Guest Columns
Latest Guest Columns
Virginia’s vaccine plan needs remedies
The first full week of the General Assembly has come to an end, and I wanted to take just a moment to update you on ... Read more
2 hours ago by Guest Columnist.
Dr. Nash answers vaccination questions
By H. Robert Nash Piedmont Health District Director The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are a great achievement and cause for hope. But doses are ... Read more
18 hours ago by Guest Columnist.
COLUMN — Let Farmville be the light
Editor’s Note: The following are the closing comments made by Farmville Town Council member Brian Vincent from the Farmville Town Council meeting held Jan. 13. ... Read more
5 days ago by Guest Columnist.
Mentors provide a valuable service
January is National Mentoring Month, an observation led by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with support ... Read more
1 week ago by Quentin Johnson.
COLUMN — Mandatory minimum sentencing could be repealed
The 2021 General Assembly session began Jan. 13. The Senate will meet in person while the House remains virtual. I have added links below for ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Matt Fariss.
COLUMN — Our divisions have resulted in a constitutional crisis
The orderly transfer of presidential authority failed to materialize this year. The political divisions in this country have devolved into a constitutional crisis. The head ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Angus McClellan.
Column — What will 2021 look like?
For months now, everywhere I have gone, people have been saying, “I can’t wait until 2020 is over.” With all that has occurred in the ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Frank Ruff.
Short session to begin Jan. 13
As you may already be aware, when the General Assembly meets for its 2021 session, the House of Delegates will meet 100% virtually. The Senate ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Tommy Wright.
Higher taxes for high income workers proposed
As 2020 draws to a close, I cannot help but reflect on the unusual nature of this year as we prepare for the 2021 session. ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
Column — Do COVID relief packages violate principles of taxation?
The purpose of this column is to provide the readers with some thoughts on three constitutional principles in the hope that they may consider them ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Angus McClellan.
Column – Wishes for a great holiday season
Christine and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. This is a time to celebrate with family and be close ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Denver Riggleman.
A new way to formulate the state budget
Every year, the most important thing that the governor of Virginia does is produce a budget or a revised budget. Yet, way too frequently, a ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — First doses of vaccine have come to Virginia
Thanks to the hard work of doctors, scientists and Operation Warp Speed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two coronavirus vaccines in record time with more on ... Read more
1 month ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN – Where’s the science behind new restrictions?
My office has been helping Virginians in the 59th District with Virginia Employment Commission issues since the beginning of the pandemic. As of last week, ... Read more
1 month ago by Matt Fariss.
Riggleman says farewell to Congress
These last two years serving as your representative in Congress have been an honor of a lifetime. As my time in Congress comes to an ... Read more
1 month ago by Denver Riggleman.
Thoughts on the placement of the Confederate statue
The Farmville Town Council has yet to make a final decision on where or whether the Confederate Heroes statue will stand. According to the town, ... Read more
1 month ago by Angus McClellan.
China should be held accountable
After a joyous Thanksgiving break, I was glad to return to the House of Representatives last week to conduct legislative business on behalf of the ... Read more
2 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Should we really legalize marijuana?
Over the years that I have been in the General Assembly, there has always been an effort by some to change the laws on the ... Read more
2 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Is climate change really an existential threat?
Remember John Stossel? For those who don’t remember him or never heard of him, Stossel made it big a generation or two ago when he ... Read more
2 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Thanks to those on the front lines of COVID-19
I hope you had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones last week. Although this holiday season looks different for many ... Read more
2 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN — Opioid Grant Act passes House unanimously
I am proud to announce that earlier this week, my original bill, H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Grant Authorization Act of 2020, passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. ... Read more
2 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Some taxes unfairly affect rural Virginia
We all want to be treated fairly. Sometimes we do not like government policies at the federal, state, or local levels, but if it affects ... Read more
2 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Working to keep promises to veterans
This week, we paused to pay special tribute to all the brave men and women who serve our country and risk their lives to keep ... Read more
2 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
November is a great time for a gratitude challenge
In 2015, National Day Calendar established November as National Gratitude Month in the United States and Canada. The designation had been advocated by Stacey Grewal, ... Read more
2 months ago by Quentin Johnson.
COLUMN — After 83 days, the special session is over
Monday, Nov. 9, after 83 days, the 2020 Special Session adjourned. We were initially called into the Special Session to develop a revised two-year budget ... Read more
3 months ago by Matt Fariss.
Can we thrive as a mediocracy?
Once upon a time, not that long ago, one received things from earning them. You merited a raise. You merited a promotion. That system was ... Read more
3 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Legislation sponsored to help seniors with timely medical care
I hope that you all had a productive and safe week. It is my pleasure to provide you with an update on my work in ... Read more