By tradition, Virginia’s General Assembly convenes on the second Wednesday of January. This year, that day is Jan. 13. However, there will be little else of tradition about this legislative session.

The 2021 session will be a lot different, both in terms of its look and what will likely be the overriding issue. Of course, both the appearance and substance of the upcoming session will be greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 100-member House of Delegates will conduct its session online, as Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) announced last month. The 40-member Senate is expected to meet in person at Richmond’s Science Museum of Virginia, which is large enough to allow for social distancing.

While those measures are being taken to ensure the physical safety of legislators, aides and others, the economic safety of all Virginians is sure to be foremost on the minds of Delegates and Senators, as the state and nation continues to reel from the effects of this virus.

...