingly in the Senate may keep struggling Virginia businesses from going under once the Governor signs it.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

Virginia Senators have been debating a proposed state constitutional amendment that would define which private property can be taken by a government … and the conditions that determine how much compensation the property-owner should be paid.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, defining a right to protection against eminent domain is not as easy as it seems.

Virginia teachers continue their call to state lawmakers– urging them to restore more funding to the public schools’ budget.  The educators say more than 4,000 teaching jobs have been lost and class sizes are increasing.  And, as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, they’re calling on the General Assembly to “repair the damage.”

The state’s first African- American Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court continues to make history days after his sudden passing at a relatively young age.  Leroy Hassell is the first person to lie in state at the State Capitol rotunda since Speaker A.L. Philpott in 1991 … and the first African-American ever to receive that honor.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the Capitol. 

While there are differences between the House of Delegates and Senate versions of the budget, members from both chambers say significant compromises will be needed if the legislature is to adjourn with a balanced proposal by the end of its six week session. But, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, some lawmakers say philosophical differences about what services should be cut will likely be a sticking point during negotiations.

Each state has a map with imaginary lines of districts represented by members of Congress and state lawmakers … and every 10 years those lines are redrawn.  However, the voters who are represented are NOT responsible for that process.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, there’s a bipartisan effort in the Commonwealth that shifts the responsibility back to the voters … to try to prevent “Gerrymandering.”

The Washington-based transportation research group TRIP has named the 50 transportation projects most important to Virginia’s economic growth. Five of the top 10 are in Northern Virginia; four are in Hampton Roads; and one runs through the Shenandoah Valley. Virginia Public Radio’s Tim Thornton reports.

Police could pull over drivers for a primary offense of texting on mobile devices under legislation that has passed the Virginia Senate.  The legislators also toughened a similar law for younger teens who talk on a cell phone while driving.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.  

For 11 years, child advocates have asked the General Assembly to include coverage for children with autism in Virginia’s list of mandated health insurance benefits.  The state Senate has moved that goal forward by giving preliminary approval to legislation that would do just that.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.

Gun-control advocates have scored a victory at this year’s General Assembly session with the defeat of a bill that was a backdoor effort to allow guns on college campuses.  The bill would have prohibited most Virginia agencies from having policies that were not expressly authorized by state law.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the Capitol.

A coalition of more than 25 states and historic and environmental groups is celebrating a victory. Virginia Public Radio’s  Sandy Hausman reports on a court ruling that could save 100 million acres from development.

Both sides of the partisan aisle are trying to score political points over Governor McDonnell’s plan to raise revenue for transportation, which included floating federal Garvey bonds and accelerating previously authorized state bonds. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, that prompted extended debate in the House of Delegates.

Two bills that would have revamped Virginia’s underfunded retirement system have been killed in the state Senate Finance Committee . . . and the legislative body has instead decided to solicit more public input and study potential solutions. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from Richmond.

The House of Delegates has advanced legislation to overhaul Virginia’s higher education system and the way that public colleges and universities are funded.  The bill aims to increase affordability and access to Virginia students—to pave the way for awarding 100,000 additional degrees over 15 years.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.

A designer drug known as “Spice” that has been gaining popularity among teens and young adults would be outlawed under legislation that is working its way through the General Assembly.  The House and Senate bills are strongly supported by state lawmakers of both parties … who say they are responding to urgent appeals from constituents.   Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol. 

As state lawmakers ponder which services must be cut because of sluggish revenues, lobbyists will take turns trying to convince the General Assembly that their cause needs more funding than others.  But a consortium of family-care and business leaders says cutting funds for services that provide help to needy families jeopardizes the well-being and future of the Commonwealth.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

The House of Delegates has advanced legislation that would require a secret ballot for organizing labor unions at Virginia businesses.  The bill was prompted by so-called “card check” Congressional legislation that would allow potential union members to sign labor-related paperwork publicly.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the Capitol.

Senate Democrats have unveiled a plan to create and enhance job opportunities in Virginia.  They say the 9-point “Our Jobs Now” package is even more aggressive and comprehensive than Governor McDonnell’s proposal.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.