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Youngkin marks early success on regulatory reform, sets new goal for 35% reduction
Sweat beaded on foreheads inside the sweltering warehouse of 84 Lumber on Richmond’s Southside Tuesday, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin appeared unfazed by the heat as he declared victory on one of his administration’s signature promises — slashing red tape across Virginia’s government by 25%. “The heart of the day is recognizing that when we reduce the burdens of excess regulations on businesses in Virginia, businesses come, businesses thrive, businesses grow,” Youngkin said to applause. . . . The benchmark, established in Executive Order 19 during his first year in office, set in motion a sweeping review of every agency’s rules, guidance documents, and permitting practices — an effort that culminated in the streamlining or repeal of nearly 89,000 regulatory requirements and the elimination of 11.5 million words from official documents, according to state officials.
Fredericksburg City School Board Has New Policy on Member Travel to Conferences
In a 4-2 vote, the Fredericksburg City School Board approved a new policy on Monday night governing School Board members’ participation in professional development. Jennifer Boyd, Ward 3, and Malvina Kay, Ward 4, voted against the new policy, BHB1, which was proposed in June. The policy states, “Attendance at all other conferences or professional development events [aside from VSBA conferences] by School Board members that require the use of School Board funds must be approved by the School Board in an open session prior to the event.”
Richmond civilian police review board delayed again
After nearly three years, a civilian review board meant to give oversight to the Richmond Police Department still hasn’t gotten off the ground. Now, it faces yet another delay after city councilors agreed to again push back a vote on the board’s policies. The initial push for a CRB started in 2017 with the Richmond Transparency and Accountability Project, but it didn’t gain momentum until widespread protests over George Floyd’s murder and police violence in 2020. Council voted to create the review board two years later. . . . Many involved in the effort blamed the slow wheels of bureaucracy for the delays, with some raising questions about the process and voicing worries that the holdup has already impacted Richmonders.
White: Ranked choice voting improves democracy. Will Va. embrace it?
This year, Virginia voters have been going to the polls for critical elections across the commonwealth, and in many cases, they've seen a lot of names on their ballots. From the recent Democratic lieutenant governor primary to the 11th Congressional District special election primaries, Virginia has two real-time examples of how ranked choice voting (RCV) could benefit voters in crowded races. Both demonstrate why it's time for Virginia's political parties to further embrace RCV.
National Republican group with ties to Trump is attacking Jay Jones
A PAC based in Texas with ties to a top Donald Trump donor is attacking Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones with over $100,000 in radio ads in Norfolk and Richmond. America’s PAC describes itself as a group that “specializes in expanding the free market conservative coalition by spreading the message to demographics that rarely vote conservative, including Hispanics and African-Americans.” Tom Donelson, a Texas Republican, runs the PAC. The ad attacking Jones focuses on illegal immigrants and accuses Democrats of supporting criminals, not victims.