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Mike Chapman, Virginia’s Sheriff Keeping Streets Safe Through Enforcement of the Law

Traffic stops and searches of motorists in Loudoun County have increased dramatically the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2024, sparking complaints from activists and some residents.

Va. education department plans to launch Office of Excellence and Best Practices

The Virginia Department of Education is preparing to launch a new Office of Excellence and Best Practices by hiring an executive director who will be responsible for fostering innovation, highlighting high-performing schools, and directing resources toward initiatives with a proven track record of improving student outcomes.

Styrofoam containers will soon be banned in Virginia

Your food and drink orders in Virginia may start to look a little different.

Legislation Supporting Building Blocks for Virginia Families, Signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin

, VA – Yesterday, Glenn Youngkin signed ten bipartisan bills, marking a pivotal milestone for Building Blocks for Virginia , an initiative designed to expand available child care options and empower working families across the Commonwealth by ensuring parents have the support they need to thrive in today’s workforce. This historic moment for Virginia families took place at Anthony Seeger Hall at James Madison University, home to the JMU Young ‘s Program, an early learning center that serves children ages two to five years. 

“We are sending a clear signal that Virginia is committed to ensuring a quality education for our children, empowering working moms and dads, and embracing participation — the foundational building blocks for not just family, but also for opportunity,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “With Building Blocks for Virginia Families, we are taking concrete steps to unleash opportunity across the Commonwealth, and make Virginia the very best place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

 “The historic investments made in innovative approaches through the Building Blocks initiative further strengthens Virginia’s best in class early childhood education system,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “More children will be served by high quality early care, more parents will be able to work, and more employers will be able to grow thanks to this bipartisan investment. When our children thrive, Virginia thrives.” 

Governor Youngkin signed the following bills yesterday: 

HB 1024, patroned by Delegate Tony Wilt, requires the Department of Education to review its Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff course to ensure it aligns with the age group requirements. 

HB 739, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell and chief co-patroned by Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, and SB 702, patroned by Senator Suhas and chief co-patroned by Senator Tara Durant, exempts child day programs located on a military base, federal property, or certified by the US Armed Forces a from state licensure, removing unnecessary licensure requirements for qualified programs.  

HB 419, patroned by Delegate David Bulova and chief co-patroned by Delegate Debra Gardner, and SB 54, patroned by Senator Mamie Locke, ensures continuity in early childhood care and education services by aligning the number of available slots to projected growth and parent demand,   

HB 1277, patroned by Delegate and chief co-patroned by Delegate Carrie Coyner, expedites staffing and volunteers in certain childcare settings provided that a fingerprint-based background check is in place and the individuals will be supervised.   

HB 281, patroned by Delegate Atoosa Reaser and chief co-patroned by Delegate , and SB 13, patroned by Senator Barbara Favola, allows localities, to waive zoning permit requirements for child day program in office buildings, if the facility meets state licensure requirements. 

HB 508, patroned by Delegate , allows the Department of Education to certify that individuals and staff of child day programs have passed background checks and are eligible to work or volunteer, streamlining staffing among child day programs while providing proper protections for children.  

HB 407, patroned by Delegate , streamlines access to childcare assistance by automatically qualifying or WIC recipients, cutting red tape for families in need.  

Learn more about the broader efforts of Building Blocks for Virginia Families here.

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Read More: https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2024/august/name-1032057-en.html

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