Columns

    This week in Richmond, Virginia’s two-year budget became the latest front in the battle over the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as ObamaCare.  And because Governor McAuliffe and Democrat senators have been devoted to the federal healthcare law and fiercely defending it, one of my measures to gather needed information on the law’s impact on Virginians was put on hold by a Senate committee.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced recently that the military downsize we’ve needed for so long will now be proposed in the next round of budgeting.
    Hagel said it is his intention to reduce the size of the U.S. Army to numbers not seen since before the second world war.
    The Army National Guard and the Marines, too, would see reductions in their forces. Hagel also plans to renew the closings of U.S. military bases, following up on the base closing commission work of the recent past.

Whether it’s a computer at the office, streaming movies at home, or a navigation system in the car, technology plays a major role in many of our lives these days. The demand for students educated in engineering and technology continues to rise in the United States, but part of the challenge is how to engage students in these subjects and further their understanding of these valuable skills.

    Capitol Square was busy this week, with both the House and the Senate unveiling – and ultimately approving – their respective versions of Virginia’s biennial budget.  In even-numbered years, the General Assembly is responsible for approving a two-year spending plan for the Commonwealth.