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Trump’s plans pose dilemma for Virginia governor
Gov. Glenn Youngkin emerged from this fall’s campaign as one of Donald Trump’s most enthusiastic supporters. But the incoming president’s plans have the potential to create major challenges for Virginia’s present governor. Youngkin is pitching a tax cut, and cites a hefty state budgetary surplus as justification. But surpluses can evaporate in a Mar-a-Largo minute, and […]
Virginia’s may be the most powerful legislature of them all
Virginia’s legislature and governor are embroiled in a “two scorpions in a bottle” fight over the new biennial budget, which must be passed by June 30, 2024, to fund the government. On Wednesday, both sides return to Richmond for the “reconvened” or “veto” session. Budget battles in the commonwealth are not unusual, but this one […]
The politics of ‘gotcha’
Virginia Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, was clearly frustrated. Last Monday, the Democrats decided to play political hardball with an issue that is increasingly toxic to the GOP, especially in suburban districts: abortion. Conservative Republican Del. Tim Griffin from Bedford had introduced a bill would have denied public funding to clinics and hospitals that perform […]