Virginia Political News
Transit plan gets OK from General Assembly - www.roanoke.com
The package, which now goes to Gov. Bob McDonnell, will pump $3.5 billion into transportation.RICHMOND — After weeks of starts, stops and near crashes, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators has delivered a long-awaited transportation funding package to Gov. Bob McDonnell.After some last-minute drama that threatened to derail the deal, the Virginia Senate on Saturday passed a compromise pla ...
Sunday February 24, 2013 5:31AM | roanoke.com
Goodlatte seeks middle ground on immigration - www.roanoke.com
If he pushes for a comprehensive bill, the political risks are high, advocates across the spectrum say.Rep. Bob Goodlatte may not think that President Barack Obama can sell the country on a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants — but the Roanoke County Republican thinks he might be able to find a consensus on letting at least some have the right to stay here.
Sunday February 24, 2013 5:31AM | roanoke.com
Governor's transportation initiative closer to passage - www.roanoke.com
The House of Delegates passed the transportation bill Friday, but the Senate postponed its vote.RICHMOND — A carefully crafted compromise to pump new money into Virginia's cash-starved transportation system inched closer to passage in the General Assembly on Friday, winning bipartisan support in the House of Delegates.
Saturday February 23, 2013 5:03AM | roanoke.com
Kaine in Salem to learn about programs for veterans - www.roanoke.com
He said he is interested in ways to help returning service personnel find civilian jobs.Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., paused on his three-day statewide tour to study the effects of a federal budget sequestration to think about future obligations to the nation`s veterans.Kaine made a point to stop by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem on Wednesday, where he said he was particularly eager to ...
Thursday February 21, 2013 5:09AM | roanoke.com
General Assembly negotiators reach pact on transportation - www.roanoke.com
The latest version preserves some funding for passenger rail service in Roanoke.RICHMOND — General Assembly negotiators agreed Wednesday to a compromise transportation funding package that would generate about $880 million annually by 2018 and include funding to extend passenger rail service to Roanoke.
Thursday February 21, 2013 5:09AM | roanoke.com
Former Del. Clifton 'Chip' Woodrum was known for sharp wit - www.roanoke.com
The Democrat had an amazing ability to refocus debate, recalled a friend and ally.Clifton "Chip" Woodrum, who represented Roanoke in the House of Delegates for nearly a quarter-century, died Tuesday in Florida, according to current and former legislators. He was 74.Woodrum served from 1980 to 2003 in the Virginia House, where his intellect and rapier wit made him one of the state`s most visibl ...
Wednesday February 20, 2013 5:35AM | roanoke.com
Lyme disease test bill passes state House - www.roanoke.com
Bill 1933 requires doctors to inform patients of the limitations of tests for the tick-borne disease.RICHMOND — The House of Delegates on Tuesday put the finishing touches on legislation that would require doctors to provide patients with information about the limitations of existing tests for Lyme disease.
Wednesday February 20, 2013 5:02AM | roanoke.com
McDonnell to get bill cracking down on texting behind the wheel - www.roanoke.com
RICHMOND — Legislation that would strengthen enforcement and increase penalties for texting while driving is on the way to Gov. Bob McDonnell`s desk.By a vote of 28-12, the state Senate on Tuesday passed HB1907, which already has been passed by the House of Delegates. The bill would allow police to stop drivers for using a "handheld personal communications device" to send or view text messag ...
Wednesday February 20, 2013 5:02AM | roanoke.com
McDonnell's transportation funding plan faces changes as negotiators work toward deal - www.roanoke.com
Negotiators pushed a deadline to meet a compromise on the transportation funding package to today.RICHMOND — General Assembly negotiators continued to work toward a compromise transportation funding package Tuesday night, exchanging proposals that would make significant changes to Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to pay for the state's road, rail and transit needs.
Wednesday February 20, 2013 5:02AM | roanoke.com
Bill to discourage drivers texting advances through Virginia Senate panel - www.roanoke.com
The bill would increase fines for the offense, and police would be given greater authority.RICHMOND — The General Assembly has a message for drivers: Keep your hands on the wheel and off your smartphone`s QWERTY keyboard.That was again conveyed Friday when a Virginia Senate committee advanced compromise legislation to make fines for texting while driving more expensive and allow police to st ...
Saturday February 16, 2013 5:09AM | roanoke.com
Voter photo ID bill moves toward passage - www.roanoke.com
The bill would provide free photo ID cards to voters.RICHMOND — A contentious proposal to require Virginia voters to present photo identification at the polls is one step away from passage in the General Assembly.The House Appropriations Committee approved the measure Friday on a largely party line 15-7 vote, advancing it to the House floor, where Republicans hold a commanding majority.
Saturday February 16, 2013 5:09AM | roanoke.com
Bill increases pressure to check IDs for alcohol sales - www.roanoke.com
In addition to the store being responsible for underage alcohol sales, the clerk would bear more of the burden.RICHMOND - Store clerks, servers and others who sell alcoholic beverages may soon have a new incentive to check the identification of their customers.A bill moving through the General Assembly would impose a misdemeanor penalty on individuals who sell alcohol to underage customers and fai ...
Saturday February 16, 2013 5:09AM | roanoke.com
McDonnell says state will use federal health care exchanges - www.roanoke.com
Gov. Bob McDonnell has informed the Obama administration that Virginia will rely on a federally run health insurance exchange while retaining oversight of the insurers that offer coverage through the new system.McDonnell`s Thursday letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reinforced the Republican governor`s long-standing opposition to creating a state-based insurance exc ...
Friday February 15, 2013 7:12AM | roanoke.com
Bill puts gun permits off limits - www.roanoke.com
The state Senate OK`d the bill, which blocks public access to all concealed handgun permit records.RICHMOND - Virginians no longer would have access to concealed handgun permit records under legislation heading to Gov. Bob McDonnell`s desk.The Virginia Senate on Thursday passed legislation that would bar public access to the records, which are maintained by the circuit courts that issue co ...
Friday February 15, 2013 5:40AM | roanoke.com
Bolling seeks transportation funding accord - www.roanoke.com
The lieutenant governor distanced himself from the governor's position on the gasoline tax.RICHMOND - Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling is calling on House and Senate negotiators to reach a transportation funding compromise that would include both higher taxes and more dollars from the state's general fund and require concessions from both parties.
Friday February 15, 2013 5:40AM | roanoke.com
Salem ballot-access bill runs aground - www.roanoke.com
The proposal would have required ballot petitions of all candidates, even party nominees.RICHMOND — A House of Delegates subcommittee on Wednesday derailed the Salem City Council's bid to require all council candidates to meet the same ballot access requirements, a proposal that was intended to preserve non-partisan council elections.
Thursday February 14, 2013 5:10AM | roanoke.com
Transportation bill passes Senate, heads to talks - www.roanoke.com
With no debate, the state Senate passed an overhauled version Wednesday of Gov. Bob McDonnell's transportation funding package, setting up negotiations with the House of Delegates on a long-range plan to fund the state's road, rail and transit needs.
Thursday February 14, 2013 5:10AM | roanoke.com
Ware to negotiate transportation measure in House - www.roanoke.com
The Roanoke delegate is the only Southwest Virginia lawmaker on the House negotiating team.Del. Onzlee Ware, D-Roanoke, will be among the negotiators as the House of Delegates and Senate try to hammer out a compromise transportation funding bill.House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford County, appointed Ware and four Republican delegates to the House conference committee that will work to reconcile d ...
Thursday February 14, 2013 5:10AM | roanoke.com
Transportation funding bill altered once again - www.roanoke.com
A Senate panel OK'd the latest version, this time with a higher gas tax and vehicle registration fees.RICHMOND - The General Assembly's long-running debate over financing Virginia's transportation needs may revolve once again around the gasoline tax and the use of revenue from the state's general fund.
Wednesday February 13, 2013 5:15AM | roanoke.com
Modified Virginia state law could limit abortion services even further - www.roanoke.com
The amendment would align Virginia`s statutes more closely to the federal health care law.RICHMOND -- Even as health benefit exchanges bring the promise of more medical coverage for Virginians, access to abortion could become further restricted.Abortion services could be more limited under an amendment being developed by Gov. Bob McDonnell`s staff to graft onto legislation aligning Virgini ...
Tuesday February 12, 2013 5:33AM | roanoke.com
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