Dogwood Daily: Lawmakers support local authority over statue removal

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up.

But first…

Happy Friday! What better way to celebrate than with some data? VPAP has an interesting look at the Virginia State Senate Committee Assignments.

Five things you need to know today …

1. Lawmakers support local authority over statue removal– A group of Democratic lawmakers, supported by Gov. Ralph Northam, is proposing legislation to give local governments control over the Confederate statues and memorials in their localities. While announcing the legislation, Northam also said he is endorsing a proposal to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol in a display that is controlled by the state government. Northam also announced additional proposed funding for the maintenance of African American cemeteries and historic sites in the state. –The Washington Post
   
2. Senate committee supports ERA– The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee voted 10-5 to approve a resolution to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment on Thursday. The approval was a necessary first step for the amendment to be approved by the General Assembly. If it moves forward, Virginia would be the 38th state to approve the amendment, which supporters say means it could be added to the Constitution. On Wednesday, however, the federal Justice Department said in a legal opinion that the ratification deadline was in 1982 and the ERA can no longer be implemented. -Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
3. Democrats tackle guns and sexual harassment in the Capitol– The Democratic Majority in the House of Delegates took steps on Thursday towards banning guns in the Capitol and tackling sexual harassment. New rules proposed by the Democratic caucus would grant the House Rules Committee the authority to set new standards on both issues. Republicans criticized the decisions, saying that it would grant too much power to a small committee over matters that should be determined by the entire House. -The Virginian-Pilot 
   
4. Northam backs new gun legislation– The Northam administration announced support for eight new gun safety proposals. The legislation includes a bill banning semiautomatic rifles and pistols with magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill would allow people who already own the weapons to keep them by obtaining a permit from the state, allowing for restricted use. Other proposals include red flag laws, a one-handgun-a-month limit, and universal background checks. -Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
5. Couple donates $20 million to UVA School of Nursing– The University of Virginia School of Nursing received a $20 million donation from Bill and Joanne Conway. The gift will help nursing students graduate debt-free by funding scholarships for over a 10 to 12 year period. Pam Cipriano, dean of UVA School of Nursing, said they plan to use the money to help increase the diversity of the student body. -NBC 29