As Congress returns from recess, we hold out hope that they will make better use of this session than the last one and work to fulfill their campaign promises. But even while politicians in the House and Senate were away from Washington this week, state legislatures remained active.

Many Virginians thought Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) forgot the General Assembly existed after his unilateral decree regarding felon voting rights last year. However, we have reason for encouragement this year as McAuliffe announced several reforms he wants to accomplish in his final year in office. Better late than never.

With the House set to adjourn on Sept. 30 and the Senate set to follow suit a week later, a number of bills deserving passage look increasingly likely to become casualties of the race for the exits as lawmakers head home to campaign for re-election.