An update on Virginia politics
An update on Virginia politics
Inauguration weekend has already started.
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Several sources reached out to Virginia Scope about mass-terminations taking place in the Office of the Attorney General Friday. A spokesperson for AG-elect Jason Miyares said they are making personnel changes. Virginia Scope asked specifically if the Offices of Civil Rights and Conviction Integrity were being eliminated and Miyares’ spokesperson said that is not true.
Sources say that around 30 terminations took place in the office of close to 500.
This is incorrect. Only 2 personnel changes have been made out of a 12 person office. The OAG looks forward to working with Sen. Lucas on these issues in the future. https://t.co/jgVmGW3XnLI've been told incoming AG @JasonMiyaresVA just FIRED the entire civil rights division in the Attorney General's office. My bill helped create and expand the authority that this division uses.
L. Louise Lucas @SenLouiseLucas
Expanding charter schools is one of Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin’s main priorities from the campaign trail. It looks like that may be in trouble, however. The Democratic-controlled Senate stands to be the last line of defense against new policies from the Youngkin administration.
On Friday, Sen. Louise Lucas, the chair of the Senate Education Committee, said she doesn't expect any legislation to expand charter schools in Virginia to survive in her committee.
Northam touts his 1,200 pardons while in office
“Virginians are forgiving people, who believe in second chances,” Governor Northam said. “When people make mistakes, and pay their debts, they deserve the opportunity to return and be productive members of society. We can all be proud that Virginia has been able to provide thousands of deserving people the opportunity for a fresh start.”
“It has been an honor to work with a Governor who is so committed to second chances,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson. “His actions will leave lasting impacts on countless Virginians who have moved forward from the mistakes of their past and deserve to be treated as full citizens and community members. It is my hope that future administrations continue this important work.”
Northam pardons Sen. Joe Morrissey for his interaction with 17-year-old - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Patrick Wilson
Gov. Ralph Northam has pardoned Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, for a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor related to his relationship with a 17-year-old assistant who later became his wife.
Morrissey said he learned of the pardon on Thursday. “To say that I was extremely pleased with what the governor did would be, perhaps for me, the understatement of the 2022 General Assembly session," he said.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend as Youngkin takes office to be the 74 governor of Virginia.