State Politics
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Virginia Beach nurse: Rep. Kiggans should stand with patients, protect the ACA
Notably, more Virginians have access to health care now than they did before the ACA’s implementation. As such, I urge Rep. Jen Kiggans to oppose efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act by Speaker Mike Johnson and extreme House Republicans.
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Virginia NAACP to sue Youngkin over handling of DEI records requests
The civil rights group said it would take Youngkin to court for not releasing communications between his office and state universities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The NAACP Virginia State Conference announced Monday it plans to take the office of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to court for allegedly violating Virginia’s Freedom of Information…
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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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Budget deadlines loom for Youngkin, Democrats
Youngkin and Democrats have fought bitterly over an ill-fated major league sports arena and a slew of Democratic legislative priorities, raising questions over whether both sides can strike a budget compromise before the end of the fiscal year.
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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.
