General Assembly Goes Off a Cliff

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum 

The General Assembly adjourned sine die last week with a great sigh of relief from most everyone who participates in or follows its deliberations.  Pre-session survey and hearing results suggested that the session would be about traffic congestion relief, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening the economy.  Instead, the expanded Republican majority in the House, a slim Republican majority in the Senate by virtue of the Lieutenant Governor being able to cast votes to break ties, and a Republican Governor set about a broad social agenda that consumed the time of the legislature that finally ended past midnight last Tuesday with the rejection of a judicial candidate because of his sexual orientation.  I had to leave the session early because of illness and could not vote on any of the judges.  As I had the Clerk record in the House Journal, I would have voted for Tracy Thorne-Begland had I been present.

There is no better example of the way the General Assembly missed the point this legislative session than a review of its handing of traffic congestion as an issue.  Jeffrey C. Southard, a veteran General Assembly watcher and currently Executive Vice President of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance, wrote an article that appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper and the April issue of Virginia Town and City about the legislature "ignoring the fact that investment in our transportation infrastructure is critical for jobs, economic development, mobility, connectivity and safety."

As Southard explains the results of 26 years of inaction on the part of the legislature to address Virginia traffic congestion that in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads is among the worst in the Nation, there is no more construction money for secondary roads, and there are more than 5,000 structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges.  Our per capita spending on transportation has dropped to 42^nd in the nation.  Our gasoline tax at 17.5 cents per gallon is lower than 39 other states including our neighbors.

A recent television advertisement from the Governor says that we have made the biggest ever financial investment in transportation.  What he fails to mention is that it is all borrowed money, and it has to be paid back with interest.  Our debt service payment in 2012 is $314 million and in three years will be $421 million.  The tolls that are being talked about in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia are well beyond an acceptable level.  Governor McDonnell promised a proposal for a dedicated source of revenue this legislative session, but his plan to sell naming rights for bridges and roads will bring in less than $25 million per year.

Southard reminds us of "Thelma and Louise" who drove off a cliff to keep from getting caught.  He poses the question, will the General Assembly "turn, face and fix the problems of the past or will they drive the Commonwealth off the cliff?"  His focus is transportation; others are focused on different issues.  A clear Republican majority controls Richmond.  Will they take us off the cliff? 

Attend Ken's Public Meeting on June 5

Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell will host a Public Meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.  Find out what new laws go into effect on July 1.  Learn what got funded and what didn't in the Commonwealth's two-year spending plan.  This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome.

Virginia's New Veteran's ID

Working in conjunction with the Department of Veteran's Services, Virginia DMV will begin producing a Virginia Veteran's ID at the end of this month.  This ID, which will be available to all Veterans with an honorable discharge status, will enable our Veterans to more conveniently access the wide range of discounts and services available to them.  The $10 ID will be sold at all DMV Customer Service Centers and will not carry an expiration date.  For more information and a sample image of the new ID card can be seen at www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=1080&printpage=Yes.

Habitat for Humanity's "A Brush with Kindness" Program

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is seeking applicants for A Brush with Kindness.  The program is dedicated to preserving or restoring the vibrant character of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia through assistance to low-income families with exterior home repairs.  Applicants who would like to participate in the program must:

* Own and occupy a home that could benefit from short-term exterior improvements.  Must have issues with weatherization, safety, accessibility, or livability.

* Earn an income between 30% and 80% of the area median income.

* Be a willing partner, with sweat equity if able, or in creative ways if unable.

* Be unable to afford to pay for repairs by conventional means.

* Possess current homeowner's insurance.

To apply for A Brush with Kindness, download an application at www.habitatnova.org or contact Ramona Sanchez at 703.521.9890, ext. 112 or rsanchez@habitatnova.org.

Scam Warning

Residents are being warned about a scam that occurs when someone who claims to be a jury duty coordinator calls a person to verify they received a summons for jury duty, and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.  If the person states they never received a summons, the scammer asks for their Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.  The person's identity may be compromised by providing this information.  Intimidation is used to obtain information from callers pretending to be with the court system.  The fraud has been reported in eleven states.  For more information, go to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's website at www.fbi.gov.

Seniors On-The-Go!

Seniors On-The-Go! is Fairfax County's discount taxi voucher program for adults who are 65 years of age or older, residents of Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax, and have an annual income of $40,000 or less as an individual or $50,000 or less as a married couple.  Participants are eligible for sixteen $33 discounted coupon booklets per year at a cost of $20 each.  To register, call 703.877.5800.

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 25-31

Plan to go shopping the last week of this month, and you will save money on many useful items.  Virginia's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is May 25-31.  During that week, you can stock up on supplies for protecting your home and business during hurricane and flooding season.  You can  also add items to your family's emergency supply kit.  Retail outlets will have information about the tax holiday.  For more information, go to www.tax.virginia.gov.  For information about getting ready for hurricane and flooding season in Virginia, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Volunteers Needed to Improve Reading and Writing Skills

More than 75 new volunteer Basic Literacy tutors are needed to assist the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia in teaching adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.  The next Basic Literacy tutor training workshop will be held on two consecutive Saturdays (both sessions are required) on June 2 and June 9, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church.  Fee is $40 for books and materials.  Contact volunteers@lcnv.org or call 703.237.0866 x 111 for more information.