Posts Tagged General Assembly 2019
Lawmakers Approve Funding Plan for Interstate 81 Improvements
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2019
Credit: Jeff Bossert / RADIO IQ
Drivers along the Interstate 81 corridor are about to see higher gas taxes and new infrastructure improvements. Michael Pope reports.
Fairfax Seeks Investigation of Assault Allegations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is asking law enforcement to investigate claims he sexually assaulted two women. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Fairfax again said the allegations are untrue. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the statehouse are pushing for a public legislative hearing as a means to determine the truth.
Delegate Todd Gilbert suggests a lie detector test is meaningless.
Democrats say a bipartisan hearing would merely be political spectacle. Their lack of support leaves the possibility in limbo.
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.
Northam Vetoes Two Immigration-Related Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2019
Immigration is once again in the spotlight here in Virginia, where the issue has become a dividing line between the parties. Michael Pope reports.
School Counselor Funding is On the Way, But Not Nearly Enough
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2019
Credit: Mark Bonica / Flickr
School counselors are about to get a little more money. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s still nowhere close to the required ratio.
Lawmakers Offer More Money, as Colleges Consider Tuition Increases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 27, 2019
This spring, colleges in Virginia will be voting on whether to raise tuition for next school year. The latest state budget has a big incentive for them not to. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Telemedicine Measure Fails, But Hope Remains for Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2019
Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht / Flickr
For now, Virginia doctors will be writing prescriptions for Virginia patients. But, that could change next year. Michael Pope reports.
ERA Goes Down Without a Full Vote
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2019
A last ditch effort to get lawmakers in Richmond to vote on the Equal Rights Amendment failed today. It ends this year’s push to make Virginia the final state needed to change the constitution. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
State Readies Review of Maternal Mortality
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2019
Lawmakers and administration officials in Richmond are working together to try to reduce the number of women dying in childbirth. Michael Pope reports.
Legislation That Establishes FOIA Penalties Continues to Move Through the Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2019
Do local governments hide public information? One senator is concerned about the possibility they do, and he’s moving forward with a bill to create new penalties to prevent it. Michael Pope reports.
What Should State Lawmakers Do About Fairfax Allegations?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2019
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is denying the allegations of two women who accuse him of sexual assault. So what comes next? Michael Pope reports.
Should Health Insurance Companies Be Able to Prioritize Cheaper Drugs?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2019
Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht / Flickr
How much influence should health insurance providers have over which drugs you take? That’s an issue lawmakers are debating in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Weigh Parental Oversight of Anti-Bullying Material
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2019
Should parents to able to veto some materials used in public schools when bullying or suicide prevention is on the agenda? Michael Pope reports.
Effort to Increase Subcommittee Transparency Moving Through General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2019
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a proposal that would shed greater light on how state government works. Michael Pope has the story.
State Leaders Weigh Equity Policies Amid Political Scandals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2019
In the wake of the blackface scandal, Governor Ralph Northam is asking Cabinet members to come up with ways to address inequality. Michael Pope has the latest.
Virginia’s Schools May Soon Be Able to Decide Whether to Open Before Labor Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2019
King Dominion’s “Dominator” roller coaster. The Richmond-area amusement park has long been opposed to efforts to reverse a law requiring public schools to open after Labor Day weekend. (Credit: daveynin / Flickr)
School divisions across Virginia may be on the verge of starting classes before Labor Day, or least having that option. Michael Pope reports.
Tax Deal Almost Derails Over Question About Who Gets Left Out
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2019
A handful of Democrats in the statehouse briefly blocked a tax relief package after progressive groups said it disproportionately hurt low-income African-Americans. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Fairfax Impeachment Talk On Hold… For Now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2019
Embattled Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is back at work this week, presiding over the Senate and resisting calls for his resignation. Michael Pope has details.
Governor Agrees to Sign Republican Tax Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 8, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam is agreeing to sign off on a Republican tax proposal, returning about half a billion dollars to taxpayers rather than investing the money in education and infrastructure. Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest from the Capitol.
Virginia AG says he Wore Blackface at College Party
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons
The political crisis in Virginia escalated dramatically Wednesday when another top Democrat — Attorney General Mark Herring — admitted putting on blackface in the 1980s, when he was in college. Michael Pope has more reaction.
On Busiest Day of the Year, General Assembly Feeling Effects of Northam Controversy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2019
The General Assembly is in a state of limbo. Lawmakers are trying to get work done on the busiest day of the year while people are wondering when — or if — the governor will resign. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Agree on Redistricting Commission, But Differ on Execution
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2019
Credit: sabreguy29 / Flickr
The process of drawing maps for House and Senate districts in Virginia has been a source of frustration — for voters and for members of the General Assembly. That process may be on the verge of dramatic change, although not without a knock-down-drag-out fight. Michael Pope reports.
Calls for Northam to Resign Continue in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2019
Protests continue today outside the executive mansion in Richmond. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the Governor’s former allies and supporters continue to turn their backs.
Lawmaking Goes on in Richmond Despite Northam Controversy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2019
Lawmakers in Richmond are back at work this week, despite the swirling controversy surrounding Governor Ralph Northam. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
General Assembly Continues to Erupt Over Tabled Abortion Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2019
A viral video of a House subcommittee meeting has turned the General Assembly upside down and made it the focus of conservative media. Michael Pope has more on the latest round of accusations.
Paystub Protections Appear to Have Bi-Partisan Support Across the Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2019
Credit: sabreguy29 / Flickr
Low-wage workers may be on the verge of getting new protections. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Split on Regional Carbon Emissions Programs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2019
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Should Virginia work with neighboring states to combat climate change? Lawmakers are divided. And, it’s a partisan disagreement. Michael Pope has more.
Could This Be the Year Virginia Establishes Redistricting Reform?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2019
Recent years have seen a number of lawsuits challenging how legislative districts are drawn, and many advocates and voters are hoping the system of partisan redistricting is about to change. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Announces Coal Ash Clean Up Agreement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2019
Virginia’s governor and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are announcing plans to require the state’s largest electric utility to excavate and clean up unlined coal ash pits. Michael Pope has details.
There’s Bipartisan Support to Remove Jim Crow Language from Virginia’s Code, With a Catch
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2019
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are in agreement about getting rid of old Jim Crow language in the code. But Republicans have conditions. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Want to Give Triple Damages to Stiffed Employees in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2019
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is coming together to help low-wage workers. Michael Pope reports.
To Make Schools Safe, Election Day Could Become a School Holiday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2019
After the school shooting in Parkland Florida, lawmakers in Virginia formed a task force to make schools safer. Now, several of their suggestions are now well on their way to becoming law. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
As Shutdown Drags On, Efforts Underway to Protect Impacted Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2019
With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown in Washington, lawmakers in Richmond are trying to figure out how to help federal employees in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Want Employers to Provide Employees With Detailed Paystubs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2019
Senator Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach)
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering legislation to prevent wage theft. Michael Pope has the story.
Legislation to Raise Virginia’s Minimum Wage Killed in State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2019
Credit: sabreguy29 / Flickr
The minimum wage in Virginia is $7.25 an hour. And, that’s not about to change anytime soon thanks to a party line vote. Michael Pope reports.
State Republicans Have Already Thrown Out Most Gun Control Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2019
Access to firearms remains one of the hottest issues in Richmond. But the tone of the debate this year — an election year — is taking a dramatic turn. Michael Pope has the story.
Should Virginia Expand “Telemedicine”?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2019
Technology is moving faster than the pace of lawmakers in Virginia. But some are hoping to catch up to the latest trends in telemedicine. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Impose a Tax on Plastic Bags?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2019
Credit: velkr0 / Flickr
Are plastic bags a problem in Virginia? Lawmakers in Richmond are divided. Michael Pope has details.
Republicans Hope to Lift Age Cap on Autism Health Insurance Coverage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2019
Lawmakers in Richmond are hoping to expand health insurance coverage to children with autism. Michael Pope has more.
ERA Clears State Senate, But Future Remains Unclear
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2019
Lawmakers in Virginia are moving forward with an old idea: the Equal Rights Amendment. Michael Pope has the story.
Lawmakers On Both Sides of the Aisle Finding Middle Ground on Foster Care System Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2019
Lawmakers are often divided along party lines on the hottest issues of the day. But, Republicans and Democrats are coming together on at least one issue. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia Inches Closer to Raising the Minimum Wage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2019
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
The minimum wage in Virginia is $7.25 an hour, among the lowest in the nation. But, that might be changing soon. Michael Pope reports.
New Democrats Say They Want to Rein in Dominion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2019
As winter weather sets in, you may be looking at higher energy bills. But some state lawmakers say rates from Dominion are higher than they should be. Mallory Noe-Payne has more from the Capitol.
A Casino Push in Bristol, Danville and Portsmouth
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2019
Credit: TaxRebate.org.uk / Flickr
Could casinos be the key to bringing jobs and revenue to some parts of the state? A bipartisan group of lawmakers thinks so. The effort is targeted to three Virginia localities. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Some Lawmakers Want to Require Minimum Wage for Piecework Laborers in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 11, 2019
The minimum wage does not apply to all workers, and Virginia law has several categories of workers who are exempt. Although, some lawmakers want to change that. Michael Pope reports.
ACLU Joins Call for More Information on How Virginia Handles Solitary Confinement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2019
Credit: David Nakayama / Creative Commons
Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU of Virginia are pushing for more information on how the state uses solitary confinement. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Republicans Outline Legislative Priorities for 2019 Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Even though Democrats may have won every statewide election since 2009, Republicans are in control of the House and the Senate. Michael Pope has this preview of their priorities for this year’s General Assembly session.
Examining General Assembly Politics in an Election Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Lawmakers are assembling in Richmond for this year’s General Assembly session. The session is expected to last about two months, but many lawmakers are already looking ahead to November. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmaker Wants to Reconsider Virginia’s Ban on Guns in Churches
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2019
Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Do guns belong in churches and synagogues? Lawmakers are about to take up that issue in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
From NPR News- Zelenskyy says 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' are taking place in Ukraine
- Coastal biomedical labs are bleeding more horseshoe crabs with little accountability
- Boris Johnson resigns from Parliament, citing an upcoming report on his behavior as PM
- 'The Wind Knows My Name' is a reference and a refrain in the search for home
- The latest Trump charges cast a new light on a growing Republican presidential field
- Wall Street's top cop is determined to bring crypto to heel. He just took a big shot
- Sudan's fighting risks reigniting war in Darfur, a site of atrocities 20 years ago
- A Ukrainian nuclear plant is facing a water shortage
- 4 children lost for 40 days after a plane crash are found alive in Colombian jungle
- Biden names a Border Patrol veteran in Texas to be the agency's next chief
- From BBC News
- Boris Johnson: Laura Kuenssberg on the facts, farce and his future
- Colombia plane crash: Four children found alive in Amazon after 40 days
- Annecy stabbings suspect held over attempted murders
- Trombonist soldier tries to play on after fainting
- Trump took nuclear secrets and kept files in shower, charges say
- Concern over Loch Ness' falling water levels
- Newhaven: Man arrested after man and woman found dead
- Carlton Queen capsize: Passengers plan to sue owners of boat
- Welsh language: Driver wins case over English-only parking fine
- Watch: How Colombia children jungle rescue unfolded
Virginia Public Radio 