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Jumper: Funding cuts threaten a life-changing college grant program
For the last 25 years, GEAR UP Virginia has helped more than 20,000 students, mostly from low-income families, fulfill their academic and career goals. Unfortunately, discussions are underway in Washington, D.C., to cut funding for the program. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded grant program that increases the number of students from low-income communities who successfully transition to and through postsecondary education. It is a coordinated effort between the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and local school divisions.
Schools in Hampton Roads region brace for potential federal cuts, explore block grants
As the federal government considers transitioning from using a funding formula to dole out money to public schools nationwide to providing block grants instead, the proposition is stirring debate among Virginia lawmakers and education leaders. A House of Delegates committee and school leaders convened last week to talk about the possible shift in education funding and the continued impacts of federal funding cuts statewide. Supporters of block grants, or large sums of federal funding, argue that they would give states more flexibility to address individual issues. Critics, meanwhile, are concerned about whether the block grants would be appropriately and equitably distributed, including to English learners and at-risk students from low-income families.
New regulation requires impact offsets on some Virginia solar projects
Solar developers face new rules to get certain projects approved in Virginia after the enactment of a new regulation earlier this month — part of an ongoing discussion about how to meet Virginia’s growing energy needs. The new regulation, set in motion by a 2022 state law, would require projects under 150 megawatts that impact enough prime farmland or forestland would be required to mitigate those impacts, either through on-site work or off-site conservation easements.
Youngkin visits Franklin County farm to mark Virginia Agriculture Week
Gov. Glenn Youngkin stopped by Bowmont Dairy Farm in Franklin County on Thursday afternoon to celebrate Virginia’s farmers. Youngkin told a large crowd that gathered in a field overlooking the farm in Boones Mill that agriculture is the biggest industry in Virginia. ... Youngkin said 95% of the farms in Virginia are family farms, and that is the heart and soul of this sector.
Abigail Spanberger stops off at Moton during ‘Span Virginia’ tour
A total of 22.6% of Prince Edward residents are on Medicaid. That includes 36.7% of children in the community. As a result, proposed cuts to the program have people concerned. It was one of several issues members of the community shared with Virginia candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday night. The Democratic candidate continued her “Span Virginia” tour with a stop first in Appomattox at Baine’s Books, before speaking to a packed house at the Moton Museum. Residents spoke with Spanberger about rising prices and a higher overall cost of living, shared concerns about what the proposed Medicaid cuts would do and asked what the state could do to take some of the pressure off, if she were elected.
ACLU considers legal action after ICE detentions at Virginia courthouses
The American Civil Liberties Union is investigating reports of immigration officials detaining people in Virginia courthouses. "The right to access the courts is a fundamental one, because all other rights depend on it — but Virginians who rely on the protection of the courts will be forced to go without it if ICE's presence means Virginia courthouses are no longer safe," ACLU of Virginia executive director Mary Bauer said in a statement on Thursday.
Spanberger stumps in Fredericksburg
Democratic nominee for Virginia governor Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer turned congresswoman, visited Fredericksburg Thursday during her “Span Virginia Bus Tour.” In the 7th District representative’s gubernatorial run versus GOP candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Spanberger has been traveling the state since Saturday and will make more than 40 stops in various localities during the tour. On Thursday, Spanberger stopped by several businesses in downtown Fredericksburg during her stop.
Virginia Democrats target Trump in race to replace Gerry Connolly in Congress
Democrats vying to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly in a deep-blue northern Virginia district are zeroing in on one issue: who can best take on President Donald Trump. In his announcement video, former Connolly chief of staff and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw said Trump officials threatened to throw him in jail, referring to letters sent to local officials in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions last December that threatened jail time for supporting and enforcing sanctuary laws. State Sen. Stella Pekarsky’s launch video touts her Greek heritage, which she said helps her “stand up to Donald Trump.” And state Del. Irene Shin said Democrats are running the “same old tired plays” while Trump is “dismembering and defunding our government.”
Spanberger’s ‘Span Virginia’ bus tour stops in the ’Burg
Even though she pulled up in a big purple tour bus with her name on it, Abigail Spanberger made sure to introduce herself to the cashier while ordering an iced coffee at Anita’s Cafe. “I’m Abigail,” she said. “I used to represent you in Congress, and now I’m running for governor.” Spanberger’s “Span Virginia Bus Tour” stopped in Fredericksburg on Thursday morning. The tour kicked off in Richmond last Saturday and is taking the Democratic gubernatorial candidate to more than 40 stops across the Commonwealth.
State legislators respond to Reid opposing amendment to repeal defunct same-sex marriage ban
Two state legislators responded Thursday to Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid’s opposition to the repeal of Virginia’s defunct ban on same-sex marriage. Virginia Scope recently asked Reid, the first openly gay statewide nominee in Virginia, why he opposes the repeal. “It doesn’t provide protection for people who sincerely don’t agree with gay marriage,” he said. “I’m running to be the lieutenant governor, not to be somebody’s pastor, but I’ve got to protect everybody’s rights.” ... Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, is sponsoring the amendment to repeal the ban. Ebbin was the first openly gay member of the House of Delegates and state Senate.