Virginia lawmakers making big progress despite shorter session – The Charlottesville Newsplex

RICHMOND, Va. (NEWSPLEX) -- Last week's "Crossover Day" marked the halfway point for this year's Virginia General Assembly, and lawmakers say they are making great progress despite the shorter session.

Several pieces of legislation on mental health passed in both chambers before the crossover, which has been a big forefront for Del. Rob Bell (D, 58th), and Sen. Creigh Deeds (D, 25th).

A proposed amendment by Del. Steve Landes (R, 25th) that would have ended the revenue sharing agreement between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, as well as similar localities across the commonwealth was pulled just a few days later.

Del. Bell also got his "Tebow" bill passed through the House of Delegates again, which would allow home-schooled children to participate in public schools sports.

The bill also passed the Senate last year, but was later vetoed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Lawmakers say patience makes all of the difference in shorter sessions like these.

"You don't get everything you want every time you want it," said Sen. Deeds. "It's kind of an education process [because] not everyone knows the same thing as everyone else, or feels the same way so you have to be patient and plan your work and work your plan."

Lawmakers still face the challenge of bridge the $1.5 billion budget shortfall, where they will talking about the possibilities of big cuts.

This year's session is set to close on Feb. 25.

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Virginia lawmakers making big progress despite shorter session - The Charlottesville Newsplex