Region/State
Coalition pleased with action on restraints on pregnant inmates
A broad coalition representing faith-based organizations, women’s rights advocates, and prison reform groups announced its approval of the Virginia Board of Corrections’ Nov. 14 passage of regulatory language to restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates. The Board of Corrections’ unanimous approval demonstrates its understanding of the importance of this critical health issue.
McDonnell announces preservation of historic battlefield at Gaines’ Mill
Gov. Bob McDonnell on Monday announced a partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Civil War Trust to preserve 285 acres of land that played a critical role in Virginia’s history. The preservation of the site at Gaines’ Mill, the bloodiest engagement of the Seven Days’ Battles, is being funded by the largest grant ever allocated from the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Transportation Enhancement Grant program for a historic preservation effort.
State expands Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline
As part of his government reform initiatives to make Virginia state agencies run more efficiently and effectively, Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed Executive Order Number 52 (2012) establishing the State Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline for use by citizens. The State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline was previously available only to state employees who wished to report fraud and abuse.
ACLU seeks info on Title IX compliance
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has asked public colleges and universities in the state to provide information related to their schools’ campus sexual assault policies, procedures and practices in an effort to determine their compliance with Title IX.
Report: Homeless rate down 8 percent in Virginia
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today the state is making significant headway toward the goal of reducing statewide homelessness. Citing data collected by local Continuum of Care groups across the Commonwealth, compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, the governor announced that overall homelessness has declined 8 percent from 2010 to 2012 and for families the reduction has been even more pronounced, an 11 percent reduction. Additionally, there has been a drop of 36 percent in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness in Virginia.
ACLU announces Election Day hotline
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia will answer questions from voters who encounter problems at the polls on Election Day and is prepared to advocate on behalf of voters whose rights have been abridged.
Commonwealth Transportation Board to hold Six-Year Plan meeting
Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton and the Commonwealth Transportation Board are holding meetings across Virginia so the public may discuss projects and programs in the CTB’s current Six-Year Improvement Program and provide comments for the development of the Fiscal Years 2014-2019 SYIP, including multimodal initiatives for highways, rail and transit.
Farm to School program promotes local business, better nutrition
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Department of Education have a winning equation that results in better nutrition and an economic boost for communities.
Department of Corrections to monitor sex offenders on Halloween
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Harold Clarke has announced plans to monitor sex offenders under probation and parole supervision throughout the Commonwealth on Halloween night while children are trick-or-treating.
Governor reports on Sandy impacts
Superstorm Sandy began affecting portions of the Commonwealth late Saturday, and snow and rain associated with the system continue in parts of the state.
