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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia
e-News
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Ken presented a bill to the Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Agriculture, Chesapeake & Natural Resources Committee last week. His bill and three others were combined to remove phosphorus from lawn fertilizers in an effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The legislation is supported by the Reston Association, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and other environmental groups. |
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Commentary
Redefining Federalism
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Listening to debate on the floor of the House of Delegates these days could lead one to conclude that Virginia's relationship with the federal government is one of the principal issues facing the Commonwealth. The debates are not unlike those that took place when Virginia considered ratifying the new Constitution and joining the Union in 1787; in fact, Jefferson and Madison are quoted frequently. The debates about nullification, secession, and massive resistance may have sounded similar over the years.
The principal bill of which the Speaker of the House is the major proponent and is the author of a Wall Street Journal article on the subject would call a constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to provide that two-thirds of the states could vote to void an act of the U.S. Congress or any regulation of the federal government. The bill has already passed the House of Delegates and is on its way to the Senate where it will probably be defeated. I voted against it. Problems with this approach are too numerous to detail here, but the smallest two-thirds of states could dictate to the majority population. Even some conservatives are fearful of what a constitutional convention could do to alter our form of government. Most Tea Party members support it.
Several other bills attempt to redefine federalism. One provides that any goods manufactured and used in Virginia would be beyond federal regulation. Actually, Virginia government depends on federal health and safety regulations in many areas. While it may seem positive to get the government out of people's lives, the needs that federal regulations address about health and safety would soon become obvious.
Another bill provides that Virginia would not have to comply with any federal energy efficiency standards for residences. This bill is favored by those who oppose any kind of climate change legislation and those who want to get the federal government out of people's lives. Never mind that federal standards work best in a marketplace that does not recognize state lines.
Both of those bills follow the pattern established last year when a bill was passed and signed by the Governor that provided that Virginians could not be forced to follow any federal health care plans. This is the bill that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli used to bring a legal suit against Obamacare. His suit is making its way through federal court.
When you see your highways deteriorating, school class size increasing, and your state becoming the butt of jokes on late-night television, you can know that it comes in part from the continued preoccupation to redefine federalism at the expense of taking on more immediate and serious issues.
(There are 17 bills introduced in the House of Delegates that assert the states' rights arguments.) |
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"Virginia Report" on Reston Comcast Channel 28 
This month on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. - "Report from Richmond" with Delegate Ken Plum.
Tune in to Reston Comcast Channel 28 to see Ken talk about session highlights from the General Assembly Building. View "Virginia Report" online via video streaming using the following link: www.rctv28.com/shows/studio/community/virginiareport.html
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From Capitol Square - Session 2011
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Representatives from Virginia's credit unions met with Ken outside the General Assembly Building last week. |
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Virginia advocates with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society spoke with Ken about their work in the community. |
Stop by my office in the General Assembly Building if you are in Richmond between now and February 26. If you know you will be in town in advance, call 703.758.9733 and speak to my legislative assistant, Barbara Shearer, about the best time to drop by or to make an appointment. I look forward to seeing you and your family in Richmond!
It is my honor and privilege to represent you in the Virginia House of Delegates.
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Announcements
In an effort to gain efficiencies and reduce costs while providing more services, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles continues to offer more options for renewals. Automated email and phone renewal notices are saving postage and paper costs, and customer-facing debit/credit card machines are shaving minutes off of service times. DMV has instituted an array of reforms to help keep agency costs down while maintaining high quality service. In the coming weeks, DMV will add text messaging as an option for customers to receive decal renewal notices. The new DMV 2 Go mobile customer service center will soon roll into action, serving Virginians at military bases, corporate campuses, nursing homes, and retirement communities. Visit www.dmvNOW.com and sign up for a myDMV account -- similar to the accounts you may now have with banks, utilities, Facebook, online music stores, and other conveniences, to get your PIN and conduct an array of secure transactions.
The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations is soliciting nominations for its 2010 Fairfax County citizen of the Year. Each year, a selection committee of county-wide organizations meets to review nominations for the Federation's "Citizen of the Year" and merit awards. The winners are honored at an annual banquet in the spring. Nominees must be current residents of Fairfax County. The Citizen of the Year is recognized for voluntary acts that are not related to employment; contributions and accomplishments must have countywide rather than local significance. The nomination form is available at www.fairfaxfederation.org. Deadline to submit a nomination is February 28.
VDOT has made many operational changes following last year's record snowfall. What's new?
* Early deployment to subdivisions: Salt/sand trucks will be pre-positioned in subdivisions whenever the forecast calls for two or more inches. Previously, trucks were deployed to subdivisions after one to two inches had already fallen. Each subdivision will have at least one dedicated truck, with the intent of assigning the same driver to that subdivision throughout the winter. In difficult subdivisions there will be more than one truck.
* Additional equipment: There are 600 additional contractor trucks this winter, bringing the total to 2,600 available for snow and ice removal.
* Updated snowplow assignment maps: Each of the 650 snow maps in Northern Virginia has been updated showing hotspots, boundary lines, schools, police stations, hospitals, and bus stops.
Severe Weather Resources:
800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) - Report Virginia road hazards or ask road-related questions, 24/7.
novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov - Inquiries are routed to proper Northern Virginia field offices for service.
www.511virginia.org - provides real-time updates on traffic incidents and road conditions.
Twitter - Follow VaDOT for news and information on VDOT projects and programs around the state. Follow 511northernva for real-time updates on traffic incidents and road conditions in the region.
Facebook - "Like" www.facebook.com/virginiadot to learn about VDOT news and programs.
YouTube - Visit VDOT's YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/vdotweb for videos on snow removal and many other topics.
Commemorative bricks at Lake Anne Plaza are available until Wednesday, March 2, for installation in April. Buy an engraved commemorative brick to be installed in historic Lake Anne Plaza. This is the perfect way to celebrate and recognize family, friends, and organizations. Brick purchases are also available online at www.restonmuseum.org. Cost is $100 for a standard-sized, three-line brick; $250 for a large, six-line brick. Call 703.709.7700 with questions or email restonmuseum@gmail.com. |
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Calendar of Events
The Action Alliance (Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance), in partnership with Housing Virginia, a statewide coalition promoting the benefits of affordable housing for communities across the Commonwealth, will sponsor a demonstration of the SOURCEBOOK, a new interactive online tool that measures housing affordability. This demonstration will take place this Friday, February 4, 12:30 p.m., at the Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. All are welcome, especially those who work with data for research, advocacy, and policy considerations. Staff members from local government agencies may find this demonstration particularly useful.
GRACE (Greater Reston Arts) will open its doors after hours this Friday, February 4, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., for an evening of family art-making, storytelling, and exploration in the gallery. This is an entertaining program for all ages that strengthens literacy and looking skills, and it's free. Visit www.restonarts.org or call 703.471.9242 for more information. Get ready for the Virginia Polar Dip this February 5, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne Village Center. Registration for the Polar Dip starts at 1:00 p.m. that day with the Plunge taking place at 2:00 p.m. Camp Sunshine is pleased to announce the 2011 Virginia Polar Dip and believes together they can send many more children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to its one-of-a-kind retreat in Maine. This year, the goal is to raise $75,000, which will allow 37 families from the VA/MD/DC area to attend Camp Sunshine. For more information about the Polar Dip and Camp Sunshine, visit www.freezinforareason.com and www.campsunshine.org. Get your sweetheart's gift beautifully wrapped while helping local kids. Valentine's gift wrapping at Appalachian spring will be held on Friday, February 11, Noon to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Presented by and benefiting Kids R First, a non-profit organization helping 13,000 kids in need prepare for their future. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride at Reston Town Center on February 12, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., rain or shine. Pick-up location will be in front of Talbots on Market Street. $5 per person; children under 5 ride free with an adult. All proceeds benefit a local non-profit organizaiton. Go on a "Watershed Walk" and see the progress on the stream restoration work in the Colvin Run Watershed on Saturday, February 12, at 1:30 p.m. Carpool from Reston Museum to the Uplands Tennis Court parking lot at 11302 Ring Road to begin the walk, heading toward the Buttermilk Creek Nature Trail. All are welcome. Engaged couples can register to win A Fantasy Wedding at participating Reston Town Center stores through February 12 with the drawing to be held on February 13 at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Reston Town Center Pavilion. The winning couple will be married in the Pavilion on Saturday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. Featured retailers include Edibles Incredible, Il Fornaio, Market Cellars, Midtown Jewelers, Potomac River Running, Talbots, and Williams-Sonoma. Visit facebook.com/afantasywedding2011. INOVA will hold a Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 22, Noon to 7:30 p.m., beside the Pavilion at Reston Town Center. Schedule your appointment at 1.866.256.6372 or inova.org/donateblood. You can also register onsite. Senior Movie Day, "Meet Me at the Movies," will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 10:00 a.m., at the Rave Cinema at Reston Town Center. Reston Association will present a feature film; refreshments and door prizes provided prior to the movie. This event is free to those 55+. Call 703.435.6530 for more information. The Fairfax Department of Transportation brings its "How to Ride the Bus" program to the Reston Museum on Saturday, March 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Reston Museum. Board a special training bus to learn first-hand how the system works. Hear stories from riders and "busmeisters" of earlier commuter days and internal bus systems in Reston. All are welcome to attend. |
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 Go Green - consider the environment! Please print this newsletter only if necessary. | |
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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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