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.

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.