Camille Moran: We can’t build a strong economy on a weak minimum wage

AFP

Let’s bring the spirit of Christmas to Congress. The last time the minimum wage went up was in 2009, and, as the owner of a Christmas tree farm and other businesses, I think it’s time for another raise. Today’s $7.25 an hour minimum wage befits Scrooge – before he saw the error of his ways. It amounts to just $15,080 a year for full-time workers.

bob mcdonnell

McDonnell announces additional $4.1M in Community Development Block Grants

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced an additional $4.1 million in Community Development Block Grants for four projects in Virginia. The seven community improvement projects are in addition to the $6.8 million of funding provided this year. During this year’s competitive cycle, 35 proposals were submitted by 34 localities, and 11 projects received the initial funding.

Ken Plum: Busy time in Virginia politics

Ken Plum

The Virginia General Assembly session gets under way on Jan. 8, but a great amount of groundwork goes into preparing for it. Beyond taking care of our personal and family responsibilities in December, legislators are rushing to survey constituents on their issues and concerns, get bills drafted and move to Richmond for at least 60 days starting in January.

bob mcdonnell

McDonnell budget includes money for prisoner re-entry, restoration of rights

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell will recommend substantial new state investments in the areas of prisoner re-entry and restoration of rights when he puts forward his two-year spending plan for the Commonwealth next Monday. The governor has put a focus on the two policy areas over the last four years, establishing Virginia’s first-ever prisoner re-entry statewide plan.