Government/Politics
Join AFP's 100,000+ followers on Facebook
Purchase a subscription to AFP | Subscribe to AFP podcasts on iTunes
News, press releases, letters to the editor: augustafreepress2@gmail.com
Advertising inquiries: freepress@ntelos.net
Page County drug treatment court to launch with boost from JMU professors, grad students
JMU political science professor Amanda Teye has dedicated two years to launching a new jail diversion program in Page County.
Dominion Energy donates $1.3M to environmental education, stewardship initiatives
This year’s Dominion Energy environmental stewardship grants will support a variety of initiatives benefitting communities across eight states.
Gov. Northam announces administration appointments
Gov. Ralph Northam announced additional appointments to his administration on Friday.
Connolly, Chabot reintroduce Global Health Security Act
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) reintroduced the Global Health Security Act.
Beyer hails Biden executive orders on economy, federal workforce
Eighth District Democrat Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents the largest number of federal workers of any U.S. representative, issued a statement on President Biden’s executive actions on the economy and the federal workforce.
Jennifer McClellan statement on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, released a statement on the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.
Farmers, lawmakers support amendment calling for increased ag research spending
A proposed amendment to the Virginia state budget requesting additional funding for critical agricultural research has gained bipartisan support in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly.
Virginia NRCS announces deadline for FY2021 easement program applications
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is opening new doors for landowners and partner groups to protect the state’s open spaces.
Bipartisan coalition reintroducing House legislation to prevent insider trading
Seventh District Democrat Abigail Spanberger is reintroducing legislation to prevent insider trading by members of Congress.
Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis heads to House of Delegates floor
The House Rules Committee voted 13-5 Friday to send House Resolution 537, which declare racism a public health crisis in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the floor for a full vote.
Jones bill directing removal of Byrd statue from Capitol Square passes House committee
Norfolk Del. Jay Jones’ bill to direct the state to remove the statue of Harry F. Byrd Sr. from Capitol Square, a measure he first proposed in June of last year, reported out of the House Rules Committee Friday morning on a 13-5 vote and now heads to the full House of Delegates for passage.
Valley Republicans push Gov. Northam on COVID-19 vaccinations
A group of Valley Republicans – Dels. Chris Runion, John Avoli, Ronnie Campbell and Tony Wilt, and State Sen. Mark Obenshain – sent a letter to Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday pressing him on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Alan Witt elected chair of Virginia Chamber of Commerce
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce elected Alan Witt to serve as the 2021 chair of its Board of Directors during the Chamber’s annual meeting held virtually today.
Can Biden undo Trump’s 11th hour environmental rule changes?
President Joe Biden has ambitious plans to make up for lost time with climate remediation and encouragement of the clean energy sector—including rejoining the Paris Climate Accord that Trump withdrew the U.S from in 2017.
AG: General Assembly has the power to expel legislators
Attorney General Mark Herring issued an advisory opinion Friday confirming that the Virginia General Assembly “possesses broad power to discipline and, where it judges appropriate, expel member legislators.”
Jennifer Carroll Foy statement on anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Jennifer Carroll Foy released a statement on the importance of expanding abortion access and protecting reproductive freedom Friday on the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.
Hurst, Nophlin, Cranwell back Terry McAuliffe for governor
Del. Chris Hurst, former House Majority Leader C. Richard “Dickie” Cranwell, Montgomery County Supervisor Mary Biggs, and Bristol community leader Rev. Jackie Nophlin are endorsing Terry McAuliffe for the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
McEachin announces $491M grant for Virginia Department of Health
Congressman A. Donald McEachin announced a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Virginia Department of Health for $491,290,671 for expanding lab capacity to address infectious diseases.
Spanberger congratulates Congressional App Challenge winner from Godwin High School
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger announced Mills E. Godwin High School student Arvind Rajesh as the Seventh District winner of the annual Congressional App Challenge.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Civica Inc. to create 186 jobs in Petersburg
Civica Inc. will invest $124.5 million to establish its first in-house pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in the City of Petersburg.
Virginia Department of Corrections encourages inmates to take COVID-19 vaccine
The Virginia Department of Corrections is trying to incentivize inmates to get their COVID-19 vaccine – offering free email stamps and telephone credits as well as a care package filled with commissary items, including snacks.
New Virginia unemployment claims appear to be leveling off
New unemployment claims filed with the Virginia Employment Commission were down 25.3 percent last week, according to data released on Thursday.
USDA, dairy farmers work together to mitigate risk for 2021
USDA staff and dairy producers across the country worked together to protect dairy operations for the 2021 production year under USDA’s risk management program options.
McEachin on Biden-Harris inauguration, Day 1 executive orders
Fourth District Congressman A. Donald McEachin released a statement regarding the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and the slate of Day 1 executive orders announced by the Biden-Harris administration.
Virginia DMV offering more convenient service options
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is now offering more convenient service options for customers.
