Posts Tagged General Assembly 2018
Lawmakers Are Divided on How to End Controversial Utility Rate Freeze
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2018
Credit: Ian Muttoo / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond appear to be on the verge of lifting a rate freeze for utilities. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Should Virginia Suspend Licenses for Those With Outstanding Court Fees?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 2, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Cliff Owen
Lawmakers in Richmond are divided about whether people who have outstanding court fees should be able to drive. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Employees of Virginia’s House of Delegates Get Paid Parental Leave
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 2, 2018
House speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, looks to the gallery after being elected speaker. As one of his first moves as Speaker he granted paid family leave to the House’s employees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
As one of his first moves as the new Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, Republican Kirk Cox granted paid family leave to employees of the House. At the same time, the broader push for paid leave is making limited headway. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Are Working to Expand Access to Feminine Hygiene Products in Virginia’s Prisons
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 1, 2018
Credit: mitchell hainfield / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with an effort to make sure female inmates get feminine hygiene products. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
As Lawmakers Discuss Medicaid Expansion, Reforms Also on the Table
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 1, 2018
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam waves to the crowd as House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, top, applauds as he delivers his State of the Commonwealth address. Cox and Northam have begun a public negotiation on Medicaid expansion and reform. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Republicans in Richmond have opened the door to negotiations on Medicaid expansion, and they say they want recipients to work. But work requirements aren’t the only reforms that could be part of an expansion deal. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Efforts to Give Localities Choice Over Confederate Monuments Have Failed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Lawmakers in Richmond say all those Confederate monuments in Virginia are staying where they are. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Are Divided on How to Best Implement Renewable Energy Sources
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: Marufish / Flickr
Lawmakers are talking about investments in renewable sources of energy. But, as Michael Pope reports, some members of the General Assembly are frustrated by the discussion.
Should Virginia Put Limits on the Internet?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: Abi Begum / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are exploring the limits of free speech. And, as Michael Pope reports, one member of the House of Delegates wants to put restrictions on the internet.
Despite Democratic Efforts, Gun Control Legislation Still a Tough Sell at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2018
Credit: James Case / Flickr
Democrats were hoping that their new numbers in the House of Delegates might mean some changes this year in Richmond. But as Michael Pope reports, they are not making any traction on gun control.
Medicaid Expansion is On the Table, But Work Requirement Could Be Sticking Point
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2018
Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
In Virginia, Republican leaders are now saying they won’t talk Medicaid expansion unless Democrats support work requirements for the program. A bill to do just that made its way through a key committee this morning. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Lawmakers Are Looking to End the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018
Credit: jeffrey montes / Flickr
In Richmond, a bipartisan groups of lawmakers are hoping to tackle the school-to-prison pipeline in Virginia. Michael Pope explains some of the proposals.
How Much Money, If Any, Should Virginia Spend to Attract Professional Sports?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018
An aerial view of FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland — the home of the Washington Redskins. Lawmakers in Virginia are currently debating whether the state should spend money to attract professional sports teams to the Commonwealth. (Credit: Andrew Malone / Flickr)
Lawmakers in Richmond are tacking a lot of issues this year, including a debate over using public money for professional sports. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
As Medicaid Legislation Goes Down in Senate, Northam Recommits to Expanding Coverage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 26, 2018
A key committee in Virginia’s Senate took up debate of Medicaid expansion Thursday. Even though the bills failed, Governor Ralph Northam says it’s just the beginning of the process. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Following Tied Election, Lawmakers Are Looking to Make Sure it Doesn’t Happen Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 25, 2018
Credit: RADIO IQ
Republican leaders in the General Assembly say they recognize that elections in Virginia have problems. And, as Michael Pope reports, they want to take action. Next year.
House Panel Backs Expansion Of Medical Marijuana Oils
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 25, 2018
In this 2017 photo, various cannabis oil products are displayed in the office of a Georgia State Representative.
Credit (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Lawmakers in Virginia are taking the first step toward expanded use of medical marijuana.
Advocates for medical marijuana have tried and failed in Virginia year after year. A few years ago, they persuaded lawmakers to allow it for epilepsy. But that didn’t help Tamara Netzel. She’s a teacher from Alexandria who suffers from multiple sclerosis. And she brought her story to lawmakers in powerful testimony this week.
Michael Pope explains the new developments from the Capitol.
Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on How Campaign Funds Can Be Used
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018
Delegate Marcus Simon (D-Fairfax) wants to put restrictions on how candidates can spend campaign funds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
It’s been several years since former Governor Bob McDonnell was accused of accepting gifts in exchange for official’s acts. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are still trying to close loopholes in the law.
Removing ‘Luck of the Draw’ from Virginia’s Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018
Virginia State Board of Elections chairman, James Alcorn, holds up the name of David Yancy, the winner of a random drawing to determine the winner of a tied election for the 94th District House of Delegates seat earlier this month. Yancey won the drawing over Democrat Shelly Simonds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Should elections be determined but the luck of the draw? That’s what happened last year, and one lawmaker wants to make sure it never happens again. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers to Discuss Driver’s Licences for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018
Credit: AP Photo/Cliff Owen
Hundreds of advocates for immigrants will be in Richmond Wednesday for a contentious committee hearing. As Michael Pope reports, the hearing will consider a bill that would provide documents to the undocumented.
Rural Hospital Gets Caught in Medicaid Fight
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, proposed a measure to help keep open a hospital in his district. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A shuttered hospital in rural Patrick County may have a better shot at reopening, thanks to a bill that passed Virginia’s Senate Tuesday. That’s after the same measure failed last week, getting caught up in the political battle over Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne has the story.
Some are Calling for an End to Split Precincts Following Voting Errors in Fredericksburg
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2018
Delegate Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax) wants to outlaw split precincts in Virginia after a number of voters in Fredericksburg were given the wrong ballot during last November’s election. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Confusion over split precincts led to a meltdown in Fredericksburg last year, when dozens of voters were given the wrong ballot. Now some lawmakers are hoping for a fix. Michael Pope has the latest from the Capitol.
Rate Freeze Debate Includes What to Do With Excessive Utility Profits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 19, 2018
Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, wants to lift Virginia’s utility rate freeze and give some of that money back to ratepayers. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
Your power bill may be including a little something extra in the coming weeks. But will it be what you deserve? Lawmakers are dividing, and Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Shoot! Cursing is Still a Crime in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2018
Del. Michael Webert, R-Culpeper, left, talks with Del. David Yancey, R-Newport News during the House session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Webert’s bill to decriminalize cursing in Virginia failed to advance to the full House of Delegates. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers in Richmond occasionally curse at each other as debates get heated. And, as Michael Pope explains, they’re breaking the law.
Delegate: Strip Searches Needed To Fight Opioids
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 18, 2018
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a number of bills responding to the opioid crisis.
Sheriffs across Virginia are worried that the opioid crisis is coming to a jail near you. That’s why they are asking Delegate Patrick Hope, a Democrat from Arlington, to introduce legislation allowing strip searches of inmates.
Michael Pope reports.
Snow-Related Legislation on the Minds of Lawmakers This Snow Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2018
Snow covers the traffic circle around the monument of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Many schools and businesses were closed Wednesday because of snow. But lawmakers in Richmond were hard at work. And, as Michael Pope reports, they are considering two snow-related bills.
A “Gentle” House of Delegates Tradition Gives Way
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 17, 2018
Del. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, the first transgender delegate, takes her oath of office during opening ceremonies of the 2018 session of the Virginia House of Delegates at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018.
(AP PHOTO/STEVE HELBER)
Lawmakers in Richmond are dealing with a number of firsts walking the hallways, including the first lesbian first Asian-American woman lawmakers.
The House of Delegates is a place that loves its traditions. Like referring to the gentleman from Roanoke or the gentlewoman from Prince William. But Republicans are abandoning that tradition now that they are facing the first transgender delegate.
Michael Pope reports.
With a New Governor at the Helm, Can the General Assembly Work in a Bipartisan Manner?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018
Governor Ralph Northam gestures during his first State of the Commonwealth address to a joint session of the General Assembly. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The British classic rock band known as the Who famously belted out “Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss.” As Michael Pope reports, Republicans say that sentiment could have been written about the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
Northam Asks Lawmakers To Pass Progressive Agenda In Address
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018
Gov. Ralph Northam, bottom center, waves to the gallery prior to delivering his State of the Commonwealth address as Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, top left, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, top center, and State Sen. Stephen Newman, R-Bedford, applaud before a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s new governor is at work in Richmond this week, trying to accomplish something that eluded his predecessor. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Debate Legislation to Remove Utility Rate Freeze
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018
Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roaonke) is sponsoring a bill that would lift a utility rate freeze in Virginia — something he calls “the most corrupt utility law ever passed in Virginia history.” (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers are talking energy regulation, although they’re not agreeing on much. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia Senate Deals Blow to Progressive Gun Agenda
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018
Michelle Person, of Poquoson Va., holds a shirt along with other demonstrators remembering the victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech during a anti-gun violence rally at the Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A progressive agenda on gun control hit a Republican wall at the state capitol Monday. But new Governor Ralph Northam says he won’t stop pushing for laws to prevent gun violence. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Doctor is In the House, Ralph Northam Takes Oath of Office
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018
Governor-elect Ralph Northam and his wife, Pam, arrive at the south portico before Northam took the oath of office during inauguration ceremonies at the Capitol. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Doctor Ralph Northam now has a new title, Governor Ralph Northam. In his inaugural speech, he talked about the lessons he learned from his parents on the Eastern Shore as well as his time as a pediatric neurologist. Michael Pope reports.
Among the inaugural parade were staff and patients from the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, where Northam provided care for 25 years. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Women’s Equity Movement Extends To Hygiene Product Legislation
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 9, 2018
CREDIT MBANDMAN / CREATIVE COMMONS
Two female lawmakers are introducing legislation as part of a growing movement to help women achieve equity.
It’s called menstrual equity. It’s a growing movement that’s prompting legislation in Washington and in state capitals across the country, including several this year in Richmond.
Michael Pope has the story.
Democratic Voters Appeal Judge’s Decision In Fredericksburg Area Race
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 8, 2018
The Virginia House of Delegates in session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Last week a federal judge in Alexandria denied a request from Fredericksburg voters to throw out the results of an election where dozens of voters were given the wrong ballot.
Now, as Michael Pope reports, those voters are appealing the case.
Virginia Women’s Coalition Calls for No Cost Birth Control
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 8, 2018
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
The Virginia Women’s Equality Coalition unveiled its 2018 legislative agenda Monday.
It includes paid family leave, equal pay, and no cost birth control. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Why Medicaid Expansion Could Hinge On A Drawing By Lot
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2018
Governor Terry McAuliffe
Four years ago, Terry McAuliffe was elected on, partly, a platform of expanding Medicaid. So far, he has been unable to deliver on that promise. But Democrats are hoping his last budget will plant the seeds for that to happen after he’s no longer in office. Michael Pope reports.
Unless Court Intervenes, House of Delegates Control to Be Determined Next Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 29, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Last week, election officials called off a random drawing to determine the winner of a House race in Newport News. Now, as Michael Pope reports, the tie-breaker is back on.
Random Draw Put on Hold as Democrats File Challenge to Recount
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017
The contested ballot at the heart of a dramatic recount in Virginia’s 94th House of Delegates race. (Credit: City of Newport News / The Virginian Pilot via AP)
Plans to break a tie in a Virginia House of Delegates race with a random drawing have been put on hold. Democrat Shelly Simonds is challenging the recount results that gave her opponent, Republican David Yancey, one extra vote. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look Back at the Last Time Virginia’s House of Delegates Was Tied
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Election officials had planned to break a tie in a Virginia House race by choosing a winner at random today. But, it’s been postponed after the Democrat announced plans to challenge results in court. That means control of the House of Delegates is still up in the air, with one potential outcome being a 50-50 tie. If that result comes to pass, Michael Pope reports that it wouldn’t be a first for Virginia.
Power Sharing In The General Assembly? It’s Happened Before
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
With Democrats and Republicans so evenly split in the House of Delegates, members may be forced into a power-sharing agreement. Virginia’s previous experience with power sharing had mixed results. Michael Pope reports.
A Monumental Recount in the 94th District Has Taken Another Turn
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2017
Election officials in Newport News, Va., examine ballots that a computer failed to scan during a recount for a House of Delegates race on Tuesday. The recount initially gave the race to Democrat Shelly Simonds by a one-vote margin, but a three judge panel certified a ballot in favor of Republican incumbent David Yancey that had been thrown out. The race is now tied. (Credit: AP Photo / Ben Finley)
All eyes are on the 94th District in Newport News, where a roller-coaster recount has wound up as a tied race. At stake is control of Virginia’s legislature. Mallory Noe-Payne has an earlier response from Governor-Elect Ralph Northam.
Governor McAuliffe Unveils Budget, Push for Medicaid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, right, listens to Gov.-elect, Ralph Northam, center, as Pam Northam, left, looks on during a news conference in the Governors mansion. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers in Richmond today they got their first glimpse of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session when the outgoing Governor unveiled his final budget proposal for the state. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
Governor McAuliffe also wants to give health insurance to Virginia’s poor. The Governor has unsuccessfully pushed to expand Medicaid for four years, but is hoping this year will be different.
With General Assembly Looming, Lawmakers Expected to Discuss Virginia’s Coal Ash Ponds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2017
A drain pipe sticks out of a coal ash retention pond at Dominion Power’s Possum Point Power Station in Dumfries, Va. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
One issue that’s on the agenda for the upcoming General Assembly session is dealing with decades of pollution, a problem that could potentially divide Democrats. Michael Pope has details.
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.
Democratic Candidates Propose Single Payer Healthcare
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Supporters of single-payer health care rally in California. A slate of local Democratic lawmakers are proposing something similar here in Virginia. (Credit: AP Photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
The healthcare debate may have simmered down in Congress, but it’s heating up in Virginia. This week, Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates rolled out a proposal for a single payer healthcare system. But Republicans in office quickly shot it down. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
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