News from Delegate Ken Plum - February 8, 2012

Delegate Ken Plum's

Virginia e-News

February 8, 2012

Ken met with Northern Virginia podiatrists including Dr. Seth Rubenstein of Reston (left of center next to Delegate Plum) during their advocacy day last week at the General Assembly.

Ken met with Rebecca Kasnegor and Debra Steppel of Reston last week on Jewish Advocacy Day in Richmond.

Commentary

Short Changing the Education of Our Children

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

Last week I addressed the House of Delegates to express concern that Governor McDonnell's proposed budget short changes the education of our children (http://youtu.be/-VbOv_uJXOU).

While the Governor is claiming to provide about 500 million new dollars for public education, school boards and superintendents around the Commonwealth are talking about the cuts in programs and teachers they will need to make because of the loss of state aid in his budget.

The differences in the two perspectives can be explained in how the budget is constructed. Every two years the formula for funding schools is adjusted in a process called "rebenchmarking" to ensure that the formula reflects the realities of school population increases, inflation, standards changes and other factors. This year there was a partial rebenchmarking of the formula, and the result is that the cost of schools appears artificially low. The costs left out of rebenchmarking included some inflation, federal funds, and cost to compete. The Governor's increases are added to an understated budget.

In order to calculate the benchmark for school costs without the arbitrary adjustments made by the Governor, the Appropriations Committee staff calculated that an additional $99.2 million would be required in the first year and $100.5 million in the second year. I introduced budget amendments to restore the cuts in funding.

In an analysis done for local governments to determine the cost to local government of the rebenchmarking policy changes, it is estimated that half of local governments will need to increase the real estate tax by at least two cents to make up the difference and in seven localities the increase would be five cents of the real estate tax rate. I told legislators not to go home bragging that we did not raise taxes. Our continued policy of devolution of costs for public education is the main driver in property tax increases.

The Commonwealth Institute measures our state's declining support for education another way. They found investment in education has fallen from 2.33 percent of personal income FY2007 to roughly 2 percent in the next biennium.

Keep in mind that Virginia is the 8^th wealthiest state in per capita personal income in the nation. Yet our per-pupil spending from state sources is 35^th lowest in the nation. Our average teacher's salary is $4,510 below the national average. At the end of the next biennium we will be running our schools on $547 less per pupil than in 2009. We already have 2,116 fewer teachers in our schools today than we did in 2009, but we have about 45,000 more students.

As I told members of the House, it is time that we stop short changing the education of our children.

"Wrap-Up from Richmond - Week 4"

Click on the link below (you may need to copy and paste it into your browser) for a brief update from Ken on last week's highlights from the General Assembly.

http://youtu.be/GkNfMq8pE8k

Come Talk with Ken at a "Community Hour"

Delegate Ken Plum will host "Community Hour" conversations around the 36th District on Saturday, February 18. Select the time and location below that suits you best and come visit with Ken about issues of interest to our community.
Students are welcome!

9:00 to 10:00 a.m. - Jo Anne Rose Gallery, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Dominion Headquarters, 3072 Centreville Road, Herndon

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Flint Hill Elementary School Cafeteria, 2444 Flint Hill Road, Vienna

"Virginia Report" and "Report from Richmond" on Comcast Channel 28

Episodes of Ken's weekly television program, "Virginia Report," are available online at www.rctv28.com/VirginiaReport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. Programs from Richmond will be available periodically during the General Assembly session, so check this box each week to see if a program will be aired from Richmond.

Ken looks forward to resuming "Virginia Report" after the session ends on March 10.

In This Issue

Commentary - "Short Changing the Education of Our Children"

"Wrap-Up from Richmond - Week 4"

Visit with Ken at an Upcoming "Community Hour"

"Virginia Report"

Announcements

Calendar of Events - What's Going On?

Announcements

Eco-Friendly Sidewalk Clearing

While we have had a relatively mild winter, we should assume there will eventually be icy days before spring. You may need to purchase or replenish your ice-melt products. See the following options provided by Reston Environmental Action (REACT) from E Magazine:

Road salt raises salinity and reduces oxygen levels in local water, and it may also contain toxic metals like mercury or arsenic. Road salt can also dehydrate nearby vegetation and endanger animals that accidentally ingest it or step on its jagged granules. For your own steps and sidewalks, choose a non-hazardous ice-melt instead.

* Perfectly natural Solutions Eco Ice Melter is made with potassium, sodium, and traction aid and is colored green lest you forget it's made of natural ingredients that won't harm wildlife, soil, children, pets, or concrete. Available at kmart.com.

* Packaged in a recyclable handled shaker, the plant-based and phosphate-free Ice Melt from Earth Friendly Products is a cruelty-free solution to slippery paths that will stop ice from forming. See ecos.com.

* Made from hydrothermal volcanic minerals, Eco-Traction, available at Amazon, Home Depot, and Whole Foods, delivers instant grip and traction. One cup of these salt-, chloride-, chemical- and dye-free granules will cover an average 144 square foot parking space. See ecotraction.com.

* Happy Paws Liquid Ice Melt, available from Amazon, is an animal-safe anti-icer and de-icer that is harmless if accidentally ingested by your pet. It's biodegradable, chloride- and salt-free, and applications are long lasting. Available at greenicemelt.com.

RA Camp Registration has Begun

Sign up your children for Reston Association Summer Camps at www.reston.org. Make sure your profile information on the site is updated with your current contact information. A deposit is required at the time of registration to hold your spot. Transportation or extended-care options must be paid in full. You can also register in person at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. For more information, contact campadmin@reston.org or call 703.435.6530.

Capitol Building

Calendar of Events

Join a naturalist for an enlightening exploration of our local wildlife's weird, wild, and wonderful mating scene at a program called "The Mating Game" on Friday, February 10, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive. Reservations required by February 7; $4/person RA members, $6 person Non-members. Find out which male fish wants to appear as a female, which amphibians can "hug" too much, and the hidden costs of being too attractive. This program is recommended for adults. For reservations, call 703.476.9689 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.

Reston Community Center invites you to share your thoughts about RCC's programs and services at the Community Relations and Program/Policy Committees Meeting on Monday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods. If you have ideas and opinions about the future of cultural, recreational, and leisure time amenities, this is the perfect opportunity for sharing your thoughts. Can't make it? Submit your suggestions and comments at RCCcontact@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Great Decisions, an ongoing, roundtable adult discussion group, will be talking about the subject of "Promoting Democracy" on Tuesday, February 14, 2:00 p.m., at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Reading material is available at the Information Desk.

Join Delegate Ken Plum at a Community Hour discussion on Saturday, February 18, at the time and location of your choice: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Jo Anne Rose Gallery, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Dominion Headquarters, 3072 Centreville Road, Herndon; or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Flint Hill Elementary School Cafeteria, 2444 Flint Hill Road, Vienna. Students are welcome. Bring your questions, comments, or concerns about state government issues for a relaxed conversation with Ken.

Attend "Accessible Living: Universal Design and Technology (55 Years and Older)" on Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Learn more about universal housing design and adaptive technology in this informative seminar led by Matt Barkley, Director of Disability Services Planning and Development (DSPD) for the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. devices that help older adults and people with disabilities maintain independence, people often picture wheelchairs, walkers, canes, commodes, and shower chairs. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, commodes, shower chairs, and other products specifically designed for people with age-related or developmental-related needs can make a huge difference in the independence of an older adult or person with a disability. Something as simple as adaptive silverware and plates can allow a person to eat independently instead of needing assistance from an attendant or caregiver. Housing design can also help people remain independent. By using universal design or "visitable" building design concepts when refurbishing rooms, many aging adults can remain in their homes for as long as they like. This seminar is free and is recommended for adults 55 years of age and older.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial's 2012 George Washington Symposium will be held on February 22 at 1:00 p.m. Presentations during the Symposium will include Professor Benjamin Huggins presenting "Commander in Chief - George Washington at War, 1778-1781;" Professor Rosemary Zagarri with "George Washington and the Challenge of Party Politics in the 1790s;" and Professor Emeritus Peter Henriques to present "Realistic Visionary: The Evolving Leadership of George Washington." This event is free and open to the public. Call Director of Museum and Library Collections Mark Tabbert at 703.683.2067 x 2012 with any questions.

Teens, parents, people who work with youth, and anyone who wants to know more about youth mental wellness are invited to a unique event designed to showcase mental health resources for youth ages 21 and under at the Youth Mental Wellness Fair, Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at West Springfield High School Auditorium, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield. This is a free, drop-in event. Register online at www.FairfaxYouth.org or at the door. For more information, contact Mary Beth Waite, Community Education Coordinator, at Mary.Waite@FairfaxCounty.gov, 703.324.5535.

Enjoy a weekend matinee performance of "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at the Shakespeare Lansburgh Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, February 26, Noon to 6:00 p.m. This romantic comedy embraces the classic love triangle in which two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, are turned enemies as they vie for the hand of the enchanting Duke's daughter, Silvia. Leave from and return to Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, and Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston. This outing is for persons ages 55 and older. Cost is $55 Reston residents/$110 non-residents. Contact Karen Brutsche at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

The Washington Vocal Arts Ensemble will be performing at South Lakes High School in the Little Theater on Sunday, February 26. Refreshments will be served at 5:00 p.m., and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. The Washington Vocal Arts Ensemble, under the leadership of Director Russell Penny, is comprised of a rotating pool of professional artists who have sung all over the world. The performance will be a fundraiser for the SLHS choral department.

Attend a workshop series, "Live Your Best Life" on Saturdays, March 17 through April 21, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. This series is designed to support individuals who are thinking about retirement, those transitioning into retirement, and those who have already retired. People in the process of transitioning from their work careers are sometimes called Third Agers because they have one-third of their life left to live after they retire. The course syllabus will be provided prior to the first class. Professionals from around the region who are affiliated with the Positive Aging Coalition will lead the weekly sessions. Cost is $40 Reston residents; $80 non-residents. Ages 50 and older. For registration or information contact Karen Brutsche, RCC's Senior Adult Program Director, at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

When was the last time you visited the National Museum of Natural History? Take a tour of this wonderful museum on Wednesday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bus departs from Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, and from Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The tour is for citizens 55 and older; cost is $15 Reston residents, $30 non-residents, and includes transportation. Whether looking at civilization's history and cultures, examining ancient life forms including the ever popular dinosaurs, or exploring the beauty of rare gemstones such as uniquely colored diamonds, the Museum's temporary and permanent exhibitions educate, enlighten, and entertain millions of visitors each year. Current exhibitions include The Evolving Universe, the Chilean Mine Rescue, and Dinosaurs in our Backyard. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to spend the day at one of the world's preeminent museums! Contact Karen Brutsche, Reston Community Center, at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

Come to a free seminar, "Disabled and Proud," on Thursday, March 29, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Cost is free; registration required. Learn about the various civil rights laws that protect people with disabilities as well as the strategies to use in order to get the most out of the protections that they have to offer. Contact Karen Brutsche to register or ask questions at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

Save the Date for the 9th Annual 5K Fund Run/Walk to benefit Nature House on Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m. at Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Adult fee is $25 prior to April 1, $30 regular. Children's fee is $15 prior to April 1, $20 regular. Register at www.active.com. The Fund Run/Walk is a community-based and sponsored event. Timing is by Reston Runners. Enjoy a rolling, scenic and mostly wooded course through Reston neighborhoods and parkland. Don't want to run or walk? Consider volunteering by contacting Ha Brock at ha@reston.org.

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