From education to transportation and tourism, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation provides insights and support for issues debated in Virginia’s General Assembly each year. This session, the “What’s New” blog will follow some of the legislative matters of interest to educators, historians, visitors and the business and residential community around Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the blog each Monday for updates on bills and resolutions.
The 2014 session of the Virginia General Assembly, which is scheduled to adjourn on March 8, is about halfway complete. “Crossover day” — when bills must pass to the Senate or the House of Delegates, or die for the session — occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Here are the latest updates on selected bills currently being considered in the 2014 Virginia General Assembly:
- Bill number: HB 930
Bill description: Standards of Learning; assessments, reform. Gradually reduces the number of Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests given in Virginia schools.
Status: On Feb. 12, the bill was sent to the House education committee.
- Bill number: SB30, HB30, SB29, HB29
Bill description: The main budget bills, which include two items of particular interest: funding for projects on Interstate 64, and support for additional tourism promotion initiatives and associated funding for the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The I-64 initiatives include the widening of the highway from Richmond to Newport News, installation of electronic signage to assist motorists in finding the most efficient route to Williamsburg, and support for more frequent passenger rail on the Virginia Peninsula.
Status: On Sunday, several budget amendments were approved by the two legislative bodies. This included House funding for signage on I-64. The amended budget bills now head to a conference committee.
Read The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s statement on Virginia Standards of Learning
