General Assembly Archives - Page 2 of 8

Published January 22, 2025 at 10:42PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:17AM

A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.

The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.

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Schools

Lawmakers Target Misuse of ‘Homeless’ Designation in High School Sports Recruitment

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 22, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated January 22, 2025 at 10:32AM

The legislation narrowly advanced to the full House on an 11-10 party-line vote in the House Education Committee. No lawmakers spoke on the bill ahead of the vote.

The bill comes in the wake of multiple controversies involving high school sports programs. In November, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) found Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria violated its eligibility rules for transferring by allowing multiple students to play on its football team.”

News

Local Va. senator pitches bill to relieve Digital Gateway landowners of their higher tax bills

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:03AM

McPike

Landowners who want to sell their properties for the Prince William Digital Gateway data center development and are suing Prince William County over their higher real estate tax bills were recently dealt a blow in court when a judge ruled against their case.

But they might have a Plan B, thanks to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy McPike.

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Fredericksburg

Now that Trump’s Back, Virginia’s Representatives Look Ahead

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:14PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we asked some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives about their visions for 2025.

Senator Mark Warner (D) said:

“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”

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News

Youngkin delivers final State of the Commonwealth address

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 15, 2025 at 2:57PM

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin

The Center Square: Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the final State of the Commonwealth address of his term Monday after a delayed start to the 2025 General Assembly session, urging the state legislature to “keep Virginia winning” with bills it passes this year.

The governor began his speech by recounting how his administration and the General Assembly have delivered on priorities and policies that have made Virginia stronger.

“In our three years together, we have built strong pillars that support a winning Virginia,” Youngkin said, listing record funding in education and learning loss recovery efforts, $5 billion in tax relief, streamlining “50,000 regulations” as some of their chief accomplishments.

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Podcast

Delegate Paul Milde on Reelection, Stafford Issues, and Virginia’s Future

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 10, 2025 at 11:30AM

In this episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, Uriah Kiser interviews Delegate Paul Milde, a Republican representing Stafford County in Virginia’s 64th District. Delegate Milde discusses his reelection campaign, his work on transportation funding, data center growth, land preservation efforts, and revitalizing blighted areas like Aquia Town Center.

Prince William

Delegate Ian Lovejoy Proposes Legislative Reforms on Data Center Expansion

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 9, 2025 at 4:32PM

Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) has introduced a suite of legislative proposals targeting the rapid proliferation of data centers in Northern Virginia, addressing concerns about campaign finance, land use, and energy infrastructure. The legislation, rooted in what Lovejoy calls “common sense reforms,” aims to tackle issues of public confidence, community impact, and the strain on utilities.

One of Lovejoy’s key proposals would bar local officials from voting on data center projects if they have accepted campaign contributions from developers involved in the projects. This legislation stems from what he describes as an “erosion of public confidence” in decision-making, particularly when controversial rezonings follow large donations.

“You can take the money, but you just can’t vote on the project,” said Lovejoy. “Or you can deny the money and vote on any project you want. It’s a common-sense reform designed to restore public trust.” The proposal draws lessons from similar initiatives in Loudoun County and targets what Lovejoy sees as a systemic issue across Northern Virginia.

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Manassas

Virginia’s Water Crisis & Data Center Debate: What’s Next

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 8, 2025 at 3:55PM | Updated January 8, 2025 at 4:42PM

In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Delegate Ian Lovejoy joins us from Richmond to discuss key issues impacting Virginia residents:

News

Stafford County Students Selected as Virginia General Assembly Pages

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 6, 2025 at 6:54PM

Virignia State Capitol

Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.

Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.

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News

Prince William Wants More Authority to Address Speeding

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 12, 2024 at 9:00AM

Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry with constituents at the new Dale City donation center. (Photo by Alan Gloss)

Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors and School Board members convened at the Kelly Leadership Building to address pressing legislative priorities for 2025.

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