Just one week remains on the legislative calendar, and — if it is possible — the pace in House of Delegates is getting even faster.
Whether I was testifying on behalf of my own bills in the Senate or reviewing legislation that Senators sent to the House, it has felt like a sprint to the finish this week.
As always, my team and I are here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us by using the link below.
Tysons Casino Bill Dies in Subcommittee
Bill tabled indefinitely in House Appropriations Subcommittee
There are many ways a bill can die in the House of Delegates. While a failure to receive a majority of the votes on the House floor may be the most cinematic death, the vast majority of bills meet their end in a committee or subcommittee room.
On Wednesday, February 13, the House Appropriations Commerce, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Subcommittee voted to pass the casino legislation by for the day.
Since the subcommittee is not scheduled to meet again this year, this vote effectively “killed” the bill.
You can watch a full video of the subcommittee hearing here.
I had been working hard lobbying colleagues against the bill, and was thrilled by the vote. From the beginning I have been opposed to the casino legislation. If it ever comes back, that will not change.
What Comes Next?
To paraphrase Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) in one of my favorite movies, Princess Bride, “It’s only mostly dead.”
Though the failure of the bill is a great outcome, you can never be too sure about anything in the General Assembly, until we gavel out on February 22nd.
The next big policy announcement to keep your eyes out for is the conference budget report agreed upon by the House and Senate, which should be coming out next week.
I will continue to monitor the situation and keep you all updated.
Longfellow Middle School Students Come To Richmond
I met some future history makers from Longfellow Middle School at this week’s Virginia History Day at the General Assembly, put on by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
It was great fun to meet and watch these young scholars present their history projects. They were terrific representatives of McLean here in Richmond.
If you find yourself in Richmond during this year’s session, be sure to stop by Room 908 and say hello to me and my team and sign our visitor log.
Read the full report here: https://app.indigov.com/pub/outreach/cbb3b514-b45b-4b12-8091-d8646a84281e
