Posts Tagged General Assembly
Pope & Schapiro: The fast-approaching General Assembly session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2024

The 2025 General Assembly session is fast approaching. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss what lawmakers are looking forward to – as well as the latest about next year’s gubernatorial race.
The debate over Virginia’s car tax has gone on for years
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 24, 2024

Members of the General Assembly are about to return to Richmond and start haggling over the budget. Michael Pope tells us that part of the debate will be very familiar.
As he enters his final year as governor, what will Glenn Youngkin’s legacy be?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2024

Governor Glenn Youngkin is about to enter his final year in office, and so he has only a few months to cement his legacy. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia legislators weigh the cost of weight loss drugs on Medicaid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2024

Virginia’s elected officials are looking to expand access to weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wagovy in 2025. A patient can lose as much as 20% of their body fat, but high demand has led to high prices. Brad Kutner has more.
Youngkin pitches ‘no tax on tips’ bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2024

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a ‘No Tax on Tips’ effort at a diner in downtown Richmond Monday morning. Brad Kutner has more on the idea that garnered bipartisan support ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Some pivotal special elections are now set for next month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2024

A series of special elections will determine which party controls the state Senate. Michael Pope has this preview.
How long sheriffs should hold someone after their release date likely to be hot topic next month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2024

How long should Virginia sheriffs hold inmates beyond their release date? Michael Pope reports that will be an issue in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
Pope & Schapiro: What will the state legislature focus on next month?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2024

The General Assembly session for 2025 is right around the corner. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – talk about what state lawmakers are thinking about ahead of the session – from data centers to their own pay.
A look at the last time the General Assembly gave itself a raise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2024

It’s been more than 30 years since members of the General Assembly received a pay raise. Michael Pope has this look back at the fight over that increase.
Lobbyist spending suggests action on skill games and casinos next month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2024

Members of the General Assembly are getting ready for the upcoming session. And as Michael Pope reports, so are lobbyists who represent gambling interests.
Could state lawmakers give themselves a raise next month?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2024

Members of the General Assembly are considering giving themselves a pay raise. Michael Pope has the details.
Lawmakers weigh options, as new report shows broadband efforts continue to see delays
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 9, 2024

Many parts of Virginia are still without high-speed internet, and that’s expected to be a major topic of conversation next year during the General Assembly session. Michael Pope has this preview.
Data center fever ahead of Virginia’s 2025 legislative session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2024

As Virginia inches closer to the 2025 legislative session all eyes are on a state watchdog report on data centers. Brad Kutner spoke with those involved in the debate ahead of the report’s release.
Should landlords be required to follow temperature guidelines?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2024

Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond and consider hundreds of bills, including some that make requirements on landlords. Michael Pope has this preview.
Virginia’s food to alcohol sales ratio likely safe for now thanks to court action
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 4, 2024

A state law requires restaurants to sell about as much food as they do alcohol – a measure that dates back to the prohibition era. But there was an unsuccessful effort last year to roll that law back. Now, despite momentum, those hopeful for change during the 2025 session might have to wait a bit longer. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
An abortion extradition bill was vetoed last session; will it fare better in 2025?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 4, 2024

Members of the General Assembly are about to return to Richmond and consider hundreds of bills. Michael Pope has this preview of one related to abortion rights and other states.
Abortion will again be a significant topic of debate at the General Assembly next month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 3, 2024

Abortion rights are expected to be top priority for Democrats who control the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports Republicans are trying to push back.
Legislators float new process that could override localities on solar plant approvals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2024

When legislators passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act in 2020, it set lofty goals for carbon-free power generation across the Commonwealth. And while localities line up to take tax revenue from power-hungry data centers, they’ve been less willing to approve clean energy projects. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
A special election will determine control of the Virginia Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2024

Last week, voters elected a state senator from Loudoun to Congress. Now, as Michael Pope reports, the special election to fill that seat will determine control of the Virginia state Senate.
Three potential amendments to the Virginia constitution face a long road to passage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2024

Members of the Virginia General Assembly will consider a trio of constitutional amendments when they gavel into session in two months. Michael Pope has a preview.
State watchdog offers Virginia legislators solutions for rising VMSDEP costs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2024

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which makes college nearly free for injured vets and their family members, faced controversial cuts earlier this year.
But after public outcry, those cuts were reversed, and now legislators must figure out what to do to keep the program viable amidst rising costs. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Youngkin, Virginia legislators mull legislative steps in Helene recovery
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2024

As southwest Virginia begins to move from response to recovery mode in the wake of Helene, some legislators are already looking ahead to future storms and future costs. Brad Kutner spoke with some of them.
Virginia’s $400 million for state-supported child care has run out
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2024

During the last legislative session, Virginia lawmakers expanded childcare and pre-K education, but it came at a price of over $400 million a year. Now, months later, that money is gone and there’s still thousands of families in need. Brad Kutner found out more.
Virginia’s students, colleges and Senators dive into campus unrest
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2024

It’s been months since pro-Palestinian protests were broken up by police officers across the Commonwealth, but Virginia Senators held a meeting Tuesday to hear from some of those impacted.
Brad Kutner has more from the General Assembly Building.
Virginia’s Legislative Information System gets first big update in 30 years
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2024

Virginia legislators, legislative staff and political junkies all use the same system to learn about when a new bill drops, gets a hearing or gets voted on. It’s about to get its first major overhaul since its inception 30 years ago. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia Senator, Congolese refugee push ban on slave labor-linked procurement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2024

Concerns about the use of slave labor and subhuman working conditions were the subject of a recent Virginia Procurement workgroup meeting. The committee heard about the subject after a senator offered a bill banning the state’s purchase of materials made in such conditions. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Trump shooting looms over Virginia Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2024

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders used bold language in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, and as Brad Kutner found out, it’s a feeling shared by some Virginia Republicans.
Virginia’s fentanyl task force has some tough questions to answer
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2024

The fentanyl crisis in Virginia is showing no signs of letting up any time soon. But, as Michael Pope reports, a new task force will be taking a look at the issue.
The General Assembly is technically still in session…
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 17, 2024

Members of the General Assembly may have left the Capitol. But as Michael Pope reports, they did NOT adjourn.
Budget negotiations are happening right now… behind closed doors
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 9, 2024

Senior lawmakers on the money committees are working behind closed doors with the governor to strike a deal on the budget. Michael Pope has the story.
State lawmakers are running out of time to reach a budget agreement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 6, 2024

Senior leaders of the General Assembly’s money committees are expected to meet with the governor this week to hash out a budget compromise. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s budget deal pushed to May after newfound collaboration between Youngkin and legislature
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2024

Virginia’s top elected officials appeared unified around the promise of a real compromise budget during Wednesday’s veto session. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
The fate of skill games is now in the governor’s hands
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2024

Governor Glenn Youngkin is now facing a decision about what happens with slot-machine style machines in convenience stores and truck stops. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s legislature hasn’t overridden a veto in more than a decade. Could that change Wednesday?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2024

Virginia’s legislature returns to Richmond Wednesday to review Governor Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes and amendments. While tension remains high, at least one bill with strong bipartisan support could see Youngkin rebuked. Brad Kutner has more.
A look at what the 2024 reconvene session may hold
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2024

All 140 members of the Virginia House of Delegates and the state Senate will be back in Richmond Wednesday. They’ll take action on all the governor’s amendments, including a historic number of budget amendments. Michael Pope has this preview.
State lawmakers are working to reorganize Virginia’s workforce development efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2024

Virginia’s workforce development is in the midst of a reorganization – one designed to make better use of federal money. Michael Pope reports.
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.
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.
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.
Effort to water down Virginia’s alcohol to food sales ratio shelved for a year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2024

A bill that would have all but done away with the state’s alcohol to food sales ratio for restaurants was killed on the House floor Tuesday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
State lawmakers weigh “reciprocity” in concealed carry debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 4, 2024

Democrats in the General Assembly are trying to limit who can carry a concealed firearm. Michael Pope reports.
A bill changing the absentee vote count process is likely headed to the governor’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 4, 2024

The dramatic increase in absentee balloting in recent years is prompting new legislation to make sure the process runs efficiently. Michael Pope has the story.
Democrats challenge Gov. Youngkin with ‘7-day deadline’ bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 4, 2024

Democrats in Virginians House and Senate sped up approval of over 80 bills with the intention of getting Governor Glenn Youngkin to act on them before the scheduled end of session Saturday. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.


