Pope & Schapiro: Time is running out for 2024 bills
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 5, 2024
Time is running out for the governor to act on bills from this year’s General Assembly session.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Advocates disappointed by veto of climate change classroom materials bill
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 4, 2024
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is setting new records for vetoing more bills than any other governor in recent years.
Michael Pope has details about one vetoed bill that would have encouraged teaching climate change in public schools.
Advocates deliver 37,000+ signatures in support of contraception protections
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 4, 2024
After some justices of the U.S. Supreme Court suggested they should reconsider precedent protecting access to contraceptives, Virginia Democrats passed a law that would protect such access.
But the governor has yet to sign it, and advocates want him to act, as Brad Kutner reports from Richmond.
Youngkin signs new fentanyl punishments
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 4, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin Thursday morning signed a bill that increases punishments for those who manufacture pressed pills that include fentanyl.
Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Here’s how to safely view the eclipse in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2024
Next Monday, April 8, Virginians can see a partial solar eclipse, and most state parks are planning watch parties. Roxy Todd has tips for how to view the eclipse safely.
Congressional hopefuls are almost out of time to get their paperwork in
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2024
Thursday is a key deadline for primary elections this summer. Michael Pope has details.
Meet Virginia: Cindy Patterson
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 3, 2024
All this year, Christine Kueter has been crisscrossing Virginia to listen to the stories of the 8.5 million people who call the Commonwealth home.
Today, she introduces us to a horse trainer in Abingdon who creates bonds with trust and understanding.
Legislator shares her story ahead of Virginia’s first annual Black Maternal Health Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2024
For the first time, Virginia will mark Black Maternal Health Week starting Monday. The event comes after a 2023 study showed increased rates of maternal death in Black communities.
One legislator didn’t need a study to show just how bad the problem is. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
What impact could the Florida abortion ruling have in Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2024
Virginia is expecting an influx of people seeking abortions now that Florida will implement a six-week ban starting May 1st. Michael Pope has the story.
Governor Youngkin passes on retail marijuana market
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2024
Earlier this week, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a plan from Virginia Democrats for a retail marijuana market. It comes years after the state decriminalized the substance, allowing an illicit market to flourish. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
As Youngkin arena deal crumbles, the state’s budget hangs in the balance
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s hopes for a sports arena in northern Virginia may be dead, but politics in Virginia live on. Among deals that still need to happen between the Republican governor and his Democratic counterparts is the state’s budget. Brad Kutner has more.
Cocktails to go will soon become permanent in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is putting his signature on a bill legalizing cocktails to go. Michael Pope has the story.
Pope & Schapiro: Death of an arena
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2024
The death of a sports arena deal in northern Virginia grabbed most of the headlines this week. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss that and all the happenings in state politics and government.
Millions in federal dollars announced to address Virginia’s abandoned coal mines
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2024
A top official at the U.S. Department of the Interior was in Richmond Thursday to announce millions of dollars to help reclaim abandoned coal mines from Wise to Chesterfield Counties. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Tribal leaders discuss consequences of Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act 100 years later
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2024
Last week, as part of its Indigenous Perspectives Exhibit, the Library of Virginia asked four leaders from Tribes in Virginia to discuss the consequences to their cultures of the Racial Integrity Act put in place to preserve white supremacy in the state 100 years ago. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Youngkin takes action on several gun-related bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin took action on over three dozen gun bills earlier this week. The actions will stop many new gun laws from going into effect, but efforts he agreed with are ok with Second Amendment activists. Brad Kutner has more.
Bipartisan bill to address ‘abuse-to-prison-pipeline’ awaits Youngkin’s signature
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2024
Combating human trafficking has been a priority for Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares. And while the administration has been dinging Democrats for not supporting GOP-backed bills, at least one measure to address the issue passed with unanimous support. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
The governor’s proposed digital sales tax may apply to businesses too
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a proposal from the General Assembly that would increase taxes on businesses. Michael Pope has the report.
New school funding sales tax ballot initiative likely coming to a Virginia locality near you
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2024
While the Virginia legislature and Governor Glenn Youngkin continue to bicker over future school funding, one bill aimed at giving localities more authority to raise funds for school construction is likely to be signed in the coming weeks.
Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
After lots of debate this session, the governor will soon weigh in on skill games
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is about to make one of the most anticipated decisions of the General Assembly session this year. As Michael Pope reports, the fate of skill games rests in the balance.
The deadline for congressional hopefuls is fast approaching
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on March 22, 2024
Virginia’s congressional races are heating up in anticipation of the June 18th primary. Michael Pope tells us that the final deadline for candidates is early next month.
Pope & Schapiro: The session is over, but there’s still a lot going on in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 22, 2024
The General Assembly session is over, but there is still plenty of action going on in Richmond. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – talk about the week that was – from gubernatorial vetoes to the latest on budget deliberations.
Youngkin’s latest vetoes limit police recruitment, strike at criminal justice reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 21, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed just under two dozen bills earlier this week, many of them related to criminal justice reforms. Brad Kutner has more details on one effort that police chiefs said would have increased both the ranks and quality of officers in diverse parts of the state.
Governor Youngkin weighs invasive plants legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 21, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is giving his veto pen a workout, rejecting 60 bills this week. Michael Pope reports on one vetoed measure that would’ve cracked down on invasive plant species.
The governor touted 30,000 jobs with arena proposal, but is that accurate?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 20, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin says an arena proposal in Alexandria would create 30,000 jobs. Michael Pope takes a look at that claim.
Could a rail crew bill overcome a gubernatorial veto?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is pulling out his veto pen again. This time, Michael Pope tells us about his rejection of a bill on railroad safety.
Governor Youngkin says no to composting bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 18, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is vetoing legislation that might have increased composting. Michael Pope reports.
New Census data: exurban Virginia is growing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 18, 2024
The latest round of data from the Census Bureau shows that exurban Richmond continues to grow while other parts of Virginia are losing population. Michael Pope has the breakdown.
The session is over, but there are big disagreements on the state budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2024
Members of the General Assembly may have concluded their session. But as Michael Pope reports, the fight over the budget isn’t over.
TikTok ban sails through Congress but stumbled in Richmond
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 15, 2024
An effort to rein in the Chinese-owned social media giant TikTok is a rare moment of bipartisanship in DC, but similar efforts stumbled during this recent Virginia legislative session.
Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Pope & Schapiro: Bills hit the governor’s desk and the governor hits the airwaves
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 15, 2024
The General Assembly has passed its bills. Now we wait to see what the governor signs and vetoes.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Youngkin doubles down on axing RGGI
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 14, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin again railed against a multistate compact aimed at reducing the impact of climate change.
Brad Kutner has more from the governor’s appearance Thursday at a diner just south of Richmond.
Bill reining in junk fees died late at the General Assembly this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 14, 2024
Advocates for a bill to crack down on junk fees are disappointed that the bill failed at the last minute as the General Assembly session ended. Michael Pope has the story.
General Assembly and Governor Youngkin clash over contraception coverage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 13, 2024
The General Assembly voted to make sure health insurance plans cover contraception. But Governor Glenn Youngkin wants an exemption for those with certain objections. Michael Pope explains.
Richmond employees nearing completion of union contract, one of the first in Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 13, 2024
City employees in Richmond are on the verge of becoming one of the first public workplaces in the state to form a union, negotiate a contract, and start seeing the benefits.
It’s a journey that became possible after state lawmakers reversed a decades-long ban on collective bargaining for local government employees back in 2020.
Mallory Noe-Payne explains how it happened.
Legacy admissions are now a thing of the past in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed a bill to prohibit legacy admissions to public colleges and universities. Michael Pope reports.
Teen plaintiffs ask Virginia Court of Appeals to allow climate change suit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2024
A group of Virginia teens argued for their right to a livable environment at the Virginia Court of Appeals Tuesday morning. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Youngkin pleases 2A advocates with early veto of new gun laws
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed eight bills late Friday night. Among them was an effort that would have clarified how to remove guns from those convicted of domestic abuse. Advocates on both sides of the issue were surprised by the action. Brad Kutner has more.
Governor Youngkin vetoes ERIC rejoin effort
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 11, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued his first vetoes of the year. One of them rejects an effort to make sure Virginia’s voter rolls are accurate. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia legislators throw contentious budget to Governor Youngkin
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 11, 2024
Legislators in Richmond spent Saturday approving a two-year budget for the state, the last step before the session ended shortly after.
Brad Kutner has this look from the capitol.
General Assembly puts finishing touches on budget as session nears its end
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 8, 2024
As the Virginia General Assembly draws to a close this weekend, lawmakers are putting the final touches on a budget agreement.
Michael Pope has this preview.
On International Women’s Day, an acrimonious debate about abortion
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 8, 2024
Friday is International Women’s Day, and some members of the General Assembly marked the occasion with an acrimonious debate about abortion.
Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: The end of the General Assembly session and the end of the arena?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 8, 2024
The 2024 General Assembly session may be remembered for what was rejected, rather than what was passed.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Democratic priorities rule in legislative compromise budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 7, 2024
Thursday’s release of a budget between the two legislative chambers was overshadowed by the news it would not include Governor Glenn Youngkin’s arena project. But the document offers details about the state’s $87 billion annual spending. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Sports arena funding left out of General Assembly’s budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 7, 2024
Public financing for a proposed sports arena in Alexandria is not in a budget agreement struck this week by leaders in the House and Senate. Michael Pope reports.
General Assembly moves online meetings bill to the governor’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 6, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering legislation that would expand online meetings. Michael Pope reports.
Expanded revenge porn bill clears Virginia Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 6, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering a bill that would increase penalties for revenge porn. Michael Pope has the story.
Criminal justice reform plays out in the Virginia budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 6, 2024
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has used his post to advocate against some Democratic criminal justice reform efforts, including reforms pitched in the budget. But advocates say his criticisms are based on bad data and the reforms he’s blocking could save the Commonwealth millions of dollars. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Will Governor Youngkin back NIL? One Virginia delegate is hopeful
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill that allows high school athletes to have more control over their name, image and likeness. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia free clinics fear impending legislative budget cuts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2024
Virginia’s free clinics, some in rural parts of the state, stepped up during the pandemic. And many got one-time federal funding for their service. But as that federal money dries up and state revenue projections make the fight for Virginia dollars even harder, many clinics are fearing the worst. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.