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“Psychopath” Trump Keeps Crossing Red Line After Red Line, Yet Republicans Like Glenn Youngkin and Jen Kiggans Actually *ENDORSED* Him for *PRESIDENT* Again. So, So SICK!

By
lowkell
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6

It’s beyond a doubt that Trump is a dangerous, “oath-breaking insurrectionist,” corrupt scumbag, rapist, racist, as well as a violent sociopath. The latest? Trump posting an image of President Joe Biden “kidnapped and bound with rope in the back of a truck” (I’m not going to share this image, you can look it up if you’re interested).

So, as UVA Professor Larry Sabato asks, “Where is the Secret Service? Where is the FBI?…Some of Trump’s cult are crazy enough to do anything.” Unfortunately, as Virginia attorney James Abrenio writes, despite the fact that Trump is “doing it again,” it’s quite possible that “nothing will be done…again.” To which Professor Sabato replies, “That’s what is extremely frustrating and inexplicable.”

So, at this point, Trump has committed many, many crimes over the decades, even before he tried to steal an election and stay in power through a violent coup attempt in the months after the 2020 presidential election – which he lost BADLY. And what SHOULD happen – in an even semi-functional/semi-sane country, where nobody truly is above the law – is that Trump should have been tried, convicted and thrown in prison back in 2021, along with ALL of his fellow coup plotters, insurrectionists, etc. And ALL of the lawyers who represented Trump in his coup attempt should have been disbarred long ago. And any media outlets which normalized Trump, downplayed his threat to our democracy, etc. should be treated with complete contempt. Unfortunately, we appear to live in a country in which accountability only seems to come to those who don’t have the financial resources – or political power – to avoid it. Which is, of course, NOT how the rule of law is supposed to work. Ugh.

Meanwhile, it’s even worse than all that, as Republicans are mostly “falling in line” behind the criminal sociopath for *PRESIDENT* yet again – a presidency that would be far, FAR worse than Trump’s first presidency, with Trump’s blueprint (“Project 2025“) consisting of a  “whole array of ideas that are designed to let Donald Trump function as a dictator, by completely eviscerating many of the restraints built into our system”; “turn[ing] the DOJ and FBI into instruments of his revenge”‘; eviscerating the professional civil service; etc. In short, as Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08) accurately states, it’s a “blueprint for a dystopian hellscape.” And yet we see Republicans – including, here in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, AG Jason Miyares, Rep. Jen Kiggans, the VA Republican Party, etc. – mostly endorsing this fascistic nightmare…and certainly not denouncing it or leaving the party. Which, again, SHOULD have consequences – VERY negative ones for their future political careers – but…will it? I’m skeptical, but as “Angry Staffer” puts it, “for fucks sake enough is enough.”

Chavez Family Unites Behind President Biden

By
Blue Virginia
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6

Good stuff from the Biden/Harris reelection campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2024

Chavez Family Unites Behind President Biden

Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez released the following statement:

“The support of my family in this fight is deeply meaningful. The legacy of my grandfather’s work to fight for farmworkers, and the dignity of work for all of us weighs deeply on President Biden, and it is one of the core values that guides him every single day. As the most pro-union president in history and an unwavering champion of workers and labor his entire career, President Biden sees the world from a kitchen table in Scranton – a stark difference from Donald Trump’s penthouse on Park Avenue. He knows, like my grandfather did, that a job is about more than just a paycheck; it’s about your dignity – and that’s why Joe Biden is running for president.

“Today, my grandfather’s bust sits in the Oval Office – a reminder that President Biden understands the power of organizing and working people and recognizes the impact of my grandfather’s legacy to continue to mobilize our communities into action. In an election that will determine the fate of organized labor, our Latino community, and our democracy, I could not be more humbled to accept the support of my family as one of many that will power us to victory in November ¡Si se puede!.”

The Chavez family endorsement can be found below.

Mar 29, 2024

THE FAMILY OF CESAR AND HELEN CHAVEZ

Chavez family unites behind President Biden

The seven surviving sons and daughters of Cesar and Helen Chavez and the Chavez family issued the following statement:

The Chavez family firmly stands behind the re-election of President Biden and Vice President Harris because we believe they are the best choice for America. We feel bonds of affection and respect for President Biden because his character and actions consistently reflect the genuine legacy of our father, Cesar Chavez.

We also endorse the President because the danger of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy is that it could help restore to power a bigot and an authoritarian who has pledged to dismantle democracy and plunge our country into the Dark Ages.

On his first day in office, President Biden placed in the Oval Office a bronze statue of our dad we supplied. That is the least of what he has done.

• The President has consistently fought for farm workers. He ensured they were prioritized for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine because farm workers were among the hardest-hit during the pandemic, dying at rates far above other groups. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden volunteered at a farm worker movement vaccination clinic in Delano, Calif. that vaccinated thousands of farm workers. In contrast, Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spread disinformation and conspiracy theories about the pandemic that helped persuade people not to get vaccinated and take necessary precautions. People died.

• President Biden is absolutely committed to a path forward for hard-working, tax-paying immigrant workers who sustain key parts of the U.S. economy.

• President Biden is the most pro-union and pro-worker president in our lifetime. He provided key support that helped convince Gov. Newsom to sign the landmark 2022 United Farm Workers-sponsored voting rights law making it easier for farm workers to join a union.

Yet, Presidents must do more than make good choices in the interest of the nation. They must also inspire Americans by appealing to their best, not their worst, impulses.

What distinguishes President Biden is his demonstrated compassion and empathy towards the poor and less fortunate. He strives to act justly by fulfilling the commandments and the gospels. Those social justice teachings were the heart of Cesar Chavez’s activism.

We call on all Latinos and all Americans to vote for President Biden in order to preserve our democratic institutions.

###

Paid for by Biden for President

Saturday News: “Netanyahu Coalition in Crisis Over Religious Draft”; “Biden Campaign Slams Trump For ‘Inciting’ Violence Following Hog-Tied Biden”; “Trump can’t remember much. He hopes you won’t be able to, either.”; “Sen. Lucas says Youngkin made ‘no effort’ to discuss Caps, Wizards deal”

By
lowkell
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37

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Saturday, March 30.

Money-Smart Breakups: Why Uncontested Divorces Keep Your Finances Intact

By
Blue Virginia
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11

SPONSORED CONTENT

Money-Smart Breakups: Why Uncontested Divorces Keep Your Finances Intact

Picture this: a stress-free divorce, minimal legal fees, and a better prospect of moving on with your life. It seems far-fetched, but believe it or not, it can be your reality should you choose an uncontested divorce. Join us as we unravel the financial perks behind this amicable and cost effective way to end your marriage and get a fresh start in life.

Dividing with Dollars in Mind: Key Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce

Divorces can be extremely stressful, but even in these difficult times, it’s important to stay focused and choose the right approach to end things amicably and start anew. An uncontested divorce offers a solution: a separation where both parties agree on the terms without requiring litigation.

Below are some reasons an uncontested divorce is a financially savvy decision:

 Reducing Legal Expenses: The Power of Uncontested Divorce

Sailing through the rough waters of separation, an uncontested divorce acts as a financial beacon. By choosing teamwork over conflict, you and your spouse can cut down on legal costs, avoiding pricey lawyers and lengthy court fights.

In addition, this friendly method eases the emotional stress common in contested divorces. As you and your spouse find mutual understanding, you’ll feel a sense of relief, knowing you’re heading toward a fair and financially sound resolution.

Financial Clarity & Cooperation: Navigating Your Post-Divorce Future Together

“Joining forces with your partner to iron out the specifics of your divorce unveils a world of financial discovery,” said attorney Matt Towson of Towson Law Firm. This collaborative approach fosters crystal-clear transparency in the realm of assets, debts, income, and expenses. By the end, both parties emerge with a vivid picture of their post-divorce financial landscape.

This cooperative dance through the numbers not only strengthens budgeting skills but also empowers you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse with financial wisdom. Equipped with this newfound knowledge, you’ll confidently make well-informed decisions on matters like child support and alimony payments.

Mastering Your Financial Destiny: Greater Control in Uncontested Divorce
In the realm of uncontested divorce, couples shape their financial destiny. Contrastingly, in the battleground of contested divorces, fate rests in the judge’s hands, who determines the outcome of the parting duo.

The empowering sense of control that accompanies uncontested divorces paves the way for a finely tuned, fair financial resolution that caters to each party’s unique needs. When both individuals have a voice in crafting the agreement, they’re more inclined to honor and uphold the established resolutions.

Simplified Division of Assets and Debts: Empowering Your Financial Destiny in Uncontested Divorce

Another advantage of an uncontested divorce is the streamlined process of dividing assets and debts. When both parties are willing to cooperate, it becomes easier to reach agreements on how to fairly distribute property, investments, and liabilities. 

This can save significant time, effort, and potential legal fees compared to contentious disputes over asset division. By avoiding prolonged battles over property, you can maintain a more efficient and cost-effective path towards finalizing your divorce and moving forward with your separate lives.

Looking Forward

Choosing an uncontested divorce offers a financially prudent and emotionally thoughtful alternative to the traditional contested route. This approach not only eases the strain on your finances but also fosters a healthier post-divorce relationship, particularly when children are part of the equation.

Adopting this cost-effective and amicable strategy enables both parties to step into the future with assurance, bolstered by financial stability, and ready for a brighter tomorrow. However, to ensure all bases are covered, it’s wise to enlist a professional to review your finances and documents before finalizing the terms.

 

Multimillionaire Governor Says Working Families Don’t Deserve $15/Hour

By
Blue Virginia
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6

Well said by Progress Virginia:

Multimillionaire Governor Says Working Families Don’t Deserve $15 An Hour

Richmond, Virginia—Virginia is slowly becoming a better state for workers, and Governor Glenn Youngkin is not going to stand for that. On Thursday, the Governor, who divides his time between his state-funded lodgings at the Governor’s Mansion and his  30-acre ranch in the wealthy DC suburb of Great Falls, vetoed life-changing legislation that would have raised the minimum wage for 611,000 working people to $15 an hour by 2026. Governor Youngkin, whose net worth is estimated to be approximately $470 million, also vetoed legislation that would have made it easier for workers who have been injured on the job to claim workers’ compensation funds so they can recover from their injuries without going bankrupt. In addition, the Governor, who receives a 95% tax break on the horse farm at his mansion by claiming a tax exemption meant for struggling small farmers, vetoed a bill removing the Jim Crow-era exemption from the minimum wage for farmworkers.

 “Glenn Youngkin has always been clear on his goals as Governor: making himself richer, making his rich friends richer, and concentrating our community’s wealth in the hands of corporations,” said LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director of Progress Virginia. “He didn’t care about working families when he was evicting them from their apartments and cutting their jobs with the Carlyle Group, and he hasn’t started caring about them as Governor of Virginia. Our community is just collateral damage to him, and we are going to rise up and make sure that the Republicans in the General Assembly who’ve enabled him lose their next elections. This is a setback, but it’s not the end of the road: working families need a raise, and whether we accomplish that through overturning this veto or reintroducing these bills next year, we won’t rest until it’s done.”

Background: 

Bills vetoed by Governor Youngkin on 3/28/24:

  • HB 1, sponsored by Delegate Jeion Ward, and SB 1, sponsored by Senator Louise Lucas, would have raised the minimum wage to $13.50 an hour on January 1, 2025, and $15.00 an hour on January 1, 2026.
    • The minimum wage is currently $12.00 an hour.
    • If the minimum wage kept up with productivity, the wage would be $21.50 per hour.
    • A state study completed last year estimated that roughly 500,000 Virginians made $12 or less per hour as of 2021, with a million workers earning $15 or less.
    • There is currently no region in Virginia where a worker can cover the cost of housing plus ordinary costs of living for $12.00 an hour: in Tazewell, the least expensive place to live in Virginia, a worker would have to earn $14.55 an hour to cover their costs.
  • HB 974, sponsored by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra, would have allowed workers who fell at work to rely on eyewitness testimony and other kinds of evidence in making their workers’ comp claims.
  • HB 157, sponsored by Delegate Adele McClure, would have included farmworkers in state minimum wage protections for the first time.
    • Farmworkers were excluded from the minimum wage when it was adopted in 1938. In 1938, most farmworkers were Black, and Southern states led the objection to extending the minimum wage to Black agricultural workers.
    • In 1966, Congress extended the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25/hr) to farmworkers, but they are still excluded from federal overtime requirements, union protections, and OSHA protections/workers’ compensation laws in many states.

Video: New Biden-Harris 2024 Ad Makes Direct Overture to Nikki Haley Voters

By
Blue Virginia
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5

From the Biden/Harris reelection campaign:

New Biden-Harris 2024 Ad Makes Direct Overture to Nikki Haley Voters

Today, Biden-Harris 2024 released a new ad making a direct appeal to Nikki Haley voters to join the Biden-Harris coalition as Donald Trump refuses their support and pushes them away from his campaign. The ad is part of Team Biden-Harris’ $30 million spring ad campaign targeting voters in battleground states.

The 30-second spot, “Save America. Join Us,” highlights Donald Trump’s repeated insults of Nikki Haley and her supporters — and underscores his active refusal of their support. In the ad, Trump tells a reporter asking how he plans to bring Haley voters into his column, “I’m not sure we need too many.”

“Donald Trump has made it crystal clear he doesn’t want support from voters who cast their ballot for Nikki Haley so let us be equally clear: there is a home for everyone on this campaign who knows Donald Trump cannot be back in the White House,” said Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler. “Joe Biden is building a broad and diverse coalition of voters who want more freedoms not less, who want to protect our democracy, and who want to live in a country that is safe from the chaos, division, and violence that another Donald Trump presidency would bring.”

Using the recent Republican primary results to determine the ad’s placement, this seven-figure, video-centric ad flight will run for three weeks in eight key battleground states, targeting Nikki Haley voters in predominantly suburban ZIP codes where she performed well against Trump. The ad will run across a wide array of digital platforms including Meta, YouTube, connected TV, and online video.

Donald Trump’s campaign is cash-strapped and bleeding the voters needed to win this election – particularly in the suburbs. Trump has consistently underperformed with moderates and suburban voters in the primaries — losing moderate voters outright to Haley in North Carolina and underperforming in key suburban counties, including Mecklenburg, Wake, Durham and Orange counties. In Michigan, Trump saw his margins in the suburbs dwindle, namely in Oakland and Washtenaw counties near Detroit and Ottawa and Kent counties near Grand Rapids. As Trump loses ground, derides women, and threatens to ban abortion nationwide — Joe Biden is reaching across the aisle to Haley voters, inviting them to join his growing and winning coalition of voters who will decide this election.

WATCH “SAVE AMERICA. JOIN US.” HERE.

TRUMP: ‘Bird Brain.’ I call her ‘Bird Brain.’

TEXT: If you voted for Nikki Haley…

TRUMP: Nikki Haley has made an unholy alliance with RINOs, Never Trumpers, Americans for No Prosperity.

TEXT: Donald Trump doesn’t want your vote.

TRUMP: She’s sitting there like [mocks Haley].

TRUMP TRUTH SOCIAL POST: “We don’t want [Haley supporters], and we will not accept them.

TRUMP: She’s gone crazy. She’s a very angry person. She’s not presidential timber.

TRUMP: I don’t need votes. We have all the votes we need.

TRUMP TRUTH SOCIAL POST: Haley supporters “will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp.”

TRUMP: She is – She’s gone haywire.

TRUMP: There aren’t that many Never Trumpers anymore.

REPORTER: How do you bring these Nikki Haley voters back into the tent?

TRUMP: I’m not sure we need too many

TEXT: Save America. Join us.

###

Paid for by Biden for President

Video: Sen. Ghazala Hashmi and Del. Mark Sickles Join Protect Our Care Virginia to Mark 14-Year Anniversary of the ACA

By
Blue Virginia
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3

From Protect Our Care:

Senator Hashmi and Delegate Sickles Join Protect Our Care Virginia to Mark 14-Year Anniversary of the ACA, Discuss How Democratic Budget Builds On Its Progress

Health Committee Chairs Discuss How the Democratic Conference Budget Builds on the Progress of the Affordable Care Act By Putting Families First

*Watch the event here*
RICHMOND, Va. – Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Chesterfield), Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax), advocates and storytellers today joined Protect Our Care Virginia to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and discuss how health care investments in the Families First budget passed by Democratic majorities in the General Assembly build on the landmark law.

 

Speakers discussed how the ACA has protected people with pre-existing conditions, lowered costs for people who buy their own coverage, and increased access to quality, affordable health care. President Biden and Democrats in Congress are committed to building on and protecting the historic successes of the ACA by making lower Marketplace premiums permanent to keep plans affordable, lowering prescription drug prices, cracking down on junk plans, and expanding Medicaid. A record-breaking 21 million Americans enrolled in health coverage through ACA marketplaces for 2024 – including 400,000 who obtained coverage through Virginia’s new marketplace — an increase of approximately 8 million nationally since President Biden took office and a 14 percent increase in Virginia from the previous year.

 

In Virginia, Democrats are continuing to build on the progress of the ACA by sending a budget to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk that puts families first. It includes measures to lower the cost of prescription drugs, keep plans purchased on the Marketplace affordable, strengthen Medicaid, expand access to services for people with disabilities, and invest in Federally Qualified Health Centers and free clinics.

 

On the other hand, Donald Trump and Republicans are threatening to repeal the ACA, which would kick millions of people off their health plans, while Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed budget lacks the robust health care investments put forth by Democrats.

“As Vice-Chair of Virginia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, I am especially proud of what the ACA has meant for our AAPI communities here in Virginia. So thanks to the ACA, the uninsured rate of Asian Americans has been cut by more than 50% between 2010 and 2022,” said Senator Hashmi, who chairs the Senate Education and Health Committee.  “That milestone effectively eliminated the coverage disparity that existed with white Americans. And so in other words, the ACA has been a powerful tool for racial justice in our country, for numerous communities.”

 

“We just delivered a budget that expands access to health care. We’re investing $6 million in FQHC’s – the Federally Qualified Health Centers – and the Free Clinics. And more people will be able to see a doctor and get the care they need,” said Delegate Sickles, who chairs the House Health and Human Services Committee. “You may have seen recent reporting that the governor is going to donate a couple thousand dollars of his salary to free clinics. Hopefully, he will not veto this budget that has more money for everyone in a systematic way.”

“As someone who pays a lot of attention to the budget, I can confidently say that the budget makes significantly stronger and more meaningful investments in health care for the most vulnerable Virginians compared to Governor Youngkin’s introduced budget,” said Freddy Mejia, Policy Director at The Commonwealth Institute. “As budget negotiations continue, I hope the governor and lawmakers can come to an agreement that continues to build on the legacy and impact of the ACA as we celebrate 14 years of progress.”

“If it weren’t for the ACA, I would be in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt because the out-of-pocket costs would be beyond anything I could pay for,” said Rodrigo Soto of Springfield.  “I’m thankful for the ACA for keeping me insured while I was in school; it’s saved me more times than I can share.”

“Because of the Affordable Care Act and the passage of Medicaid expansion here in Virginia in 2018, I was able to apply for and get on Medicaid, which I am still on today,” said Julie O’Brien of Richmond. “I’ve had a great experience on Medicaid. I am on a few different medications that I need to function and operate in good health, and on my current plan, I have no co-pay for these meds. Which is just incredible. I’m able to pursue my career and enjoy my personal life without the weight hanging over my head over how am I going to pay for medications that I need to survive.”

“It feels great to celebrate 14 years of the Affordable Care Act transforming lives and making health care more accessible than ever,” said Protect Our Care Virginia State Director Katie Baker. “This anniversary is deeply personal to me, as I could not access affordable care before the ACA. I was kicked off my parents’ health plan before I turned 26, and was then denied affordable coverage due to a back injury and another pre-existing condition. That’s why I’m so invested in protecting it against Republican attempts at repeal.”

You can watch the full event here, and learn more about President Biden’s commitment to lowering health care costs here.

A side-by-side comparison of the health care investments in the Governor’s proposed budget and the conference budget that was sent to his desk can be viewed on Page 8 of The Commonwealth Institute’s side-by-side here.

###

Protect Our Care is dedicated to making high-quality, affordable and equitable health care a right, and not a privilege, for everyone in America. We educate the public, influence policy, support health care champions and hold politicians accountable. We fight to expand access to affordable, high-quality health insurance, lower the cost of health care for individuals and families, and reduce inequities in health care based on gender, income, race, ethnicity, geography, or sexual preference.

Friday News: “How MAGA broke the media”; “Trump’s hawking Bibles” While Biden’s Raises $25M with Obama, Clinton; Youngkin a “boneheaded” “sneering MAGA grandstander…masquerading as a…moderate” (plus “arena failure clouds legacy” – and future)

By
lowkell
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16

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Friday, March 29.

What Is The Loss Of Consortium?

By
Blue Virginia
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3

SPONSORED CONTENT

What Is The Loss Of Consortium?

If your partner, spouse, or relative gets injured or dies because of another person’s negligence or intentional act, you can pursue a claim for loss of consortium. It is a form of personal injury claim. 

This piece will explain the legal rules for pursuing loss of consortium and the compensation that may be available to you. 

Understanding Loss of Consortium

It is a legal term describing the deprivation of benefits that an intimate or familial relationship gives. It includes loss of comfort, love, sexual intimacy, affection, and companionship. 

Loss of consortium can lead to a personal injury claim. However, unlike other personal injury issues, the victim does not receive compensation. Instead, a close family member can institute this case because it mainly aims to relieve a lost affair. 

When an individual sustains an injury or dies, it becomes impossible for their family members to share the same intimacy. Loss of consortium focuses on these damages and empowers loved ones or close relatives to get monetary compensation from the person or firm responsible for the loss.

The specific description of the loss of consortium differs by state. But generally, it is the loss of care, protection, fertility, comfort, society, marital intimacy, or safety. 

Who Can Institute a Claim for Loss of Consortium?

Only very close relatives can bring a claim for loss of consortium. Conventionally, this includes spouses and domestic partners because the suit had the primary intent of providing compensation for the loss of a couple’s sexual intimacy and inability to have children. However, many states have expanded the net of who can get a loss of consortium damages. 

It means that other family members, like children and parents of the victim, can recover damages for this loss, depending on their state policies. In this context, the compensation is a soothing relief to the loss of companionship, comfort, and shared life experiences. 

If you need to learn your state’s stance, you can contact a lawyer to help present your claim. 

Instances of Loss of Consortium

Examples include:

When a kid suffers a severe birth injury because of medical malpractice and becomes brain-damaged and disabled, parents may institute a loss of consortium case because of the loss of the ideal parent-child relationship. 

When a wife or husband becomes paralyzed after a car crash and cannot engage in marital relations, the other partner can raise a loss of consortium claim.

Apart from these two situations, there are many other circumstances where you can raise a loss of consortium depending on the state laws. 

How to Make a Claim for Loss of Consortium

Though the rules may differ by state, the following are the essential ingredients for a loss of consortium claim:

  • The defendant intentionally committed the wrongful act or was negligent, which caused an injury for which you can hold the defendant liable
  • The plaintiff had an intimate or close relationship with the victim before the incident
  • Due to the injury or death, the plaintiff raised the loss of consortium claim will suffer from the loss of intimacy, normal relationship, or affection with the victim

Loss of consortium claims is usually part of personal injury claims that a victim files. For instance, an injured victim could pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost earnings. Their partner could raise damages for loss of consortium. 

Are There Limits on Damages for Loss of Consortium? 

“Some states have limitations on compensation for some non-economic losses. For instance, in a medical negligence claim, the authorities can limit the amount of non-economic damages to a multiple of the actual economic loss,” says personal injury attorney Rustin Smith. The limits will influence the compensation a plaintiff could receive when instituting a claim based on loss of consortium.

An attorney may help ensure the defendant or insurer does not shortchange you. 

For No Good Reason(s), Youngkin Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Raised Minimum Wage to $15/Hour, Created a Retail Cannabis Market, etc.

By
lowkell
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23

More really bad vetoes by Gov. MAGA Glenn Youngkin…for absolutely no good reasons, although he lists arbitrary/nonsensical “reasons” for his decision. Bottom line: Youngkin’s a right winger who’s endorsed the guy who tried – and is still trying – to overthrow our democracy, who campaigned in 2022 for far-right extremists like Kari Lake, etc. Anyone who ever claimed he was a “moderate” should never be taken seriously again.

Governor Glenn Youngkin Acts on 107 Bills, Vetoing Cannabis Market Legalization That Would Endanger Virginians, Especially Children

Governor Also Vetoed Arbitrary Wage Mandates that Would Harm Virginia’s Small Businesses and Farms
RICHMOND, VA – Acting on 107 bills today, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 100 bills, including bills that strengthen law enforcement’s ability to prosecute child predators and expand Department of Corrections inmate access to quality health services. The Governor vetoed seven bills that would legalize the sale of drugs, weaken public safety, and arbitrarily set labor prices.

“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana in the Commonwealth endangers Virginians’ health and safety. States following this path have seen adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s health and safety, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased road safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana that far exceed tax revenue. It also does not eliminate the illegal black-market sale of cannabis, nor guarantee product safety. Addressing the inconsistencies in enforcement and regulation in Virginia’s current laws does not justify expanding access to cannabis, following the failed paths of other states and endangering Virginians’ health and safety,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in his veto statement for HB 698 and SB 448.

“Today I am also vetoing bills that would implement drastic wage mandates, raise costs on families and small businesses, jeopardize jobs, and fail to recognize regional economic differences across Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The Governor signed 100 bills which included:

HB 14 HB 55 HB 59 HB 69 HB 90 HB 105 HB 121 HB 128 HB 131 HB 133 HB 155 HB 163 HB 205 HB 220 HB 223 HB 227 HB 238 HB 255 HB 269 HB 279 HB 281 HB 288 HB 299 HB 380 HB 425 HB 435 HB 441 HB 460 HB 479 HB 501 HB 566 HB 583 HB 595 HB 596 HB 601 HB 652 HB 679 HB 690 HB 712 HB 713 HB 715 HB 730 HB 763 HB 832 HB 870 HB 898 HB 908 HB 1015 HB 1058 HB 1067 HB 1103 HB 1112 HB 1133 HB 1135 HB 1210 HB 1357 HB 1362 HB 1389 HB 1399 HB 1466 HB 1488 HB 1513 HB 1526

SB 13 SB 109 SB 111 SB 112 SB 131 SB 154 SB 261 SB 297 SB 298 SB 342 SB 381 SB 386 SB 399 SB 401 SB 402 SB 412 SB 413 SB 424 SB 425 SB 450 SB 464 SB 521 SB 530 SB 537 SB 545 SB 581 SB 585 SB 630 SB 646 SB 657 SB 658 SB 676 SB 692 SB 702 SB 706 SB 728 SB 731

The full list of signed bills is available here.

The Governor Vetoed seven bills which included:

  • HB 698 & SB 448
  • HB 1 & SB 1
  • SB 696
  • HB 157
  • HB 974

The governor’s full veto statements are available here.

From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:

A Missed Step Forward: Governor Youngkin’s Vetoes Undermine Economic Progress and Justice in Virginia

RICHMOND, VA– This evening, Governor Youngkin announced his latest action on 107 bills, vetoing seven bills. Governor Youngkin’s latest, once again, sheds a spotlight that he is out of touch with Virginians. The forward-thinking measures on the chopping block include SB 1, introduced by Senate President pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas(D-Portsmouth), which would have increased the minimum wage to $13.50 effective January 1, 2025. SB 448, introduced by Senator Aaron Rouse(D-Virginia Beach), would have established a framework for the creation of a retail cannabis market, after years of the status of cannabis legalization lying in a state of limbo. SB 696, introduced by Senator Angelia Williams Graves (D-Norfolk), would have delivered justice by creating a process for those convicted of certain marijuana offenses before July 1, 2021. Members of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statements:

“I am profoundly disappointed by Governor Youngkin’s decision to veto legislation that represented a crucial step toward ensuring financial security for all Virginians. At a time when our Commonwealth faces the challenges of high costs, inflation, and widespread financial hardship, this veto is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a direct affront to the hard-working individuals who keep Virginia moving forward. Raising the minimum wage to $13.50 was a measured, reasonable step towards our ultimate goal of achieving a $15.00 minimum wage, a standard that would affirm our commitment to the dignity of labor and the belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at economic stability. The Governor’s action undermines our efforts to build a more equitable and prosperous Virginia for all,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas.

“It is nothing short of irresponsible for Governor Youngkin to veto legislation that lays the groundwork for a regulated retail marijuana market in Virginia. Over the last three years, the General Assembly has meticulously crafted this legislation to not only establish a safe and regulated market but also to address and combat the proliferation of the illicit market. This veto blocks a pivotal opportunity to advance public health, safety, and justice in our Commonwealth. By dismissing this legislation, the Governor is ignoring the will of the people and the extensive efforts of lawmakers to bring about a responsible and regulated approach to cannabis. His decision is a setback for Virginia, delaying progress and perpetuating the issues we’ve worked so diligently to solve,” said Senator Aaron Rouse.

“It is deeply disheartening to witness Governor Youngkin block the path to justice for countless Virginians with his veto of SB 696. This bill was our opportunity to correct the course for those unduly burdened by convictions for marijuana offenses—offenses that are no longer considered felonies in our Commonwealth. By denying this legislation, the Governor not only overlooks the clear shift in our society’s perspective on cannabis but also refuses a hand of reconciliation and repair to those affected. His decision to veto SB 696 represents a significant missed opportunity to advance justice and equity in Virginia. It’s a decision that leaves a stain on our collective conscience, as we strive to build a more inclusive and fair Commonwealth,” said Senator Angelia Williams Graves.

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