Virginia teachers and firefighters are urging Gov. Bob McDonnell to veto legislation overhauling the retirement plan for the state’s public employees. They said the General Assembly acted hastily on the last day of its regular session when it approved bills to reduce the benefits that employees would receive under the Virginia Retirement System.

The Virginia Education Association, which represents the state’s teachers, can breathe a little easier about legislation to overhaul how teachers are hired and evaluated. VEA leaders were alarmed Monday when the House voted 55-43 for a bill that would end what critics describe as a tenure system for public school teachers. Under the bill, sponsored by Delegate Richard “Dickie” Bell, R-Staunton, new teachers and principals would receive three-year contracts instead of continuing contracts – making it easier to fire them.

A bill prohibiting homeowners’ associations from regulating a properly displayed U.S. flag has passed both the General Assembly. A fight over the issue made national headlines recently when a retired Army colonel challenged his homeowners’ association in Henrico County.

Hundreds of teachers, parents and students descended on the state Capitol, waving handmade signs and singing a song by Twisted Sister. They were protesting what they described as devastating cuts to public education by the General Assembly.