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Legislative proposals address rising costs of college
By Adrian Teran-Tapia/Capital News Service Since 2007, tuition at Virginia’s public colleges and universities has increased an average of 80 percent, with schools like Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William & Mary more than doubling their tuition. The rising cost of a college education prompted Del. David Reid, D-Loudoun, to file a bill […]
Northern Virginia road projects get $1 billion investment
By Owen FitzGerald/ Capital News Service Virginia and private partner Transurban will invest over $1 billion in four transportation projects in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, state officials announced Tuesday. The projects are designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity on Interstates 495 and 95. “Creating opportunity for all Virginians no matter who they are or where they live […]
Lawmakers kill legislation to protect student journalists
By Saffeya Ahmed/ Capital News Service A legislative panel rejected a bill protecting student journalists from administrative censorship on a tie vote Monday. House Bill 2382, sponsored by Del. Chris Hurst, D-Montgomery, would have protected free speech for student journalists in public elementary, middle and high schools, as well as public institutions of higher education. […]
Senate panel rejects ban on offshore oil drilling
By Serena Fischer/ Capital News Service A bipartisan bill to ban oil drilling off Virginia’s coast was shot down on a 9-6 vote in a Senate committee Thursday. The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources killed SB 1573, which sought to prohibit permits for oil and gas exploration or drilling “in the beds […]
Senate panel kills bill to update law for same-sex parents
By Jayla Marie McNeill/ Capital News Service A Senate committee has killed a bill to remove gender-specific pronouns from parentage laws. The legislation would have made state laws more inclusive of same-sex couples, while also reflecting federal law. “Our code is out of compliance,” said Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, who introduced the bill. “The commonwealth, […]
Lobbying ‘Day of Action’ brings hundreds to Richmond
By Caitlin Morris/ Capital News Service Hundreds of political activists from across Virginia were in Richmond on Monday to lobby in favor of driving rights for undocumented immigrants, a higher minimum wage and voting rights for felons. The New Virginia Majority, a civic engagement group that focuses on marginalized communities, held its fifth annual Day […]
Some energy donors gave Democrats more than Republicans
Editor’s Note: See below for correction from VCU’s Capital News Service. By Daniel Berti/Capital News Service In a break from past years, some large energy-related political donors gave more money to Virginia Democrats than to Republicans in 2018, according to campaign finance reports posted Friday by the Virginia Public Access Project. For example, United Co., […]
How to watch the General Assembly from anywhere
By Owen FitzGerald/ Capital News Service As legislators gather in Richmond for the 2019 General Assembly session, citizens in the far corners of the commonwealth might feel distanced from their elected representatives. But any computer or cellphone user with internet access can watch live and recorded video of state lawmakers in action. The House and Senate […]
Herring chastises panel for rejecting hate crime bill
By Jayla Marie McNeill/ Capital News Service Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring expressed disappointment Monday after a legislative committee rejected a bill to expand Virginia’s definition of hate crime to include gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity. “The General Assembly has sent a clear message to those who feel vulnerable to hate and […]
Amendment to restore felon voting rights dies along party lines
By Katja Timm/ Capital News Service For now, Virginia will remain among a trio of states — joining only Kentucky and Iowa — with a lifetime ban on voting rights for people convicted of a felony. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections killed an attempt to allow Virginians who have been convicted of […]
Lawmakers have mixed reactions to governor’s address
By Corrine Fizer/ Capital News Service From attracting high-tech businesses to improving access to health care services, Gov. Ralph Northam’s State of the Commonwealth speech touted wins and legislative proposals that both parties celebrated, though Republicans blasted his ideas on taxes and spending. The 2019 General Assembly session marks Northam’s second year in office and the […]
Before legislative session, a serving of eggs and a prayer for civility
By Evie King /Capital News Service As legislators, faith leaders and others tucked into their scrambled eggs and fresh fruit cups, two slideshow screens at the front of the room rotated Bible verses speaking to the theme of the 53rd annual General Assembly Prayer Breakfast: civility and reconciliation. Politicians who packed the ballroom at the […]