A Closer Step to Slots, Seat Belts, and the Pulse
Cheers RVA!
The breezy, partly cloudy weather continues today with a high of 66 and a chance of an afternoon shower. Rain is more likely in the evening with a low of 39.
the juice:
Governor Youngkin made more than 200 amendments to the State’s budget bill and vetoed 11 bills prior to his deadline last night to approve, amend, or veto the more than 1400 bills and budget amendments the General Assembly sent to his desk.
Rosie’s in Henrico:
A line item in the budget that would have required localities to hold a referendum to approve ‘slot-machine parlors’ before opening was vetoed by the Governor.
Regarding the proposed Rosie’s at Staples Mill Shopping Center, Youngkin said via WWBT:
They received all the permits they needed to start building. They invested $5 million in this new site, and then someone came and tried to change the rules on them. I just didn’t think that was appropriate. That is not the way we do business. And the mere fact that it was clear that had they gone to another site, they would not have required an incremental referendum, in my mind, that is not appropriate, and that’s why I vetoed that.
Current law allows up to 175 historical racing machines to be operated at the site.
Minimum Wage
A bill that would have raised the state hourly minimum wage from $12.41 to $13.50 beginning in 2026, and $15.00 in 2027 was vetoed by the Governor.
Prescription Drug Affordability Board
HB1724, a bill that would have created a board to “protect the citizens of the Commonwealth and other stakeholders within the health care system from the high costs of prescription drug products” was vetoed by the Governor, as was a similar bill last year.
Tax Rebates, Teacher Raises
Proposed tax relief in the form of a one time rebate of $200 for individual filers and $400 for couples remain in the budget, as well as a 1.5% raise for state employees, and $1000 bonus for teachers and other school staff.
Seat Belts
A bill requiring all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt was signed by the Governor and is set to go in effect July 1. The current law only requires those in the front seat to wear a safety belt.
The General Assembly, set to reconvene on April 2, can override a veto with a super majority (2/3 of the vote).
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the pulp:
GRTC is hosting a community input meeting tonight at Main Street Station (1500 E Main) at 5:00 pm to discuss updated designs on the bus rapid transit project coming to the city’s north and south sides, via WWBT. The Pulse service provides service more frequently than regular routes and all stops are handicap accessible and include covered shelters. Take a very short (less than a minute) survey on the project here.
Richard Hayes from RVA Hub provides a summary and colorful photos of the Kickers’ home opener win against AV Alta FC in the US Open Cup.
the vibe:
Have a temperate day RVA!
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