Month: January 2007

VA Senate unanimously passes minimum wage bill

SB1327 passed by a unanimous vote in the Senate today. The bill raises the minimum wage to $6.50 per hour, effective 7/1/07. Weighing in on its passage was House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran, whose own bill to increase the minimum wage was defeated last week: “Increasing the minimum wage is a way to … Continue reading VA Senate unanimously passes minimum wage bill →

Not that I was voting for him, anyway

Some folks never know when to shut up. Exhibit A: Joe Biden: “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.” As if this wasn't enough. From my favorite quotes page: “It is better to keep your … Continue reading Not that I was voting for him, anyway →

Farlow: Save the date

Troy Farlow, Democratic candidate in the 96th House race, will be holding his campaign kickoff on Saturday, March 10, 2007 from 1-3pm. Location TBA. I'll update the info once I get it.

In case you were wondering

You Are 48% Democratic You aren't a full fledged Democrat yet, but it's likely the party that fits you best.You probably consider yourself an independent Democrat. You usually support the party, but you also think for yourself! How Democratic Are You? You Are 0% Republican If you have anything in common with the Republican party, … Continue reading In case you were wondering →

HB2422: Smoking “ban”

Kenton tips us to the advancement of HB2422, which bans smoking in restaurants unless they post a sign that says "Smoking Permitted." I have to wonder what the delegates were smoking. This bill does exactly what? Other bills that actually banned smoking were killed in committee.

Norfolk: On race

I hear that Councilmen Randy Wright and Anthony Burfoot are going to hold a news conference at 2:30 2:00pm this afternoon to announce a plan to hold citywide conversations on the issue of race. Interesting, since Norfolk United Facing Race presented council a proposal to do the exact same thing at the council meeting last … Continue reading Norfolk: On race →

GOTV: Verifiable voting

Alice has been diong a great job keeping up with the verifiable voting bills. She updates us on the status of these bills today. Head on over and take a look. And then call or write your representatives and ask them to support these bills.

Bill to identify sperm donors defeated

HB412 was defeated in a House Health, Welfare and Institutions subcommittee yesterday by a 6-1 vote. The bill would have prohibited anonymous sperm donors, making Virginia the first state to do so. The problem with doing away with anonymous donors is that the number of donors would likely decrease. As was pointed out in the … Continue reading Bill to identify sperm donors defeated →

Minimum wage increase passes Senate

SB1327, which increases the minimum wage to $6.50 per hour, passed Senate Commerce and Labor Committee yesterday by a unanimous vote. From the Virginian-Pilot: "It's time now and I, quite frankly, don't think the federal government has lived up to its responsibility in this area," said Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach. Now, if the Senate … Continue reading Minimum wage increase passes Senate →