A service of Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sweeping Legislation Expected from Democratic Control in Virginia

creative commons

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — For the first time in a generation, Democrats in Virginia will be in full control of the statehouse when the General Assembly convenes this week.

The legislature gets down to business on Wednesday, the start of what could be one of the most sweeping sessions in decades.

Quick action is expected on a number of high-profile issues, including prohibiting discrimination against members of LGBTQ community, expanding voting rights and making Virginia the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

A contentious debate is expected over gun control, an area where Democrats have promised significant changes.

Democrats won control of both chambers of the legislature last year.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.