State News
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Youngkin signs bipartisan hate crime legislation, blocks climate change education bill
The legislation will codify a recommendation that Virginia revise its laws to ensure Jewish Virginians are protected from hate crimes, along with Muslims, Sikhs, and other ethnic groups.
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Youngkin rejects minimum wage increase, marijuana legalization
Both of these bills were top priorities of the Democratic-controlled General Assembly this legislative session. Youngkin’s vetoes came just one day after his top priority–a $2 billion development district that would have included a new arena meant to attract the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards to Alexandria–fell through.
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Youngkin vetoes assault weapons ban and other gun safety bills, signs two others
Bills the governor vetoed include one that would have restricted access to assault weapons, one that would have kept guns out of the hands of violent people, and one that would have prevented gun dealers who sell firearms out of their homes from being located within one and a half miles of elementary and middle…
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VA religious leaders urge Youngkin to sign minimum wage increase bill
The legislation would raise Virginia’s minimum wage from the current rate of $12 per hour to $13.50 in 2025 and to $15 in 2026. Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to either sign, veto, or recommend amendments to the legislation before lawmakers reconvene on April 17.
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Big Pharma pushes Youngkin to veto bill establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
The board would have the power to review drug costs and limit how much state agencies, health plans, and individuals pay for certain prescription medications.
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Here’s where reproductive rights bills stand in VA now that session has ended
Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to either sign, veto, or recommend amendments to bills that would protect patients and abortion providers against legal action, expand access to contraception, protect menstrual data that’s stored on third-party apps, and more.
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Lawmakers approve budget without Youngkin’s costly arena project or tax cut for the rich
The Senate approved a new, two-year state budget on Saturday which includes pay raises for teachers, increased funding for education, and more. Gov. Youngkin, however, says the document needs “a lot of work” before he’s willing to sign it.
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Youngkin signs gay marriage bill, blocks gun safety and reproductive rights bills
Although Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill meant to enshrine the legality of same-sex marriage, he vetoed or recommended major changes to bills surrounding reproductive and voting rights, gun control, book bans, and more.
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Bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales heads to Youngkin’s desk
If Gov. Youngkin signs the bill, sale of the drug would begin on May 1, 2025, and the products would be taxed at a rate of up to 11.6%—with 8% going to the state, 2.5% going to a local option tax, and 1.1% to K-12 education.
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What’s inside the VA legislature’s proposed budgets
Both chambers rejected Youngkin’s proposed cut to the income tax rate— which would have benefited the wealthiest Virginians—and his proposed increase to the sales tax rate. Instead, they’re calling for that funding to go towards raising teacher pay.
