Virginia

7News reported that the Virginia House of Delegates’ proposed budget includes language repealing a law requiring audits of campaign finance reports for statewide candidates and certain elected officials.

The move would halt ongoing audits of Governor Abigail Spanberger, Attorney General Jay Jones, Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, and others selected by the Board of Elections, drawing criticism from reform advocates like Clean Virginia and BigMoneyOutVA who argue it weakens transparency in a state with already lax campaign finance rules.

“We will do it in a way that protects consumers, targets the illicit market with clear enforcement and regulatory authority, and creates a more competitive market for small businesses and farmers,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement, The Center Square.

The agreement would launch regulated adult-use cannabis sales on July 1, 2027, after license applications open Feb. 1. It includes a 350-store statewide cap, higher possession limits, new state and local taxes, advertising restrictions, and packaging rules, and is expected as part of the final two-year state budget due by June 30.

“A Virginia legislative report found seven rural hospitals are at the highest risk of financial distress or closure under at least one national assessment model,” The Center Square reported. “All seven reported negative operating margins in 2024.”

Staff told commission members that rural hospitals face challenges including lower patient volumes, higher percentages of Medicare and Medicaid patients, workforce shortages and rising operating costs.