Posts Tagged General Assembly
Happy Hour Advertising is Now a Go in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2019
The A-frame sign advertising happy hour prices outside Pork Barrel Barbecue in Alexandria would have been illegal last month. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Bars and restaurants can now advertise their happy hour prices, a restriction that’s long plagued the industry. Michael Pope reports.
Analysts: Accepting PAC Money from the Governor Could Have Mixed Results
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 7, 2019
Under normal circumstances, candidates would welcome money from the governor to help finance their campaigns. But this year, it’s a little different. Michael Pope is following the money.
Virginia Governor Announces Special Session on Gun Control
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 4, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam announced Tuesday he will summon lawmakers back to the state Capitol to consider a package of gun-control legislation, saying last week’s deadly mass shooting in Virginia Beach calls for “votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers.” Mallory Noe-Payne has further details.
What Impacts Could the Special Session Have In November?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 4, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond for a special session on guns. But will anything happen? Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Eliminate State-Funded Abortion Program
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 31, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
State lawmakers have cut funding for a Department of Health program that pays for certain abortions. The budget amendment slid under the radar during a busy legislative session. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Now That the Presidency is Off the Table, What’s Next for McAuliffe?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 18, 2019
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s announcement that he will not be running for president may end up reshuffling the deck for this year’s statehouse elections. Michael Pope reports.
Could Medicaid Reimbursement Be a Solution to Black Maternal Mortality?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2019
This year, lawmakers took action to start collecting data on Virginia’s maternal mortality rate. But, that may end up being just the beginning of the effort. Michael Pope reports.
Financial Reports Show What Races Are a Priority for Republicans and Democrats This Fall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2019

Credit: NPR
All 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for grabs this November. Campaign finance reports released this week show what races Republicans and Democrats are prioritizing. Micheal Pope has details.
With Every Seat Up for Grabs, Many Republicans are Calling it Quits at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2019

Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
Nine lawmakers are calling it quits, stepping down from their position in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has the breakdown.
Paystub Protections Are Now Law in Virginia, With One Notable Exception
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 8, 2019
Workers across Virginia are about to get a new guarantee — a paystub showing how their salary was calculated and what kind of withholdings were taken out. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Working to Increase Affordable Housing Options, GOP Support Remains Unclear
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2019
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond Wednesday, where they’ll be considering a proposal from the governor to invest more money into affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.
Governor Signs Foster Care Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2019

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, signs foster care reforms into law. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Virginia’s Governor signed legislation Wednesday to improve the state’s foster care system. The measures increase health and safety standards, plus make it easier for children to be placed with a family member. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Avoiding Eviction: How Virginia is Making the System Easier for Tenants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2019
It’s a legislative success story. Reporting from the New York Times brought attention to Virginia’s eviction crisis, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers responded. In just a single year, the General Assembly passed a suite of legislation to bring clarity to the eviction process and give renters a second chance.
Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Northam Renews Push for a Virginia Hands-Free Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2019
Drivers in Virginia may soon be subject to a strict new law preventing them from holding their cell phones. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia CSB’s Offer Same Day Services
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2019
Someone trying to get a mental health evaluation can now walk into any of the state’s community services boards and get one right away, instead of waiting days or even weeks for an appointment. It’s a dramatic shift that the state has been working towards for years. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Dems Propose New Legislative Districts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2018

Democratic Minority Leader David Toscano speaking at a press conference, along with Democratic Caucus Chair Charniele Herring and Delegate Lamont Bagby. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Ahead of Thursday’s special legislative session, state Democrats have redrawn eleven legislative districts to comply with a court order. Democrats say their proposed map is constitutional, and that they did not rely on racial demographics. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers in Richmond Are at Odds Over What to Do with Federal Tax Cut Money
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 20, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Usually it’s a lack of money that creates friction at the state capitol. But now it’s an abundance of it that is causing disagreement between Republicans and Democrats in Richmond. Michael Pope has the story.
Change May Be On the Way for Virginia Democrats
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 3, 2018

Democratic Leader David Toscano of Charlottesville. Some Democrats are hoping to install a new party leader before next year’s General Assembly session begins. (Credit: Creative Commons)
The retirement of a Republican in the House of Delegates is prompting a new wave of soul searching among Democrats. Michael Pope has the story.
Despite Habeeb Retirement, Republicans Are Likely to Maintain Majority in House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 30, 2018

Delegate Greg Habeeb (R-Salem) announced his plans to retire from the General Assembly last week. (Credit: Friends of Greg Habeeb / Creative Commons)
Republicans in the House of Delegates have a one-vote majority. So any shake up of that composition could mean dramatic change. But, even a new vacancy isn’t causing a lot of hope among Democrats. Michael Pope reports.
Chris Hurst Goes to Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Chris Hurst thanks supporters for his election to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the New River Valley.
When the Virginia General Assembly convenes next month, there’ll be a lot of new faces. Among them, New River Valley Democrat Chris Hurst. His race turned out to be most expensive in state history and part of the blue wave that rafted more Democrats into the house, than we’ve seen in a generation. Robbie Harris reports.
Women Win Big in Virginia’s Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2017

Danica Roem is among the many candidates who won historic elections in Virginia Tuesday. (Credit: Getty Images / The Washington Post)
Although half of Americans are female, only about a quarter of state lawmakers are. Arizona and Vermont have the most women in office: 40%. And while Virginia is nowhere close to that, women did win big election night. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Following The Money From High-Interest Lenders To Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017

LoanMax is the most generous high-interest leader lender, giving about $350,000 this election cycle. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Companies that offer high-interest loans are fighting back against efforts to reform their industry, and part of that effort involves writing checks to political campaigns. Michael Pope reports.
Workgroup Tackles Unique Challenges to Virginia’s Coastal Industries
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016

Virginia’s coastal industries are a major part of the state’e economy, but face distinct threats. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Virginia is the nation’s third largest producer of marine products, behind Alaska and Louisiana. But working waterfronts in coastal Virginia are under increasing threats from development, sea level rise, subsidence, and loss of marine habitat to name a few. At a recent conference sponsored by the Virginia Coastal Policy Center stakeholders presented a plan to save working waterfronts to members of the General Assembly.
Attempts to Reform Virginia’s Open Records Law Lead Nowhere, Critics Say
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016

Many communications in state government remain secret under exemptions to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act despite attempts to reform the law. (Credit: Bill Dickenson / Flickr)
For the last three years, leaders from across Virginia have been looking at improving the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. But now that they’re done, critics say the final result won’t do much to improve transparency. Michael Pope has more on the law’s exemptions.
The New Lost Cause: Getting General Assembly to Address Confederate Symbols
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2016

Credit: Richard Elzey / Flickr
Members of the General Assembly are preparing for the upcoming session, and a number of key issues are emerging. But there’s one issue that’s not expected to be part of the discussion. Michael Pope has the story.
Balancing Medicaid Looks to Be Tall Task for the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2016

Credit: medicaid.gov
With the General Assembly session weeks away, state leaders are already worried about balancing the books for the next budget. And one issue is proving to be particularly difficult. Michael Pope has the story.

