Today marks the first day of the 2014 General Assembly session. For the next 60 days, the 140 members of the General Assembly will debate thousands of bills ranging from mental health and public safety to education and taxation. With a new governor, administration and several new legislators, it’s sure to be an exciting two months.
Right now there are just over 1,200 bills that have been filed with the Clerk’s Office of the House and Senate, we expect to see many more coming online in the next few days. Some of the major themes we’re seeing in education include assessments, concussion policies, local control of the school calendar, virtual education, tax credits and charter schools. Your VSBA lobbying team has been busy talking with legislators, reading bills, and developing our overall strategy.
Be sure to visit the blog throughout session to get updates and details about what’s happening in Richmond. Also, we’ll be providing quick updates on the VSBA Twitter Handle – VASchoolBoards.
Finally, don’t forget about the upcoming Capital Conference January 27-28 in Richmond. This event will offer you an opportunity to meet with your legislators before crossover, receive detailed updates on legislative activities, and hear from new members of the administration. Also this year, we’ll be hosting a legislative reception that will give you a chance to mix and mingle with your local delegates and senators. We hope to see you there!
