Last week’s Special Session arrived quickly, and (possibly?) ended even sooner. The status of where legislators left off is dependent on which body you ask: the House adjourned sine die, yet the Senate only adjourned for the day.
How will this impact the several dozen bills that passed during the Special Session, but require a true end to that Session before going into effect? “That’s a good question, and I’m sure we’re going to find out.”
While several judicial appointments did happen during the legislature’s meeting, and a handful of committee memberships were adjusted slightly: unfinished business from the maybe-adjourned Special Session centers on whom legislators will appoint to fill the final vacancy on the State Corporation Commission. A pretty major agenda item – and one that could remain unresolved until the 2023 General Assembly begins its business. And while Virginia law clearly allows for the Governor to make appointments when the legislature isn’t in Session, some would call it “murky” about what can and can’t be done when chambers are at odds over “the end vs. The End.”
On the topic of vacancies: the day before legislators convened, long-term delegate Mark Keam (D) resigned from his seat in order to move into a federal government role. Keam, a friendly legislator to our office (and to many others) served the 35th District in NoVA for over twelve years. Speaker Todd Gilbert has called a special election for January 10th, to fill Keam’s old seat – ensuring that HD-35 will have a representative for the 2023 Regular Session.
Finally, we will close out this week with the requisite dose of clickbait:
How often do squirrels cause power outages?
Cheers –
Davis Consultants
- September 19 | Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
- September 20 | Behavioral Health Commission
- September 20 | Health Workforce Development Authority
- September 21 | Virginia Commission on Youth
- September 21 | Joint Commission on Health Care
- September 23 | First day of in-person early voting
- September 26-27 | House Commerce and Energy Summit
Virginia lawmakers fail to reach deal on SCC pick
By GRAHAM MOOMAW and CHARLIE PAULLIN, Virginia Mercury
SPECIAL SESSION
After taking no action Wednesday on the main piece of business that brought lawmakers back to Richmond, the Virginia General Assembly got into a new fight over how to leave town.
Democrats accuse Youngkin of sidestepping state law on environmental plan
By GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER, The Washington Post
RICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and Democrats in the General Assembly are locked in a power struggle over environmental policy, with both sides escalating over the past week toward a possible showdown in the next legislative session.
Libertarian Party of Virginia dissolving after national party’s ‘bigoted’ turn, ex-chair says
By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury
If the main purpose of a political party is to run candidates for office, former Libertarian Party of Virginia Chairwoman Holly Ward says it felt like a “violation” to keep taking people’s money.
Major train disruptions blunted in Virginia after averted rail strike
By JACKIE DEFUSCO, WRIC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)-The nation narrowly dodged a massive freight rail strike after President Joe Biden announced a tentative agreement on Thursday morning to address concerns over working conditions.
Advocates say child poverty rates in Virginia are low thanks to pandemic-related relief
By MICHAEL POPE, Radio IQ
Pandemic-era relief for families may end up pulling many children out of poverty in Virginia. New numbers from the Census Bureau show that child poverty levels are at a record low.
After years of effort, Virginia is giving lower-income workers a major tax break
By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury
Mercedes Benson, a single mom who makes a little under $50,000 a year running a coffee shop in Richmond, doesn’t usually expect things to go her way during tax season.
What will it take to grow manufacturing in Virginia?
By GRACE MAMON, Cardinal News
Workforce investment is key in bolstering the advanced manufacturing industry, the president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers said Monday in Danville.
World’s largest indoor vertical farming campus planting roots in Virginia
By JACKIE DEFUSCO, WRIC
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC)- Virginia will soon be home to the world’s largest indoor vertical farming campus, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Wednesday. The California-based Plenty Unlimited Inc. plans to invest $300 million in Chesterfield County, creating more than 300 full-time jobs.
Youngkin appointee calls for ‘traditional American values’ in new history curriculum
By JAKOB CORDES, WRIC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Board of Education has set a timeline for the completion of the state’s new history curriculum, but some members of the board have raised objections over new perspectives on history.
Virginia is required to follow California EV standard, dealers prepare for electric future
By MICHAEL POPE, Radio IQ
For many car buyers, finding an electric vehicle can be difficult. But a new Virginia law is about to dramatically transform the landscape of automobile sales.
Youngkin: I have the power to pull out of RGGI
By DAVID RESS, Richmond Times-Dispatch
For Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the problem with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is that it’s a market that sends the wrong signals to the wrong people. He wants out.
Virginia tax rebates will hit bank accounts soon
By NICK IANNELLI, WTOP News
Virginia taxpayers will want to keep an eye on their bank accounts as the state is preparing to send out millions of tax rebates.
Congressional delegation seeks federal disaster declaration, aid for flood-ravaged Southwest Virginia
by MEGAN SCHNABEL, Cardinal News
Southwest Virginia’s congressional delegation on Monday lent their support to a state request for federal aid to help pay for recovery efforts after a July flash flood destroyed scores of homes in Buchanan and Tazewell counties.
Misinformation top concern for local registrars heading into election season
By MALLORY NOE-PAYNE, Radio IQ
Virginia’s Attorney General recently announced the formation of an Election Integrity Unit. A group, the AG’s office says, that will provide legal advice to the Department of Elections and investigate violations of state elections law.
Virginia receives $46 million to fight lead contamination in water supply
By JAKOB CORDES, WRIC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Health Department will receive $46 million in federal funding to replace lead water lines throughout the state, in an effort to fight contamination in the commonwealth’s drinking water.
Extra security approved for Rep. Luria in Norfolk
By NICK IANNELLI, WTOP News
Lawmakers in Norfolk, Virginia, voted Tuesday to accept funding from the U.S. Capitol Police in order to provide extra security for Elaine Luria, a Democratic congresswoman who lives in the city.