By Grant Smith, Capital News Service RICHMOND – A procession of more than 100 disappointed citizens filed out of a Virginia State Water Control Board meeting late Thursday afternoon after the agency approved permits for Dominion Virginia Power to begin draining water from coal ash ponds on sites in Fluvanna and Prince William counties into the James and Potomac rivers. Over the past few months, the permit applications have stirred opposition against Dominion Virginia Power by local and regional environmental groups such as the James River Association and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Although Thursday’s meeting was brimming with opponents to…
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RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is now registering customers for the commonwealth’s Emergency Contact Program. The Emergency Contact Program, which was authorized by the General Assembly in 2015, gives law enforcement a way to notify a participant’s family or friends in the event of a serious crash or other emergency that leaves him or her unable to communicate. The program is free and available to residents with a valid Virginia driver’s license, identification card, learner’s permit, commercial driver’s license, or temporary driver’s license. Participation is voluntary. Parents and guardians who would like to enroll a child…
We are happy to announce that the Virginia Housing Coalition (VHC) and the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) have officially merged and launched the Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA). VHA will focus on expanding affordable housing opportunities and ending homelessness through advocacy, education, and collaboration. By merging, VHC and VCEH have created a stronger and more sustainable organization. Based in Richmond, it will have a truly statewide focus given the broad spectrum of services of local partners in Virginia that it will support. “It’s a new day for efforts to expand housing opportunity and end homelessness in Virginia,” said Courtney…
By Sarah King, Capital News Service RICHMOND – More than two-thirds of Virginians think public schools aren’t adequately funded, and most residents of the commonwealth would support paying more in taxes to enhance student performance, according to a statewide poll released Monday. The Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute released the findings as the General Assembly prepared to convene on Wednesday. According to the CEPI’s 15th annual Commonwealth Education poll: 67 percent of Virginians say public schools do not have enough funds to meet their needs 71 percent think funding substantially affects the quality of education 56 percent would pay higher taxes…
By Diana DiGangi, Capital News Service RICHMOND – Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates vowed Monday to fight for prison and health-care reforms, more education funding and better job training during the General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session, which starts Wednesday. At a press conference, 18 of the 33 Democratic delegates detailed their caucus’ plan to support Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s workforce initiative, called “the New Virginia Economy.” “We support the governor’s initiative so that we can invest in Virginia,” said Del. Charniele Herring of Alexandria, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus. “Together we can pave the way forward creating programs and…
~ Interested parties may attend one of seven meetings around the state or submit comments in writing ~ The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the meeting schedule for the Agency’s State Managed Pollinator Protection Plan. VDACS will hold seven meetings around the Commonwealth to give stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the development of the plan. VDACS’ development of a pollinator protection plan is part of a national effort by state and federal departments and agencies to reverse pollinator losses and help restore pollinator populations. Virginia’s Pollinator Protection Plan is a voluntary, proactive approach…
~ More than 1.4 million pounds have been disposed since the program’s inception in 1990 ~ The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today the results of the 2015 Pesticide Disposal Program. Through this program, VDACS removed 62,261 pounds of unwanted pesticides. Participants included agricultural producers, licensed pesticide dealers and pest control firms, golf course operators and homeowners. The program is available at no cost to eligible participants and is supported by pesticide fees collected by VDACS. The 62,261 pounds of unwanted pesticides were collected from the counties of Arlington, Caroline, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester, King and Queen,…
By Peter Mason and Maureen McNabb – Before leaving Virginia Commonwealth University for the University of Texas after last season, Shaka Smart, head coach of the men’s basketball team, received a base salary of $450,000 and supplemental income of $1 million per year. He was one of many men’s head coaches in the NCAA being paid significantly more than any coach in any sport on the women’s side of college athletics. Coaches receiving similar salaries include Frank Beamer, head football coach at Virginia Tech, and Mike Krzyzewski, head coach of men’s basketball at Duke University. That’s not surprising. At the…
Due to unprecedented demand, HealthCare.gov announced last night that it would be extending the first deadline to Thursday, December 17 at 11:59pm PSTfor people looking to enroll in coverage effective January 1. The days leading up to the December 15 deadline saw a surge in consumer demand. HealthCare.gov CEO Kevin Counihan released the following statement: “Because of the unprecedented demand and volume of consumers contacting our call center or visiting HealthCare.gov, we are extending the deadline to sign-up for January 1 coverage until 11:59pm PST December 17. Hundreds of thousands have already selected plans over the last two days and approximately…
For the fifth year, visitors of all ages are encouraged to start the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike Jan. 1 in a Virginia State Park. Parking is free, and all 36 parks will offer at least one guided hike in addition to self-guided hikes. The first 50 visitors to each park will receive a special edition pin commemorating the 80th anniversary of Virginia State Parks. The popular First Day Hikes photo contest and team competition will be offered. Details and links on how to enter can be found here: http://bit.ly/2016FDH. Each contest features…