Politics

House Rejects Amendment Requiring Consent for Ultrasound Procedures

Effort was reaction to bill requiring women seeking abortions to undergo transvaginal ultrasound.

The effort to require women seeking abortions to undergo an ultrasound has also sparked some of the most heated debate in Richmond this year.

Fairfax County Considers Meals Tax Referendum

Revenue would be earmarked for transportation projects.

Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County a new funding tool: the right to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.

Bill Would Set Aside Unallocated Money for Preschool Funding

Effort seen as way to use money for preschool rather than returning it to the general fund.

Every year, millions of dollars worth of preschool funding goes unused. Here in Alexandria, for example, Virginia offered $1.6 million worth of matching funds for preschool programs in the city.

New City Manager Offers Proposal to Increase Average Residential Property Tax Bill by $52

Rising property values mean most residential property owners would pay more.

With two months under his belt as the city’s new chief executive, City Manager Rashad Young proposed his first budget to City Council members on Valentine’s Day.

Redevelopment Spotlight Moves to Alexandria's West End

Developers stand to gain a fortune, but what about low-income residents?

Ever since city officials annexed the half of Alexandria west of Quaker Lane in 1952, the West End has had to fight for a place at the table.

Council Notebook

The Fat Lady has yet to sing an aria for the waterfront plan, and now the controversial upzoning has been put on hold. At least for now.

In Session

Abortion has sparked some of the sharpest exchanges in the General Assembly session this year, with two controversial bills making it out of the House of Delegates at the halfway point this week.

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age

Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.

For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.

Wolf Recalls Human Rights Crusades

Book tells his experiences with human rights violations around the world.

As a public servant for more than 30 years, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) has had his share of experiences. But it was a trip to Ethiopia in 1984 that he calls a "life changing experience," because it opened his eyes to human rights violations around the globe.

Romney Addresses Technology Council

Presidential hopeful speaks on importance of innovation.

The Northern Virginia Technology Council welcomed Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney Friday, Feb. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The former Massachusetts governor spoke about his experiences in the world of business and the importance of allowing innovation to flourish.

Column: The Other Bills

By the time it adjourns in early March the General Assembly will have considered more than 2,500 bills and resolutions. About half will have passed.

Column: Devolution - A Dirty Word?

It must be if a mere mention of it would send the majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors headed to the General Assembly session with their hair afire - at taxpayer's expense. To devolve: the act of transferring responsibilities from one entity to another.

Herndon Officials Visit Richmond

Town of Herndon elected officials and staff traveled to Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 9, to visit the town’s representatives at the General Assembly and to discuss the town’s 2012 legislative agenda.

County Considers Meals Tax Referendum

>Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County something it has craved for years: the ability to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.

Panelist and Author Eleanor Clift Addresses Woman’s Club of McLean

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, political reporter, commentator and author Eleanor Clift spoke at length about her life and career to the monthly meeting of the Woman’s Club of McLean.

The Connection