Politics

By Tyler Arnold

(The Center Square) – Virginia legislation that would have protected the freedom to worship during health emergencies was defeated in a Senate committee after seven Democrats joined together to block the bill from advancing.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on March 15 to consider changes to the county’s magisterial districts.

Those changes would involve adopting new election districts and precinct boundaries and new polling places. A county redistricting committee developed the option, which will be presented at the hearing and the board’s redistricting work session held this past February.

By Tyler Arnold

(The Center Square) – Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, passed the House unanimously, 99-0, last week after passing the Senate with strong bipartisan support, 37-2. The legislation now heads to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk.

Estimating a $14 billion budget surplus over the next three years, Youngkin calls for giving every state resident a $1,500 tax cut during the first year. The Republican, now seven weeks on the job, also called for doubling the standard income tax deduction to $9,000 for single filers, and $18,000 for joint filers.

The governor also said a new gas tax that was to go into effect in July would be suspended for one year. Youngkin also said he is working with leaders in the General Assembly to make good on a campaign promise to eliminate the state’s grocery tax.

By Tyler Arnold

(The Center Square) – Democrat-backed legislation that would have accelerated the timetable for when retailers could sell recreational marijuana in Virginia was shut down in the House of Delegates.

(The Center Square) – The Virginia Senate narrowly passed legislation that requires schools to notify parents of sexually explicit material in the coursework and allow parents to opt their children out of such assignments.

Senate Bill 656, sponsored by Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, passed the chamber 20-18 with support from Republican leadership and a handful of Democrats. The legislation will now head to the House, which has a Republican majority. Gov. Glenn Youngkin strongly supports the legislation.