Arlington Column: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
... of the 2016 General Assembly session.
The Virginia General Assembly finished its work for the 2016 legislative session a day early and adjourned a “long” 60-day session where we made progress on many issues but fought bitterly on several others. Because the improving economy has led to increased revenue collections, we were able to invest in critical areas and make a sizable deposit to our Rainy Day Fund without increasing taxes.
Commentary: A Step Backwards for Virginia
Virginia New American leaders respond to the nomination of Ken Cuccinelli for the State Supreme Court.
From immigration to contraception to climate change denial to LGBT rights, Ken Cuccinelli has built a career on extreme conservative positions that are out of step with Virginia today.
Editorial: Making Good Choices on Saint Patrick’s Day
Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s Day SoberRide program, providing free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Thursday, March 17.
Arlington Letter: Taking Care of All Students
Letter to the Editor
The following letter was sent to Arlington Public Schools’ families and staff.
Arlington Letter: Primary Contrast
Letter to the Editor
Virginia Democrats have now had their say and we congratulate Hillary Clinton on her victory in [Virginia’s March 1] primary. And we thank Bernie Sanders as well for continuing to run a strong, issue-focused campaign.
Column: Governor’s First Vetoes and Ongoing Supreme Court Battle
Commentary
The 2016 General Assembly will be wrapping up its work this week, and of the more than 3,200 bills and resolutions that were introduced, over 1,350 pieces of legislation have passed both chambers. Those bills are now on their way to Governor McAuliffe’s desk, who has 7 or 30 days to act on them depending on how close to the end of session they passed. The Governor has approved many of these measures but he has also issued vetoes for a handful of bills that he believes are unnecessary or unconstitutional.
Arlington Column: State Budget Takes Shape
Commentary
This past Sunday, the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees unveiled their $109 billion budget proposals for the upcoming biennium.
Arlington Column: General Assembly Reaches Crossover
Commentary
The Virginia General Assembly has finally reached “Crossover,” the halfway point by which each chamber must complete work on its own bills and begin considering legislation passed by the other body. Over 870 bills have passed the House of Delegates and over 700 made it through the Senate. We will be working diligently over the coming weeks to consider the remaining legislation, including 13 of my bills that have passed the Senate and await consideration by the House.
Arlington Letter: Public Input Encouraged
Letter to the Editor
Your recent article [“Completing the Street,” Arlington Connection, p. 2] on the county's new Neighborhood Complete Streets (NCS) Program misrepresents the program.
Editorial: Freedom of Information on Life Support in General Assembly?
Last week, the Assembly passed SB 202, which undid a major push eight years ago to ensure that all of our public spending was ‘online’ and searchable by ordinary citizens. This, of course, meant disclosing the salaries of public employees over a certain income level.
Another Opportunity to Talk About It
Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.
Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia
The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.
Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.
Arlington Column: Nondiscrimination Bills Pass Senate
Commentary
As the snow thawed and the General Assembly went about its business last week, a number of developments occurred involving LGBT rights.
Editorial: ‘Disappointing, Not Surprising’
Bills to rein in predatory lending die in Senate committee.
Have you ever paid 36 percent interest on a loan or credit card?
Arlington Letter: Tone Deaf County
Letter to the Editor
Once again, the Arlington County government has proven to be completely tone deaf when dealing with residents.