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Youngkin calls Arlington County Board’s ICE policy a ‘dereliction of duty’
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) condemned the Arlington County Board’s recent move prohibiting local police from cooperating with ICE, calling it a “betrayal.” On Tuesday, the board unanimously voted to take language out of its “Trust Policy,” meaning county law enforcement cannot proactively contact federal immigration authorities about any issue involving undocumented immigrants.
McClellan, Virginia Democrats warn of dire impact to state if proposed Medicaid cuts materialize
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, said she had been awake over 36 hours by the time she joined a call with members of the media on Thursday to discuss GOP lawmakers’ plan to slash $625 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade. The lack of sleep didn’t disturb her, she said, but her Republican colleagues’ advancement of Medicaid overhaul proposals that could leave over 630,000 Virginians and millions of Americans without health insurance, however, did.
Chesley: Va. GOP congressman’s scrutiny on federal cuts, job losses needs company from other Republicans
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, you wrote an op-ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch this week pushing back against the madness emanating from Washington regarding budget cuts and federal job layoffs. It was welcome, given the chaos in D.C., but what took you so long? Are you, a Republican representing Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, really bucking a president from your own party – or is this just PR?
Youngkin signs bills designed to improve foster care in Va.
Chesapeake resident Katie Jones knows all too well that in the past, Virginia’s foster care system hasn’t always worked like it’s supposed to. “I absolutely did not get what I needed as a child. No foster kid does,” Jones told 8News. That’s why Jones, who aged out of the foster care system several years ago, was on hand in Richmond on Thursday to witness Governor Glenn Youngkin sign two bills to improve Virginia’s foster care system.
Advocates say cuts to SNAP would have significant impacts for Virginia families
Families that are in poverty and struggling to make ends meet might be cut off from social welfare benefits if Congress moves forward with a funding proposal now under consideration. Virginia could be facing a shortfall of more than $350 million – that’s if Congress moves forward with a budget proposal to change the funding formula for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps. One of the new features is a work requirement that Lily Roberts at the Center for American Progress says is a misnomer.
Commonwealth’s attorney revokes Norfolk city attorney’s authority to prosecute shoplifting charges
While Norfolk City Council made good on Mayor Kenny Alexander’s pledge during his State of the City address to allow the city attorney to prosecute shoplifting cases, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi quickly nixed the plan, revoking the city attorney’s authority to do so. Fatehi sent a letter to City Attorney Bernard Pishko Wednesday saying he planned to revoke Pishko’s ability to prosecute criminal cases in Norfolk Circuit Court as of 5 p.m. Friday, and put into place added oversight of General District Court charges being pursued there.
Supporters of Loudoun County theater teacher ask Virginia attorney general to investigate his removal
Supporters of Rock Ridge High School theater teacher Tony Cimino-Johnson are asking the Office of the Virginia Attorney General to investigate why he was placed on leave from his job by Loudoun County Public Schools April 1, and to investigate alleged wrongdoing by LCPS. In a May 12 letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares, a Republican, supporters say Cimino-Johnson's removal from class was retaliation for actions he has taken. Cimino-Johnson has taught at the school in Loudoun Valley Estates since 2014.
Renovation and expansion projects at 10 Virginia colleges and universities put on pause
Gov. Glenn Youngkin paused over $600 million in funding requests for 10 renovation and expansion projects at Virginia’s higher education institutions to prepare for possible statewide repercussions stemming from uncertainty about the country’s economic future. As President Donald Trump’s administration continues slashing federal spending and programs and overhauling global trade policies, Youngkin and lawmakers are keeping a keen eye on the state’s purse strings.
Sparks fly during Hopewell City Council meeting over recent city terminations
Tensions flared at Tuesday evening’s Hopewell City Council meeting, as protesters were escorted out by sheriff’s deputies and one councilman voluntarily left. The contention stems from the terminations of former city clerk Brittani Williams and former city manager Dr. Concetta Manker, from a 4 to 3 council vote on May 1. Two rallies were held ahead of Wednesday night’s meeting featuring local and national activists.
GOP presents plan to seize legislative majorities in Virginia and New Jersey this November
The Republican State Leadership Committee is looking to make key expenditures in this year’s New Jersey and Virginia state legislature races. Republicans are wary of how well Democrats tend to over-perform in off-year elections, but they have a strategy to “defy” expectations in November. In a memo, the RSLC said the races “present significant challenges for Republicans, reminiscent of the complex political landscape of 2017, the last odd-year election Republicans had full control of Washington.”