LINKS:
Sponsor: Early Impact Virginia
Learn more about Jackleg Media
Check out Black Virginia News

IN THE NEWS:
The amendment to the Virginia Constitution introduced by Democrats protects the fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Supporters say it's a way to safeguard against future efforts to roll back existing rights. Opponents worry that the amendment actually expands existing rights.

The last time Democrats were in control of the General Assembly, advocates for preventing gun violence were hopeful they could ban assault weapons. But, in the end, that didn't happen. Legislation to ban assault-style weapons has already been filed in the House and the Senate. But even if Democrats are successful this time, they'll still be sending it to Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is widely expected to veto the bill.

Virginia has a two-year budget, which means that Governor Glenn Youngkin spent the first half of his time as governor revising and amending a budget he inherited from the previous governor. Now he'll finally get a chance to put together his own budget proposal -- a document often called the "legacy budget" because it's a governor's one and only shot at putting together a balance sheet from beginning to end. Tax cuts and education spending are likely to be key points of discussion as the new Democratic majorities in the House and Senate consider Youngkin's legacy budget in January.

TRIVIA: Who was the first woman elected to the Virginia Senate?

At the Watercooler:
- Candidates are already running for races next year--both statewide and Congressional, on account of Virginia's election schedule and some unexpected openings.
- Alexandria's City Council has unanimously voted to ditch single-family zoning--always ripe for controversy.

Learn more at http://linktr.ee/JacklegMedia