VaNews
February 17, 2020

Today's Sponsor:


** Dominion Energy
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Since 2005, we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by approximately 50%, but we’re committing to doing more — achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Learn more. ([link removed])

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** VPAP Visual Prelude to 2021 Redistricting ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

Using voter registration as a proxy for population, VPAP identifies State Senate districts that have grown faster than the statewide average during this decade. The maps suggest which regions of Virginia may be expect to gain or lose representation when districts are reapportioned following the 2020 Census.
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** Will Virginia Democrats bite the billionaire who fed them? ([link removed])
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By LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Mike Bloomberg offered fresh mea culpas for his support of "stop-and-frisk" policing over the weekend in Virginia, a state where Democrats are riding high in no small part because the billionaire presidential candidate opened his checkbook....Yet Bloomberg’s visit also came amid renewed scrutiny of his support as New York mayor of stop-and-frisk, which a federal judge eventually ruled had led to stops that violated minorities’ rights, and of allegations of sexist behavior during his business career. At the Democratic Party’s annual gala in Richmond, he received both warm embraces and cold shoulders.
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** Lawmakers support raises for teachers, state employees ([link removed])
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By ALAN SUDERMAN, Associated Press

Virginia state employees and public school teachers could soon be getting raises and bonuses under budget proposals before the state House and Senate. Money committees in both chambers unveiled their proposals Sunday for a two-year and more than $135 billion state spending plan, both with larger raises than what Gov. Ralph Northam had proposed. Each chamber will now vote on its version of a state budget before trying to reconcile their differences before the legislative session ends next month.
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** Clean Economy Act would bring changes to Virginia's electric utilities ([link removed])
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By LAURENCE HAMMACK AND AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Appalachian Power Co. plans to shut down its Clinch River power plant in 2026, eliminating its last source of fossil fuel-based generation in Virginia. Yet the utility currently gets nearly 80% of its electricity from coal and natural gas-fed power plants in other states — largely sparing it from parts of a proposed Virginia law that would require a conversion to all renewable energy, critics say.
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** State sees increase in addiction treatment access as lawmakers consider expanding care ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

A state agency is reporting substantial gains in addiction treatment under Virginia’s Medicaid expansion — a report that comes as lawmakers consider several budget proposals to expand the continuum of care for substance use disorders.
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** House panel proposes funding Virginia Beach shooting investigation, building renovation ([link removed])
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By DAVE RESS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia House of Delegates budget writers say the state should pay for an independent investigation into the May 31 Virginia Beach mass shooting. They set aside $77,000 for the study, and proposed a $10 million grant for renovating the municipal center building where a disgruntled city employee shot and killed 12 people.
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** For nearly a century, Virginia roadway signs have told history - even if imperfectly ([link removed])
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By REX SPRINGSTON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

History isn't written in stone, but along Virginia roads you'll find it emblazoned on familiar silver and black plaques. These one-paragraph lessons come to you via Virginia's historical marker program – the first in the nation when it began in the 1920s, and since copied by numerous states.
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The Full Report
43 articles, 16 publications

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** GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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** House, Senate budgets boost public employee compensation ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

The battle lines are drawn over public employee compensation, tuition controls and health insurance as the House of Delegates and Senate prepare to adopt their versions of the state’s two-year budget this week. State employees, teachers and other public employees would get a boost in pay but in much different ways under the competing budget plans
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** Flush with cash, Virginia lawmakers push bigger raises for teachers ([link removed])
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By GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Virginia Democrats have money to go along with their newfound grip on power, and on Sunday, state lawmakers rolled out budget proposals that seek bigger raises for teachers and state employees along with a host of other spending increases.
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** When it comes to solar power, tax revenues aren't shining for localities ([link removed])
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By CALEB AYERS, Danville Register & Bee

...Over the last few years, Virginia has promoted the development of utility-scale solar farms with incentives and tax exemptions to match, leading to a significant amount of operational projects with many more still in the development stages. Despite increased real estate taxes from the projects, many localities are unhappy with the state-mandated tax exemptions on machinery and tools on these projects. In Pittsylvania County, the story is no different.
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** Virginia Senate bill contradicts gaming study’s tax rate recommendation ([link removed])
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By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

A Virginia Senate bill proposing some of the nation’s highest tax rates on casino gaming revenues runs counter to a state gaming study’s recommendations for smaller markets including Bristol. Senate Bill 36, which would allow casinos by referendum in five cities — Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond — proposes taxing privately owned casinos proposes taxing privately owned casinos at rates of 27% on the first $150 million in net revenues, 31% on the second $150 million and 40% on revenues above $300 million.
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** Virginia is poised to create its own health insurance marketplace ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

Virginia is poised to become the 14th state to create its own health insurance exchange via two bills working their way through both chambers of the General Assembly.
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** Va. House advances bill to allow food stamp benefits at certain restaurants ([link removed])
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By ZOBIA NAYYAR, Capital News Service

The House advanced a bill this week that will help individuals in Virginia with an annual income of less than $3,600 get a hot meal with their food stamps, from certain restaurants. House Bill 1410 passed the House Tuesday 54-41. The bill requires the Department of Social Services to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, or RMP, of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by Jan. 1, 2021.
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** End to decades-long battle over Menhaden regulations ([link removed])
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By SARAH VOGELSONG, Virginia Mercury

It’s been perhaps the state’s dullest political tug-of-war.,,,But then, this winter, it ended when Omega Protein, the Reedville-based Canadian company that is the largest single player in the U.S. menhaden industry, told a Senate panel that it supported legislation to hand over fishery management to the VMRC. “The lion,” marveled Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, “shall lie down with the lamb.”
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** Stakeholders Regroup After Tobacco Legislation Falls Short ([link removed])
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By ANDREW RINGLE, Capital News Service

Despite Virginia earning an “F” from the American Lung Association regarding its tobacco-control programs for the fifth year in a row, the General Assembly won’t be voting on whether or not to ban flavored tobacco products until the next session.
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** Bills raise questions about some of Southwest Virginia's own Confederate symbols ([link removed])
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By YANN RANAIVO, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

“Lest We Forget” is one of the messages inscribed on the marble base of the copper soldier overlooking Main Street and the grounds of the Giles County courthouse. At least some in Pearisburg agree with that snippet when it comes to the structures erected ages ago in honor of those who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
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** The state of Virginia: A progressive leader in the South under Democrats ([link removed])
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By ALAN SUDERMAN AND SARAH RANKIN, Associated Press

In a state once synonymous with the Old South, Democrats are using their newfound legislative control to refashion Virginia as the region’s progressive leader on racial, social and economic issues. Lawmakers are on the verge of passing the South’s strictest gun laws, broadest LGBTQ protections, highest minimum wage and some of its loosest abortion restrictions, churning through landmark legislation on a near-daily basis.
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** Area GOP legislators give grim outlook on 2020 session ([link removed])
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By RACHEL MAHONEY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Conservative concerns about bills coming through the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly weren’t assuaged at a breakfast hosted by Lynchburg-area legislators Saturday. Hosted by the Lynchburg Republican City Committee, the meeting covered the gamut of proposed laws that have gained traction in the newly flipped statehouse. “Virginia is headed in the wrong direction,” freshman Del. Wendell Walker said


** FEDERAL ELECTIONS
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** W&L students predict Sanders will be Democratic nominee ([link removed])
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By MIKE ALLEN, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Bernie Sanders will be the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee after a contested convention in which no candidate gets enough votes to win the first round. So says the 1,600 Washington and Lee University students who put on the 2020 Mock Convention,
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** Virginia a key state in Bloomberg’s Super Tuesday strategy ([link removed])
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By ALEXANDRA JAFFE, Associated Press

If there is a state where Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg could expect a return on investment, it is Virginia. By investing millions on state legislative races, Bloomberg helped Democrats take back the statehouse last fall. With full control of government in Virginia, Democrats have started pushing through progressive legislation on everything from gun control to gay rights.
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** Bloomberg tells voters in Va. he'll beat Trump ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg made his pitch to Virginia Democrats on Saturday, vowing to beat President Donald Trump if he’s the Democratic nominee and apologizing for a controversial police tactic used during his time as mayor. Bloomberg was the lone candidate to speak at the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Blue Commonwealth Gala
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** In Bloomberg, liberals see a wallet too big to offend ([link removed])
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By ALEXANDER BURNS AND NICHOLAS KULISH, New York Times (Metered Paywall - 1 to 2 articles a month)

A Times examination of Mr. Bloomberg’s philanthropic and political spending in the years leading up to his presidential bid illustrates how he developed a national infrastructure of influence, image-making and unspoken suasion that has helped transform a former Republican mayor of New York City into a plausible contender for the Democratic nomination....“Clearly, over the last several elections, there has not been a more important donor to the Democratic Party than Michael Bloomberg,” said former Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, who once chaired the Democratic National Committee.
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** Super Tuesday is coming, but Democrats focused on the November election ([link removed])
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By KIM BARTO MEEKS, Martinsville Bulletin (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

With two weeks to go before Virginia’s Democratic presidential primary, local party leaders don’t have a clear favorite among the six likely candidates. What’s most important, they say, is for Democrats to show up to the polls in November — no matter who ends up on the ballot — to face incumbent Republican Donald Trump.


** CONGRESS
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** Inside one senator's push to restore the congressional role in going to war ([link removed])
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By PHIL MATTINGLY AND CLARE FORAN, CNN

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia is under no illusion about the future of his resolution to rein in President Donald Trump's authority to launch US military action with Iran. Trump opposes the language, and while the Senate passed the resolution 55-45 Thursday, the margin is well short of the number needed to override a presidential veto. But as a key player in a growing coalition of bipartisan lawmakers seeking to retake authority they say has long since been abdicated to the executive branch, for Kaine it's another step in the process.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Liftoff: Candy, cheese soar to space station from Virginia seashore ([link removed])
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Associated Press

A cargo ship rocketed toward the International Space Station on Saturday, carrying candy and cheese to satisfy the astronauts’ cravings. Northrop Grumman launched its Cygnus capsule from the Virginia seashore. The nearly 4-ton shipment should arrive at the orbiting lab Tuesday. It took three tries over the past week to get the Antares rocket off the pad, with it finally taking flight at 3:21 p.m. — an auspicious 3-2-1. Besides the usual experiments and gear, the capsule holds cheddar and manchego cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, chocolate and three kinds of gummy candy expressly requested by the three station astronauts: Skittles, Hot Tamales, and Mike and Ike’s.


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** U.Va. clarifies that Multicultural Student Center is open to all following calls of 'racial intolerance' ([link removed])
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By NIK POPLI, Cavalier Daily

The University released a statement on social media Wednesday evening affirming that all members of the community are welcome in the recently expanded Multicultural Student Center after a video of a student stating there were "too many white people" using the facility went viral. In the video, which has over 2.7 million views, the student states that the MSC is a space for people of color, adding that white people should be more cognizant of the space they occupy.


** LOCAL
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** Henrico budget to include focus on jail diversion ([link removed])
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By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Henrico County officials plan to tackle jail overcrowding this budget cycle with programs diverting people from lockup, but a 24-hour detox center floated as a possible solution isn’t opening anytime soon.
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** Homeless encampment prompts reconsideration of Richmond cold weather guidelines ([link removed])
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By MARK ROBINSON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

If it is forecast to be 39 degrees overnight, Richmond opens its hypothermia shelter. If it is forecast to be 41 degrees overnight, the shelter remains locked, and dozens of people who turn to it as a last resort must sleep outside. Members of the Richmond City Council said they want to reexamine the guidelines
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** Judge upholds Fredericksburg City Council's decision to move slave auction block ([link removed])
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By CATHY JETT, Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Fredericksburg’s controversial slave auction block will soon be moving from the corner of William and Charles streets. Two local businesses lost in their lawsuit challenging the City Council’s decision to relocate the block to the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
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** Sandbridge’s $20 million beach replenishment project to begin ([link removed])
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By STACY PARKER, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

After a long wait, Sandbridge Beach will finally get its share of storm protection. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, will begin mobilizing equipment soon at Little Island Park to replenish the beach with sand.
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** Budget request for African-American history center stirs frustrations ([link removed])
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By BRIDGET MANLEY, The Citizen

While several Shenandoah Valley groups want to raise the profile of African-American history in the region, a proposal for a new history center in New Market is causing friction over who gets make the decisions, tell those stories and even pick the site. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Association has asked the Virginia General Assembly for a budget amendment that will give them the money they need to purchase a historic building in the town of New Market. The group’s plan is to turn it into a history center that will become the main focal point in a future trail of African-American history throughout the Valley. The trail will highlight the stories of African Americans lost and whitewashed over time.
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** If casino measure comes to pass, Danville must update code to allow permit ([link removed])
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By JOHN R. CRANE, Danville Register & Bee

If Virginia ends up legalizing casinos by referendum, Danville must come up with language allowing a special-use permit for such a facility. If the state allows residents in five cities — including Danville — to vote whether to permit casinos, residents here would decide in a referendum Nov. 3.

Today's Sponsor:


** Dominion Energy
------------------------------------------------------------

Since 2005, we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by approximately 50%, but we’re committing to doing more — achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Learn more. ([link removed])


** EDITORIALS
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** House Bill 961 won't end the violence ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

The debate over gun rights grew more heated on Tuesday when Democratic-backed House Bill 961 squeaked through the House of Delegates by a 51-48 vote. The bill will prohibit the sale, transporting, transferring or manufacturing of certain semi-automatic firearms after July 1.
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** Declarations of War and Restoring Constitutional Balance ([link removed])
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News & Advance Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Ever since his election to the U.S. Senate in 2012, Tim Kaine has been concerned about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, especially when it comes to use of U.S. military force abroad.
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** School construction funding must be a priority ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

It’s unacceptable for children to attend crumbling and cramped schools with leaky roofs, moldy walls and inadequate heating and cooling. Legislators and the governor have said that dealing with inadequate schools should be a high priority — and yet, the problem persists, with more talk than action in Richmond.
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** The Clean Economy Act's unintended consequences on Wise County ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The General Assembly last week set in motion a landmark makeover of Virginia’s energy policies with legislation intended to reduce carbon emissions and dramatically increase the amount of renewable energy. Here’s one measure of progress: Not even opponents of the measure were defending carbon emissions.
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** Carbon credits close to home ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Somewhere out there, a Disney cruise ship is plying the azure waters of the Caribbean — the all-day buffet, the live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of sun sun sun. That somewhere, though, isn’t here. Instead, we’re at the Smith Gap landfill where the Roanoke Valley’s trash is buried on the side of a mountain.
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** Ginsburg shoots down ERA hopes ([link removed])
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Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

When the General Assembly ratified the Equal Rights Amendment on Jan. 15, jubilant Democrats claimed that Virginia had just become the 38th and final state needed for the ERA to become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But no less an expert on gender equality than feminist icon and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has just thrown cold water on the party in Richmond.
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** With gambling bills the bets are on ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Legislation pending before the General Assembly would greatly expand gambling options for Virginians, potentially legalizing casinos in five cities, letting people place legal bets on professional and college sports, and allowing the Virginia Lottery to sell tickets online.
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** Forensic nursing shortage demands state action ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Important legislation before the General Assembly would make it easier and less stressful for sexual assault victims to get the forensic examinations that could help authorities find and prosecute their attacker. Sexual assault is a violent, degrading and traumatic experience. Despite recent efforts to overcome unfair stigmas and outdated attitudes that blame the victim, it’s also a crime that too often goes unreported.


** OP-ED
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** Lopez: Assisted suicide bill puts marginalized people at greater risk of harm ([link removed])
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By MARY D. LOPEZ, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Last year Virginia lawmakers introduced assisted suicide legislation for the first time. Thankfully, that lethal bill never made it out of committee. However, any chance that Virginia will consider legalizing assisted suicide is alarming — especially for those of us with disabilities.

Lopez is the Executive Director at Independence Empowerment Center in Manassas.
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** Hurst: Virginia not doing enough on pipelines ([link removed])
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By CHRIS HURST, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Sediment steadily encroaching onto private property. Road closures and traffic jams. Man-made erosion of the lush Appalachian Mountains. This has become the new normal for the residents of my district and far too many others who live in Southwest Virginia.

Hurst represents Giles County, Radford and parts of Montgomery and Pulaski counties in the House of Delegates. He is a Democrat.
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** Porter: Taking a long-overdue step for roadway safety ([link removed])
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By BRYAN E. PORTER, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

The Virginia General Assembly has the opportunity this session, after recent failed attempts, to reduce a leading cause of fatal unintentional injuries within motor vehicle crashes. Pending legislation would strengthen the commonwealth’s seat belt laws, increasing the probability of surviving these crashes.

Bryan Porter is associate dean of the Old Dominion University Graduate School and a professor of psychology. The views expressed are his own.
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** Newby: Keep Virginia's life sciences innovation economy strong ([link removed])
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By JOHN NEWBY, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Citizens across Virginia need health solutions and affordable health care to live full, healthy and productive lives. Lawmakers in the General Assembly are examining a broad range of policies in an attempt to relieve the burden of rising health care costs. But some of the proposals under consideration might have unintended consequences

John Newby is CEO of the Virginia Biotechnology Association (VA Bio).
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** Gibson: What a difference an election can make ([link removed])
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By BOB GIBSON, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Virginia’s 2020 General Assembly session is hurtling toward its scheduled March 7 adjournment in an effort by its new majority Democrats to make up for lost time and pass bills rarely allowed out of committees in recent years. Legislation to decriminalize marijuana possession and bills to make voting easier are rocketing toward Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk faster than their Democratic sponsors dreamed possible even last year

Gibson is communications director and senior researcher at the University of Virginia’s Cooper Center for Public Service. The opinions expressed here are his own
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** Braunlich: A bad lesson about collective bargaining in schools ([link removed])
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By CHRIS BRAUNLICH, published in Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Joseph Ocol is the kind of teacher most parents would fight to have teach their daughter. His Chicago girls’ chess team won the national championship in 2016 against 60 other schools, an achievement noted by the mayor, city council, news media and the Congressional Record. And they’ve gone back since then, placing fourth last year.

Chris Braunlich, a New York native, is president of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy and a former president of the Virginia State Board of Education.
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** White, Smith, McKenna, Stephens: Virginia can’t let wind opportunity blow by ([link removed])
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By DAVID C. WHITE, DOUGLAS L. SMITH, ROBERT S. MCKENNA AND BRYAN K. STEPHENS, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Collectively, the organizations we lead represent thousands of large and small businesses spread across every locality in the Hampton Roads region. We wish to connect and underscore the messages of two recent editorials. The Jan. 14 editorial “Learn from Jefferson Lab’s strikeout” about the loss to secure the Electron Ion Collider was disheartening, but its message could not have been timelier.

White is executive VP of the Virginia Maritime Association;Smith is president of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance; McKenna is president of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Stephens is president of the Hampton Roads Chamber.
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** Morse: As Sanders surges, Virginia should worry ([link removed])
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By GORDON C. MORSE, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

“Whatever it does in the future, the Liberty Union will probably never be much more than a footnote in Vermont history books,” wrote United Press International veteran Rod Clarke in 1977. The Brattleboro Reformer headline for that column? “Bernie Sanders Will Be Missed.” Some footnote. Bernie lives and may soon be outside your door.

Gordon C. Morse began his writing career with the Daily Press editorial page in 1983, then moved across the water to write opinion for The Virginian-Pilot. He later joined the administration of Gerald L. Baliles as the governor's speechwriter
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** Kilgore: Why does the Clinch River go unnoticed and unprotected? ([link removed])
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By FRANK KILGORE, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

I was appointed as chair of the nationally acclaimed Virginia Outdoors Foundation in 2003. During my tenure, I attended a statewide watershed seminar in Williamsburg. A speaker alleged that he was a watershed expert and, without any hint of doubt, promptly proclaimed that every drop of rain that fell onto Virginia soil passes through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Frank Kilgore is a lawyer in St. Paul and the author of history and watershed books about Southwest Virginia.
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** McGinn & Belote: Climate change poses grave threat to national security ([link removed])
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By DENNIS MCGINN & DAVE BELOTE, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

It’s difficult to believe that only 10 years ago, 48% of American voters either didn’t think climate change was happening or weren’t convinced either way, according to a national Gallup poll. New polling indicates a 21-point swing since 2010, with 71% of Americans acknowledging the scientific reality of our planet’s warming temperatures and 27% remaining skeptical or unconvinced.

Retired Vice Adm. Dennis McGinn is a former assistant secretary of the Navy. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Dave Belote is a Virginia Beach native and former fighter base commander.
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