William Stanley
- Virginia Senate Approves Waiver for Judicial Report Reading
The Virginia Senate conducted a procedural vote on waiving the reading of a report related to judicial appointments. This report covered positions in district courts and the state corporation commission. The motion to waive the reading passed by a margin of thirty seven votes in favor to one vote against. The presiding officer asked senators […]
- Virginia Budget Expands Government Bureaucracy to Fund New Recreational Marijuana Market
The state of Virginia is embarking on a massive expansion of state bureaucracy to establish a fully regulated recreational marijuana marketplace under the forthcoming biennial budget. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently announced a compromise to launch retail sales by July 1, 2027, ending a five-year period where adult possession was legal but retail sales were not. […]
- Virginia Department of Elections Demands Massive Budget Increases Amidst Glaring Fiscal Waste
Virginia taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden as the state government proposes significant and questionable budget increases for the Department of Elections. The Administration secretariat, which directly oversees the state electoral department, is slated for a massive 6.5 percent overall General Fund spending increase for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium. Fiscal conservative
- Virginia Lawmaker Scott Surovell Seeks Speed Cameras on George Washington Parkway Amid Enforcement Limits
State Senator Scott Surovell has introduced legislation to place speed cameras on a section of the George Washington Parkway. The measure responds to challenges in traffic enforcement along the roadway. Officials have identified a specific jurisdictional issue preventing standard policing. Discussions in the legislature continue to examine the proposal and its potential effects. Details of […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Saddled with $137.6 Million Bill as State Absorbs Pandemic-Era Childcare Program
Virginia taxpayers are now facing a permanent financial burden as lawmakers recently approved a massive allocation of state funds to prop up a pandemic-era childcare program. The state budget includes a staggering allocation of $137.6 million for the Child Care Subsidy Program, which is managed jointly by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia […]
- Testimony Presented to Virginia Senate on Guardianship Issues
Yolanda Bell provided testimony to the Virginia Senate regarding her sister Anastasia’s experience in a guardianship proceeding. She described how her sister lost everything and noted that exploitation was alleged in the matter. Bell stated that no attorney was obtained for Anastasia throughout the process. The account included the detail that Anastasia did not ask […]
- Virginia’s Ballooning Budget: Across-the-Board Salary Hikes Threaten Taxpayers
The 2026-2028 biennium budget finalized by Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic lawmakers features massive 3.5% annual across-the-board pay raises for state employees. This sweeping compensation package shifts away from previous fiscally conservative proposals and places a heavier, permanent financial burden on Virginia taxpayers. The aggressive spending plan impacts all state agencies and s
- Virginia Study Documents Groundwater Levels Below Sea Level and Reversed Flow Patterns in Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that groundwater levels have dropped below sea level across large inland areas of the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Decades of heavy pumping, especially from paper mills near Franklin and West Point, have reversed the natural predevelopment flow patterns in the aquifer system. […]
- Industrial Facilities Dominate Permitted Groundwater Withdrawals in Virginia’s Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that industrial facilities, including paper mills, specialty chemical plants, and poultry operations, account for the largest share of permitted groundwater withdrawals in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Five of the top users alone exert sufficient influence to shape regional water levels across […]
- Virginia senators request special session to act on ’deeply alarming’ groundwater report
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality released its 117-page legislative report on the state’s groundwater supply east of Interstate 95 this week, which revealed significant levels of strain on the eastern aquifers that could put clean drinking water at risk. “Groundwater supply east of I-95 is constrained, and current projections indicate declining availability in the […]
- Virginia Pension Reforms Save Taxpayers $171.4 Million Amid Calls for Fiscal Restraint
The Virginia Retirement System recently reported a notable improvement in the aggregate funded status for local political subdivision pension plans, reaching ninety-two percent for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This financial milestone leaves an eight percent unfunded pension liability that continues to require stable employer contribution rates heading into fiscal year 2027. Thanks to these improved
- Hospitals predict $31B reduction in state’s Medicaid funding if proposed CMS rule passes
A proposed federal rule stemming from the reconciliation bill Congress passed last summer includes additional policy changes that would reduce Medicaid payments to healthcare facilities, a step hospital chains warn exceeds the provision Congress approved and President Donald Trump signed. Public comment closed this week on a rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and […]
- Virginia State Senate Advances Public Safety and Veterans Budget Proposals
The Virginia State Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee has outlined specific amendments to public safety and veterans funding through Senate Bill 29 and Senate Bill 30. These measures propose targeted general fund increases for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Allocations address operational needs in law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. Veterans care initiatives also receiv
- Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Reports Campaign Expenditures for Legal Costs Ahead of New Restrictions
State Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth authorized two payments from her campaign account on June 30 that totaled $300,000 and were directed toward legal defense expenses. These disbursements occurred one day before new state legislation restricting the personal use of campaign funds became operative. Campaign finance filings show one payment of $200,000 went to the […]
- Virginia Senate Advances Budget Proposals Including Employee Salary Increases and Bonuses
The Virginia Senate has introduced budget measures that outline specific funding for compensation adjustments affecting state employees. Senate Bill 29 focuses on fiscal year 2026 while Senate Bill 30 covers the full biennium. These proposals include allocations for salary increases, a one-time bonus, and related benefits along with corresponding savings. ## Key Provisions in Senate […]
- Virginia Democrats Push Massive Budget Expansion Replete With New Taxes and Unprecedented Spending
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in Richmond have finalized a state budget that drastically expands the size and scope of Virginia government. The newly approved spending plan features a record-shattering $2 billion in new public education funding and creates massive new entitlement programs at the expense of taxpayers. While proponents argue these measures are […]
- Assessing the Massive Budget Allocations for James Madison University
As the Virginia state budget continues to expand, taxpayers are left footing the bill for massive university infrastructure projects that warrant intense financial scrutiny. James Madison University recently secured a staggering $30.5 million specifically allocated for the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall on the historic Quad. This massive appropriation raises serious questions about fis
- Virginia Senate Reviews Proposal to Cap Tuition Increases at 2.5 Percent
The Virginia Senate is considering Senate Bill 30 which would limit annual tuition growth at public higher education institutions to 2.5 percent. This legislative proposal comes amid ongoing conversations about the costs associated with college attendance in the state. The bill seeks to establish a fixed percentage for allowable increases in tuition rates. Senate Bill […]
- Virginia Budget Expands Universal School Meals with $17.6 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
Virginia lawmakers have approved a significant spending increase in the state budget, allocating $17.6 million from the General Fund across the biennium to expand school meal programs. The funding targets the Virginia Department of Education and Direct Aid to Public Education to increase reimbursement rates for school breakfasts. However, a primary goal of this multimillion-dollar […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Massive Public Sector Compensation Hikes
Taxpayers in the Commonwealth of Virginia are once again being asked to shoulder the burden of expanding government payrolls as lawmakers push forward with aggressive compensation increases. A newly highlighted funding allocation directs $47.7 million toward raising wages for state employees, constitutional officers, and home healthcare workers. This multi-million-dollar expenditure represents jus
- Virginia Lawmakers Push Historic Spending Increases Amid Concerns Over Budget Bloat and Taxpayer Burden
The recently unveiled Virginia budget for the FY2027-FY2028 biennium introduces unprecedented levels of state spending that have raised immediate alarms regarding fiscal restraint. At the center of this financial blueprint is a sweeping compensation package that mandates four percent annual raises for teachers and school support staff in each year of the biennium. While supporters […]
- Taxpayers Foot the Bill: Virginia Allocates $25 Million for Private Employer Childcare Program
Virginia taxpayers are now on the hook for a newly established $25 million pilot program designed to heavily subsidize childcare benefits for private employers. The initiative, funded directly from the general fund and slated for fiscal year 2027, represents a massive expansion of state involvement in private sector compensation. Critics argue that this Employee Child […]
- Accelerated Medicaid Spending Hikes Threaten Virginia’s Fiscal Stability
Virginia taxpayers are facing another significant expansion of state spending as government officials push forward with accelerated Medicaid reimbursement hikes. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently proposed budget amendments that will drastically increase the compensation rates for home care workers across the Commonwealth. The plan mandates a four percent increase effective January 1, 2027, foll
- Virginia Senator Proposes Fines to Curb Gas Station Heroin Sales
Senator Bill Stanley has introduced legislation designed to address the distribution of gas station heroin through retail outlets in Virginia. The bill centers on applying significant financial penalties to discourage these sales. Officials seek to limit access to the substance at gas stations and similar locations. This development comes as part of broader efforts to […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden as Lawmakers Push Costly State Employee Pay Raises
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial commitment following the approval of a revised state budget that significantly expands government spending. Lawmakers recently finalized a spending plan that guarantees a 3.5 percent annual pay raise for state employees across the board for both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping measure replaces a more modest […]
- Historic $2 Billion Education Spending Sparks Conservative Concerns Over Government Bloat in Virginia
The newly proposed Virginia biennium budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 introduces a staggering level of state spending that has raised significant concerns among fiscal conservatives. At the center of this financial blueprint is a historic two billion dollar allocation in new public education funding, marking the largest single investment of its kind in […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $100.4 Million Bill for Welfare Administrative Costs
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive new financial burden as state lawmakers push to allocate $100.4 million to cover administrative costs for welfare programs. This staggering sum is intended to replace federal support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid that has recently dried up. Fiscal conservatives are raising alarm bells over this automatic […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Fund $20 Million Bureaucratic Expansion for Public Sector Unions
Virginia Taxpayers Face Massive Bill for New Union Bureaucracies The state budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a staggering $20 million allocation designed exclusively to fund the start-up costs for public sector collective bargaining. This massive expenditure will finance the creation of entirely new government entities, including the Public Employee Relations Board and the Virginia […]
- Virginia Budget Amendment Targets Runaway Private School Spending with $10 Million Public Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have authorized a $10.0 million allocation in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to expand student eligibility for the Support for Students with Intense Support Needs Application program. This targeted funding increase pushes the total budget for the program to $112,686,268, which represents a substantial rise from the previous base amount of $102,686,265. Fiscal […]
- Historic $187.5 Million Housing Allocation Raises Serious Questions About Taxpayer Burden in Virginia
The state of Virginia is poised to spend a staggering $187.5 million over the biennium on the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, marking the highest funding level in the history of the program. This massive allocation of taxpayer dollars is being heavily promoted by lawmakers as a necessary step to lower housing costs and expand supply […]
- Virginia Budget Shifts Rural EV Charging Costs Away from State Taxpayers
The Virginia state budget for the upcoming fiscal year introduces a fiscally responsible shift regarding the funding of electric vehicle infrastructure in rural communities. Under budget amendment Item 420, lawmakers have replaced direct state spending with a language-only directive that protects state taxpayer dollars from being drained by expensive green energy initiatives. This conservative mov
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Millions in New Costs as 2027 and 2028 Home Care Wage Mandates Expand State Bureaucracy
Virginia taxpayers are bracing for a massive expansion of state spending following the recent approval of aggressive wage increases for home care workers scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently finalized a series of controversial budget amendments that not only mandate artificially higher pay but also allocate millions of taxpayer dollars to establish […]
- Virginia’s $148.4 Million Special Education Expansion Sparks Calls for Stricter Fiscal Oversight
The upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia includes a staggering $148.4 million allocation to more than double the Special Education Add-On. This massive financial injection expands per-pupil funding for special education students, representing a significant priority for state legislators. While providing adequate resources for vulnerable students is a shared moral value
- Virginia General Assembly Approves Measure Prohibiting Certain Ingredients in Cosmetics
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products containing specific hazardous ingredients has been enacted in Virginia following approval by both chambers of the General Assembly. The new law, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, adds detailed restrictions to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and aims to eliminate certain substances […]
- Virginia Budget Includes Marijuana Retail Framework With Enforcement Pause
Virginia lawmakers approved a state budget that incorporates language establishing a regulated retail market for marijuana. The provisions set the start date for legal sales at July 1 of the following year. This timeline creates an interval of approximately one year prior to the activation of the new regulatory structure. Virginia State Police received instructions […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Record Education Bill as State Spends Billions Despite Declining Enrollment
The state of Virginia has officially enacted a budget that includes a staggering two billion dollars in new public education funding. This record-breaking allocation represents the largest single investment in public education in the history of the commonwealth, placing an immense long-term burden on hardworking taxpayers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently praised the spending package, claiming
- Virginia marijuana budget language triggers legal confusion, political fallout
Virginia’s decision to revive legal cannabis sales through the state budget instead of standalone legislation has triggered several days of confusion over the commonwealth’s marijuana laws, with lawmakers, local prosecutors, Virginia State Police and legislative officials offering differing interpretations of when key provisions take effect. Much of the confusion focused on two issues: whether Vi
- Senator Bill DeSteph Discusses Policies for High-Paying Jobs in Virginia Hearing
Senator Bill DeSteph presented comments on attracting high-paying jobs to Virginia in a legislative committee hearing. His statements focused on the relationship between regulatory policies and economic development opportunities in the state. DeSteph raised questions about whether existing regulations are impacting the ability to secure major investments that create positions with salaries exceedi
- Virginia Lawmakers Quietly Extend Costly Refundable Tax Credit Through 2030
The Virginia state budget continues to expand at an unsustainable pace as lawmakers quietly extend a costly welfare provision disguised as a tax break. Through the third enactment clause of the 2026 Appropriation Act, the state government has officially extended the refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit at twenty percent of the federal level through […]
- Virginia’s $1.94 Billion Data Center Giveaway: A Colossal Failure of Fiscal Restraint
The recently finalized Virginia budget reveals a staggering fiscal reality for hardworking taxpayers who are currently subsidizing the booming data center industry. While lawmakers publicly tout a newly implemented electricity consumption tax, they quietly retained a massive retail sales and use tax exemption for these technology giants through the year 2035. This corporate carve-out represents […
- Hearing Examines Data Center Project Stability in Virginia
During a legislative hearing, Senator Bryce Reeves inquired about the status of significant data center projects planned for Virginia. He referenced information indicating that these developments could encounter obstacles without sustained support measures. The questions centered on elements that might determine whether the projects remain in the state. Reeves pointed to reports suggesting possibl
- Justice Department Challenges Virginia Assault Weapons Law in Federal Court
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit on July 1, 2026, against the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia State Police. The suit challenges provisions of a state law that restrict certain semi-automatic firearms. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division announced the action, which targets bans on the purchase, […]
- New Law Sets Rules for Handguns in Unattended Motor Vehicles in Virginia
The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate have passed legislation that sets new standards for storing handguns in unattended motor vehicles. House Bill 110 provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle when the handgun is visible to any person outside the vehicle. A violation of […]
- Virginia Senate Examines Juvenile Abuse Cases and Interview Protocols
The Virginia Senate is conducting an examination of juvenile abuse cases throughout the state. This review focuses on the handling of disclosures made by children who have experienced abuse. The process involves assessing how initial responses influence subsequent outcomes for victims. Investigators play a key role in shaping the direction of these sensitive matters. Effective […]
- Virginia Republican Lawmaker Pushes for Expanded Workers’ Compensation Protections for Sheriffs and Deputies
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, Delegate Mitchell Cornett introduced legislation to expand critical workers’ compensation protections to sheriffs and deputy sheriffs across the commonwealth. The bill, HB130, sought to include these officers in the legal presumption that certain cancers developed after years of service are work-related. Current Law and What […]
- High-potency marijuana fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks
When her son was a teenager, Connecticut mom Amy Wadsworth said, he was the type of kid parents rarely worry about. He played sports, cared about his health and stayed away from drugs. In 2018, when he left West Hartford to start his freshman year at American University in Washington, D.C., she expected his biggest […]
- Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices common in rural settings differ from those in cities, leading to potential misunderstandings in lawmaking. These observations focused on practical elements of life outside urban centers. The presentation highlighted examples such […]
- Legislative Remarks on Judicial Balance in Virginia
William Stanley spoke about the influence of politics on the scales of justice during a public address. He described situations in which fairness in legal matters may be affected by external pressures. The comments focused on the role of prosecutors and the need for greater accountability in the system. The remarks included references to Eastern […]
- Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle Discusses Concerns Over Ballot Language and Policy Costs
Senator Ryan McDougle delivered comments in the Virginia Senate regarding aspects of the legislative process that he characterized as involving trickery. His remarks centered on the use of ballot language that may not fully convey the details of measures to voters. The senator outlined how such language can affect public understanding during elections. Attention was […]
- Glenn Youngkin Announces Homestead Creamery Expansion in Franklin County
For Immediate Release: July 10, 2024 Contacts: Office of the Governor: Christian Martinez, Christian.