Virginia NAACP Sues Youngkin on DEI FOIA; Aird on Petersburg Casino; See You on May 13; GMU Prez in Photos; Lucas on Friday Power Lunch
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Virginia NAACP Sues Youngkin on DEI Policy FOIA
The Virginia NAACP filed a lawsuit with the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond against Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Office for violating the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (“VFOIA”), Va. Code §§ 2.2-3700 et seq on April 16, 2024.
The Virginia NAACP’s lawsuit alleges that the Governor Youngkin has failed to produce any records responsive to the group’s request regarding DEI policies and requirements as sent on August 31, 2023. New Virginia NAACP President Cozy Bailey was interviewed on the lawsuit by 13NewsNow WVEC in Hampton Roads.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Ropes & Gray LLP represent the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP.
Senator Aird’s Statement on Casino in Petersburg
From the office of Senator Lashrecse Aird who represents Petersburg, Va: Today the Virginia General Assembly accepted the Governor’s amendment to remove the re-enactment clause from Senator Lashrecse Aird’s SB628 which adds the City of Petersburg to the list of eligible host cities in the Commonwealth. By removing the re-enactment today, the General Assembly has opened the path for a potential local referendum as soon as this November on bringing casino gaming to the City of Petersburg.
“After two previous failed attempts, in my first Senate session, the General Assembly has officially given its support to allow the citizens of Petersburg to have a referendum vote on a casino,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird. “I made a promise to give my community this opportunity and today I delivered on that promise. While voters will have the final say on whether a casino becomes a reality, this legislation has the potential for multi-million dollar economic investment to be made in a community that both needs and truly deserves it.”
See You May 13: Youngkin, General Assembly Start Over on Budget
By Nathaniel Cline for Virginia Mercury Gov. Glenn Youngkin and lawmakers have agreed to work together on the biennium budget, after clashing for weeks over two distinctly different spending plans.
A special session will be held on May 13, Youngkin and lawmakers in both chambers announced Wednesday, to consider the revamped budget and prevent a shutdown ahead of July 1, when the current budget expires.
On Wednesday, the House of Delegates voted to reject all 233 of the governor’s amendments to the budget, and agreed to seek a new budget to present to the legislature May 13, with voting on it expected May 15. They also took up the governor’s other bill amendments and 153 vetoes. READ ENTIRE
Speaker of the House Don Scott, Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas, House Appropriations Chair Luke Torian and Governor Glenn Youngkin released the following statement on budget discussions following the General Assembly’s Reconvened Session:
“Following a series of productive conversations, we have agreed to continue our work on the budget. We are all committed to creating a budget that meets the needs of Virginians on time. Over the next few weeks, we will work diligently to ensure it is sound! An updated budget will then be presented to the General Assembly on May 13th to be voted on in a special session on May 15th.”
George Mason University President Gregory Washington
On July 1, 2020, Gregory Washington became George Mason University’s eighth president. The University’s website states that Mason is “the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia.” Above are images from Washington’s social media displaying many of the meetings and encounters he’s had recently with Virginia’s leadership.
April 19: Chairwoman Lucas to Appear on Network NOVA Friday Power Lunch
Listen to the latest episode of Pod Virginia with Lauren Burke and Michael Pope:
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