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Delegate Ken Plum is pictured with Virginia author Adriana Trigiani, whose best-selling books include Big Stone Gap, soon to be made into a major motion picture filmed in Virginia. Ms. Trigiani was in Richmond to advocate for Virginia's film industry while on a promotional tour for her newest book, Very Valentine, a novel set in Manhattan. She is a native of Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
March 4, 2009 |
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Meet Hugh Hart, Legislative Intern and VCU Student
Hugh Hart, senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, interned in Delegate Plum's Richmond office during the 2009 General Assembly session. Hugh is originally from Williamsburg and will receive his B.A. in Political Science from VCU this year. Following graduation, Hugh hopes to travel to China to teach English before continuing his studies. "I definitely feel this experience has helped me to see the practical applications of what I have been learning about in school. I had some preconceived notions about policymaking before interning with Delegate Plum and now feel I have a better understanding of the political process." |
Commentary
Annual Legislative Session Adjourns
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
While I am in Richmond for the annual General Assembly session I live in a small apartment in a townhouse probably built in the early 1900's in the historic Church Hill section of the city. On my 5:30 a.m. walks I always go by St. John's Church just a block away where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty of give me death" speech. Last week as I was going on my morning power walk about as fast as I can on the rolling brick sidewalks, I saw a tell-tale sign that it was getting time to come home: A camellia bush was blooming wide red blossoms. Later I would see jonquils blooming on the Capitol grounds. Signs of spring were staring to emerge. The General Assembly adjourned sine die about 8:45 p.m. last Saturday.
We ended on the day we had scheduled to adjourn; not because we had gotten our work done. The budget we passed has severe reductions in all areas of government. A billion plus infusion of federal stimulus dollars made budget balancing a bit easier, but additional adjustments are likely to be necessary if the economy does not start to rebound soon.
Among the bills passed was a "Choose Life" license plate that I voted against. A couple of bills that expand the death penalty passed without my vote. In contrast, the Maryland legislature is debating a possible end to the death penalty. One of the bills in Virginia expands the death penalty to include those who assist in murders even if they are not the triggerman.
A modest tax was approved on rental movies in hotels to help raise money to attract more film making to the state. Doubling the tax on cigarettes to about half the national average to help pay the cost of smoking-related diseases through Medicaid was defeated. I voted for both.
Smoking will be banned in restaurants and bars beginning December 1 although establishments can have separately ventilated smoking rooms. I voted for it. Another bill that would allow persons to carry concealed weapons into restaurants and bars passed but without my vote. The Governor is likely to veto it. Bills that would have closed the gun show loophole that allows persons to buy guns without criminal or mental health background checks were defeated in committee. I supported the bills.
A bill that I voted for passed to allow persons to wear political t-shirts, buttons and hats into the voting polls. Bills to expand use of the absentee ballot and early voting were defeated; I supported them. A bill that I supported outlaws texting while driving. A bill that outlaws the use of cellphones while driving applies only to persons with provisional licenses.
A bill to name a box turtle the state reptile failed. A bill to prohibit novelty cigarette lighters passed. Time ran out on the session. Workforce development, economic renewal and climate change never made the agenda. I am glad to be home and am excited that spring is just around the corner! |
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| "Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 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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Announcements
Have you visited GRACE lately? The Greater Reston Arts Center's new show on display through April 14, Emerging Visions ROOTS, celebrates Youth Art Month and showcases innovative work and collaborative installations by Fairfax County adolescents. Grace is located at 12001 market Street, Suite 103, in the Reston Town Center and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 1-7 is National Consumer Protection Week. The consumer Affairs Branch of the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection is offering free events highlighting the theme, "Nuts & Bolts: tools for Today's Economy." Information, education, and tools will be offered to help consumers make sound decisions when managing and spending money, selecting a loan, choosing a contractor, and dealing with foreclosure in uncertain economic times. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2009/national-consumer-protection-week.htm for more information.
Reston Community Center is sponsoring its annual Diva Central Prom Dress Drive through March 28 for local teens who cannot afford to buy prom attire. Donations of new or gently worn formal dresses, handbags, shoes, jewelry, shawls and other accessories can be dropped off at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information or to become a sponsor, email Nakish Jordan, director of teen programs, at nakish.jordan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
If your home is in need of general maintenance work and you find it difficult to pay for the work, RPJ Housing, a local non-profit agency, may be able to help you. All the work is done for free by teams of volunteers with skills ranging from novice to professional. These dedicated community members repair floors, ceilings, walls and doors; install grab bars, railings and smoke detectors; address minor plumbing and electrical repairs; build ramps, paint and attend general home maintenance and yard work. To qualify for the program, you must own and live in the home to be repaired. The income level for one individual cannot exceed $43,050. For each additional person in the home the income level increases by $4,800 to $6,000. Priority is given to seniors, persons with disabilities, and families with children. To obtain an applciation, call RPJ Housing at 703.528.5606 ext. 16 or go to www.rpjhousing.org. Or call to become a volunteer with the program.
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Calendar of Events
Great Energy Efficiency Day 2009 - Keys to Unlocking Energy Efficiency - will be held TODAY, 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.
The first Northern Virginia black Church Faith Summit for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, 450 Orchard Streeet, Vienna. Adults and teens are invited to attend. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dsm/cil for registration and information.
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.
Parents of Exceptional Children (POEC) is a non-profit organization for parents and friends of children with special needs. POEC's General Membership Meeting/Information Session will be held on Sunday, March 8, 4:00 p.m., at Glory Days Restaurant, 2567John Milton Drive (Fox Mill Shopping Center), Herndon. RSVP at poec@poec.org or call Debbie Brodsky at 703.689.3996.
Attend a Leadership Fairfax, Inc. (LFI) information session to learn how you can become part of an elite leadership development group in Fairfax County on Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cooley Godward Kronish, Reston Town Center, 11951 Freedom Drive, 15th FLoor. Go to www.leadershipfairfax.org to see other dates for additional information sessions. RSVP to 703.752.7557 or email fellis@leadershipfairfax.org with your name, organization, and the LFI Information Session you will attend.
Attend one or more of several upcoming Headquarters Overview Community Meetings sponsored by the Reston Association: March 12, 16, and 19 at 7:00 p.m., March 21 at 10:00 a.m., and March 23 at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in Reston Association's Main Conference Room. Call 703.435.6512 for more information.
The Reston Community Orchestra presents "From One Visionary to Another - Papa Haydn to Papa Simon," a musical tribute to Robert E. Simon in observance of his 95th birthday, on March 15, 4:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. The Reston Chorale will also perform with the RCO in a first-ever joint performance. Featured guest artist is Edwin Thayer, horn.
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.
Reston Interfaith, Inc. will host a forum, The State of Our Community, on Thursday, March 19, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Lake Anne, 1609 Washington Plaza North. Featured guest speaker Mr. Verdia Haywood, Deputy County Executive for Human Services, will discuss how budget cuts will impact you and what community-based organizations are doing to meet rising needs. Most important, find out how you can make a difference during challenging economic times. For more information visit www.restoninterfaith.org.
Attend "Keep Tysons Moving," an executive business briefing on the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes and Dulles Corridor Metrorail Projects, on Thrusday, March 26, 7:30 a.m. at Capital One, 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean. RSVP at outreach@virginiahotlanes.com or (877)495-VDOT.
Attend the Virginia Kick-Off Party for the National Capital Tour de Cure for Diabetes Research on Thursday, March 26, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Bike Lane, 11943 Democracy Drive, Reston. RSVP now, as this facility can only host 70 people. Contact Krystina Murawski at 202.331.8303 ext. 4537 or kmurawski@diabetes.org to RSVP or for information.
On March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., millions of people around the globe will be turning off the lights for one hour - Earth Hour - to make a bold statement about climate change.
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 21st Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m. to noon. For more information please visit www.trashfreepotomac.org or contact Ginny Harris, Potomac Tiver Watershed Cleanup Coordinator, at gharris@fergusonfoundation.org, 301.292.5665.
Attend the Green Expo on Thursday, April 16, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street SE (between Park and Center Streets). The Green Expo will present practical information and demonstrations to help you make green choices. Presentations and discussions for children and adults from local organizations and businesses including efficiency tips, purchasing local organic products, creating green gardens, recycling options, and much more to save you money and help the environment. No advance registration is necessary.
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.
Attend the 2009 Best of Reston on Thursday, April 30, at the Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center. Best of Reston, presented by Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is an event honoring individuals, organizations, and businesses that have put forth tremendous effort in their commitment to community service and improving the lives of others. To learn more about the event, sponsorship, and ticket purchase, contact Amy.McDowell@restoninterfaith.org 571.323.9582.
Mark your calendar now to join Herndon-Reston FISH for a sparkling evening of dining, dancing, and fun in celebration of 40 years of community service at the annual FISH Fling on Saturday, May 9, in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Herndon. Visit www.HerndonRestonFISH.org or call Marcia DiTrapani, president, at 703.758.0346 for more information.
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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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