To answer the question posed in our last newsletter: not much, at all.
The Special Session called for last week did convene, without a budget deal, only for legislators to then leave less than two hours later – their only substantial agreement being to come back once conferees have reached a consensus on spending for the next biennium.
And while the temptation to wax poetic on the miscellaneous political drama is strong, we will spare our friends and colleagues that additional reading heading into the holiday weekend…focusing instead on the other work taking place across the Commonwealth.
Except to share that, amongst the bored politicians and the copious pollen: there were also beagles making the rounds on Capitol Square, during the stalled Special Session.
A small but pleasant consolation prize, as we continue this legislative waiting game.
Cheers —
Davis Consultants
- April 19 | Virginia Commission on Youth
- April 21 | Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
- April 26 | Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee
- April 27 | Joint Commission on Health Care
- April 27 | 2022 Reconvened (Veto) Regular Session
- May 16 | Virginia Code Commission
Lawmakers weigh in on new Virginia laws, discuss state budget
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — Change is happening in Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed hundreds of bills into law recently.
Does the General Assembly need longer sessions, or fewer bills?
In 2006, with the General Assembly deadlocked over a new two-year budget, its leaders asked then-Attorney General Bob McDonnell, a Republican, whether then-Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, could continue to spend money to run state government if the fiscal year ended on June 30 without a budget.
Va. House Democrats propose $50 payments to car owners instead of gas tax holiday
Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates are proposing sending money directly to Virginia drivers as an alternative to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax.
Seven ways Youngkin is trying to make his mark on General Assembly bills
Almost three months into his term, Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed 700 bills, suggested amendments to over 100 more and vetoed 26 as Monday’s deadline passed for him to act on most of the General Assembly’s work for the year.
Youngkin vetoes bill imposing new rules for truckers in snowstorms
The only piece of Virginia legislation inspired by the prolonged shutdown of Interstate 95 during a January snowstorm appears to be stalling out due to a veto by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Deeds taken aback by Youngkin veto
Among the 26 pieces of legislation that Gov. Glen Youngkin vetoed after they were sent to his desk during this year’s regular General Assembly session is a measure aimed at protecting victims of violent crimes from predatory medical debt collection practices that passed the legislature with bipartisan support.
Blueprint aims to keep Virginia a top state for business
The disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic shows the importance of Virginia’s business community having an action plan to strengthen the state’s economy.
State transportation secretary swings through Northern Virginia, pledges 'metrics-driven' approach
New Virginia Transportation Secretary Sheppard Miller paid a visit to Northern Virginia Friday morning, promising to bring a “metrics-driven” approach to the state’s transportation authorities.
Youngkin administration says it aims to speed up environmental permitting
Chief environmental officials in Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration said one of their primary priorities during the next four years will be to review and speed up Virginia’s permitting processes.
Warner, Spanberger lead push to make Va. hub of semiconductor research
Virginia’s congressional delegation, led by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, is pushing to make the state a national hub of semiconductor research under legislation that would deliver $52 billion to boost production of vital computer chips.
No plans for new COVID precautions in Virginia, despite uptick in cases
BA.2, a more infectious subvariant of omicron, now makes up the majority of new COVID-19 cases in Virginia — just under 70 percent, according to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Youngkin rolls back Northam’s limits on single-use plastics
Avoiding single-use plastic bottles and bags can be hard if it’s the only option around. State agencies had tried to phase them out, but those plans seem to be over now.
New law creates fund for Indigenous land protection
Point of Fork, Virginia, is a place in Fluvanna County where a river separates or where two rivers come together, depending on your point of view. It’s the site of a noted Revolutionary War skirmish. And it’s also the setting for a present-day battle of wills.
Long wait periods reported for Virginia Rent Relief Program causing fears of losing homes
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Right now, there are people living in fear of losing their home or property as they wait for the Virginia Rent Relief Program application process.
News organizations sue Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin over school tip line emails
RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin is violating the state’s public records law by refusing to turn over emails sent to a tip line he set up for parents to report “divisive practices” in their children’s schools, more than a dozen news organizations assert in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
Southwest Virginia patients struggle with access to addiction medication
For years, Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems had been running successful recovery programs from its clinics in Bristol and Saltville, small communities encircled by the Appalachian Mountains. Earlier this year, the federally qualified health center announced it was expanding services to Tazewell, which — like much of Virginia’s southwestern corner — had been hit hard by the opioid crisis.
Miyares files Supreme Ct. brief against Thomas Jefferson High’s admissions policy
A total of 16 attorneys general, led by Virginia’s Republican attorney general Jason Miyares, filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court against the admissions practices at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.