Lisa Lee, elementary school counselor at Trantwood Elementary in Virginia Beach, explains how emotional burnout and the state’s teacher shortage are just some of the reasons why she’s joining the increasing number of Virginia educators retiring early.
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.
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.
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 schools.
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.
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.
The 2024 Virginia General Assembly regular session has wrapped up. It was a peculiar session from the outset, with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate but a Republican governor who has already shown an inability or unwillingness to work across the aisle....
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.
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.
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.
