By Hannah Hess | Virginia Statehouse News   RICHMOND — As Virginia Republicans grabbed the reins in the state Senate on Wednesday, a coalition of progressive interest groups geared up to fight against expected conservative policy shifts. "There is obviously a different makeup of the General Assembly this year, and I think everybody here recognizes [...]

By Peter Smith | Old Dominion Watchdog ALEXANDRIA — Fairfax County Sheriff Stan Barry’s decision to apply for a lucrative county pension meant for career public employees caused an uproar among local Republicans, leading one lawmaker to propose changes to state pension law.

Bill McMorris | Old Dominion Watchdog ALEXANDRIA — The City of Alexandria’s threat to seize a parking lot owned by a local boat club has led one state lawmaker to reconsider his position on eminent domain.

By Amanda Iacone | Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — State officials have launched initiatives to curb fraud, abuse and errors in the state’s most expensive social program, Medicaid.

By Amanda Iacone | Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — Overworked and under-trained social service employees are largely to blame for Virginia paying millions in Medicaid benefits to ineligible recipients, according to a state report.

By Amanda Iacone | Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — Waiting for federal disaster assistance was not an option for David Whitlock.

By Amanda Iacone | Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — As federal disaster relief runs dry, Virginia communities may not get the help they need any time soon, as they clean up from Hurricane Irene’s pummeling.

By Amanda Iacone Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — City and county officials statewide are disappointed that none of Virginia’s year-end cash balance will help pay for local services.

By Amanda Iacone Virginia Statehouse News RICHMOND — State and county governments have been in a tug-of-war match for several years over who should pay for the maintenance of local roads.

By Amanda Iacone Virginia Statehouse RICHMOND — The uncertainty in the fuel market is making it difficult for state and local governments to stay within their budgets.