Tag: state government
New state laws address voting, equity, electric vehicles, and more
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced March 19 that he signed into law over a dozen additional bills passed by the General Assembly, including measures to expand access to healthcare and birth control, promote equity, and more.
More candidates join the race for governor, other state offices
Since we reported in January on the crowded field of candidates running for statewide offices, several more Republican candidates have jumped into the race. They include seven more candidates running for governor for a total of 10. Another Republican candidate joined the race for lieutenant governor, and there’s one more running for attorney general.
New Virginia law gives students an excused absence for a civic or political event
Gov. Northam signs new laws. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed 80 new pieces of legislation into law that were passed by the 2021 General Assembly. Here are some highlights: Student civic engagement – The Virginia Department is Education is directed to establish guidelines that allow an excused absence for middle and high school students … Continued
Holly Hazard to run against Del. Kaye Kory in Democratic Primary
Holly Hazard (right) talks to residents about their concerns. Social justice advocate Holly Hazard is challenging long-time House of Delegates member Kaye Kory in the Democratic Primary. The primary is June 8. Hazard, a Mason District resident for more than 30 years, wants to bring a new viewpoint to the General Assembly.
Virginia to become the first Southern state to abolish the death penalty
The execution chamber at the Greenville Correctional Center in 1994. [Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch Virginia is poised to ban the death penalty. Gov. Ralph Norman said Feb. 22 that he plans to sign legislation banning capital punishment approved by both houses of the General Assembly.
COVID vaccination program to expand to include more pharmacies
Addo-Ayensu Virginia health officials hope the COVID-19 vaccination process will speed up when the federal retail pharmacy partnership expands. So far, CVS is getting 52,000 doses a week statewide, said Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia’s vaccine coordinator, at a COVID vaccine town hall hosted by state Sen. Dave Marsden, whose district covers the Annandale area; Del. … Continued
CVS COVID vaccination rollout poorly coordinated
This store in Annandale has begun providing COVID vaccinations to people 65+. The CVS COVID vaccine rollout in Virginia has been confusing and frustrating, Dr. Danny Avula, the state’s vaccine coordinator, acknowledged. As part of a federal vaccine partnership, CVS is providing 26,000 doses a week to 36 pharmacies across the state, including the CVS … Continued
It will take months before everyone eligible can get a COVID vaccine
An Inova vaccination clinic for school employees. [FCPS] As the demand for COVID-19 vaccinations still greatly exceeds the supply, state and local officials are scrambling to manage the vaccination process. “It will take months to vaccinate all of those who are eligible and currently registered to get a vaccine appointment,” the Fairfax County Health Department … Continued
Health officials urge patience in waiting for COVID vaccinations
First responders get COVID vaccines. [Fairfax County Health Department] Health officials urged the public to be patient, as they wait for a chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Demand far outstrips the supply, they said at a town hall meeting hosted by Del. Kaye Kory (38th District-Annandale), state Sen. Dave Marsden (38th District-Annandale), and Del. … Continued
Limited COVID vaccine supply means getting group 1b vaccinated will take months
When Virginia moved into phase 1b for COVID-19 vaccinations, health officials anticipated getting much more of the vaccine than they are actually getting. As a result, it is going to take a long time – possibly until March or April – until everyone in 1b is vaccinated, said Danny Avula, vaccine coordinator with the Virginia … Continued
Many candidates are vying for governor of Virginia and other statewide offices
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (right) celebrates his 2013 victory with Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Ralph Northam, who was then elected lieutenant governor. McAuliffe is running again in 2021. There’s a crowded field of candidates seeking their party’s nomination for statewide offices in Virginia. Voters will select a governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general on … Continued
Holding a phone while driving is now illegal
Distracted driving causes accidents. [Vancouver Courier] As of Jan. 1, it’s illegal to hold a cellphone while driving in Virginia. The penalty is a $125 fine for a first offense or using a phone in a highway work zone and $250 for additional offenses. If using headphones for talking on a phone hands-free, you can … Continued
Virginia hosts community conversations on COVID vaccine
COVID vaccines are undergoing testing. [Pfizer] The Virginia Department of Health is hosting community conversations for various populations on how the state is preparing for the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s the schedule: Dec. 8 – Asian American and Pacific Islander community Dec. 9 – LatinX community Dec. 10 – LGBTQIA+ community Dec. 15 – African American … Continued
Laws protecting nursing homes from COVID-related liability needn’t stop suits against Annandale Healthcare Center
Chris Duncan holds a portrait of his mother at an event at the Washington monument in September honoring the lives lost to COVID-19 and protesting the lack of a national policy to contain the pandemic. Constance Duncan contracted COVID at the Annandale Healthcare Center. Legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the special session … Continued
Virginia working group identifies issues for marijuana legalization
A working group appointed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has outlined a series of issues that need to be addressed if the state legalizes marijuana. The Virginia Marijuana Legalization Work Group was mandated by legislation decriminalizing marijuana enacted earlier this year. In November, Northam said he supports legislation in the upcoming General Assembly to legalize … Continued