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DIAGNOSIS. Pictured is a medical professional administering a COVID-19 test in Arlington, Virginia, on May 26, 2020. | Photo: Efe / Jim Lo Scalzo.
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A special session would be on the agenda of Virginia legislators, who will return to Richmond this Tuesday to discuss a series of pending projects, which include issues to be developed on the COVID-19 pandemic in the entity, in addition to a police reform .
Other topics that could be discussed revolve around the economic crisis generated by the virus and the riots that resulted from the murder of George Floyd.
The group of lawmakers, with a Democratic majority, could decide what type of reform to support according to the party line.
For their part, this Monday the Republican leaders indicated in a virtual press conference that they will support the increase in the training of police personnel and added that it will be an obligation for the agents to intervene if one of their colleagues carries out an improper action.
One of the issues to be developed and that would find a prompt resolution points to the decertification of the officers who commit illicit actions. Likewise, the union power of the police would be limited in the face of disciplinary measures that may be adopted in the short term.
Republicans raised concerns about a series of Democratic proposals that include reducing the sentence for assault by a police officer.
“Democrats seem to be more concerned about letting criminals out of jail and into the community and supporting protesters than balancing our budget and paying for commonwealth bills,” said Kathy Byron, chair of the Republican Caucus of the state House of Representatives.
It is expected that during the extraordinary session the legislators will also review the budget for the next two years in the entity, as well as establish adjustments to the priorities after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy of the entity.
From the government side, Governor Ralph Northam assured that he will put among his priorities “historic financing” to provide support to those who have been most affected by the virus in their finances, putting a pause in evictions and disconnection of services public.
Also, a group would press for help in health matters. According to ABC, progressives would seek to approve benefits that point to the public health emergency.
Delegate Elizabeth Guzmán noted that “if we are serious about stopping the spread of COVID-19, we will not put people in a position where they have to choose between quarantine and a salary.”
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