RICHMOND, Va. — Not only is it a presidential election year, but 2024 is expected to be a busy year for the legislatures in both Annapolis and Richmond. Lawmakers will return to their respective capitols Wednesday to start debating new laws.
There is a lot to consider in both states.
In Virginia, a monumental bill that's already causing a lot of friction in Richmond before it has even been introduced is the proposed financial incentive to build a new arena in Alexandria for the Wizards and Capitals.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has already gotten some pushback from lawmakers who say the state has more urgent needs.
Youngkin has also noted that lowering taxes is high on his priorities. During a budget presentation in December, Youngkin mentioned eliminating the personal property tax on vehicles.
"The car tax belongs in your trash can, not in the mailbox," said Youngkin.
Meanwhile in Maryland, the topic at the top of the governor's mind is public safety.
Tuesday morning Moore announced three bills he hopes to see pass. The bills focus on improving compensation for crime victims, creating a new training and retention program for police officers, and starting an Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
"We're going to continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that people can and should feel safe in their communities," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Moore says 75% of the homicides in Maryland involve guns, which makes it both a public safety crisis and a public health crisis.
Maryland lawmakers are back for their second session since they were elected, while Virginia will feature a lot of new members swearing in on Wednesday.
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