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Michael O'Connor

@oconnor-reports.bsky.social
79 followers 99 following 121 posts

Virginia labor and politics reporter for Dogwood. Subscribe to my newsletter Virginia Capital: vadogwood.com/va-capital-newsletter

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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Over 867,000 Virginians were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) last June. But a year later, that number had fallen to 749,000, according to state data. vadogwood.com/news/politic...
vadogwood.com
Virginia SNAP enrollment down 100K after Trump restrictions
Many Virginians are no longer enrolled in the program as Republicans make it harder to access food assistance.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Inbox: Prince William Co. general employees vote to join SEIU Virginia 512 89% voted in favor in a mail-in ballot election carried out over four weeks. Contract negotiations up next.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Another bill signed by Spanberger would let localities give furloughed federal workers going without pay during a government shutdown more time to pay personal property taxes. vadogwood.com/2026/04/10/s...
vadogwood.com
Spanberger signs $15 minimum wage, workforce bills
Governor Abigail Spanberger announced Thursday she’d signed bills aimed at helping Virginia workers, including legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
On Wednesday, the state teachers union circulated a petition saying, "any collective bargaining legislation must fully include public sector employees, including school employees. A strong bill that protects these rights without carveouts is essential." actionnetwork.org/letters/pass...
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Inbox: Former Rep. Luria calls on Rep. Kiggans to denounce Virginia GOP group using KKK imagery to target Black voters
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
SEIU Virginia told Dogwood it was giving a $500,000 donation to the “Yes” campaign to “ensure that working people in Virginia have the information they need to vote.” vadogwood.com/2026/04/09/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginia labor union, Congressman Walkinshaw urge ‘Yes’ vote on redistricting
US Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia’s 11th congressional district joined the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of Virginia in Vienna on Wednesday to rally in support of Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
This Richmonder told me she voted "Yes" on Virginia Democrats’ redistricting referendum as a way of pushing back on the Trump administration.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Virginia Capital 71: Campus workers urge Spanberger to have their backs Plus, a book recommendation to help make sense of the current political moment. Read it here: link.vadogwood.com/view/660c23f...
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
With the clock ticking on Spanberger to act on the bills sent to her by the General Assembly, campus workers hope a petition can help push her to add them back into the public-sector collective bargaining legislation awaiting her signature. vadogwood.com/2026/04/02/c...
vadogwood.com
College and university workers urge Spanberger to include them in collective bargaining bill
With the clock ticking on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to act on the bills sent to her by the Virginia General Assembly, campus workers hope a petition can help push her to add them back into the public-se...
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Virginia Democrats are denouncing President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict mail-in voting and create a national voter list. vadogwood.com/2026/04/01/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginia leaders pledge to fight Trump’s ‘illegal’ executive order restricting mail-in voting
Virginia Democrats are denouncing President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to restrict mail-in voting and create a national voter list.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
New details have emerged about funding for the political group that’s been sending out deceptive mailers in the fight over Virginia’s redistricting referendum. vadogwood.com/2026/04/01/g...
vadogwood.com
Group tied to tech billionaire Peter Thiel backs anti-redistricting campaign
New details have emerged about funding for the political group that’s been sending out deceptive mailers in the fight over Virginia’s redistricting referendum.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Very much enjoyed this one. Unnerving in its portrayal of how we got here, especially regarding Iran and ICE
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Virginia Capital 70: What The Washington Post got wrong about collective bargaining in Virginia Plus, which Virginia hospitals are at the greatest risk of closing because of federal spending cuts. Read it here: link.vadogwood.com/view/660c23f...
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
A bill that would lift Virginia’s ban on public sector bargaining may exclude underpaid and in-demand home care workers. They’re fighting back. vadogwood.com/2026/02/24/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginia home care workers fight for collective bargaining rights
A bill that would lift Virginia’s ban on public sector bargaining may exclude underpaid and in-demand home care workers. They’re fighting back.
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Reposted by Michael O'Connor
Activate Virginia @activateva.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
“They’re building these data centers, they’re building the power infrastructure through our homes, and they don’t seem to care,” Subramanyam said.
vadogwood.com
Virginians share concerns about data centers at Ashburn town hall
Elected officials and residents in Loudoun County are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to data centers, expressing concerns about their potential health impacts.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Here's my Q&A with Del. Rasoul about his possible congressional bid, redistricting, and his take on the future for Democrats: vadogwood.com/2025/12/09/p...
vadogwood.com
Progressive Dem eyes Virginia congressional bid amid possible redistricting
State Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke says he supports Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and an end to US military support for Israel.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
I tried asking @samrasoul.bsky.social about his legislative accomplishments. Most politicians take the opportunity to brag. Rarely do I get this kind of response: "The reality is no matter how much we've accomplished, it always feels like we've never done enough." More to come in a Q&A
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Excited about my new planner
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Wondering what makes more sense: declaring a candidacy for a district that may/likely will be redrawn or forming an exploratory committee to announce if and when the new districts come out
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Kind of interesting that New Mexico data centers can build their own power plants but these so-called "microgrids" are exempt from the state's clean energy standards www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/b...
nytimes.com
A Mysterious Company Came to Town With a $165 Billion Idea
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Cancelled Spotify
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Best books I read this year
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
The tree is aglow in Manassas
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
My coverage of a data center town hall held in Ashburn last night: vadogwood.com/2025/12/05/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginians share concerns about data centers at Ashburn town hall
Elected officials and residents in Loudoun County are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to data centers, expressing concerns about their potential health impacts.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Evictions are on the rise in Virginia. Can lawmakers reverse the trend? vadogwood.com/2025/12/04/e...
vadogwood.com
Evictions are on the rise in Virginia. Lawmakers are trying to address the crisis
Tens of thousands of Virginians are kicked out of their homes every year.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Some local electeds out for Spanberger and Obama
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
A person wearing a blanket with Obama images on it in Norfolk
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Waiting for Obama and Spanberger rally to kick off in Norfolk
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Let me be clear: I’m going to Norfolk.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
One of my biggest weaknesses as a reporter is showing up early to an event, getting a good spot, and then politely shuffling aside so other people can take my spot
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Spotted at this Latinos for Spanberger event in Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria: @lopez4va.bsky.social and @ebpforva.bsky.social
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Inbox: Kaine and Warner join colleagues introducing legislation to keep SNAP and WIC funded for rest of the fiscal year and to reimburse states like Virginia that plan to cover SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Inbox: The six Democratic Virginia members of the US House send letter to AG Miyares urging him to join legal fight against Trump administration on SNAP crisis. "It is your responsibility to challenge the actions of the Trump Administration when they harm Virginians."
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Reposted by Michael O'Connor
Laura Packard @laurapackard.com · 29/10/2025
Republicans in Washington have refused to extend subsidies to prevent drastic cost increases for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in 2026. I'm one of the millions of Americans facing the consequences. (story via @oconnor-reports.bsky.social @vadogwoodnews.bsky.social)
vadogwood.com
More than 300,000 Virginians to see health care premiums rise as open enrollment begins
Republicans in Washington have refused to extend subsidies to prevent drastic cost increases for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in 2026.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Split screen at the capitol in Richmond this morning: Virginia Republicans bash Dems for fighting back on redistricting while protestors call out Trump cuts to health care assistance
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears plans to hold a press conference in Richmond today ahead of the special session and a protest against her support for Trump administration health care policies is planned at the same time
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Latest from me: vadogwood.com/2025/10/21/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginia’s economy slowing amid Trump-fueled uncertainty
The Trump administration’s mass federal layoffs are hurting Virginia’s economic growth.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
At Commission to End Hunger meeting yesterday, @pwcdanica.bsky.social said she plans to re-file legislation to require free breakfast in Virginia public schools. Sen. Roem notes that Arkansas recently backed doing so
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Operator of Waynesboro food pantry says his org. has added 100 families to its client list since June. That doesn't capture seniors and people with disabilities served by mobile distribution and services for unsheltered people. He says these numbers continue to climb.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
On a press call about SNAP benefits and the possibility funding will run out in Nov. More than 439,000 Virginia households, including over 300,000 children, rely on this food assistance. "Child hunger is a policy choice," says Emily Moore, policy analyst of @voicesforvakids.bsky.social
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Great example of how the Trump administration does not have as popular of a mandate as it would have you believe and that the fulfillment of its goals are not inevitable dailyprogress.com/news/local/e...
dailyprogress.com
'We are not a dog': UVa refuses to sign Trump compact
UVa has turned down President Donald Trump's "compact," which would link the school's federal funding to the administration's priorities on admissions, hiring and tuition.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
No Kings Manassas
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Latest from me: vadogwood.com/2025/10/16/r...
vadogwood.com
Report: Virginia Republican to get big tax cut from bill he helped pass
US Rep. Rob Wittman disputes the report’s claim that he will “see direct personal benefits” from President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
I asked Rep. Beyer about Jay Jones: "What Jay said was awful. It's no worse than what Donald Trump says almost every day and the things JD Vance has said." "People make mistakes. I very much hope he prevails."
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Local indoor playground gets it
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
We want to hear from federal workers living in Virginia about how the shutdown is affecting them. Share your story using this form: vadogwood.com/2025/10/03/f...
vadogwood.com
Federal workers affected by shutdown, share your story
We want to hear from federal workers about how the shutdown is affecting them. Share your story using this form.
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Michael O'Connor @oconnor-reports.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Here's my look at the early days of the government shutdown as seen from my desk in #Virginia: vadogwood.com/2025/10/02/v...
vadogwood.com
Virginia Dems rush to support federal workers during government shutdown
Virginia’s hundreds of thousands of federal employees entered their second day of the government shutdown on Thursday as Republicans in Washington hold firm on their refusal to pass a spending bill th...
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