Things are starting to get into a rhythm here at the General
Assembly. The VEA is lucky to have a solid group of staff and leadership on our
Lobby Cadre. This dedicated group covers every single committee and
sub-committee during session- we currently cover 50 of them. Our good work
would not be possible without them. In the coming says you will hear more about
them in this blog, but know how much they are doing for our members during
these busy days.
The minimum wage bills all went down in the Senate Committee
on Commerce and Labor. The House bills have not yet been heard, but I can
assume their fate will likely be the same.
The House Privilege and Elections
Sub Committee on Elections killed bills the VEA supported that would have
allowed some flexibility on voter photo IDs. So, quick action on some important
bills the VEA supported.
This morning the House Education Sub-Committee on Innovation
started their very early meetings. There was only one bill of interest to VEA
on the docket and it needs a little more work before the sub-committee is ready
for it to go to the full committee. HB1414 (Austin) would allow for partial
credit on SOL test questions where the students must identify multiple “right”
answers. Right now, even if a student gets 4 out of 5 “right” answers, but
don’t get the 5th, they get no points for the question. It’s all
“right” or all “wrong” and we know that is not the way we should grade tests.
Of course Pearson’s is going to charge VA for this effort, so there is a
possibility this bill may die when it is referred to House Appropriations. But if we are willing to do the work in small pieces and wait until 2021, Pearson’s said they may be able to
mitigate the costs. So lots of good discussion with some hope for change. There were many groups there to support this bill including the Superintendents.
Busy day tomorrow in the House Education full committee and
the sub-committee immediately after. President Livingston is ready to carry our
position to the legislators on these committees. Please make sure you are making your appointments for Lobby Day. If you aren't able to come to Richmond, call your legislators' offices and tell them your story!
