Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Virginia
AFA Applauds Passage of the NDAA, Urges Congress to Protect Readiness with Steady Funding
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association issued the following news release:
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 20 2024 The Air & Space Forces Association applauds the overwhelming bipartisan support for the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and urges Congress to reach agreement on a stopgap spending measure to keep the government funded and protect U.S. military readiness.
The Senate on December 18 approved the 1,800-page NDAA with a vot
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AFP Calls to Strengthen Border Security Amid Aurora Apartment Clash
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Americans for Prosperity issued the following news release:
DENVER, CO - Due to the failures of the current administration to secure the border, dangerous gang members and other criminals have been allowed to enter into the country illegally. The Denver Post reported a gang-related kidnapping and torture event in Aurora, Colorado.
AFP State Director Jesse Mallory released the following statement:
"Congress must prioritize providing the resources necessary to se
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Americans for Prosperity-Ohio Highlights Four Major Bills Blocked, Four Passed During Ohio's 135th General Assembly
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Americans for Prosperity issued the following news release:
COLUMBUS, OH--As Ohio's 135th General Assembly concludes, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio (AFP-OH) reflects on its role in stopping four harmful pieces of legislation and passing four key bills in 2024. Throughout Ohio's legislative session, AFP-OH has been a champion of commonsense policies and a strong opponent to policies that don't serve Ohioans' best interests. These victories will serve as a foundati
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Americans for Prosperity-Virginia Applauds Governor Glenn Youngkin's Proposed Virginia Opportunity Scholarship
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Americans for Prosperity issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2024:
Richmond, VA-- Today, Americans for Prosperity-Virginia (AFP-VA) applauds Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's education plan announcement. Governor Youngkin proposed a new $50 million Virginia Opportunity Scholarship, aimed at expanding education freedom and opportunity for families across the state. As strong advocates for school choice and education opportunity, AFP-VA looks forward to
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Americans for Tax Reform Issues Commentary: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Proposes 'No Tax on Tips' in Budget Plan
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2024:
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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Proposes 'No Tax on Tips' in Budget Plan
By Jack Baum
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today his proposal to exempt service tips from Virginia's state income tax, describing it as a 'foundational piece' of his budget plan. The proposal would return an estimated $70 million to hardworking Virginians, providing substantial tax relief.
"Virginians
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Center for Climate and Energy Solutions on the U.S. Announcement of Updated NDCs
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions issued the following statements on Dec. 19, 2024, by President Nathaniel Keohane and Kaveh Guilanpour, vice president of international strategies:
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Nathaniel Keohane, President:
"The Nationally Determined Contribution announced by the United States today reaffirms on the long-term goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. no later than 2050. Analysis by the University of Maryland, among othe
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CFIF Urges PBM Reforms This Year
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 17 -- The Center for Individual Freedom issued the following letter on Dec. 16, 2024:
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In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, CFIF today urged strong support for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms to be part of an end-of-year spending package.
Read the letter here (PDF) or below.
December 16, 2024
The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washi
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Class of 2024: Natalia Ayala-Torres builds a brighter future for Hokie engineers
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Dec. 19 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
Name: Natalia Ayala-Torres
College: College of Engineering
Major: Construction Engineering and Management
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Plans after graduation: Working with W.M. Jordan Company as an Assistant Project Estimator in Richmond
Favorite Virginia Tech memory: Meeting people in her dorm for the first time after spending the summer before college on Zoom calls and in group text chats with everyone
Natalia Ayala-T
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Construction Employment Increases In 41 States From November 2023 To Last Month, While 23 States Add Jobs From October To November
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 [Category: Construction] -- Associated General Contractors of America issued the following news release:
Texas and Alaska Have Highest Number and Percent of 12-Month Gains, While California and Maryland Lag; Florida and Minnesota Top Lists of Numerical and Percentage Monthly Gains, While Indiana Has Worst Losses
Construction employment increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia in November from a year earlier, while 23 states and D.C. added construction jo
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Danville Community College Partners With Virginia Department of Corrections to Enhance Career and Technical Education for Incarcerated Individuals
DANVILLE, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Danville Community College issued the following news:
Danville Community College (DCC) and the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) have entered a groundbreaking partnership to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the Green Rock Correctional Center. The partnership aims to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills, credentials, and career readiness necessary for successful reintegration into society.
This initiative builds upon DCC's l
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute: At Hokie Pitch, Graduate Students Present Business Plans for Biomedical Innovations
ROANOKE, Virginia, Dec. 16 (TNSres) -- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program students gather for a "Shark Tank"-style event, pitching commercialization ideas to solve health problems.
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By Lena Ayuk
There is no swimming with sharks on the Health Sciences and Technology campus in Roanoke, but a handful of students have managed to do something just as exhilarating.
In the fa
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Homemade Food Sellers Ask Wisconsin Supreme Court to Review Ban
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The Institute for Justice issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2024:
Today, thousands of Wisconsinites who want to support themselves by selling safe, homemade foods like Rice Krispies Treats and fudge, along with the Institute for Justice (IJ), asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review a lawsuit challenging a statewide ban on the sale of these homemade foods. In November, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals decided to uphold the ban, overturning a Lafayett
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I Corps Tests Warfighting Chops During Yama Sakura
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
More than 7,000 U.S., Japanese and Australian troops participated in an Indo-Pacific Army warfighter exercise that for the first time in decades was held in Japan.
The warfighter exercise, which is the Army's premier training event for corps and division headquarters to prepare for mission command in large-scale combat operations, was notable in that it took place at the sam
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Looking back: Things we learned and did in 2024
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
Virginia Tech marks the end of the 2024 calendar year with many achievements and milestones. Here are 24 highlights, in random order, that stood out this year.
College of Natural Resources and Environment students and faculty traveled to every continent in 2024.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences welcomed Mario Ferruzzi as its new dean.
The Division of Facilities achieved its highest Sustainability Tracking,
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NASEO and NARUC Host Integrated Distribution System Planning Workshop With Site Visit to EPRI in Charlotte, North Carolina
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Association of State Energy Officials issued the following news:
By Camille Norton
From December 11-12, 2024, the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory hosted State Energy Offices, public utility commissions, and utility consumer advocates in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the NASEO-NARUC Training for States on Integrated Dis
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National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association: Government Shutdown Looms Over Washington
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association issued the following news on Dec. 19, 2024:
With government funding expiring at midnight, December 20, and no clear bipartisan deal in sight, the prospect of a government shutdown threatens government operations as the holidays approach.
Speaker Mike Johnson worked with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and President
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National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association: Updates on the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association issued the following news on Dec. 19, 2024:
Repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) is closer than ever, thanks recent votes in the Senate.
On Wednesday, December 18, the Senate took the first in a series of actions needed to move H.R. 82, Social Security Fairness Act, to President Joseph Biden's desk. Senators voted 73-27 to pass a cloture motion to end
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National Right to Work Foundation Offers Free Legal Aid to Amazon Workers Who Seek to Rebuff Teamsters Strike Order
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued the following news release:
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation has released a legal notice to Amazon employees and drivers for Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), informing them that they have options to continue working and providing for themselves and their families in the face of a strike order issued by Teamsters union officials.
News reports indicate that Teamsters bosses' st
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NRPA Statement on Passage of Outdoors for All Act
ASHBURN, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Recreation and Park Association issued the following statement on Dec. 19, 2024:
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Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Outdoors for All Act:
"On behalf of NRPA and our more than 60,000 park and recreation professionals and advocates, we are celebrating the passage of Outdoors For All. This critical piece of legislation is a mo
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NYSERDA Launches Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Development and Demonstration Program
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- The National Association of State Energy Officials posted the following news:
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched the Clean Heat for All: Packaged Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP) Program, to support improved efficiency and decarbonization in multifamily buildings. Through this program, NYSERDA will partner with heat pump manufacturers to develop and demonstrate high-efficiency, cold-climate PTHPs that will lower building
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Prevent Cancer Foundation Issues Commentary: Journey of Tracy Milgram - From Previvor to Founder of BRCAStrong
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 17 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2024:
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The Journey of Tracy Milgram: From Previvor to Founder of BRCAStrong
By Tracy Milgram
Tracy is a breast cancer previvor and founder of the BRCAStrong, a non-profit supporting women affected by breast and gynecologic cancers regardless of genetic predisposition.
Discovering my BRCA status
At just 18 years old, life was brimming with possibilities. I was a typical teenager n
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Prevent Cancer Foundation: Adrian Wojnarowski - 'Get Your Ass Into a Doctor's Office' to Prevent Cancer or Detect It Early
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 14 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following Q&A on Dec. 13, 2024, with Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN NBA reporter and columnist:
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Talk about a Woj bomb. Former ESPN NBA reporter and columnist Adrian Wojnarowski, 55, announced earlier this month that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2024. Wojnarowski sat down with the Prevent Cancer Foundation to discuss his diagnosis and encourage others to schedule their routine physicals and cancer screen
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Real Estate Entrepreneur Fights for Right to Work in Nevada and West Virginia
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 20 -- The Pacific Legal Foundation issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2024:
Today, Derek Eisenberg, a real estate entrepreneur represented by Pacific Legal Foundation, has filed two federal lawsuits in Nevada and West Virginia challenging both states' requirements that brokers maintain physical offices within the state.
Derek intends to expand his successful online brokerage firm - Continental Real Estate - nationwide, but outdated state laws threaten t
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VCU: 'Everyone's on Their Own Path'
RICHMOND, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news on Dec. 18, 2024:
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First, psychology student Libbie Racanelli wondered how she would pay for college. Then she questioned if she even belonged there.
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By Leila Ugincius
About How I Turned It Around: In this series, students who've struggled academically and otherwise share insights, resources and stories of how they got back on track.
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A self-described "lifelong learner," Libbie Racane
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VCU: Class of 2024 - A Stint in Jail Inspired James Orr to Support Others Through a Career in Social Work
RICHMOND, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
By Amelia Heymann
When James Orr steps across the commencement stage this month, having earned his master's degree in social work, the Virginia Commonwealth University graduate will recall another memorable walk he made - when he left jail.
Orr's issues with addiction started at age 13 and continued into his 20s, as he struggled to express his emotions and sought an escape. That led to committing crimes
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VCU: Class of 2024 - The Path to a Business Degree Was Its Own Workout for Mackenzie Gebroe
RICHMOND, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news on Dec. 19, 2024:
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Punched by her initial college stint and the pandemic, the former gym manager made her way across the country to VCU.
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By Leila Ugincius
By 2019, Mackenzie Gebroe had a promising career in management and dropped out of college to pursue it full time. Timing wasn't on her side.
"So I took the leap," she said. "School wasn't working out for me."
But one pandemic and numerou
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VCU: Class of 2024 - With a Master's in Public Health, Melanie Cruz Looks to Serve Diverse Communities
RICHMOND, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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VCU faculty and travel opportunities helped shape the two-time graduate, who is serving as a Virginia Management Fellow.
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By Haley Tenore
Melanie Cruz may be a self-described introvert, but she is demonstrably outgoing when it comes to promoting health access.
Cruz graduates this month with her second degree from Virginia Commonwealth University - a master's in public health. Along the way
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Virginia Tech chemical engineering student team secures first place win in ChemE Cube competition
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Dec. 19 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
Virginia Tech's ChemE Cube team secured first place at the 2024 ChemE Cube Competition in San Diego, California. Hosted by RAPID Manufacturing Institute and sponsored by ExxonMobil, the competition challenged university teams to apply their chemical engineering knowledge to greenhouse gas solutions. Their task was to design, build, and demonstrate a one-cubic-foot miniature chemical plant for direct air capture and regene
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Virginia Tech senior design team benefits from industry, alumni engagement
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Dec. 20 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
A group of students in the College of Engineering received first place in the capstone competition from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) during their annual conference in May. The team's project was chosen from capstone team applications from universities all over the world to compete in two categories (product and service). Twenty teams were invited to present in person at the IISE annual conferen
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West Virginia Faces Federal Lawsuits Over Laws Denying Equality and Opportunity
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 20 -- The Pacific Legal Foundation issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2024:
Charleston, WV; December 19, 2024: Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) filed two federal lawsuits today challenging West Virginia laws that violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. One case targets racial quotas for the State Bar's Board of Governors, while the other challenges protectionist laws restricting economic opportunity. Both cases highlight how, by ignoring
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