Governor Northam speaks with vaccinators during a visit to a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Kempsville Recreation Center in Virginia Beach on Friday, April 9, where more than 900 doses were administered.
WEEK OF APRIL 9, 2021
Virginia Becomes First Southern State to Legalize Simple Possession of Marijuana After Governor Northam Amends Legislation, General Assembly Approves
TAKEAWAYS
  • “Virginia has made history as the first state in the South to legalize the simple possession of marijuana,” said Governor Northam. “I am pleased that the General Assembly accepted my proposal to make this change on July 1, 2021 nearly three years earlier than planned. This is a critical step in restoring justice to those who have been harmed by decades of over-criminalization. I am grateful to Lieutenant Governor Fairfax for his tie-breaking vote, and to the legislators, all of the advocates, and the members of my team who have worked to ensure that our framework for legalization focuses on public health, public safety, and equity. This includes a plan to seal certain crimes from an individual’s record automatically, so those with past convictions can get a clean slate and move on with their lives.”
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The Roanoke Times

Richmond Times-Dispatch

The Washington Post

The Virginian-Pilot

NBC12.com

Virginia Mercury

Associated Press

National Public Radio
Governor Northam Celebrates Consequential Policy Reforms, Historic Progress in Virginia Following 2021 Reconvened Session
TAKEAWAYS

  • “As this historic session comes to an end, I am heartened by all that we have done together to advance our priorities and make Virginia stronger, fairer, and more equitable,” said Governor Northam. “But we must also remember that there is still important work ahead of us to implement these new laws, continue expanding vaccination efforts, and strengthen our economy. When I took office, I shared a vision of a Commonwealth that is open and welcoming, one that takes care of people in need, and where every person has the opportunity to build the life they want. I am proud of how far we have come—there is every reason to have hope and optimism for our future and I look forward to building on our progress in the weeks and months to come.”
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Governor Northam Announces Three Economic Development Projects to Create Over 400 New Jobs in Prince William and Wythe Counties, City of Radford
TAKEAWAYS

  • “Our focus on developing a well-trained, reliable workforce continues to yield new jobs and investment as innovative companies like Oransi choose to grow their companies in Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “The New River Valley boasts higher education institutions and training programs that will ensure a steady talent pipeline for Oransi now and into the future.”


  • “The growing presence of SES in Prince William County is an indication that the region and the Commonwealth have the infrastructure, workforce, and strategic access to help technology businesses thrive,” said Governor Northam. “Northern Virginia is renowned for its world-class technology talent pipeline, which will pay significant dividends for SES as the company continues to grow and execute its business plan.”


  • “The presence of STS Group North America in Wythe County will go a long way toward strengthening Virginia’s growing automotive manufacturing sector,” said Governor Northam. “This is just the latest example of an international company selecting our Commonwealth as the ideal location to do business, thanks to our competitive operating costs, world-class workforce, and outstanding quality of life.”
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Governor Northam Announces 15 Projects to Receive More Than $6.3 Million in GO Virginia Grants, Helping Drive Economic Growth Across the Commonwealth
TAKEAWAYS

  • “This funding will go a long way towards supporting a broad-based economic recovery across our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “As we celebrate these projects, we must also recognize the leadership and many contributions of the late GO Virginia Board Chairman Tom Farrell, whose business acumen helped advance the GO Virginia mission of fostering lasting regional collaboration, and was instrumental in mounting a robust effort to spur Virginia’s economic recovery amid the pandemic. His legacy will live on through innovative, impactful programs like this one.”
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Governor Northam Awards $270,000 from Farmland Preservation Fund to Help Five Localities Place Working Lands Under Permanent Conservation Easements
TAKEAWAYS

  • “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been reminded how important Virginia’s farms are to getting food into our stores and onto our tables,” said Governor Northam. “In addition to being a vital part of our history, agriculture is central to our growing economy and maintaining the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in our Commonwealth. Partnering with local governments to conserve critical working landscapes and protect our abundant natural resources is key to maximizing the conservation impact of state funds.”
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