Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Sen. Adam Ebbin provides an update of week 4 in the General Assembly.
This week’s General Assembly session included “Crossover” on Tuesday – after which the House and Senate may only work on bills approved by the other body. I am pleased that ten pieces of my legislation have advanced to the House of Delegates for further consideration—including measures to improve the electoral process by simplifying absentee ballot applications and disqualifying fewer of those ballots; and to codify nondiscrimination in state employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Senate Finance Committee’s budget proposal was unveiled on Sunday. Though it has some merit, I was extremely disappointed that federal Medicaid expansion funds were not accepted in the document. Because of this omission, all Finance…
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Virginia legislature is approaching "crossover."
The Virginia legislature is now approaching “crossover” – the day that each body must complete work on its own bills and begin work on bills from the other body. As I write this, one of my bills has passed the House and four more are probably headed to the Senate for consideration. Earlier this year, I represented a client who had work done on his condominium by a contractor. My client did not know the contractor was unlicensed. An unlicensed contractor cannot sue because their contract is illegal (like trying to sue on a contract for cocaine), but he placed a lien on my client’s condominium. I was shocked that there was nothing in the mechanic’s lien statute that required a license. My bill requires all contractors to put their …
Friday, February 1, 2013
Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture clarifies information about their preliminary development plans.
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Friday, February 1
(Editor's Note: This letter to the editor was sent by Matt Mulder, Arcadia's Director of Development and Communications, in response to this article regarding Arcadia's future plans published on Feb. 1.) Arcadia was founded in 2010 by the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, and NRG remains a stalwart supporter of Arcadia’s efforts; however, Arcadia is an independent organization, with a Board of Directors and professional staff. Arcadia is not owned by Neighborhood Restaurant Group. Additionally, with the ongoing development of the Route 1 widening project, and the accompanying uncertainty of the final impact that project will have on the site, any proposals for programs and development of the site are very preliminary. That said, we have …
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Del. Scott Surovell presented twelve bills, cast about three hundred votes at four different committee hearings and two floor sessions during a two-day span last week.
Last week in the General Assembly was a busy one. I have introduced 15 bills, three constitutional amendments, one study resolution, seven budget amendments, and I am Chief Co-Patron on four bills. In two days, I presented twelve bills, cast about three hundred votes at four different committee hearings and two floor sessions. As a child of the 80s, it’s more like the late stages of Atari Missile Command. Three of my bills were referred to study commissions. One would require the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to abide by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The SCC is an independent agency that regulates Virginia utilities, insurance, securities and corporations. My legislation to allow real estate brokers to determine who can…
Saturday, January 26, 2013
R-rated film released Friday in movie theaters nationwide.
Sometimes a movie is just...bad. We can all watch it and see what they had in mind, how the pitch went, how the director and producers signed on, and talked some pretty big stars into taking part. And we can see the whole thing derail through to post production, delayed release, and as we watch the finished product with an ever-dwindling vestige of hope. Such is the case for Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Why Cinema Siren is reviewing this movie at all is a fair question. I go on record as saying there is always a chance a good movie will find its way to the multiplex in January. Not the ones that were in limited released in LA and New York in December to qualify for the Oscars….Those are the movies everyone is busying themselves …
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Del. Scott Surovell talks funding for the Route 1 widening.
Legislation has started to move through the legislature as the hard work of legislating began during the second week of session. First, we made some progress securing state funding for the next study required to widen U.S. 1. We hope to have this locked in by the end of session, but I am very optimistic and we are setting up meetings with Fairfax County to confirm the process. At the beginning of the week, I presented my legislation that would allow Virginians to vote to repeal Virginia’s 2006 constitutional amendment prohibiting any recognition of same-sex relationships. In committee, I argued that marriage is about loving, committed couples who want to make lifelong commitments to each other in good times and bad. I also feel that …
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Virginia State Senator Toddy Puller asks constituents to write to local officials to push for 911 functionality.
This is an exciting week in Richmond with many important issues facing the General Assembly. There is one of particular note that I know everyone around the Commonwealth is talking about right now — the reconfirmation of Helen Dragas. The vote took place Monday, and as I have mentioned before, I will not support her confirmation. I believe her actions during the summer and since then have damaged the reputation of our stellar flagship university. These are serious matters and should not be rewarded with a reappointment. Several of my bills on military and veteran issues are gaining support and moving ahead. My “V3” bill (Virginia Values Veterans) SB 829, will create a pilot program in the Commonwealth to reduce the high unemployment among …
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sen. Puller addresses the issue of gun control.
(Editor's Note: The following letter was sent by Senator Linda T. "Toddy" Puller to her constituents on Jan. 18. It is also published on her website.) Thank you to all my constituents who have sent me emails and letters in recent weeks regarding the complex and important issue of gun control and the Second Amendment. In light of recent tragedies, from Columbine to Virginia Tech to Sandy Hook strong emotions and concerns on both sides are understandable. Legitimate concern over preserving rights of gun owners, however, must be examined carefully along with the issues of mental health and protecting our children. I believe any serious legislation or debate on the issue of guns must directly address keeping firearms away from dangerous …
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
An update from Virginia State Senator Linda "Toddy" Puller.
The Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond last Wednesday. So far one of the major issues is whether or not to lift the moratorium on mining uranium. The bill before us is one that would go forward to set up regulations should the ban be lifted. Many people have contacted me regarding this issue sharing studies and concerns pro and con. Another issue gaining a lot of attention is Governor Robert McDonnell’s reappointment of Helen Dragas to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors. Her reappointment must be confirmed by the General Assembly. After meeting with Ms. Dragas and considering the damage that has been done to our stellar, flagship public university, I have decided that I cannot vote for her confirmation and have …
Monday, January 14, 2013
Del. Surovell discusses Gov. McDonnell's transportation plan.
Governor McDonnell’s transportation proposal dominated the first three days of session. I welcome this long-overdue debate. The improvement of Route 1 is exactly the kind of project that has been stalled because of the lack of state money because it cannot be tolled or cannot be improved by a public-private partnership. It will only happen with real money from new tax revenue. Virginia’s gas tax, one of the lowest in the nation, has been at 17.5 cents since 1985. As roads crumble and Metro struggles to move more passengers, Virginians cannot expect to have a reliable transportation system without infusing more funds. This means we all have to face up to increasing the gas tax. The preliminary results of my constituent survey are that …
Cathy Hosek
7:45 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Why on earth would you eliminate the tax on gas, which hasn't been raised in forever and replace it with an increase in sales tax? People who use the roads are the ones who consume the gas and therefore should be the ones who pay for it! more ›