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Youngkin administration responds to Filler-Corn
Yesterday, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, the minority leader in the House of Delegates, called on Governor Glenn Youngkin to issue a state of emergency in order to allow the attorney general to prosecute price gouging offenders in an effort to stop gas prices from continuing to rise.
The governor’s spokesperson, Macaulay Porter, responded in a statement to Virginia Scope: “Virginians and all Americans are feeling the pain at the pump with the highest gas prices on record. Of course this isn't price gouging and Virginians see this ploy for what it is--Democrats trying desperately to distract their constituents from their record of reducing American energy independence at every turn.”
Senate Democrats blocked Governor Youngkin’s parole board appointees Thursday as retribution against the House Republicans after they blocked several Northam appointees. This series of events was set into motion by the Senate Democrats blocking former Trump EPA official Andrew Wheeler from being appointed to Youngkin’s cabinet.
Governor Youngkin responded in a statement Thursday: "This is shocking. The Democrats are continuing to cover up a scandal of their own creation. The Democrat controlled parole board broke the law, put criminals ahead of victims, and tried to cover it all up. We will reform the parole board, expose those conspiring to hide this from public view, and stand up for victims rights."
More coverage on the “escalation” in the General Assembly:
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares Announce Agreement to Protect Virginians and Prosecute Fraudulent Unemployment Claims
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares announced Thursday that Miyares has signed an agreement with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) to prosecute fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation.
Under Virginia law, the VEC can request and authorize the Attorney General to represent the VEC in the prosecution of criminal unemployment compensation fraud cases.
“When someone commits fraud against the state, they are stealing from all Virginians. When that fraud impacts our unemployment insurance program, it is especially hurting people in need. I am proud of Attorney General Miyares who will take on this important role of fighting fraud and abuse on behalf of all Virginians,” Youngkin said.
“The VEC has asked that I take on this responsibility, and I enthusiastically agreed to the VEC’s request,” Miyares said. “Protecting the Commonwealth from crime is one of my top priorities as Attorney General. Fraudulent claims must be prosecuted and fraud on the unemployment fund diverts resources from those who need them most.”
“There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to refocus on our customers, the individuals and employers, and get them the resources they need,” said Commissioner Carrie Roth. “Working with the Attorney General’s office, we are increasing our efforts to go after those who are committing fraud and taking from Virginians the benefits they are entitled to receive. This fraudulent activity is frustrating to many Virginians who are already in tough situations and we are bringing the additional support of the Attorney General’s office to hold those committing this crime accountable.”
School superintendents chide Youngkin administration's audit of 'divisiveness' in schools - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Mel Leonor
School superintendents across Virginia on Thursday criticized recent efforts by Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration to target “divisive concepts” and equity initiatives in the state’s schools, saying the administration’s work could “set public education in Virginia back many years.”
In a blunt letter representing the views of all 133 state superintendents, the school leaders challenged a recent report by Youngkin education officials that criticized ongoing efforts to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in education as “discriminatory,” and that sought to downplay the role of systemic racism in fostering those disparities.
