Combating Animal Cruelty
During the summer and fall, I heard from constituents who believe that there should be stiffer penalties for those who hurt household pets. We have seen examples of this in our community. Last summer, someone left sausages with fish hooks on Duke Street in Alexandria outside for animals to eat.
Virginia's Great Outdoors Act
As we hurdle towards crossover day in just two short weeks here in Richmond, I’d like to bring you along on the journey of one of my bills this session. As I have mentioned in previous columns, one bill I introduced this session is the Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act, HB 1297.
Reality Check Needed Before Pursuing Sports Complex at Potomac Yard
Letters to the Editor
Historic District Is Essentially Finished
Letters to the Editor
Bills, Bills, Bills
We are in the midst of the second full week of session down here in Richmond, and our work is picking up quickly!
Expanded Virginia Gambling to be Considered by General Assembly
Virginia’s legal gaming landscape has shifted rapidly over the past five years. In decades past, legal gambling was limited to the Virginia Lottery, authorized in the early 1990s through a statewide referendum. Prior to five years ago, the only other legal form of wagering in Virginia was charitable bingo and “pull-tab” machines.
Opposition to the Proposed Reston Casino
During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator David Marsden advanced legislation authorizing a casino development in Fairfax County, with Reston suggested as a likely location. While the bill didn’t pass, lawmakers are already pledging to reintroduce it this coming session.
Ken Plum: Earning the Public’s Trust
After 50 years in public service to Virginia as a teacher, as the Fairfax County Public Schools Supervisor, and as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for 44 years, Delegate Ken Plum, is retiring.
2024 Legislative Agenda: FILING BILLS
State Senators are limited to introducing 21 pieces of legislation this session, so I am hard at work putting the final touches on my package of bills for 2024.
What's ‘Germinating’ in the General Assembly
As I hinted last week, this week’s column will delve into the environmental legislation that I have “germinating” in drafting.
Human Rights Everywhere Every Day
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Last Sunday was Human Rights Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights advancing the promise to all of freedom, equality and justice.
Inside Scoop: Drafting Bills for the 2024 Session
As I write this column, the 2024 General Assembly session begins in just four short weeks!
Letter from Gaza: Living Nightmare From Which There is No Escape
Residents of Gaza have spent years unable to move freely
Letter from Gaza
Much Remains To Be Done
The good old days were never as good as we sometimes make them out to have been.