Archive for category Virginia’s News
Could This Be the Year Virginia Lawmakers Crack Down on Predatory Lenders?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2020
Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico County has legislation that would drastically reduce the interest limit on car title and payday loans. (Credit: Creative Commons)
Legislation aimed at reigning in high-interest loans will get attention in the state Senate Monday. Michael Pope reports.
Efforts to Ease Access to Abortion Find Success in House and Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2020
Now that Democrats have the majority they’re looking to make it easier for women to access abortions. This week, committees in both Virginia’s House and Senate have given their stamp of approval to legislation that would roll back abortion restrictions put in place under Republicans. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Along Party-Line Vote, Virginia Senate Passes Red Flag Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2020
Credit: NPR
A controversial measure that would make it possible for police to temporarily take guns from someone deemed a danger to themselves or others passed Virginia’s Senate Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Governor Northam Weighs In On Paid Sick Days Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2020
Lawmakers are debating a proposal to require businesses offer paid sick days to their employees. But, Democrats are divided over which businesses would be required to do that. Michael Pope has details.
The Effort to Remove Virginia’s Outdated Laws
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2020
The Virginia General Assembly is celebrating its 401st year. It has plenty of relics, including many old and outdated laws. As Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are hard at work updating some of them.
State Republicans Are Now the Ones Seeing Their Gun-Related Legislation Killed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2020
Credit: NPR
Firearms are becoming one of the hottest issues of the General Assembly session this year, although Republicans aren’t having much luck with their bills. Michael Pope has more details.
Advocates Press Lawmakers to Raise the Minimum Wage, Support Home Healthcare Workers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2020
Labor unions and their supporters rally Tuesday for raising the minimum wage and passing a homecare workers bill of rights. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Labor unions didn’t have much luck when Republicans were in power. But now that Democrats are in control of the legislature, groups that support workers are excited about having their agenda moving through the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
“We’re Here to Represent the 2nd Amendment” Pro-Gun Rally in Richmond Ends Without Violence
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 20, 2020
Thousands of pro-gun advocates flocked to the streets of Richmond Monday. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Some 22,000 supporters of gun rights voiced their opposition today/Monday to legislation being considered by the General Assembly.
And, though they were less conspicuous, people calling for more restrictions on guns were also there.
Michael Pope and Mallory Noe-Payne share some of the voices around today’s/Monday’s rally at the state capitol.
Legislation Making Menstrual Products Available to Virginia Students Moves on to Full Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2020
Senator Jennifer Boysko has introduced a bill that would require school boards across Virginia to make pads and tampons available at all times at no cost to students. (Credit: Senate of Virginia)
Lawmakers are considering a bill to make menstrual products available at all schools in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Some Groups Will Stay Away, as the Capitol Prepares for a Busy “Lobby Day”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2020
Credit: NPR
Richmond, state and capitol police are all preparing for a busy day Monday, as thousands are expected to descend on the state capitol.
Just outside the Capitol building, fencing has already been put in place around a specific area. There will be one point of entry. Anyone who enters this space will have to go through a metal detector, and per an emergency order from the governor, guns will not be allowed.
But step outside Capitol Square and anything goes because the city of Richmond isn’t allowed to ban guns. Several roads will be blocked from traffic and a heavy police presence is to be expected.
In addition to the gun rallies, Monday is expected to be business as usual for the legislature. Both the House and the Senate will be gaveling in and meeting.
Dueling gun control rallies in Virginia’s capitol Monday are garnering national attention, but there are plenty of other groups that normally lobby Monday and now have to rethink their plans. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence has announced they will be cancelling their planned rally on Monday. In a statement, the group’s state director Lori Haas says they refuses to engage with those who would harm them.
Some Former Journalists in the General Assembly Are Working to Protect Freedom of Press
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2020
Chris Hurst, a former anchor at WDBJ, has a bill that would give new protections to student journalists to protect them from administrators who want to suppress reporting. (Credit: Virginia General Assembly)
Press freedom and access to information are issues that might get more traction this year now that Democrats have taken control of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
This Year’s Lee-Jackson Day Might Be the Last
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2020
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Friday is a state holiday, Lee-Jackson Day, honoring Confederate leaders. But, this year may be the last one it’s on the calendar. Michael Pope reports.
“Credible Threats” Lead to Emergency Declaration, Weapons Ban Ahead of Rally
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam, along with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and other state officials, announce security the security plans. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Governor Ralph Northam is declaring a state of emergency in advance of rallies planned for the state capitol Monday.
Michael Pope reports.
Virginia General Assembly Ratifies Equal Rights Amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2020
Advocates and lawmakers celebrate passage of the ERA outside the House of Delegates Chamber. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
In a series of votes Wednesday, Virginia approved resolutions to become the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
That means enough states have now approved the measure guaranteeing gender equality to enshrine it in the U. S. Constitution. But more legal battles are likely ahead. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Business Groups Are Lining Up Against Democratic Efforts to Help Virginia Workers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2020
Business leaders from across Virginia appear at a press conference announcing united opposition to raising the minimum wage, mandating paid family leave and overturning the right-to-work law. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Democrats in the General Assembly are planning to move forward with a number of bills designed to help workers. But, those efforts will have serious opposition. Michael Pope reports.
Redistricting Reform May Divide Virginia’s New Democratic Majority
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Democrats may have taken control of the General Assembly, but that doesn’t mean they are all in agreement about how to handle several of the most-pressing issues. Michael Pope reports one of those disagreements is over gerrymandering.
Should All Virginia Workers Be Entitled to Paid Sick Days?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2020
Credit: NPR
Democrats are hoping to make workers a centerpiece of their first term in power. Michael Pope has this report about one bill that would help low-wage workers.
State Democrats Waste No Time; Move Ahead Several Gun-Control Proposals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2020
It was a busy day at the Capitol for people on both sides of the gun debate. D.J. Spiker, head of the Virginia NRA, appeared at a press conference with Republican lawmakers opposed to restrictions on firearms. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Visitors, legislators and staff all faced long lines this morning because of new security measures to keep guns out of the state capitol. And Democrats took quick action on other measures to restrict access to guns. Michael Pope reports.
Pope, Church & State: A weekly look at the General Assembly’s 2020 Session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Virginia's News on January 10, 2020
Credit: Michael Pope
A weekly conversation about what’s happened at the General Assembly with Michael Pope and Luke Church.
Week Three:
Virginia’s General Assembly session often seems like a weeks-long sprint. And some believe this year’s action is moving even faster.
Week Two:
Much of the drama at the General Assembly this week has been about what might go on outside the capitol building.
Week One:
Lawmakers are wrapping up the first few history-making days at the General Assembly.
Virginia Lawmakers Ban Guns at State Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2020
Senators and Delegates discuss the ban during a Joint Rules Committee meeting Friday. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Virginia lawmakers have voted to ban firearms at the state Capitol, the first in what’s expected to be many contentious gun votes in coming weeks. Michael Pope has more.
Effort to Implement Transgender Student Policies for Virginia Schools Moves On
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2020
Democratic Senator Jennifer Boysko of Herndon has a bill that would require the Department of Education to come up with a model policy. It passed in a subcommittee Friday. (Credit: Senate of Virginia)
Schools across Virginia may soon have a standard set of rules for how to deal with transgender students. Michael Pope reports.
Governor Allots Funds to Preserve and Tell Black History
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2020
The Governor wants to make sure Virginians are learning a complete version of the state’s history. His budget includes money to support an emphasis on black history at several sites across the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
In Light of Recent Texas Shooting, One Virginia Lawmaker Wants to Allow Guns in Churches
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2020
Delegate John McGuire has proposed legislation that would lift Virginia’s ban on guns in churches. (Credit: Virginia House GOP)
Democrats have a long list of gun control measures that they are hoping to pass this year. But Republicans have their own ideas about laws the General Assembly should enact. Michael Pope reports.
This Year’s General Assembly Session is Already Historic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2020
Eileen Filler-Corn takes her oath of office, becoming the first woman and first Jewish speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Members of the Virginia General Assembly are back in Richmond this week, gaveling in an historic session. Michael Pope has this report from the House floor.
Debate Over Gun Control Will Likely Dominate This Year’s General Assembly Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 7, 2020
Credit: NPR
Democrats won control of the General Assembly after a campaign that prominently featured a debate over gun control. Now, that issue could end up being the defining issue of this year’s General Assembly session. Michael Pope reports.
Could Virginia’s Right-to-Work Law Split Democrats in Richmond?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 6, 2020
Democrats have a long list of labor issues to tackle after they take control of the General Assembly later this week. But, one of labor’s top issues is dividing Democrats. Michael Pope reports.
Delegate Sam Rasoul: It’s Time for Ranked Choice Voting in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2020
Do Virginia elections need a shot in the arm? Michael Pope has this report on one proposal that would upend Virginia politics.
There’s No Way to Expunge a Conviction in Virginia, And One Lawmaker Wants to Change That
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2020
Credit: NPR
When defendants are convicted of crimes, that court record is permanent in Virginia. But, one lawmaker is suggesting the General Assembly consider the possibility of expunging the record for some of those convicted. Michael Pope reports.
It’s Looking Like Virginia Will Decriminalize Marijuana Possession This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2020
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A few years ago, decriminalization of marijuana possession seemed out of reach in Virginia. Now, as Michael Pope reports, it’s very likely to happen this year.
What Would Happen if Virginia Joined the Transportation and Climate Initiative?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2020
Virginia is about to join a new initiative to cut down on pollution associated with transportation, although critics say the cost is too much. Michael Pope reports.
Congressman Connolly Wants to Use An Old Tool to Enforce Congressional Subpoenas
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2020
Congressman Gerry Connolly
Even though the impeachment debate has now moved from the House to the Senate, a powerful Virginia Democrat is still calling on his party leaders to do more to force administration officials to work with House investigators. Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol.
“Middle Housing”: Equal Access or a War on Suburbs?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2019
Zoning decisions are usually made by your local government. But, lawmakers in Richmond are thinking about getting into the act. Michael Pope reports.
2019 Was a Busy Year for Virginia’s Congressional Delegation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2019
Credit: NPR
2019 was a historic year in Washington for many reasons, including the new makeup of the freshmen class that states like Virginia made more diverse than any others. Correspondent Matt Laslo reports that besides making history, the Commonwealth ended the year on a legislative high note.
Redistricting Debate Likely to Take Center Stage Again Next Month in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 30, 2019
One of the biggest issues in next year’s General Assembly session is likely to be a leftover issue from last year — gerrymandering. Michael Pope reports.
Some Virginia Congressional Leaders Are Beyond Ready to Shift Focus From Impeachment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 30, 2019
Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
Members of the Virginia congressional delegation are glad that impeachment has moved out of the House, because it distracted from many of their priorities last year. Correspondent Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol.
Legislation to Fix the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund is Now Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2019
Before they left town for the holidays, members of Congress and President Trump took action to help victims of the Virginia Beach shooting. Michael Pope reports.
2019 State of the Commonwealth Report: A Healthy Virginia Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 24, 2019
Credit: Old Dominion University
Virginia’s economy continued to expand this year. Nick Gilmore reports that’s the finding of Old Dominion University’s annual State of the Commonwealth report.
You can find the full report here.
Democratic Gun Control Legislation May Bar Guns From State Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 24, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Gun control is expected to be one of the top agenda items for Democrats as they take control of the General Assembly next month. And, that could include a ban on guns in and around the Capitol. Michael Pope reports.
Poll Points to Support for Loan Limits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019
Virginia voters want to see the General Assembly take action on curbing high-interest lending in Virginia.
That’s one finding of a poll that may factor into the upcoming session. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Aims to Gather Better Data About Internet Service Areas
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019
Rep. Donald McEachin
Bad data on service and quality from internet service providers is frustrating to many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.
Now one Virginia congressman is doing something about it. Michael Pope reports.
Beyer Bill Would Bring Comparison Shopping to Health Care
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019
As Congress approaches the end of the year, the Democratic House majority is introducing a flurry of new legislation — including reforms to health care.
One bill aims to create more transparency about the cost of care. Michael Pope reports.
A Look at How Presidential Candidates Get on Virginia’s Primary Ballot
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2019
Democrats have set their list of candidates for Virginia’s presidential primary next year, and Republicans are planning a convention. As Michael Pope reports, Virginia makes it particularly difficult for candidates to get on the ballot.
Education, Environment and Gas Tax: Takeaways from Gov’s Budget Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2019
Fully funding Virginia’s public schools, an increase in the fuel tax, and a new state run health insurance marketplace — those are all on Governor Ralph Northam’s budget wish list. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Despite Impeachment, Congressman Beyer is Finding Success With Animal Testing Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2019
Washington may be bitterly divided over impeachment. But, the tension over President Trump is also providing an opportunity for bipartisan action against animal testing. Michael Pope reports.
JLARC: Virginia Spent Less Than Expected on Medicaid This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2019
More Virginians received health insurance through Medicaid this year while the state actually spent less than expected on the program. As lawmakers learned Monday that’s because of Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
CNU Poll: Virginians Largely Support Democratic Agenda
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2019
Credit: Christopher Newport University
Democrats won majorities in the House and Senate this year by promising a sweeping series of reforms. And now, a new poll indicates widespread support for that agenda. Michael Pope reports.
National Park Service Needs You; Help I.D. Invasive Animal Species
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019
A volunteer participates in a BioBlitz at Rocky Mountain National Park. BioBlitz events — an intensive field study in an area that usually lasts for more than 24 hours — can help identify the presence of invasive species in national parks. (Credit: National Park Service)
National Parks in this country are losing native species at an alarming rate and the National Park Service is asking for help to combat the growing problem. Robbie Harris reports.
And there’s an App for that here. Actually, there is a couple of them. Here’s another one.
Donors to Democratic Candidates Are Going to Want a Return on Their Investment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Special interest groups that funded many Democratic campaigns are going to be expecting action in the next General Assembly session. Michael Pope reports.
Despite Democratic Control, Reigning in Predatory Lenders May Still Be Difficult
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2019
Credit: NPR
Some are hoping this will finally be the year that lawmakers crack down on high-interest lenders now that Democrats are taking control of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Interest Groups: Now is the Time to Better Fund Virginia’s Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2019
Now that the Democrats are seizing power in Richmond, interest groups are already angling for money from the budget. Michael Pope has this preview of a push for more money for crumbling schools.
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