News

Here’s how new legislation can help provide a better future for victims of sex trafficking

February 13, 2020

By Alexa Doiron

When women are sex trafficked, they have to go to extreme measures to protect their well being.

Whether it be stealing from a local store or identity theft, these crimes for survival can create a barrier for women once they’ve escaped from the control of their pimp.

That’s because Virginia doesn’t currently allow for the expungement of past crimes if an individual was found guilty, regardless of the situation.

Read the full story here.

Batten’s bill would repeal Historic Triangle tourism sales tax unless voters decide to keep it

January 10, 2020

Virginia Gazette

By Jack Jacobs

Del. Amanda Batten, R-Norge, has kicked off an effort to slap a sunset clause on the controversial Historic Triangle sales tax hike tied to regional tourism marketing.

Read the full story here.

At pre-legislative session forum, area’s senators defend Historic Triangle sales tax for tourism marketing

January 3, 2020

Virginia Gazette

By Jack Jacobs

Sens. Tommy Norment and Monty Mason mounted a vigorous defense of the Historic Triangle sales tax increase levied to generate funds for tourism marketing at a pre-legislative session forum that brought together most of the Williamsburg area’s General Assembly delegation Friday.

Read the full story here.

Batten takes over 96th District seat from Pogge

November 5, 2019

Virginia Gazette

By Sararose Martin

Republican Amanda Batten will take the 96th District House of Delegates seat after a close vote in a longtime stronghold of the party. She succeeds Republican Brenda Pogge, who held the position for 11 years and retires this year.

Read the full story here.