Virginia
updated
8:49 a.m.
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In case you were focused on shoveling and missed the big news, here's what Governor McDonnell announced yesterday : ... he will support updating the Local Composite Index (LCI), the formula which determines state and local education funding responsibility, in the upcoming budget. His predecessor, former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, had proposed freezing the index to save money in the strapped state b...
Blue Virginia - 8:01 a.m.
Unfortunately, I can't blame Bob McDonnell for this entirely, however : A little-known provision in former Gov. Tim Kaine's final budget bill currently working its way through the General Assembly proposes something unheard of in higher education: taking a portion of mandatory student fees paid to universities and depositing that money in the state's bank account. Higher education officials a...
The Virginia Democrat - 7:03 a.m.
Here’s a quick look at a few bills from legislators in Hampton Roads: HB570 related to real estate assessments, HB207 related to rules for lineups and SB185 related to menhaden fishing. More below the fold. HB 570 – Del. Sal Iaquinto (R-84th) – This bill changes the burden of proof for real estate assessments from the [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - 6:43 a.m.
The Virginia Senate voted 23-17 to pass Sen. Donald McEachin’s SB66 Monday afternoon. The bill prohibits discrimination in public employment and includes sexual orientation. Senator Fred Quayle of Suffolk broke ranks with his Republican colleagues and joined the Democratic majority to pass this bill. According to The Virginian-Pilot, Quayle voted yea for a rather simple reason: I [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - 5:06 a.m.
In respect to other gay friendly legislation introduced in the Virginia General Assembly, Delegate David Englin , D-Alexandria (a straight ally pictured at left), has again introduced a bill that would begin the process for the repeal of Virginia's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. Unfortunately, it's unlikely the bill will ever see the House floor and the bill will most li...
Michael in Norfolk - 4:21 a.m.
Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Snowverkill Tuesday "Clips." 1. MCDONNELL DIRECTING MORE EDUCATION MONEY TO N.VA. 2. NORTHERN VIRGINIA OFFICIALS, MCDONNELL MEET ON SCHOOL FUNDING 4. CHANGE IN SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA MAY COST RICHMOND AREA MILLIONS 7. GOP PLAN EMERGES TO FIX VA. SHORTFALL 10. VA. SENATE PASSES ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BILL FOR STATE WORKERS 15. VA. OFFSHORE DRILLING BILLS ADVAN...
Blue Virginia - 4:08 a.m.
In a somewhat stunning surprise, the Virginia Senate today passed legislation that would add sexual orientation to the protected classes of workers protected under state employment non-discrimination. The vote was along party lines with only local senator GOP senator Fred Qualye supporting passage of the bill. Now the fat of the bill goes to the GOP controlled House of Delegates where t...
Michael in Norfolk - Mon 7:27 p.m. - 3 clicks 
Potential Exists for New Round of Accumulating Snow and Ice in Regions Still Recovering from Historic Winter Storm Virginians Can Check Road Conditions by Calling 511 or by Visiting 511Virginia.org ; More Information About Winter Weather Preparedness Available at http://www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/index.cfm ; Call 211 for Local Shelter Information RICHMOND – As an extra precaution in adv...
What IS Right for Virginia - Mon 3:41 p.m.
This pretty much sums it up regarding the Can'tor/Boner-(mis)led Republican Party. Eric Cantor’s office responds to Obama’s announcement of a bipartisan summit on health care with the most explicit and direct assertion I’ve seen yet that the only way Dems can win bipartisan cooperation is to fully embrace the GOP health care plan and nothing more... After going it alone on health care reform ...
Blue Virginia - Mon 11:28 a.m. - 4 clicks
A few minutes ago, the Virginia State Senate passed Donald McEachin's nondiscrimination in state employment bill by a 23-17 vote. Unfortunately, it now goes to die in the flat-earth-Republican't-controlled, homophobe-dominated House of Delegates. Hey, perhaps Pat Robertson's Manchurian Governor might intervene on the bill's behalf, especially since he said this was the job of the legislature not...
Blue Virginia - Mon 10:47 a.m. - 4 clicks
The headline was right, but there was a little problem with the score. Colts 31, Saints 17 I wish! The story was from the AP so I don’t know whether it was wrong in the story or whether somebody at the Virginian-Pilot messed up. In any case, it’s not Dewey defeats Truman but close h/t [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Mon 6:07 a.m. - 4 clicks
Virginia’s campaign financing rules are pretty loose – pretty much anyone can donate to whomever they choose without limitation. Disclosure of the contributions and expenditures is supposed to be enough. The problem is the form that the disclosure takes. The State Board of Elections provides, for free, software that allows candidates to file electronically. Such filing [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Mon 5:44 a.m. - 3 clicks
Over the weekend the Washington Post reported that PFOX - the inappropriately named Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays - has been allowed to distribute bogus information about the "ex-gay myth" and reparative therapy to students in the Montgomery County Schools. This is the result of an obviously wrongly decided settlement of federal district court case from 2005 which predates the APA's ...
Michael in Norfolk - Mon 4:29 a.m. - 6 clicks
Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Dig-Out-From-Snowmageddon Monday "Clips." 1. NORTHERN VIRGINIA STATE OFFICES TO CLOSE MONDAY 2. WEEKLY ROUNDUP FOR VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS CROSSOVER APPROACHES 4. MEDICAID FUNDING FOR DISABLED ON CHOPPING BLOCK 8. GOP TAKES ON SNOW 11. U-VA. STUDENTS PROTEST LACK OF CREDITS FOR IB COURSES 12. COAL MINING PRACTICES THAT DESTROY, NOT JUST THE LAND, BUT ...
Blue Virginia - Mon 3:46 a.m. - 5 clicks
I wish I could write with the flare of Frank Rich who has another great op-ed column in the New York Times that takes to task the opponents of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. While he may be premature in declaring anti-gay bigotry a political negative - certainly in states like Virginia and states in the Deep South - he is on point on the fact that among independent voters in many parts of...
Michael in Norfolk - Sun 8:40 a.m. - 7 clicks
Our old friend Chris "Swift Boat Boy" LaCivita is at it again . Among the most tested will be the winner of the Republican primary in Virginia's 5th District, a conservative-leaning region where six candidates are running for the chance to face freshman Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello, who narrowly won in 2008. State Sen. Robert Hurt, the onetime favorite, has failed to lock up support from the ...
Blue Virginia - Sun 4:45 a.m. - 13 clicks
Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Snowmageddon Sunday "Clips." 1. ASSEMBLY SEEKS BUDGET GUIDANCE FROM MCDONNELL 2. VIRGINIA GOVERNOR EXTENDS MODERATE APPROACH TO CABINET PICKS 3. MCDONNELL: DANGEROUS STORM HAS EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS 5. GOV. BOB MCDONNELL DISCUSSES HIGHER EDUCATION AT WILLIAM AND MARY'S CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION 9. KAINE GRANTED FLOOD OF PARDONS, COMMUTATIONS IN 2009 10. WEBB,...
Blue Virginia - Sun 3:40 a.m. - 5 clicks
Representative Gerald E. Connolly calls a Virginia measure an effort to “score political points.” Health care legislation in Washington may be stalled, but that has not stopped legislatures in more than two-thirds of the states from objecting to one of its central planks: a requirement that everyone buy health insurance. The objections, many of them driven by the Tea Party moveme...
FairfaxBlue - Sat 7:26 p.m. - 3 clicks
Today's Virginian-Pilot has an editorial , "Tinfoil hats are not enough." The subject is legislation by Del. Mark Cole (R-Spotsylvania) that would "put an end to a disturbing threat to public safety... Virginians are in danger of having top-secret microchips implanted against their will ." Yes, this is nuts. And no, this is (apparently) not a joke. That's right, believe it or not, as our ...
Blue Virginia - Sat 11:49 a.m. - 14 clicks
It ought to be increasingly embarrassing for the USA and states like Virginia that eastern European nations like Albania are moving ahead of most of the USA in terms of protections afforded to LGBT citizens. In much of the USA gays have no legal protections against discrimination - such is certainly the case in Virginia - yet Albania has just enacted legislation that, while not allowing sa...
Michael in Norfolk - Sat 10:47 a.m. - 7 clicks
Note: This advice comes by way of a press release … “Let’s be careful out there” RICHMOND, VA – The approaching winter storm will bring hazardous conditions to Virginia, ranging from freezing rain and high winds to sleet, snow and ice. Residents should take the time now to look at their specific needs and talk with [...] ...
VirginiaDem - Sat 7:21 a.m. - 6 clicks
Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Saturday Snowpocalypse "Clips." 1. MCDONNELL: SNOW STORMS EATING INTO STATE BUDGET 2. MCDONNELL HAS NOW CLOSED STATE OFFICES 3. ASSEMBLY DISPOSES OF HUNDREDS OF BILLS 4. TAX CUT PLAN WOULD COST LOCALITIES 5. SASLAW'S UNWELCOME BIRTHDAY PRESENT: SENATE DEMOCRATS DIVIDED ON BUDGET 6. VA. SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO VOICE CONCERNS ON CHARTER SCHOOLS 8. ALEXANDRIA D...
Blue Virginia - Sat 6:25 a.m. - 6 clicks
I can't embed the video, so click here to watch (at about 1:20 into it) as Bob McDonnell "jokes" with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce about global warming. It's sooooo funny, can't stop laughing, hahahahahahahahahaha. On second though, perhaps not. It's great to be back in Loudoun, I think I was last here when you hosted a forum with my opponent and I (sic), we really appreciated tha...
Blue Virginia - Sat 6:25 a.m. - 8 clicks
Please RSVP using the form to the right to receive a reminder before the President begins speaking on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The President will make sure we're all on the same page and ready for the fights ahead, and we'll also hear from DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Go to http://my.democrats.org/page/content/2010wintermeeting2...
FairfaxBlue - Fri 3:21 p.m. - 2 clicks
Pay-As-You-Go Bill Passes House of Representatives 233-187 Congressman Gerry Connolly voted for fiscal discipline in Congress today by supporting “pay-as-you-go” legislation – better known as PAYGO – which ensures that all new spending passed by Congress is paid for, instead of adding to the federal deficit. Connolly, who has been a strong advocate in Congress for measures to ...
FairfaxBlue - Fri 8:05 a.m. - 6 clicks
Note: Looks like Virginia has another snow storm with results much like what’s pictured here …. from December … hitting us hard … cancellations include the DPVA quarterly meetings … and … General Assembly not meeting on Friday, February 5th Due to inclement weather, the General Assembly will not meet on Friday, February 5th. All House [...] ...
VirginiaDem - Fri 8:05 a.m. - 5 clicks
Josh Marshall calls out Sen. Richard Shelby for what he is: Worse than a squeegee man and not much better than a bank robber, Shelby is shutting down the president’s ability to appoint anyone to anything until he gets his way. Will this be the impetus for the Senate finally admitting it’s been rendered almost [...]...
Blacknell.net - Fri 6:32 a.m. - 10 clicks
Virginia is alone is banning radar detectors in vehicles. House Bill 674 would change that. The bill reported out of committee Friday morning, by an 11-10 vote, and now heads to the House floor. Simple question: do you support this bill? Vote in the poll and leave your comments below. [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Fri 6:00 a.m. - 4 clicks
Barbara Saunders, the two-time candidate in Ward 1, has announced that she will try for the third time to garner this seat. Saunders, a native of Ocean View, owns a painting company, Saunders Painting, Inc. She serves on the Crime Line Board and is a member and past president of Ocean View Kiwanis. She is a [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Thu 12:41 p.m. - 4 clicks
After the Supreme Court basically declared that corporations should be given the rights of individual people in the ruling it issued in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a Maryland based corporation has now launched a campaign for Congress. Murray Hill Inc. issued a statement today claiming that "it plans on filing to run in the Republican primary in Maryland’s 8th Congressional Di...
Left of the Hill - Thu 5:01 a.m. - 3 clicks
In case you needed another reminder of the work that Gerry Connolly has done for the community in his time in public office, the Childhelp Children's Center of Virginia has awarded him the "Hero of the Children Award" for his efforts to help at-risk youth in Northern Virginia. Congrats go out to Rep. Connolly who I'm confident will view this award as a reminder of one of the reasons he got involve...
Left of the Hill - Wed 2:43 p.m. - 6 clicks
NoVA Congressman Recognized for Helping At-Risk Children Congressman Gerry Connolly, a long-time champion of efforts to help at-risk youth in Northern Virginia, was honored this week with the ‘Hero of the Children Award’ from the Childhelp Children’s Center of Virginia. Appearing at the third annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for the organization dedicated to helping children wh...
FairfaxBlue - Wed 12:04 p.m. - 14 clicks
Due to the pending Snowpocalypse, our Lobby Day will be postponed. We are looking forward to seeing folks in Richmond on our new date, the 22nd of February! Another Mid-Atlantic Winter Storm ...
Virginia Young Democrats Blog - Wed 11:08 a.m. - 8 clicks
Courtesy of the Federation of American Scientists, here's a CRS report on the DHHS Project BioShield and related issues for Congress to consider. It's only a few weeks old, so it has some updated information that is of interest. For......
Armchair Generalist - Wed 6:47 a.m. - 3 clicks
Guest post by Ray Taylor, President, Future of Hampton Roads The formal, federal Public Comment period ends next week on the 11th of February. There are still two ways remaining for individuals, companies or organizations to participate in the decision-making process, and they are: Best method: Mail in your individual or organizational letter (a public comment input). [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Wed 5:24 a.m. - 5 clicks
Full Poll Data Set here cross-posted at We Will RockDem This is the reality of the mindset of most of the voters in Augusta County. If you want to improve a system or sub-process, you first have to characterize it's operating parameters. Local Progressives must deal with the electorate that is, not what we wish it to be. ...
Blue Ridge Data - Tue 6:44 p.m. - 6 clicks
When the Democrats expanded their majority to 22 seats in the 40-member Senate in early January, progressives breathed a sigh of relief. After eight years of moderate Democratic governors, a left-of-center state Senate would be the only bulwark against our new conservative executive and a broad GOP majority in the House of Delegates, right? [...] ...
The 28th Amendment - Tue 11:08 a.m. - 7 clicks
In a statement released today from the Governor’s office, Bob McDonnell praised the General Assembly for passing legislation that would “increase the speed limit in Virginia to 70mph in rural and less populated areas.” “I thank Delegate Bill Carrico and Senator Steve Newman for their successful advocacy of this important proposal to speed up traffic in rural and less populated sections of Virgini...
Left of the Hill - Tue 11:08 a.m. - 3 clicks
Robert Charles Paige 2/2/1963 – 4/15/1995. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you, but especially today – your birthday. RIP, little brother. ...
Vivian J. Paige - Tue 9:03 a.m. - 6 clicks
I’ll admit it: I’m floored. Congressman Glenn Nye has signed on as a cosponsor of H.R.3017, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He joins Virginia Reps. Bobby Scott (3rd), Jim Moran (8th), and Gerry Connolly (11th) as one of now 197 Congressmen who are co-sponsoring this bill. I mentioned this bill to Nye last summer. I never expected [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Feb 2 - 9 clicks
The interesting thing about a few senate Democrats crossing party lines to vote for SB714 (“Individual health insurance coverage; resident of State shall not be required to obtain a policy”) is that it gave me a chance to test out the accuracy of the partisanship matrix that I use on Richmond Sunlight. The theory behind [...]...
Waldo Jaquith - Feb 1 - 3 clicks
With Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli now moonlighting as a private attorney, can it be long until we see the TV ads? All he needs now is a catchy jingle. Maybe Who’s your lawyer? Cuccinelli! It’s Virginia! Nothing smelly! Call on Ken to handle your case, and rub the power of the state in their face! Don’t just call [...] ...
Great Blue Heron - Feb 1 - 2 clicks
One of my sisters lives in Lynchburg and she alerted me to this story about the Liberty University takeover of the city. ...
Vivian J. Paige - Feb 1 - 7 clicks
As an occasional adjunct instructor, teaching management science and stats to business undergrads at JMU, I would typically ask my new class, " how many of you or your family members have worked in a manufacturing plant?" Surprisingly at first, but consistent over the last 10 years - the answer was very few and far between . Is this more evidence that Virginians have now fully passed into the In...
Blue Ridge Data - Feb 1 - 3 clicks
Here's an event coming up on Thursday night: Please join us for a presentation on the natural treasures in our backyards! ARLINGTON COUNTY'S NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE INVENTORY Thursday, February 4, 7:00 pm Introduction by County Board Chairman Jay Fisette Arlington County Central Library Auditorium 1015 N. Quincy Street, 2 blocks from Virginia Square Metro Come early and explore...
The Green Miles - Feb 1 - 7 clicks
Yes, it has happened again. Someone let the stupid out. At a blog called “Virginia’s Fifth District” (find your own link) the writer has tried to say that out-of-state contributions, which every politician receives, is no different than the foreign corporate donations sought to be shut off by a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Perriello. The writer [...] ...
Heartland of Virginia - Jan 30 - 2 clicks
