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VPAP Visual Record Vetoes in 2024
With the final vetoes complete as of last Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin has set a new record for bills vetoed in a single year, axing a total of 201 bills. This year alone, Youngkin has killed more legislation than any recent governor of Virginia has in their full four-year term.
Richmond registrar broke city code when signing nearly $1M in contracts, officials say
Richmond General Registrar Keith Balmer violated Richmond procurement code on at least three occasions between September and February when he signed contracts with third-party vendors without seeking mandatory review and approval from other city officials, records obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch show. The revelations come on the heels of the suspension of Balmer’s city-issued purchasing card due to alleged misuse as well as claims of nepotistic hiring practices in the Richmond Office of Elections.
Youngkin’s plan to vacate James Monroe Building on hold
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to move state employees out of the aging James Monroe Building and into various existing offices across the city has been put on hold. The state will consider erecting a new office building — which Youngkin’s administration has said is not needed, as downtown office space remains available and employees work hybrid schedules. But state lawmakers disagreed, and ultimately won, saying the state government should invest in the city of Richmond and study the situation more.
Kiggans blasts Veterans Affairs after missed deadline for Hampton VA Medical Center investigation
The Department of Veterans Affairs is under fire for missing the deadline to provide information on the Hampton VA Medical Center to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs following allegations of employee retaliation and substandard care. The House committee launched an investigation after lawmakers said they met with medical professionals and whistleblowers who work at the medical center in March to discuss the delivery of care after recent scrutiny. Led by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, the House committee on April 9 requested documents related to disciplinary actions against employees, patient safety reports related to the medical center’s surgical department ...
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell to resign
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell announced his resignation Monday night at the end of a city council meeting. Without comment, the council unanimously accepted his resignation, effective June 7, and appointed Mayor Sherman Lea to serve as temporary interim manager. “We as a city council will do what we need to do to keep the city going,” Lea said after the meeting adjourned. Cowell has served as city manager since 2017. He declined questions on Monday night ...
Cowell resigns as Roanoke city manager
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell has resigned, effective June 7, following several recent high-profile personnel issues at city hall, and in the midst of an election season that promises changes to multiple city council seats. Mayor Sherman Lea, who plans to retire at the end of his term, will serve as acting city manager as the city seeks an interim and then a permanent top executive.
Newport News emphasizes focus on youth with more than $1 billion investment
Government, civic and business leaders Monday held a news conference to highlight the city’s investment in youth initiatives, including two revitalized programs focused on opportunities for safe recreation and career exploration. The city has allocated more than $1 billion toward youth engagement in its operating and capital improvement budgets for 2024 and 2025. Mayor Phillip Jones said this includes money for recreation centers, schools and services such as mental health resources. “The center of gravity of Newport News is our youth and I believe strongly in the importance and power of youth engagement,” Jones said during the conference ...
Sen. Mark Warner meets with students and educators to discuss FAFSA issues
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) hosted a discussion at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday with students, school districts and universities about the issues they have been having with the revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA. Many of those who attended said the rollout of the new FAFSA has been very troublesome for students, families and schools for months. … Superintendent of Loudon County Public Schools Aaron Spence said some of the district’s students still do not know where they will be attending college in the fall, weeks after the typical May 1 deadline.
Va. casino gaming revenues total $60.1M in April
Virginia’s three casinos reported about $60.1 million in gaming revenues for April, according to Virginia Lottery data released last week. ... April’s casino gaming revenues were a 7.6% decrease from the $65.08 million reported in March. Virginia law assesses a graduated tax on a casino’s adjusted gaming revenue. For the month of April, taxes from casino AGRs totaled $10.8 million.
Warner, Norment talk politics at Williamsburg chamber event
U.S. Senator Mark Warner discussed his foray into politics during Friday’s final installment of a chamber of commerce speaker series with prominent leaders. More than 100 people attended Commonwealth Conversations, held Friday at the Williamsburg Lodge and hosted by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. Warner answered questions from former Sen. Tommy Norment about his life and political endeavors. Warner’s appearance marked the final installment of a five-part series of Commonwealth Conversations ...