Virginia Public Radio

The AARP of Virginia is calling for changes in state law that would allow seniors who collect Social Security—but have been laid off from their jobs—to receive full unemployment benefits.  That’s not been the case since last year… when Virginia’s Unemployment Trust Fund’s solvency level dipped below 50%.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.

Consumer advocates and 99 local governments in Virginia are calling on the General Assembly to cap the interest rates on payday lending.  Several lawmakers have also introduced legislation that would limit interest on similar, open-ended consumer loans.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the State Capitol.

A coalition of renewable energy stakeholders is calling on the General Assembly to vigorously support cleaner, sustainable energy resources like solar, wind, and biomass. The leaders of these industries say they are here in Virginia …and ready to expand, create jobs, and help the state become a national leader in energy production.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the Capitol.

A bill to repeal a controversial Virginia law that requires young girls in the public schools to receive Human Papillomavirus vaccinations is moving forward in the House of Delegates.  But, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the debate even pits caucus members and medical professionals against one another.

It’s too cold to fish at this time of year, but the subject is sparking hot debate in Richmond. Virginia Public Radio’s Sandy Hausman reports on why some lawmakers are making a big deal over one little fish.

Virginia education groups and localities say the state is reneging on its constitutional obligation to assure that all kids in Virginia get a decent education …..and they are calling on the legislature and Governor McDonnell to reinvest in K-12 public schools. More specifically, the groups want funding restored to Kaine Administration levels, a solidified 3% salary increase for teachers, and the removal of a requirement that educators pay an additional 5% toward their retirement.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more.

The House of  Delegates has given preliminary approval to legislation that would enshrine Virginia’s right-to-work law in the state Constitution … but the resolution sparked the most lengthy floor debate so far this session.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.

Constituent complaints about rushed foreclosures and confusing interactions with banks have prompted bipartisan legislation to change mortgage-related practices in Virginia.  And, as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, state lawmakers have discovered homeowners and localities often don’t know who owns the mortgages.

Governor McDonnell still intends to push for privatizing state liquor sales to raise transportation revenue. However, his plan’s new components include issuing more than a billion dollars in direct GARVEE bonds and accelerating nearly two-billion dollars in previously authorized transportation funds. But, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, a portion of his plan isn’t being well received by Senate Democrats.

Some lobbyists and lawmakers are commending Governor McDonnell for addressing the rising costs of health care and putting more money into Medicaid for low-income Virginians.  But the same people are also criticizing him for allocating what they say is too little … AND his refusal to raise taxes on products that contribute to tobacco-related illnesses.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol. 

The 2011 Virginia General Assembly convenes Wednesday for a short, 46-day session. And although lawmakers will consider a few thousand bills, many believe money and the state budget will again dominate the session. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports from the State Capitol.

Members of Virginia’s Tea Party say they had an impact on November’s elections…so now they’re taking their cause to the General Assembly.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, they’ve rolled out a state legislative agenda that mirrors their federal priorities.

Artist Christopher Mize: "Make Mine Virginia Wine" #1

Agriculture and forestry remain Virginia’s dominant industries … generating  $79 billion in revenue and a half-million jobs each year.  The McDonnell Administration says that’s why it has proposed an aggressive plan for the upcoming General Assembly session to promote land preservation and international trade.  But, as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, expanding Virginia’s wine industry is a top priority of that agenda.

For generations, Virginia’s Capitol grounds only housed statues of the founding fathers and historical figures of European descent.  Although that has changed in recent years, there’s still no recognition of Virginia’s indigenous tribes.  But, as Tommie McNeil reports, a panel charged with correcting that omission says it’s a challenging task to tell the tribes’ stories.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has updated lawmakers on the status of the state’s lawsuit against the federal mandate requiring most Americans to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.  He told the Joint Commission on Health Care that he still anticipates rounds of appeals following Virginia’s victory in U-S District Court… but says the Commonwealth’s case will not rest solely on what happens with those. Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

A legislative panel that advises the General Assembly on energy issues has recommended a wholesale revision of Virginia’s incentive program to promote the manufacture of clean energy.  But as Anne Marie Morgan reports, there was one issue that the Commission on Energy and Environment did not completely resolve.

As Virginia lawmakers grapple with how to fund transportation maintenance, some say that part of the solution might be recovering the costs of repairing bridges and pavements damaged by overweight vehicles. So members of the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability have been weighing whether those costs should be borne by industries instead of the taxpayers. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more from the State Capitol.

State Police and other organizations want motorists to head into 2011 being far more cautious on the road than ever. Although there have been 36 fewer deaths than this time last year, Virginia still reported 714 fatalities in 2010. Many of those deaths are attributed to drunk driving, which continues to be a problem nationwide. Virginia Public Radio’s  Tommie McNeil has this report.

This past year, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks distributed emergency food supplies to more than a million Virginians…and across the state, community food banks are seeing needs increase  from 25% to  55%.  Connie Stevens reports.

The Virginia General Assembly’s 45-day  short session begins January 12th, and the developers of a new poll hope lawmakers will take a minute to see what’s on the minds of their constituents.  Connie Stevens reports.

Governor McDonnell has had a busy first year in office and a number of challenges– from closing another budget gap to proposing state employee contributions to shore up their Retirement System.  Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan sat down with him to talk about his record and the significant events of the year.

Governor McDonnell has announced he’s including an additional $283 million for job creation and other top priorities in his biennial budget proposal. But during his speech to the General Assembly’s budget-writing committees, the Governor proposed withholding revenues from Virginia Commonwealth University because of its decision to raise tuition 24%. He’s warning other higher education institutions not to follow their lead. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from Richmond.

Days before Governor McDonnell unveils a budget for the upcoming 2011 General Assembly session he addressed some concerns of state employees. Many are worried about such issues as job losses, furloughs, reduced medical benefits, and increased insurance premiums. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from Richmond.

A non-partisan Virginia think tank has been analyzing the compromise tax deal under consideration by the U.S. Senate to determine its fiscal impact on Virginians. After crunching the numbers, the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis found important implications for Virginia families, employees and businesses. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Mare Morgan has more from Richmond.

The U-S District Court in Richmond has struck down the mandate in the federal health care law that requires most Americans to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.  Judge Henry Hudson agreed with Virginia’s argument in its lawsuit that the individual mandate is an unconstitutional use of Congressional power to regulate interstate commerce. Virginia Public Radio’s  Anne Marie Morgan has more from the Capitol.

New EPA greenhouse regulations will take effect January 3rd in Virginia and elsewhere across the U.S. as scheduled. Beverly Amsler reports.

The Virginia Education Association and its members say teachers and school support staff are overworked and underpaid. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from Richmond.

State lawmakers are concerned that a local tax levied by all of Virginia’s cities and most of its counties might be having a negative impact on industry profitability and on the ability to hire new employees. The Business, Professional and Occupational License Tax is imposed on the gross receipts of each business instead of net profits. It has created a hardship for companies already reeling from the recession. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan has more.