The governor wants the state to invest more than $440 million a year for the next two years in the Building Blocks for Virginia Families initiative. It will be part of his proposed budget, which he’s expected to roll out later this month.
Politics
O’Quinn tapped as new House Republican deputy minority leader
The incoming House minority leader said it was important to have someone from Southwest Virginia on the Republican leadership team.
Kaine, Warner introduce bill to rename federal courthouse in Roanoke
They want the building renamed in honor of the late Roanoke civil rights attorney Reuben Lawson.
Del. Rasoul to chair House Education Committee
Rasoul will be the chamber’s only Democrat west of Charlottesville.
Disabled woman files federal discrimination suit against Del. March, her former landlord
In a federal suit, Debra Long alleges that March engaged in “intentional and unabated discrimination against an elderly woman” and that she took no action to prevent the “severe sexual harassment” by one of the property’s employees.
High hopes for a recreational cannabis market after Democratic election win
Under current law, it’s legal in Virginia to possess small amounts of marijuana but you can’t buy it or sell it.
Virginia’s marijuana laws explained
Marijuana is legal in Virginia, but there is no legal retail market for it – and since the passage of a new law cracking down on hemp products like delta-8, there’s been extra confusion about what’s allowed. Here’s a breakdown.
Youngkin approval rating remains stable at 52% even after legislative losses, Roanoke College poll says
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s approval rating in Virginia is at 37%.
Price of medical cannabis in Virginia is too high, driving consumers to neighboring states, new study finds
The study exposed the flaws in Virginia’s medical cannabis program just weeks before lawmakers are set to reconvene for the 2024 session. Some hope to tackle legislation that would create a regulated marketplace for all adult-use cannabis.
Martinsville-area drug court focuses on treatment over punishment for cases that stem from addiction
The program, which graduated its first participant this year, is one of 56 in Virginia. Last year, 260 people completed a drug court program in the state.