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Delegate Ken Plum met with students from Northern Virginia Community College last week at the General Assembly. The students were in Richmond to advocate for higher education funding.
February 4, 2009 |
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| Commentary
Latest from the General Assembly
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
A speaker at a recent environmental conference suggested that green has become the new red, white, and blue. Certainly everyone from WalMart to legislators in Richmond seems to be joining the green movement. This legislative session has seen the greatest number of environmental bills ever from both sides of the aisle. The greater level of public awareness and concern about climate change and global warming has brought about changes in business plans, personal behavior, and legislative proposals.
I served on the 40-person Governor's Climate Change Commission that filed its report last December (www.deq.virginia.gov/info/climatechange.html). One of the principal findings was that in Virginia as in every other state a major contributor to greenhouse gases and global warming is emissions from electricity generation plants. The most direct way to reduce the growth of emissions in the future is through greater energy efficiency. My bill introduced at the request of the Governor with the support of all major environmental groups would establish a mandatory 19 percent energy efficiency reduction target by 2025. The goal is an aggressive one that could eliminate the need to build additional power plants.
Other bills would increase the state's renewable portfolio standard from 12 to 15 percent and promote further conservation. A bill I introduced would allow localities to require the recycling of rechargeable batteries. Bills that would have required the use of CFL light bulbs and EnergyStar appliances were defeated in committee. Interest in banning plastic grocery bags is strong from environmentalists and from farmers who are concerned that bags interfere with the operation of their machinery, but bills are not likely to pass this session.
Resolution of the state budget is confused by the continuing grim news on the economy on one side and on the other by the prospects of federal stimulus funds. Timing is critical in that the Assembly is scheduled to adjourn February 28. A recess or a special session may become necessary in order to incorporate any funding coming from the federal government into the budget. A sticking point between the House and Senate is likely to be an increase proposed by the Governor in the cigarette tax. While I support the tax, it was defeated in a House committee but is likely to be passed by the Senate. A conference committee will have to resolve differences in the House and Senate versions of the budget.
Follow the progress of legislation at http://legis.virginia.gov. Please let me know your position on issues by emailing me at kenplum@aol.com.
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Meet Katelyn Hall
2009 National Ambassador, March of Dimes
Katelyn Marie Hall of Loudoun County, the 2009 National Ambassador of the March of Dimes, sat at Delegate Plum's desk in the General Assembly Building on a recent visit to Richmond.
Katelyn gave Delegate Plum's legislative assistant, Barbara Shearer, a big hug before leaving to go visit Governor Tim Kaine.
As the March of Dimes 2009 National Ambassador, Katelyn will travel the country with her parents, Ashley and Michael Hall, to share their story. And the Halls will walk in "March for Babies," the March of Dimes best-loved fundraising event.
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| "Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight
Wednesday, February 4 at 10:30 p.m.
Delegate Ken Plum - "Report from Richmond"
Next Week through February 28
Watch this space for program listings from Richmond as they become available during the 2009 General Assembly session.
Online
Watch this week's show and other "Virginia Report" programs at:
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Climate Change Citizen Action
Best Buy Co., Inc. will expand its electronics recycling program to all of its 1006 stores nationwide. Starting February 15, consumers can bring up to two (2) units per day, per household, for recycling at any Best Buy store in the U.S. Best Buy will accept most consumer electronics, including televisions and monitors up to 32", computer CPUs and notebooks, small electronics, VCR and DVD players, and phones, as well as accessories such as keyboards, mice, and remotes. A $10 recycling fee per unit will be charged for items with screens, such as televisions, laptop computers, and monitors. The consumer will instantly receive a $10 Best Buy gift card in exchange for the recycling fee. (This fee does not apply for units recycled in California stores and does not apply for any of Best Buy's Exclusive-Branded products, such as Insignia, Dynex, and VPR Matrix.)
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has adopted the National Capital Region Climate Change Report, which sets significant goals for reducing greenhosue gas emissions and pushes for immediate action by area governments, businesses, and citizens. The report's recommendations focus on energy use, transportation, and land use. It urges lcoal governments to reduce energy usage by 15 percent and purchase more renewable energy like wind and solar power. In regards to transportation, recommendations include supporting California's low emission vehicle standards, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and increasing vehicle fuel efficiency. The report recommends increased development around transit and activity centers as well as preserving more trees throughout the region. It also highlights the need for a regional public education campaign to promote individual and institutional actions, which play an essential role in the climate change effort. To view the full report, visit www.mwcog.org. |
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Announcements
The Foreclosure Information Meeting that was not held on January 27 due to inclement weather has been rescheduled for TONIGHT, February 4, 7:00 p.m. at the South County Center, Room 217. This meeting is free to homeowners and renters in Fairfax County. Registration is required due to limited seating. Call 703.246.5264 for information and registration.
If you suspect financial elder abuse, call your lcoal office of the Department of Social Services, or call the Social Services hotline at 1.800.996.6228. You may also contact the National Center on Elder Abuse at 202.898.2586 or www.elderabusecenter.org and the National Adult Protective Services Association at 720.565.0906 or www.apsnetwork.org.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit for people who work hard and don't make much money. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible. Find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit by calling 1.800.829.3676 for the free IRS Publication 596, titled Earned Income Credit. Visit the IRS on the web at www.irs.gov/eitc or call 1.800.TAX.1040. If you qualify for the EITC you may get your taxes done for free by certified IRS tax preparers at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site.
If you file your income tax return on paper this year, it will take longer to issue your refund than it has in years past. To reduce costs, the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX) will give priority to returns filed electronically. This means hiring fewer seasonal workers to open, sort, and process tax returns filed on paper. As a result, it will take longer to get a refund if you file on paper. Not only is electronic filing the fastest way to get your tax refund, it is also the easiest way to file because you can transmit your return anytime you want as long as you have access to a computer and an Internet connection. For both speed and security, electronic filing also beats dropping your tax return in a mailbox. Another advantage is that returns won't be delayed due to math errors because electronic filing programs do the calculations for you. to find out more, visit tax.virginia.gov.
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Calendar of Events
Learn about green careers in fields such as green investment, renewable energy, green building architecture, environmental research, waste management, and transportation at the Green Jobs Expo, February 5, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Expo opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs through 6:00 p.m. Go to www.greenjobsconference.org for more information.
A free 1-day driving class for citizens ages 55 and older will be held Saturday, February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Police Department's Fair Oaks District Station, 12300 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax. The class is designed to help older drivers adjust driving habits to accommodate declining vision, reflexes and flexibility. The course is free and all materials are provided. Students receive a certificate upon completion of this course that may entitle them to a discount with many insurance companies (contact your agent for information). Bring a lunch. to register, for more information, or to request reasonable ADA accommodations, call Officer Wayne Twombly at 703.352.2163.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Fairfax County Federation of Citizen's Association's Annual Citizen of the Year awards. Deadline to submit a nomination is February 7. An electronic nomination form is available at www.FairfaxFederation.org.
Take your recyclable electronics to the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, on Sunday, February 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free "Electric Sunday" recycling event is hosted by the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program and is limited to the collection of televisions, computers, and peripheral electronic devices including keyboards, speakers, printers, external drives, and other such materials.
Attend an Open Forum Public Hearing on Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway/John Mosby Highway (Route 50)hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation on Thursday, February 26 (inclement weather date is Thursday, March 5), 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Learn about the proposed widening of Route 5p from four lanes divided to six lanes divided to increase capacity along the roadway. The proposed improvements are located on Route 50 (Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway) between Route 742 (poland Road) and Route 28 (Sully Road). the 3.6-mile widening would also include improvements at cross streets and stream crossings.
We Are America Now is a breakfast event hosted by Northern Virginia Family Service that celebrates the immeasurable contributions of immigrants to the Washington Metropolitan region. Attend this celebratory event on Friday, February 27, 7:30 a.m., at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church. For more information visit www.nvfs.org.
Great Energy Efficiency Day 2009 - Keys to Unlocking Energy Efficiency - will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G-50, Washington, D.C.. For more information visit www.ase.org/geed.
Take your recyclable electronics to the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, on Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free "Electric Sunday" recycling event is hosted by the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program and is limited to the collection of televisions, computers, and peripheral electronic devices including keyboards, speakers, printers, external drives, and other such materials.
Attend "How to Win an Election," a 2-day strategy seminar open to candidates, their spouses, and campaign managers March 17-18, 2009, 9:00 a.m., 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA. The seminar is sponsored by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Co-Ops and the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. A fee is required. Call 804.290.1021 or 804.968.4091 to learn more.
The 20th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium, "Sustainability - The Nexus of Economic Prosperity & Environmental Stewardship," will be held March 31-April 2, 2009, at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. For more information visit www.environmentva.org.
The Virginia Guardianship & Elder Rights Conference will be held April 27-28 in Richmond. The Conference will focus on activities of special interest to individuals with disabilities and their family members, caregivers, service providers, advocates, and decision-makers. Limited scholarships are available for individuals with disabilities to attend. For more information visit www.vgavirginia.org/conferences.asp.
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| Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News.
Authorized by Kenneth R. Plum. Paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
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