It’s been relatively quiet the past couple of weeks, even though full schedules would have predicted otherwise. Most of the political energy seems to be funneling (understandably) into the upcoming midterms – while state legislators continue fundraising in the background, for their own elections in 2023.
As for 2023 (Session, that is), prefiling offerings continue to be modest – both in quantity, and in topic. Big ticket items related to tax and energy policy are expected to be proposed (with the Administration’s endorsement and vocal support), while legislation dealing with the more controversial social issues will likely drop closer to the start of Session; ideally, for the caucuses, with the rumored compromises and agreements fully fleshed out beforehand.
And lest we forget: the General Assembly also has until November 21st, to act on the myriad of bills continued from the 2022 Session.
With Virginia preparing for the impact of Hurricane Ian, we encourage all of our partners and colleagues to be extra cautious this weekend. Here is a list of resources from VDEM to help individuals and businesses with their own personal preparations. Stay safe, all.
Lastly, a reminder to keep your friends close – and large, legged reptiles, closer:
How an alligator became an emotional support animal
Cheers –
Davis Consultants
- October 3-4 | Joint Committee Retreat for Agriculture, Chesapeake/Conservation and Natural Resources
- October 5 | Joint Commission on Health Care
- October 17 | Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission
- October 18 | Senate Finance & Appropriations
- October 18 | Behavioral Health Commission
- October 19 | Virginia Commission on Youth
- October 20 | Virginia Disability Commission
Virginia General Assembly won’t move to new office building for 2023 session
By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury
Supply chain problems will delay the Virginia General Assembly’s planned move to a new 14-story-tall office building being built in downtown Richmond, state officials announced Wednesday.
Legislators, cooperatives push for continued rural broadband expansion
By CHARLOTTE RENE WOODS, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Emily Brewer is a small-business owner and lifelong Isle of Wight County resident. She is also a state delegate — but she doesn’t have an internet connection at home.
March swears out assault warrant against Williams
By MARKUS SCHMIDT, Cardinal News
Two Virginia lawmakers facing each other in a highly competitive nomination battle next year got into a real-life confrontation at a Republican fundraiser in Wytheville Saturday, resulting in Del. Marie March, R-Floyd, pressing criminal charges against Del. Wren Williams, R-Patrick County, for assault and battery.
Halifax to become home to first recycled titanium manufacturing in US
By GRACE MAMON, Cardinal News
Halifax County will become home to the first recycled titanium manufacturing site in the United States. Gov. Glenn Youngkin traveled to South Boston today to announce that IperionX Limited, a Charlotte-based critical minerals company, will operate out of a shell building at the Southern Virginia Technology Park in Halifax.
Metro Says It Doesn’t Have Enough Trains To Run Silver Line Extension Without Service Cuts
By JORDAN PASCALE, DCist
Metro will face a tough choice in the coming months: have longer waits between trains or delay opening the Silver Line.
Virginia wants to move more goods through Port of Virginia by rail
By NATHANIEL CLINE, Virginia Mercury
Virginia plans to increase the use of freight rail to transport goods by partnering with the Port of Virginia, according to the draft 2022 Statewide Rail Plan published on Wednesday.
Chesterfield County to privatize recycling
By TYLER LAYNE, WTVR
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — In an announcement that some Chesterfield residents said they didn’t see coming, the county is moving to end its curbside recycling services.
Flood Fund future uncertain as Youngkin pushes for carbon market withdrawal
By CHARLIE PAULLIN, Virginia Mercury
In January, strong winds led to high tides drowning parts of Hampton. Some roads were impassable, with water levels rising to near the top tread of the tires. Almost two years prior, stormwater had led to flooding severe enough to sweep parked cars down the roadways.
Nearly 15,000 responses to Gov. Youngkin’s transgender student policy in 24 hours
By DEAN MIRSHAHI, WRIC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The new transgender student policy from the administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) drew nearly 15,000 comments from the public in a day, with more pouring in every minute.
Teacher shortage hamstrings special ed in Prince William County
By JARED FORETEK, Inside NOVA
Corie Mboh’s son was referred to the Prince William County Schools Special Education program when he entered kindergarten. He was having difficulty regulating his emotions and behavior, so teachers at his school agreed he’d be best off with an individualized education program (…)
The fight over history at the Virginia Executive Mansion
By NED OLIVER, AXIOS Richmond
Descendants of enslaved Virginians who worked in the Executive Mansion say they want their ancestors acknowledged during public tours at the home.
Virginia pilot program shows promise as state faces ‘eviction tsunami’
By BEN PAVIOUR, VPM News
A state pilot program designed to help low-income households pay critical expenses — like car repairs or medical bills – and connect them to support services like financial counseling shows promise in reducing evictions, according to a new study by the RVA Eviction Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia students protest Youngkin transgender policies
By SARAH RANKIN and MATTHEW BARAKAT, AP News
McLEAN, Va. (AP) — Student activists held school walkouts across Virginia on Tuesday to protest Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed changes to the state’s guidance on transgender student policies, revisions that would roll back some accommodations.
Spanberger, Vega spar over Democratic incumbent’s record in tight Virginia 7th race
By MARY ELLEN MCINTIRE, Roll Call
TRIANGLE, Va. — The day after early voting began in Virginia, Republican Yesli Vega gathered a crowd of about 150 people in an office building housing her campaign headquarters on Saturday morning to introduce herself to voters and ask for their support ahead of the November election.
US Navy’s newest carrier to deploy, train with NATO nations
By BEN FINLEY, AP News
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Following years of delays and problems with its new technology, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier embarks on its first deployment next week and will train with other NATO countries at a time of increasing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
New poll shows voters split between Kaine and Youngkin in hypothetical Senate race
By DEAN MIRSHAHI, WRIC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In a new poll, Virginians were divided when asked whether they would support Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) or Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) in a hypothetical 2024 U.S. Senate election.
Virginia or Maryland? GSA reveals scoring system that will determine new FBI HQ site
By JOHN DOMEN, WTOP News
In March, a funding bill passed by Congress ordered the General Services Administration to begin the process of selecting a suburban location for a new FBI headquarters, with a goal of having the new site selected by the end of the fiscal year.