Session Update: February 27, 2023
And that’s a wrap. Sort of. In what has become a familiar story, the General Assembly did not finish its business within the six weeks it was supposed to. While we adjourned “Sine Die” Saturday evening, we have significant issues still to decide, including–most importantly–the budget. So at some point–hopefully soon–I’ll be headed back to […]
Session Update: February 17, 2023
It’s been quite a week. After crossover, the House hears all of the bills that passed the Senate. Some are similar or even identical to bills that have already passed the House. Others, however, are very different from the House version, or raise new issues. It has been an unusual year post-crossover. Given the partisan […]
Session Update: February 10, 2023
Tuesday was crossover. In the span of 36 hours the House of Delegates passed more than 200 bills. Some were unanimous and uncontentious, showing that we still can find common ground and govern our state on a bipartisan basis. On the other hand, there was a slew of bills that were hotly contested, triggering extended […]
Session Update: February 4, 2023
The week before crossover is always frenetic. And this one certainly was. The week started with a hearing on my HB1582, a bill to compensate Mr. David Kingrea for his wrongful conviction and incarceration for a crime he did not commit. Like the stories of numerous (too numerous) individuals for whom I have done this before, […]
Session Update: January 28, 2023
Another week in the books. As crossover approaches on February 7, my team and I are working hard. This week was dominated by spirited debate on issues ranging from EVs in Virginia to what our children can or cannot read in schools. On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor against HB1378, which would repeal the clean […]
Session Update: January 20, 2023
Another week in the books. This week was as busy as the first. On Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference unveiling our gun violence prevention agenda. It consists of a series of 17 bills, which provide solutions designed to keep Virginia families safe from gun violence. You […]
Session Update: January 13, 2023
And…. we’re off! The first week of a General Assembly session is always very busy. Especially during a short session, since we will accomplish more in the next six weeks than some other state legislatures accomplish in two years. The velocity is remarkable. Before the session started, I held a press conference on Tuesday with […]
General Assembly Update: Week 8
Governor Youngkin’s effort to rid our K-12 classrooms of what he calls “divisive concepts” has been one of the most controversial topics of this session. When he says, “don’t focus on race” he means “don’t even talk about race.” When he says out of one side of his mouth that our teachers are heroes, and professionals who deserve a […]
2022 Session: Week Eight
Who’s the Snowflake Now? Governor Youngkin’s effort to rid our K-12 classrooms of what he calls “divisive concepts” has been one of the most controversial topics of this session. When he says, “don’t focus on race” he means “don’t even talk about race.” When he says out of one side of his mouth that our teachers are heroes, and […]
2022 Session: Week Seven
Ukraine We don’t do foreign policy in the General Assembly. That is not our job. Our responsibility is the Commonwealth of Virginia. But the bubble we sometimes find ourselves in here in Richmond surely cannot –and should not– blind us to what is happening elsewhere. As my mother would say: “We are all citizens of […]
