New think tank report finds irrational, inequitable, and unjust funding in VA's Higher-Ed; McAuliffe releases plan for Virginia colleges; PPAV endorsed House candidates; and more
A round up of Virginia political news.
This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics. Please consider supporting independent journalism today by becoming a paid subscriber today to Virginia Scope!
Report Finds Irrational, Inequitable, and Unjust Funding in VA Higher Ed
A new report by Education Reform Now, a nonprofit think tank that is seeking to create a more progressive education system, sharply criticized Virginia’s higher education finance system on affordability and equity grounds.
“Democratically controlled legislature and Democratic governor have increased total funding for Virginia’s public universities markedly over the past three years, but the Commonwealth still has an irrational, inequitable, and unjust public higher education finance system in need of reform,” the report summarizes. “Even with a significant increase in state investment for the most recent fiscal year, public support for Virginia higher education has not kept up with rising costs and an expanded pool of students, leading to not just higher tuition and fees for students and families, but some of the highest tuition and fee levels in the country and ever-rising student loan debt, particularly for working-class, low-income, and racial minority students.”
The report highlighted four main drivers of the inequalities:
Virginia lacks a transparent and consistent funding formula linked to institution need, access, affordability, and success. For instance, George Mason serves more than twice as many students receiving Pell Grants as the University of Virginia (UVA), yet receives a third of state appropriations per FTE student.
The Commonwealth misdirects financial aid. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is non-need and non-academic merit-based—directing roughly $10 million in funding each year to Virginia students who neither have a demonstrated financial need nor indication of heightened academic merit. Liberty University takes in $17 million a year in VTAG funds despite a 17% Black student graduation rate.
Virginia has divested from public higher education. Christopher Newport University, located in U.S. House of Representatives Chairman Bobby Scott’s Congressional District has the second-highest average net price of any public, four-year college in the nation. UVA has the fifth-highest in-state tuition and fees among public flagships. Additionally, Virginia ranks 44th in the nation in state funding for community colleges per FTE student.
A rising percentage of Virginia’s postsecondary graduates leave with student loan debt, with 90% of students attending the two public HBCU’s graduating with debt, half of whom owe upwards of $40k.
You can access the full report here. A previous report detailing the racial and socioeconomic segregation in Virginia’s colleges and universities is available here.
(Education Reform Now is a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. The group says they seek forward progress in public education—at the federal, state, and local level—developing and advocating for new, bold ideas and mutually reinforcing policies in elementary, secondary and postsecondary education.)
Democrat Terry McAuliffe centers affordability, job access in plan for Virginia colleges - Washington Post
by Lauren Lumpkin
Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe said he will support community colleges and increase financial aid in a plan for the state’s higher education system that he unveiled Wednesday.
The Democrat, who isvying for a second term as governor, released a slate of initiatives aimed at increasing employment and access to high-paying jobs by investing in education. His approach includes plans to help high-schoolers earn college credits and enroll at two-year schools upon graduation, expand job training, and make it easier for community college students to transfer to four-year universities.
Planned Parenthood of Virginia endorsed 73 House of Delegates candidates
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia announced its list of reproductive health and rights candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates.
“Today’s endorsements reflect the deep bench of sexual and reproductive health care champions running for office in Virginia who are committed to building on the progress that’s been made over the last two years. Whether they are incumbents or candidates running for the first time, it is remarkable to see the quality of candidates who are passionate about increasing access to essential health care and ready to serve our commonwealth in the General Assembly,” said Jamie Lockhart, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. “With a critical abortion rights case being heard by the Supreme Court, the right to access reproductive health care is under threat like no time in recent memory. Across the country, we are seeing bills that infringe on a person’s right to make their own health care decisions. That’s why it’s critical that we keep a pro-reproductive rights majority in the House of Delegates. We must continue to ensure that individuals can access the health care they need, when they need it, and without political interference.”
View the list of 73 Democrats that PPAV endorsed in the House of Delegates.
Is Virginia an economic success or ‘in the ditch?’ Depends on which candidate you ask. - Washington Post
by Gregory Schneider
Glenn Youngkin says he quit his multimillion-dollar job in private equity to run for governor because Virginia and its economy are wildly off track and "in the ditch."
The Republican’s Democratic opponent, former governor Terry McAuliffe, says he’s seeking a new term to help a thriving state do even better.
Democratic LG candidate Hala Ayala’s Statement on the One-Year Anniversary Since the Declaration of her Candidacy
Today marks one year since Delegate Hala Ayala declared her candidacy for lieutenant governor of Virginia. In response, Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Del. Ayala released the following statement:
“In the year since I first announced my candidacy for lieutenant governor, I have been honored with the opportunity to connect with Virginians across the state who have trusted me with their stories and struggles, and that is who I'm fighting for,” said Del. Ayala. “ I am immensely proud of the work we've done in the House of Delegates to build a stronger, more prosperous Virginia — but there’s still much more to do. We need to expand access to affordable health care, invest in quality schools and child care, and support our small businesses, which is exactly what I’ll do as Virginia’s next lieutenant governor.”
Glenn Youngkin’s Policies Remain Elusive Six Months Into Campaign - VPM
by Ben Paviour
Republican Glenn Youngkin says he wants to build a “rip-roaring” economy, protect the Second Amendment, and bring down the cost of living. But if the devil is in the details, you won’t find much on the gubernatorial hopeful’s website, TV ads, or public appearances.
On Monday, Youngkin said he would skip another venue for voters to learn more: a longstanding summer gubernatorial debate hosted by the Virginia Bar Association against his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Campaign spokesperson Macaulay Porter said the debate had refused to dedicate a portion of the event to the economy and jobs. She argued the moderator, PBS Newshour host Judy Woodruff, was compromised by a $250 donation to a Haiti relief fund coordinated by the Clinton Foundation and led by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. (McAuliffe is personal friends with the Clintons).
House Republicans post record fundraising ahead of 2022 race - Associated Press
By JILL COLVIN and WILL WEISSERT
The committee charged with helping Republicans wrest control of the House in 2022 raised $45.4 million over the last three months, a record quarterly haul during a year without a national election.
That total was bolstered by $20.1 million raised in June, the highest ever monthly off-year total, according to numbers shared with The Associated Press before a public filing deadline.
Will SW Virginia Still be Represented on the Redistricting Commission? - WVTF
By JAHD KHALIL
As Virginia’s redistricting commission prepares for its first public hearings, one the commission’s most pressing issues is replacing one of its members and considering geographic representation on the body in the process.
Commissioner Marvin Gilliam abruptly resigned from the commission last week. In his resignation letter, obtained via a records request, Gilliam said it was for a health and personal issue.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Nominee Tours Northeast Neighborhood - Daily News-Record
by Ian Munro
Del. Hala Ayala, D- Prince William, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, toured Harrisonburg’s Northeast neighborhood on Tuesday.
Ayala met with Angela Rouse, executive director of the Roberta Webb Child Care Center, at the day care, Karen Thomas of the Northeast Neighborhood Association at the Newtown Cemetery and the Dallard- Newman House, and Stephanie Howard, supervisor of the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center, at the facility.
More News:
Chesterfield judge sets aside jury's verdict that found man guilty of killing teen who stole car
Richmond Community members again ask School Board to reconsider school construction resolution, city's compromise
Did you miss our newsletter from this morning with coverage of Nikki Haley’s visit to Richmond with Youngkin, a new opponent for Spanberger, and Trump’s comments on the Virginia gubernatorial race?