After Youngkin Speech Lucas Torches Glenn-Dome; Rouse in Arlington; Reverend Marcellus Harris Jr Dies; Cake Pop Bill
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After Gov. Youngkin’s Speech, Finance Chair Louise Lucas Torches Glenn-Dome
During a meeting of the Virginia Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee meeting yesterday, Finance Chair Senator L. Louise Lucas had a few comments on the proposed sports complex in Alexandria, Va. announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and billionaire Wizards owner Ted Leonsis in December 2023.
Chairwoman Lucas’ comments arrived days after Gov. Younkgin’s political X account displayed a clip of him speaking critically of Democrats at Washington and Lee University.
“Democrats today do not believe in nor do they want, a strong America, an America with no rivals. They are content to concede, to compromise away, to abandon the very foundations that made America exceptional,” Gov. Youngkin said.
The comments were made days before the deadline for final bills that will be considered for passage in the Virginia Legislature.
Chairwoman Lucas’ comments in committee yesterday included her view that the proposed Potomac Yard project “revenues are insufficient to cover the debt. Taxpayers are on the hook to bail out this project.” The comments were a shot heard round the political and business worlds of the DMV and Richmond.
“The underlying finances show that this project is not viable without our credit rating. Once we open the tap of financing and giveaways for billionaires, we’ve opened the door for a future governor to ask for similar treatment,” Lucas added.
Though Gov. Youngkin’s spokesperson Rob Damschen said in a statement that “this project is good for the entire commonwealth” and the arena project would create 30,000 jobs, no details have been provided by any party involved in the deal regarding job growth and what the salary scales of the jobs are likely to be.
On Dec. 13, 2023, Gov. Youngkin, alongside local elected and business leaders, announced a “a $2 billion public-private partnership to create a world-class Entertainment District in the City of Alexandria at Potomac Yard. This new 9 million-square-foot district developed by JBG SMITH will feature the global corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), an industry-leading Arena for both the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, a state-of-the-art Monumental Sports Network media studio, the Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, and an expanded esports facility, in addition to bringing new retail, residential, restaurants, hotels…”
But details on the planned entertainment district, specifically how it would benefit the local community, have been difficult to find.
Feb. 14: Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Crossover Presser
Tomorrow the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus will hold a press conference in Richmond at a the new General Assembly Building.
What: The VLBC will hold a press conference to discuss strategic efforts to block Republican attempts to roll back voting rights during the 2024 legislative session, press release attached. Members will also give a crossover update on the criminal justice reform agenda, a related press release will directly follow the conference.
When (rescheduled): Wednesday, February 14th at 8:00 AM
Where: Senate Briefing Room 400 & Live-streamed on the VLBC Facebook
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VLBC also released a statement on Judge Onzlee Ware who died over the weekend. The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Mourns the Loss of Former Member Judge Onzlee Ware
Richmond, VA— The members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) mourn the passing of the Honorable Onzlee Ware, Roanoke Judge. We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and the entire Roanoke community.
Prior to being appointed as the first Black Judge in Roanoke’s Circuit Court in 2020, Judge Ware also served on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. In 2004, he became the first Black Delegate from Western Virginia—representing his beloved community in the Virginia General Assembly and serving as a dedicated member of the VLBC for a decade.
Judge Ware was a trailblazer whose work towards the idea of equity and justice for all was impactful and will remain with us far beyond his passing. For many members currently in the VLBC, who had the great honor of working alongside him, he was a mentor and a friend.
The loss of Judge Ware will be felt deeply by the members of the VLBC and throughout the Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with all of those whose lives were touched by the Honorable Onzlee Ware.
Passing of Reverend Marcellus Harris Jr.
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Reverend Marcellus Harris Jr.:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Marcellus Harris Jr. He retired in 2016 after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church Morrison for 45 years. He was also a tireless advocate for racial justice, equality and civil rights. Newport News and the greater Hampton Roads community greatly benefitted from his advocacy and ministry. I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. Harris, Councilman Harris, his family and all those positively impacted by Rev. Harris’ life’s work.”
Small Business: Virginia House OKs ‘Cake Pop Bill’
By Graham Moomaw for the Virginia Mercury | Three months ago, Kelly Phillips got a letter from Virginia officials warning her that the small cake pop business she runs out of her home was selling its bite-sized treats illicitly.
This week, several grown men waved cake pops around in the Virginia House of Delegates as the body voted 94-2 to pass a bill that would grant more freedom to Phillips and other small purveyors of homemade goods to sell their products without getting in trouble with the government.
“I am still in shock, obviously, that cake pops are such a huge discussion,” said Phillips, who runs KP’s Kake Pops in the Richmond area, in an interview this week.
The bill — which initially dealt with homemade pickles — was modified to address the two things that got Phillips crosswise last year with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The agency is responsible for enforcing food safety rules that kick in when small businesses started in home kitchens grow into bigger commercial enterprises. READ ENTIRE
Sen. Aaron Rouse Talks to Arlington Dems and, Hosts Super Bowl Party
On Saturday, Feb. 10 Virginia Beach Aaron Rouse spoke to the Arlington Dems at their monthly gathering at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. The former NFL player and current state Senator also hosted a Super Bowl event. Senator Rouse is being discussed by many as a future candidate statewide in Virginia.
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