VPM Daily Newscast: July 6, 2023
The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of July 6, 2023:
Minimal changes in Virginia housing law as affordability crisis continues
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
New housing laws that went into effect July 1 made small changes to renters’ rights and landlords' responsibilities.
Passing major legislation on housing proved to be a hard ask during the winter General Assembly session, though, since Republicans controlled the House and Democrats controlled the Senate.
“I didn’t see anything that I would say harmed tenants, I didn’t see much that would help tenants either,” said Martin Wegbreit, litigation director at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society.
General Assembly remains at odds over budget talks
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
When Gov. Glenn Youngkin first introduced his amended budget proposal in December, he called for $1 billion in tax cuts for residents and businesses, including a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 6% to 5%.
But as fiscal 2024 begins, lawmakers remain at odds on how to best utilize the state’s more than $3.5 billion surplus. And while Virginia is generally able to operate on the “skinny budget,” public bodies expecting state funds — including local governments — are currently unable to fully pay for or make decisions until a final agreement is reached.
In other news:
- UVa students of color react to the end of affirmative action (The Daily Progress)*
- They’re called ‘100-year floods.’ But they’re likely becoming more frequent, study says. (The Virginian-Pilot)*
- 'The biggest mess': His restaurant empire is dead, but Hunter Smith won't quit (The Daily Progress)*
In case you missed it:
- Transplant group extends deadline that threatened flow of crucial organs (The Washington Post)*