The Politics Hour: Md. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Virginia Del. Vivian Watts

Next week, Virginia's government shifts to Democratic control as the party takes over the Governor's mansion, the General Assembly, and the Attorney General's office. It gives the Democrats a rare opportunity to push through bold legislation, even as several longtime lawmakers depart. Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, got behind the mic to talk about top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including increasing the minimum wage, reproductive care access, and redistricting. Del. Watts, chair of the finance committee, also explained the need for Metro funding. Last month, Maryland lawmakers made history by electing Prince George's County Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the state's new Speaker of the House. She's the first immigrant and Afro-Latina to take on the role. Challenges await her in Annapolis as Maryland faces a $1.5 billion dollar budget deficit, a record number of federal job losses, and a controversial redistricting debate. Speaker Peña-Melnyk joined the show to give us a preview of the upcoming legislative session and her plan for navigating the state through difficult times.Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org