Delegate Ken Plum's
 
Virginia e-News
 
 
Feb. 29, 2012

Ken&Ryan 
 Ryan Garnowski, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been working in Delegate Ken Plum's office during the 2012 General Assembly session as part of the Capital Semester Intern Program.  Ryan is studying political science and public policy administration at VCU.  This session has provided him an oppportunity to get practical experience with the legislature and a unique perspective that is quite different from the textbooks.  "I think Delegate Plum does an excellent job of representing his constituents, and I have learned just how much the individual constituent's voice matters in this process," said Ryan.  His hobbies include musical theatre (both performing and attending) and volunteer work.  Ryan also works in sales at Best Buy while attending classes at VCU full-time. 

 

Commentary

 

A Budget Divide

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

 

Work on a budget for the FY 2013-2014 biennium occupied most of the General Assembly's time this past week.  Two budgets - one to complete FY 2012 and another for the FY 2013-2014 biennium - were proposed by the Governor and were introduced on his behalf in both houses of the legislature.  The bill for FY 2012 is essentially a reconciliation of actual and projected revenues with a cash revenue exceeding projections by over $600 million.  This amount will be carried forward to the next biennium.  As I have stated before, it is a mistake to call the amount "surplus" as many drastic cuts had been made to programs to ensure that the budget was balanced without a deficit.

 

Since the beginning of the session, members of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees have been going over the Governor's proposals independently of each other.  Last week both committees reported their revisions to the Governor's budget based on policy differences with the Governor and their own assumptions on all aspects of spending.  The Governor's budget proposal effectively goes away as the revisions adopted by the two committees are before the legislature.

 

While both committees start at the same point with the governor's proposal, their versions are very different.  As soon as both houses adopt their versions and reject the other house's budget, a conference committee of about 10-12 legislators is appointed to come up with a budget acceptable to both houses of the legislature and the Governor, who must sign it.

 

The budgets of the two houses differ markedly in the amounts provided for education and safety net funding and the way transportation is to be funded.  Clearly there is not enough money to go around to meet all the needs that have been identified.  Some members' votes on the final conference committee report reflect the view that monies have been dispersed among needs about as effectively as can be within the revenue limitations we have.  Others including myself may vote against the budget because it leaves too many needs unmet.

 

Action on the budget in the Senate took place just before I filed this column.  An expected 20-20 tie resulted with the Lieutenant Governor not authorized constitutionally to cast a tie-breaking vote.  Negotiations to approve the budget may well include some compromise on the reorganization and power-sharing in the body.  That process could extend past the planned date for adjournment of the session.

 

The details of the conference committee will not be known until the issues in the Senate are resolved, but it is clear that the adopted budget will leave many programs underfunded and many needs unmet.  Some of the unmet needs will be felt by everyone as there will be little relief for traffic congestion and the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens will have some really big holes in it.

"Wrap-Up from Richmond - Week 7"  
KenFloorSpeech  

 

 
 
 
 
 
  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.

  



Watch some of Ken's floor speeches in the House of Delegates along with prior Wrap-Ups from Richmond at the link below:
 
 

 

"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 - "A Budget Divide"
"Wrap-Up from Richmond - Week 7"
"Virginia Report"
Announcements
Calendar of Events - What's Going On?

 Capitol Building
Announcements
 
Congratulations to Rose Pleskow
Rose Pleskow of Reston was among athletes honored at the State Capitol recently for her participation in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, last year.  Rose was introduced to the House by Delegate Ken Plum who presented her with a copy of House Joint Resolution 297 that recognized her accomplishments.  Congratulations, Rose!
 
Name the Silver Line Stations
You can help name the Silver Line Metro Stations by going to:
It only takes a few minutes, and you can select from a list of proposed names or choose your own.
 
Report Financial Crimes and Scams
If you suspect a scam, contact the Fairfax County Police Department's nonemergency number at 703.691.2131.  In an effort to help the community, detectives from the FCPD Financial Crimes Unit are available for group presentations.  As the scams change from year to year, police are aware of particular details and want to help raise public awareness as well.  To learn more about financial crimes and scams, visit the FCPD Financial Crime Online Reporting site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/financial crimes'.  To request a group presentation, contact Lucy Caldwell, Public Information Officer, at 703.246.3271.
 
Reston Lions Club Mulch Fundraiser
Reston Lions Club is selling select double-shredded hardwood in 3 cubic feet bags.  They offer free delivery to your curb or driveway if you live in Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, or Oak Hill.  Order 10-44 bags @ $4.70 per bag.  Large orders must be for at least one full pallet (45 bags); each pallet costs $202.50.  All proceeds go to Lions' charities, a 503(c)3 non-profit, including eye exams, glasses, hearing exams and hearing aids locally, blindness prevention around the world, sight and hearing research, diabetes programs, youth programs, disaster relief, tree planting, and street cleanup.  To order, log on to www.restonlions.org/mulch)order.htm for on-line payment, or email RestonLionsMulch@gmail.com for more information.  May checks, payable to Reston Lions Charities, Inc., for receipt by Friday, March 9, to Reston Lions Charities, Inc., Attn:  Sue Beffel, 1511 Farsta Court, Reston, VA  20190-4911. 

2012 Annual Seedling Sale - Order by April 16!
Each year the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District makes a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings available to the public.  All the seedlings in this year's offerings provide food for both humans and wildlife.  Two packages are available:
* Incredible Edibles Shrub and Small Tree package is $15.95 and includes two Elderberry, two Serviceberry, two Cranberrybush Viburnum, and four american Hazelnut seedlings.
* Incredible Edibles Tree Package is $11.95 and includes two each of the following:  Chokecherry, Persimmon, and American Plum.  Also, as a bonus you receive one Allegheny Chinkapin.
Deadline for ordering is Monday, April 16.  Download your order form at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale2012.pdf.  For more information about the seedling species including pictures at maturity, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm.  Contact Nick Kokales at 703.324.1420 or email nicholas.kokales@fairfaxcounty.gov with your questions.
 
Farmers Table at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitors Center
Enjoy fresh, locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, eggs, honey, and meat at Farmers Table at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitors Center, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon, on Thursdays until April 26, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. (no program on April 5).  Seasonal produce may include spinach and salad greens, apples, garlic, onions, root vegetables, snap peas, and more.  Learn what's in season and how to use it.  Learn about park programs, mingle with your neighbors, support local farmers, and meet park staff.  Visit www.fryingpanpark.org for a calendar of weekly actifvities.

 

                          Capitol Building

 

Calendar of Events

 

 

 

 

 

The City of Fairfax will host a Chocolate Lovers Festival on Saturday, March 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, March 4, Noon to 4:00 p.m., in Old Town Fairfax.  Enjoy chocolate tastings and art sculptures, children's activities, and historic open houses.  Call 703.385.1661 or go to www.chocolatefestival.net for a list of activities and events.

 

The Virginia Department of the Treasury's Unclaimed Property Division may be holding your uncashed paychecks, lost stocks, bonds, dividends, utility deposits, insurance claims, and more.  Talk with a Treasury representative on Monday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, North Atrium, Fairfax.  They will also be avilable on Tuesday, March 6, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.  Find out if any money is owed to you!

 

Craig Herwig, formerly with The Care of Trees in the Reston area, will be the speaker at the March 6 meeting of the Reston Garden Club, 1:00 p.m., held at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, following a short social period.  Mr. Herwig will post the question, "Can I be successful with my garden, or should I just pave it?"  Herwig will discuss simple maintenance techniques, including pruning, that will improve your chance of having a successful garden.  For more information about the club, go to www.therestongardenclub.org.

 

The 55th Green Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 10, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Brion's Grille in Fairfax. 

 

Enjoy "A Commemoration of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Bicentennial of the War of 1812" on Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m., in the Carriage House at Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg.  Journalist, historian, and author Marc Leepson will give a talk on the little-known facts surrounding Francis Scott Key's writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the story behind the convoluted road it took to become the official National Anthem.  Following the talk and refreshments, attendees will make the short drive to Rokeby, where they will tour the privately owned home in which the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution were stored during the British occupation of Washington, D.C., in 1814 during the War of 1812.  Tickets are $65 for Mosby Heritage Area Association (MHAA) members; $75 non-members.  For reservations and information, call the MHAA at 540.687.6681 or go to http://mosbyheritagearea.org/events.html.
 

Join the Virginia Historical Society and the Virginia Environmental Endowment on Friday, March 16, at Noon in Richmond for a FREE day-long conference, Before It Was "Virginia":  Setting the Stage by Helen Rountree, focusing on the historic relationship between Virginia's environment and its people.  Presentations by environmental policy makers and scholars and a roundtable discussion moderated by the Honorable Gerald L. Baliles highlight the conference with a reception and book signing to follow.  To reserve your space and order a box lunch, register online at www.vahistorical.org/news/veeconf.htm or contact Matthew Weber at mweber@vahistorical.org or 804.342.0658.  This event is free to VHS members and registered conference attendees.

 

The Reston Chorale with The Reston Chorale Jazz Trio presents "Music Americana!" on Saturday, March 17, 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods.  The Reston Chorale has excited audiences with its musical excellence and versatility for over 40 years.  This concert will consist of traditional popular American music.  For details and ticket information, visit www.restonchorale.org.

 

A discussion about "Life After Alzheimer's Diagnosis" will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 1:30 p.m. at the Alzheimer's Family Day Center, 2812 Old Lee Highway, Suite 210, Fairfax.  Learn some of the practical things you can do to help you and your loved one plan for future care as the disease progresses.  Call 703.204.4664 for more information.

 

The 5th Annual Positive Aging Fair - Tools for Creating Aging will be held on Thursday, March 22, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax.  Cost is $18; advance registration includes kosher lunch.  To register, call 703.323.0880 or go to www.jccnv.org.  The fair offers interactive and informative programs and workshops that promote active aging through healthy lifestyles, which help us live longer, more independent and positive lives.  Keynote speaker is Judith "Miss Manners" Martin.

 

Join the Reston Community Orchestra for a concert, "Mostly Baroque," and embrace the exuberance and grandeur of the great Baroque composers including pieces by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi on Sunday, March 25, 4:00 p.m., at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods.  Admission is free.  For more information, visit www.restoncommunityorchestra.org or call 571.449.7095.

 

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. 

 

Clyde's of Reston will hold its annual St. Patrick's Day Party in the Pavilion at Reston Town Center on Sunday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Bacon & Kegs Irish Breakfast will be served in the Pavilion at 10:00 a.m.  Enjoy Clyde's food, guinness beer, Irish folk dancing and fun children's activities including a moon bounce and face painting.  Join the Running of the Leprechauns at 3:00 p.m. and enjoy live entertainment 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

 

Celebrate the Persian New Year - Nowruz - on Sunday, March 18, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Pavilion and Market Street at Reston Town Center.  Discover more than 3000 years of old traditions, customs, and festivity of the Persian New Year (Nowruz) with music, dance, group performances, and costumed characters along with a Persian Bazaar offering exotic food, good, art, and more.  Call 202.369.1515 for more information.

 

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, April 5, 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.  Nearly 15 percent of the population has one form of a disability or another -- it isn't something to be ashamed of, and should not impact a person's ability to live comfortably at home, shop, dine out, travel, be gainfully employed, access public transportation, and enjoy socializing in community settings.  Whether it is physical access for using a mobility device or a modification in the way a service is provided, utilizing these programs, services, and amenities isn't a icety; it is a civil right!  Contact Karen Brutsche to register or ask questions at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

 

Reston Association's Annual Members' Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Reston Association's Conference Center, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston.  Learn about RA's accomplishments in 2011 and plans for 2012.  Hear the results of the Board of Directors' Election.  Meet your neighbors.  Light refreshments will be served.  RSVP to annualmeeting@reston.org or call 703.435.6530.

 

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.

 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation's Annual Dream Maker's Gala will be held on Thursday, April 26, at the McLean Tysons Hilton Hotel in McLean.  Visit www.mlkculturalfoundation.org for details about the reception and dinner.  This is an event you won't want to miss!

 

Save the date - Saturday, May 19 - for the Annual FISH Fling!  FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) will once again host an evening of dinner and dancing along with one of the area's best silent auctions.  Proceeds from this gala event help fund the services Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. provides to some of our area's citizens in times of crisis.  Visit www.HerndonRestonFISH.org to learn more.

 

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