Carolyn Fiddler is Dogwood’s chief political correspondent. She is also the nation’s foremost expert in state politics with almost two decades of experience in statehouse machinations, and her comic book collection is probably bigger than yours.
Carolyn Fiddler
Latest from Carolyn Fiddler
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How Virginia’s Budget Funds Fixes for School Struggles
As Virginia’s school year kicked off, districts were still struggling with issues such as teacher shortages. The commonwealth’s delayed-but-finally-approved budget agreement contains myriad potential fixes for K-12 school issues – some that could have an impact sooner rather than later. The budget amendment agreement’s direct rebates for taxpayers ($200 for individuals, $400 for couples filing…
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After New Diagnosis, Wexton Announces Retirement
US Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) announced on Monday that she will not seek reelection in 2024 and will retire from politics to deal with a devastating new medical diagnosis. In April, Wexton announced that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but she planned to continue to serve Virginians as she sought treatment and hoped…
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Why Virginia Republicans Should Be Scared of National GOP’s Government Shutdown Gambit
With some conservative lawmakers calling a federal government shutdown at the end of September “inevitable,” Republican General Assembly candidates in Virginia could end up dealing with the fallout. This fall’s races for all 140 seats in the state House and Senate are the political focal point in Virginia at the moment, but a looming federal…
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Essential Election Dates and Deadlines for Virginians this Fall
Elections for all 100 House of Delegates and 40 state Senate seats will be held on Nov. 7, 2023, but smart voters should be mindful of other key Virginia election dates this fall, too. First day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office begins Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. The deadline to register…
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Virginians Get Tax Relief Due to Democratic Measures in State Budget Agreement
After six months of negotiations, Democrats finally won most of the concessions they sought on state budget amendments, and this week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin officially signed them into law. But when will Virginians see the benefits?
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As School Year Kicks Off, Virginia’s Teacher Shortage Persists
While not as dire as it was a year ago, vacancies in teaching positions across the state still number in the thousands.
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Navy Veteran to Challenge Republican Congresswoman in Hampton Roads District
Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal has announced she’s running in Virginia’s Hampton Roads-area Second Congressional District in 2024.
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Virginia Lawmakers Convene to Approve Budget Changes
The General Assembly met this week to officially approve a budget deal that gives Democrats virtually everything they want.
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Many Virginia School Systems are Rejecting Youngkin’s New Anti-Trans Policy
A number of school districts are choosing to reject Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s new model policy, which rolls back protections for transgender and nonbinary students.
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Report: Virginia Republicans Plan Abortion Ban If They Win Statehouse In November
A source familiar with the governor’s plans says that passing a 15-week abortion ban will be his legislative priority if Republicans win majority control of the state House and Senate in this fall’s elections.
