This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
Today’s Sponsor: Clean Virginia
Clean Virginia is committed to holding corporate interests accountable and tackling the root causes of political corruption. With your help, we can ensure every home and business in the state is powered by clean and affordable energy. Visit our website to learn more.
Meetings happening today:
10:00 a.m. - Virginia Housing Commission; Senate Room C, Room 311, General Assembly Building (Agenda)
1:00 p.m. - Joint Subcommittee on Northern Virginia Growing Needs of Public Transit; Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building (Agenda)
1:00 p.m. - House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care; Virtual Meeting (Agenda)
Youngkin’s full statement following the attempted assassination of Trump.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin released a long statement Sunday about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
“Last night, Donald J. Trump showed us strength and courage, and he showed us compassion and gratitude. I thank God for protecting him. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families, and I ask every Virginian, and every American, to lift-up in prayer today all of those impacted. I also ask you to pray for our nation,” Youngkin said. “American exceptionalism is not granted; it is earned. This test of our Republic is a moment for us to do just that, earn the mantle of being exceptional. With one voice, we must condemn this evil violence. With one voice, we must declare that America’s future will be forged by the merit of our ideas, the clarity of our calling and the fortitude to stand for what is right. With one voice, we must prove that we are worthy of the generations that fought, that died, that sacrificed so much to build this great country. Yesterday’s attempted assassination of President Trump was an action of pure evil - an afront against our morality, an afront against our liberty, an afront against the very foundations of our great nation. If we ever deem it acceptable, then we will lose our Republic. We fix this through courage, faith, and yes, love. We fix this by repairing our culture. We fix this by defending our beliefs with dignity and fortitude. We fix this by knowing God Almighty blessed this chosen land, and we will defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. We fix this, together, by being Americans.”
Youngkin is scheduled to speak at the Republican convention Monday night.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears also released a long statement Sunday.
It is with a heavy heart and profound concern that I address you today regarding the tragic events at President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania yesterday. The shots fired at this public event, targeting our former President, serve as a stark reminder that political violence has no place in our beloved nation,” Sears said. “As a proud American who journeyed from Jamaica and served in the United States Marine Corps, I hold dear the core values of our country – freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. My Christian faith teaches me the importance of love, compassion, and respect for all, even amidst disagreement. Today, I stand firmly against any form of violence, especially that which seeks to undermine our democratic processes and threaten our leaders. We must come together as a nation to reject hatred and violence. Our political discourse should be a beacon of hope, a place where ideas are exchanged respectfully, and where each individual feels safe to express their beliefs without fear. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life protecting his family. Our prayers are with them, and we also pray for the swift recovery of those injured during this horrific event. Their courage and sacrifice are a poignant reminder of the importance of civility and the high cost of violence. My deepest gratitude goes to the brave first responders, police officers, and Secret Service members who acted swiftly to protect lives. Their courage and dedication are a testament to the best of America, and we owe them our deepest thanks and prayers. I also ask that we all join in prayer for President Trump, his family, and everyone affected by this traumatic event. May God's peace and protection be with them and our entire country as we navigate these turbulent times. Let us pray for healing, unity, and a renewed commitment to the values that make America a beacon of hope and democracy. In these challenging moments, let us remember that we are stronger together, united in our pursuit of a more just and peaceful society. We must not let violence and hatred define us. Instead, let us be defined by resilience, compassion, and unwavering belief in the American dream.”
Sen. Tim Kaine has several campaign stops across Virginia today.
Kaine will start the day in Franklin for Pastries & Politics with Virginians at the Franklin Sportsman’s Association. Then, he’ll host a roundtable discussion with community members at Care Kids Community Center in Emporia to discuss his efforts to lower child care costs. He is scheduled to end the day in South Boston for a meet and greet with voters at Halifax SOVA Innovation Hub.
Kaine is running for reelection against his Republican opponent, Hung Cao.
After Trump shooting, 'everything's in play in Virginia' - RTD
by Michael Martz
Virginia Democrats were already on the defensive over concerns about the health and fitness about President Joe Biden, at the top of a Democratic ticket that includes a senator's re-election bid and competitive congressional races in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
But the dynamic of Virginia's November elections changed dramatically on Saturday evening, when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, piercing his right ear, killing one person at the rally and seriously wounding two others. A sniper team killed the gunman, identified as a 20-year-old man from a Pittsburgh suburb, but officials said they don't know his motive.
New Virginia state law outlaws popular reading instruction method - RTD
by Anna Bryson
A new state law that takes effect this fall requires teachers to use evidence-based reading curriculum and bans the use of “three-cueing,” a popular teaching technique that encourages children to guess words based on pictures and context.
Virginia legislators look to boost Medicaid enrollment post-COVID - Radio IQ
by Brad Kutner
During the COVID-19 pandemic Virginia and the federal government greatly expanded access to subsidized healthcare known as Medicaid. But now that period is over, and many have lost that insurance, but some legislators would like to see new pathways for folks to get covered.
At its peak during the pandemic, Virginia had over two million people receiving healthcare thanks in large part to federal dollars. Now, the federal money has dried up and the state has redetermined the eligibility of almost all in the program. They found about half a million people no longer qualified, but elected officials like Democratic Senator Creigh Deeds want to see that trend reversed.
