Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The General Assembly's special session continued Wedneday, with the State Senate meeting at the Science Museum of Virginia, and the House of Delegates, for the first time, and with some technology issues, meeting virtually. The session is supposed to be covering coronavirus budget issues, as well as police reforms.
The Senate Education and Health Committee rejected two bills by Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), that would have set up a voucher system for kids in school districts going virtual, as well as mandating technology for kids in districts going virtual. The technology bill was rejected because of the cost, especially as governments are short money because of the pandemic. Chase, a candidate for Governor next year, has been highly critical of the decision of local districts to go virtual.
Republcian Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham) then used the floor session to criticize recent Parole board decisions, including the release of Vincent Martin, who convicted of killing Richmond Police Officer Michael Connors in 1979. The Inspector General found numerous issues with Martin's release. State Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) was one of the few defending Martin's release, saying Martin was a model prisoner, and the guards supported his release.