Virginia
Virginia House approves minimum wage increase, assault weapons ban
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The Virginia House of Delegate has approved two controversial measures: an increase in the minimum wage and a ban on assault weapons.
The bills were two of the top Democratic priorities and the first two bills that were filed in advance of the session.
House Bill 1 would raise Virginia’s minimum wage from $12/hr. to $13.50/hr. on Jan. 1, 2025, and to $15/hr. a year after that.
The bill drew opposition from Republican lawmakers who argued it will hurt employers who are barely getting by, especially in rural parts of the state.
“No Mr. Speaker, this bill won’t affect the Golden Crescent,” said Robert Bloxom Jr. (R-Accomack Co.). “But it will affect the rest of us.”
Supporters said the benefits would be widespread.
“The little increases that you are seeing will have the greatest impact on the majority of the people,” said Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton).
House Bill 2 would ban the sale and possession of assault firearms manufactured after July 1, 2024.
“These are used to protect property owners or to protect people who cannot protect themselves,” said Del. Timothy Griffin (R-Bedford Co.). “You know what I love about firearms is that they’re the great equalizer. It’s a tool that is used to defend people that wouldn’t normally be able to defend themselves.”
“These weapons of war, these weapons designed to put sustained, aimed fire on an enemy, are being used time and again to kill our children,” said Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax).
Both bills passed on a narrow, party line vote.
Similar legislation is also advancing in the State Senate. And with Democratic majorities in both chambers, both bills are expected to pass.
But what happens after that is still unclear.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) hasn’t said if he will veto the bills, but he has told reporters he doesn’t believe either one is needed.
Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
There’s little change in the latest High School on SI Virginia girls basketball Top 25 poll as all 25 squads return from last week.
Undefeated Princess Anne is again No. 1 followed by The Saint James Performance Academy, Bishop Ireton, Catholic-Virginia Beach and Menchville. Shining Stars Sports Academy, Manchester, Potomac School, Saint Anne’s-Belfield School and Osbourn Park complete the Top 10.
Five teams – Langley, Manor, Thomas Dale, Oakton and Centreville – each moved up one spot.
Here’s this week’s High School on SI Virginia girls basketball Top 25:
Previous rank: No. 1
Record: 17-0
The Cavaliers defeated No. 16 Salem-Virginia Beach, 70-45, and Bayside, 86-13.
Previous rank: No. 2
Record: 12-3
The Strivers extended their winning streak to 10 with a 63-37 decision over Kingdom Collegiate Academy (Tex.).
Previous rank: No. 3
Record: 14-5
The Cardinals defeated No. 11 Saint Paul VI Catholic, 57-53 after a loss to Elizabeth Seton (Md.)
Previous rank: No. 4
Record: 12-8
The Crusaders defeated Norfolk Academy and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy by a combined 148 points.
Previous rank: No. 5
Record: 11-1
The Monarchs are scheduled to play Woodside Tuesday.
Previous rank: No. 6
Record: 12-4
The Panthers defeated Newman (Mass.) and Saint Frances Academy (Md.) at The More Than A Highlight Showcase in New York.
Previous rank: No. 7
Record: 14-1
The Lancers ran their winning streak to 13 with a 93-22 victory over Huguenot.
Previous rank: No. 8
Record: 12-6
The Panthers rebounded from a loss to District of Columbia No. 2 Sidwell Friends School with wins over Georgetown Day School (D.C.) and Flint Hill School (Va.).
Previous rank: No. 9
Record: 13-3
The Saints defeated Trinity Episcopal School, 80-33.
Previous rank: No. 10
Record: 12-6
The Yellowjackets defeated Unity Reed.
Previous rank: No. 11
Record: 16-5
The Panthers dropped an overtime decision to No. 3 Bishop Ireton.
Previous rank: No. 12
Record: 14-5
The Patriots dropped decisions to Monsignor Scanlan (N.Y.) and Gill Saint Bernard’s School (N.J.).
Previous rank: No. 13
Record: 15-1
The Stallions defeated Lake Braddock and Carter G. Woodson.
Previous rank: No. 16
Record: 15-1
The Eagles have won eight straight by double-digits.
Previous rank: No. 15
Record: 12-3
The Wolverines defeated West Springfield and James W. Robinson.
Previous rank: No. 16
Record: 15-3
The Sundevils rebounded from a loss to No. 1 Princess Anne with a 78-7 win over Kempsville.
Previous rank: No. 17
Record: 13-4
The Knights defeated Landstown (75-47) and First Colonial (73-21).
Previous rank: No. 19
Record: 16-1
The Saxons defeated McLean, 55-23.
Previous rank: No. 20
Record: 12-1
The Mustangs defeated Churchland.
Previous rank: No. 21
Record: 14-0
The Knights defeated Petersburg (73-30) and Hopewell (72-46).
Previous rank: No. 22
Record: 15-4
The Cougars defeated Westfield and James Madison.
Previous rank: No. 23
Record: 13-4
The Wildcats defeated James Madison and then-No. 18 Chantilly.
Previous rank: No. 23
Record: 17-1
The Spartans defeated Lord Botetourt (42-31) and Cave Spring (56-19).
Previous rank: No. 24
Record: 14-2
The Bulldogs defeated Indian River and Oscar Smith by an average margin of 65 points.
Previous rank: No. 25
Record: 10-7
The Ambassadors defeated Norfolk Collegiate Academy, 77-32.
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