Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The General Assembly has sent Governor Ralph Northam (D) a plan to spend Virginia's $4.3 billion share of federal Covid relief funding. The plan spends nearly $3.5 billion, reserving the rest for any potential issues arising from the ongoing pandemic.
The money will go towards priorities such as K-12 school HVAC systems, universal broadband, college financial aid, and replenishing the unemployment fund. Republicans did raise some issues, as Senator Tommy Norment (R-James City County) criticized usuing the package to get through Name, Image, and Likeness legislation for college athletes. He also criticized provisions to allow for more remote meetings.
Prior to the vote, both chambers, controlled by Democrats, honored State Police troopers and National Guardsmen that responded to the U.S. Capitol to protect it during the January 6th insurrrection. House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) then replied that the troopers used efforts, like tear gas, that Democrats sought to ban in 2020. Three General Assembly members attended the rally prior to insurrection in January: Delegates Dave LaRock and John McGuire, and State Senator Amanda Chase. McGuire and Chase both represent Richmond-area districts.