Social Services Board votes against gay adoption
Danny Rathbun Capital News Service The Virginia Board of Social Services has rejected a proposed regulation that would have prohibited faith-based adoption agencies from discriminating against prospective parents based on their sexual orientation. The board on Wednesday removed that provision from its revised Standards for Licensed Private Child Placing Agencies. The board’s vote was 7-2, […]
Teachers at ‘hard to staff’ schools may get bonuses
Danny Rathbun Capital News Service Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced a salary bonus plan to help attract and retain teachers at low-performing, hard-to-staff schools. The Performance-Pay Incentives initiative will give $3 million in state funding to teachers in designated schools who earn exemplary ratings during the 2011-2012 school year. A teacher could receive a reward […]
Virginia debates adoptions by gay couples
Danny Rathbun Capital News Service Religious and social conservatives are squaring off with gay rights advocates over a proposed state-agency rule that would prohibit adoption agencies in Virginia from discriminating against prospective parents on the basis of sexual orientation. The regulation under consideration by the Virginia Board of Social Services would apply anti-discrimination laws to […]
Bicycle safety bill to come around again
Danny Rathbun Capital News Service Bicycle enthusiasts say they will push again next year for a state law to increase the passing room that cars must give bikes. They were disappointed that the General Assembly rejected a measure increasing the minimum distance for cars passing bicycles from two feet to three feet. Senate Bill 928 […]
Panel OKs bicycle safety bill
Danny Rathbun Capital News Service Virginia motorists would have to give bicyclists a little more room on the road under a bill approved unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee. Senate Bill 928 would increase from two to three feet the minimum distance for cars passing bicycles. The bill also would add bicycles and mopeds to […]