News

Supreme Court rules in favor of Colorado graphic designer who refused to create same-sex wedding websites

June 30, 2023

Fox News | June 30, 2023 The Supreme Court held that a Colorado graphic designer who wants to make wedding websites does not have to create them for same-sex marriages, in a landmark decision that pit the interests of LGBTQ non-discrimination against First Amendment freedom. In a 6-3 decision issued Friday, the high court ruled in favor of […]

Supreme Court rejects affirmative action in ruling on universities using race in admissions decisions

June 29, 2023

Fox News | June 29, 2023 The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a major ruling on affirmative action Thursday, rejecting the use of race as a factor in college admissions as a violation of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. In a 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that, “A benefit to a […]

Fox News: Democratic lawmakers caught on hot mic mocking parental rights as ‘garbage,’ ‘stupid’

April 27, 2023

Two Democratic lawmakers in Virginia were caught on hot mic last week mocking parental rights as “garbage,” “crap,” and “stupid,” according to two recordings posted on social media by the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). On the recordings, which were taken at a Friday meet-and-greet at Christopher Newport University, state Sen. Monty Mason and state Del. Shelly […]

I’m Running!

March 1, 2023

We wrapped up the 2023 Session this past week and so I am back in the Valley and ready for an exciting year.   Over the past two weeks, an unprecedented number of General Assembly retirements have been announced. The time has come for me to announce that… I am NOT retiring! I AM RUNNING FOR REELECTION […]

Judges, Bail, Heroes and Budgets

February 3, 2023

It has been a very busy two weeks here at the General Assembly as we prepare for Crossover (the official halfway point of session) next week. Yesterday, on a party line vote, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to kill two public safety bills that I patroned. The first would have established a criminal […]

Week 2 General Assembly Update

January 24, 2023

With the conclusion of the second week of the 2023 General Assembly Session, one thing is becoming increasingly clear – Republicans need to retake control of the Virginia Senate! This week, the Democratic leaders in the Senate showed just how partisan they have become and have demonstrated their unwillingness to put good policy ahead of […]

Week 1 General Assembly Update

January 17, 2023

Last Wednesday, the 2023 Session of the Virginia General Assembly was gaveled to order by the Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. This year is a “short session.” It is scheduled to last 45 days and to adjourn on February 25th.  Hot topics this year include tax relief, public safety, energy and […]

Obenshain Releases Statement on the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents 

September 16, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:  Jennifer Aulgur PHONE: (540) 437-1451 EMAIL:  [email protected]  Obenshain Releases Statement on the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents  Updated Policy for Virginia’s Public School Systems HARRISONBURG – Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham) released the following statement in response to the just-released 2022 Draft Model […]

News Laws Take Effect July 1

June 24, 2022

With the approach of July, I wanted to provide you with an update on new laws that are taking effect as well as an update on the Commonwealth’s budget. Every year, the General Assembly passes bills during Session which starts in early January and goes for either 45 days or 60 days depending on if […]

Gov. Youngkin proposes budget amendments on gas tax cut, lab schools and new felony for protests at justices’ homes

June 15, 2022

by: Dean Mirshahi Posted: Jun 15, 2022 / 08:39 PM EDT Updated: Jun 16, 2022 / 10:58 AM EDTSHARE RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s amendments to the state budget include proposals to expand the eligibility for lab-school funding, suspend the state’s gas tax for three months, prevent hundreds of incarcerated people from earning credits to reduce their […]