|
Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
|
|
|
Commentary
Time to Act on the DREAM
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Congress needs to act on the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, as soon as it reconvenes after the elections. The Act which was first introduced in 2001 would provide a path to citizenship for people brought to this country at a very young age.
The proposed legislation has had broad bipartisan support including that of President George W. Bush. In 2010 the bill passed the House of Representatives and came within five votes of passing the Senate. Most of the arguments supporting the legislation in the past have been from legal, moral, and ethical perspectives. The Center for American Progress and the Partnership for a New American Economy released a study last week that makes the case for passage of the Act from an economic basis.
The new study, "The Economic Benefits of Passing the DREAM Act," makes the case that the DREAM Act would help the American economy to the tune of a total of $329 billion by 2030. The results to the economy would come from granting legal immigration status to 2.1 million young people and incentivizing higher education and broadening job opportunities for them. The spending ripples through the economy would create 1.4 million new jobs.
President Obama through an executive order in June took some action to defer deportation for undocumented youth and to authorize work. This was a critical interim step, but it does not provide a path to citizenship as the DREAM Act does. Under the proposed Act, a person would be eligible for citizenship if they came to the United States at age 15 or younger, are currently age 35 or younger, have been present in this country for at least five years, have completed high school, and have completed at least two years of higher education or honorably served in the armed forces for at least two years. After receiving conditional legal status to complete these requirements, these persons could apply for a green card signifying permanent legal status and eventually citizenship.
The persons impacted by the Act would have been brought to this country while they were young. They have been attending public schools where many have excelled. A path to citizenship should not be denied them. But for those who are influenced by dollar and cents arguments, the new study results are most persuasive. The direct impact on the economy for 2010 to 2030 with passage of the DREAM Act would be $148 billion; the induced impact would be $181 billion for a total impact of $329 billion. Additional state and federal income taxes of $5.6 billion and federal business tax revenue of $4.6 billion would be collected.
Encourage your Congressman to vote for the DREAM Act. For more information on the study go to www.americanprogress.org.
|
|
Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
Tune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. Watch these upcoming programs:
TONIGHT - Wednesday, October 10 at 10:30 p.m. - Patty Nicoson, President, Dulles Corridor Rail Association - "Silver Line Update"
Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 17 at 10:30 p.m. -Emily Griffey and Kimberly Gutzler, "Voices for Virginia's Children"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
|
All About Voting
Absentee Voting in Person
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323
Fairfax, VA 22035
Now through October 16:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October 17 - November 2:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Hours:
October 13, 29, 27, November 3: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Last Day to Vote Absentee In Person:
Saturday, November 3, 2012
In Person, Satellite Voting Location
North County Human Services Building
1850 Cameron Glen Drive
Reston, VA 20190
October 17 - November 3
Monday - Friday, 2:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Absentee Voting by Mail
You may vote absentee, either by mail or in person, if you are unable to go to the polls on Election Day because you: are a student or the spouse of a student attending a school outside Fairfax County; will be away from Fairfax County on business; will be working and commuting for 11 or more hours between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.; will be away from Fairfax County on personal business or vacation; are unable to go to the polls because of illness or disability; are pregnant; are the primary caretaker of a confined family member; have a religious obligation; are confined awaiting trial; are confined having been convicted of a misdemeanor; are an election official; are on active duty in the military outside Fairfax County; are the spouse or dependent residing with a member of the military outside Fairfax County; are an overseas citizen whose most recent United States residence was in Fairfax County; are a designated representative of a candidate or a party inside the polls; are requesting a ballot for presidential and vice-presidential electors only (Ballot for other offices/issues will not be sent).
Last Day to Register to Vote (if not already registered at current address:
4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 15
Last Date to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail
5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
For inclusion in the election, absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.
Use the Fairfax County Electoral Board's Fillable Online Absentee Ballot Application to enter your information on the screen at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm. After you have entered your information, print, sign, and then return. OR print a blank Absentee Ballot Application Form available at print absentee ballot, enter your information by hand, sign, and then return. Mail to:
Office of Elections
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323
Fairfax, VA 22035
or
Office of Elections
Box 10161
Fairfax, VA 22038
or
Fax it to the Office of Elections at 703.324.3725
or
Email to absenteeballot@fairfaxcounty.gov or voting@fairfaxcounty.gov
If you are not able to get an Absentee Ballot Application online, feel free to call Delegate Ken Plum's office mornings at 703.758.9733 and request that one be mailed to you. |
|
Bulletin Board
If you would like to apply to serve as a Fairfax County election officer, please email the following information: your full name, current address, daytime phone number, and your date of birth. This information is necessary in order to verify your voter registration. Also, please indicate whether you would prefer to represent either the Democratic party, the Republican party, or either party as needed on Election Day, as mandated by the Code of Virginia, 24.2-115, Appointment, qualifications, and term of officers of election. You may also apply by calling 703-324-4735 (free) or by downloading the election officer application form (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required, download Adobe Reader), completing it, and then mailing it to the address listed on the form. The Fairfax County Electoral Board greatly appreciates those citizens who help to make our elections work!
Kids of the 13th Fairway have produced an excellent video on the proposal to develop the National Golf Course. Congratulations to the children who came up with the idea and produced the video. Go to youtube to view it.
Consider Foster Care and Adoption: Orientation meetings the second Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m., Department of Family Services Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Due to holidays in October and November, orientations for those months will be Monday, October 15 and Monday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. Foster care is the temporary placing of a child outside the child's home. This may occur as a result of abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that put the child at risk, or when parents decide they cannnot care for their child. During this time, family problems are addressed so that the child can return home safely, or plans are made for permanent placement of the child outside his or her birth family. For more information, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/childrenyouth/fca.htm
Virginians can protect themselves with FREE MYHOME INVENTORY and WRECKCHECK Smartphone insurance apps:
October is Virginia Archaeology Month! To experience and explore archaeology in Virginia, take advantage of the exhibits, tours, talks, and other activities provided statewide by the numerous hosts of Virginia Archaeology Month.
calendar of events
Medicare Open Season: Find Out What You Need to Know
Prepare now for Medicare Open Season (the annual election period). This year, open season begins October 15 and ends December 7. Howard Houghton, director of Fairfax County's Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) will make presentations locally on what you need to know about the 2013 Medicare health and drug plans at these locations:
* Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Register by calling 703.476.4500.
* Wednesday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. at Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace Street, Herndon. Registration not required; participants should check in at front desk.
IN ADDITION - During the Medicare open enrollment season, Fairfax County is offering guidance and enrollment assistance with an expert to meet with you individually. If you would like assistance, you must first call for an appointment and bring the following: a photo ID; copies of your current health plan and drug plan cards; your Medicare card; any letters from Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid; and a list of all of your medications and their dosages. Assistance will be offered at the following sites:
* Chantilly Center, 14150 Parkeast Circle, #200, Chantilly. Call 703.968.4000 for your appointment on Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* Reston Center, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, #600, Reston. Call 703.481.4100 for your appointment. Days and times are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; Tuesday, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, Noon to 7:00 p.m. |
|
Calendar of Events
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking community feedback on ways to generate revenue to address unfunded transportation mandates (roadway, transit, bike, and pedestrian) needs. This effort will consist of a series of community meetings through mid- October 2012 at which potential revenue sources will be discussed. The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback at the meetings or in an online survey through October 12, 2012. The public meetings will include a presentation, a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity to view materials and talk to county staff. Meeting dates include:
*Today, Wednesday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Thoreau Middle School
2505 Cedar Lane
Vienna, VA 22180
Transit: RIBS 1, RIBS 3
*For more information about the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation Funding, the Ask Fairfax! chat, or to take the online survey, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/.
*Today: Reston Environmental Action (REACT) will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 10 at Nature House. Cookies, cider, and socializing from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.. Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Check www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for other REACT information. If you would like to participate in a project or join a committee, contact Mary Brown at cernybrown@earthlink.net or 703-620-0151.
Tour six fabulous private homes on October 13 at the Reston Home Tour! See a local artist's collection showcased in a lakeside contemporary -- or enjoy angled walls that frame a customized interior -- or tour an architect's own modern masterpiece. These are just three, and there is so much more. Purchase your ticket before October 6 for $25; October 6-13 and online, $30 each. Groups of 10+, $20 each. For ticket sales and information, visit www.restonmuseum.org or call 703.709.7700. Tickets are also available at Reston Museum, Appalachian Spring, GRACE, Lake Anne Florist, and The Wine Cabinet at North Point. The Tour will also celebrate Reston's new Silver Line at Reston Center and the art of photography at Nature's Best (and Reston's best kept secret!). Reston Home Tour is presented by and benefits Reston Museum.
Sign up to walk on Sunday, October 14 for the 9th Annual Help the Homeless Community Walk at Reston Heights Hotels, 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive. Registration opens at 12:00 Noon, and the Walk begins at 1:30 p.m. After the Walk, enjoy Festival on the Square with live music, food, games for all ages, and more. This year, Reston Interfaith has set the goal of having 4,000 walkers join the Help the Homeless Program, which raises awareness and provides support to prevent and end homelessness in our community. Bring all your favorite people, and make a difference in ending homelessness. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for more information.
Learn strategies to prevent bullying at school and online, by attending "You Can Prevent Bullying! Tips & Skills for Parents of Children with Special Needs" on Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA (Entrance 1, Room 100). See a map and directions at http://commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=5101. Get more information by calling the Fairfax County Public Schools Parent Resource Center at 703.324.3941.
The next Chronic Disease Self-Management Program begins Wednesdays, October 17 to November 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax. Email Colleen Turner or call her at 703-324-5489 to register, for information, or to discuss organizing a workshop for your faith or community group.
The Fairfax County School Board is hosting a Fairfax Education Summit for parents, students, community members, business leaders, principals, teachers, PTA leaders, and college leaders for this year's focus on the deep connection between parent involvement and student success. The third annual Fairfax Education Summit will be on Saturday, October 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Woodson High School. National expert and Harvard professor Dr. Ronald Ferguson will keynote the event and share his latest research on parent involvement. Please submit an online registration. For a direct link to registration and additional details about the summit, visit the website at Education Summit
Girls' Day Out, Saturday, October 20 noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner. Be healthy, be happy, be dazzling. Mark your calendar to gather your friends, sisters, mothers, and colleagues for Reston Hospital Center's Girls' Day Out. Celebrate the vibrancy of good health with free screenings, superb food, fun with friends, and fabulous swag bags. Cost is $35 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information on Girls' Day Out and to register visit restonhospital.com/spirit or call 877-689-DOCS (3627).
Tigerlily Foundation's 4th Annual EmPOWER Ball is Saturday, October 20, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Black Tie Optional), at the McLean Hilton, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, 6:00 p.m. cocktail reception and Silent Auction, 7:30 p.m. Dinner, Raffles, Presentations, and Entertainment. Visit www.tigerlilyfoundation.org for tickets, tables, and sponsorship information. For more information email empower2012@tigerlilyfoundation.org.
Fairfax County will hold a series of community forums, Working Together to Make a Measurable Difference, for members of the community representing nonprofit and community-based organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations and houses of worship, public schools and higher education institutions, and human services boards, authorities, and commissions.
Meeting Locations and Times:
*Monday, October 22, 7:00-9:00, Government Center, Government Center Parkway,Fairfax
*Monday, October 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
*Friday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, McLean Comunity Center, 1234 Ingelside Avenue, McLean
Need help understanding Medicare? Howard Houghton of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will lead an enlightening discussion about Medicare on Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Medicare from an expert in the field. Cost is free; register by calling 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
The Alzheimer's Association will present a program on "Healthy Brain Aging"on Wednesday, October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The presentation will identify three areas (mind, heart, person) that affect the brain. Strategies for how to keep each of the three areas healthy will be discussed as well as practice exercises to assist in keeping the brain active and fully charged. This event is free, but you must register at www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703.476.4500.
Food Day, October 24, 2012, is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. For resources and activities, go to www.foodday.org.
FREE Child Identification and Fingerprinting: The Sheriff's Office provides a FREE photo of your child and a set of his/her fingerprints, Wednesday, October 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff/news/fingerprint.htm
The Justice Mobilization Task Force of United Christian Parish continues its Community Forum series on Thursday, October 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m. with featured speaker Sister Marge Clark, one of the Nuns on the Bus and co-author of the Faithful Budget. A panel including Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and Jeff Connor-Naylor of the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis will continue the discussion of "Moral Issues in Public Budgeting" at the federal, state, and local levels. The program will be held at United Christian Parish at 11508 North Shore Drive in Reston.
The 3rd Virginia Immigrant Advocate Summit 2012 is Friday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m.). At Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Registration Fee: $30.00. Scholarships are available. To register, go to registration. The Summit will bring together hundreds of immigrant rights advocates and allies from across the state to discuss issues important to immigrant communities in Virginia.
The official opening and ribbon cutting for the Lake Fairfax Skate Park will be on Saturday, October 27 at noon. There will be brief ceremonies, demos, great prizes and free food! Lake Fairfax Skate Park is located next to the campground and athletic fields at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston.
Attend a most unique historical marker unveiling with an illumination commemoration honoring the 26 Civil War Veterans Interred at Flint Hill Cemetery, 2845 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton, on Saturday, October 27, at 6:00 p.m. This unveiling will occur near the intersection of Chain Bridge and Courthouse Roads. Enjoy speakers and live period music along with hot cider and cookies. Parking at Oakton Church of the Brethren. Please RSVP to info@flinthillcemetery.org.
Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms Orchestra are coming to our area on Sunday, October 28, 3:00 p.m., to play a Benefit for the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. This will be a single performance Sunday matinee show at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180. For additional details or your ticket order form, visit www.scov.org or call the Shepherd's Center office at 703.281.0538, or email office@scov.org. Tickets are $20.00 per person advance and $25.00 at the door.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board will conduct 2012 Fall Multimodal Transportation Public Meetings across the state to give stakeholders the opportunity to review and provide comments on projects and programs to be included in the Fiscal Year 2014-2019 Six-Year Improvement Program, including highway, rail, and public transportation initiatives. The meeting in Northern Virginia will be held on Tuesday, October 30, at the Virginia Department of Transportation District Office, Potomac Conference Center, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax. The meeting will consist of an open house format from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. where attendees can review materials produced by agency staff and discuss specific projects or issues. Written comments may also be submitted during this informal session, or they may be mailed or e-mailed until November 30, 2012. Following the open house, an opportunity will be provided for comments form the public and transportation stakeholders with a formal comment session beginning at 6:30 p.m. You may also send your comments to Diane Mitchell, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219 or e-mail them to Six-YearProgram@vdot.virginia.gov by November 30, 2012. Comments on rail and public transportation may be sent to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Public Information Officer, at 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219 or e-mail them to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov.
AARP Driver Safety (50 years and older), Thursday and Friday, November 1 and 2, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. This two-day workshop, conducted by an AARP instructor, teaches defensive driving to adults ages 50 and older. Upon successful completion of the course, participants may be entitled to a discount on their car insurance. A check payable to AARP for $12 (AARP members) or $14 (non-members) is due to the instructor on the first day of class. AARP members must present their membership card to the instructor. November's class is free to military veterans. Participants may bring a lunch or enjoy one of the nearby restaurants during the midday break.
Caregiver Options (55 years and older), Thursday, November 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Cost: free but registration is required. This class will provide options available to caregivers; where to find help, the costs, and who is responsible for paying the bills: Medicare, Medicaid and/or Long-Term Care Insurance. Learn about the levels of care and who is there to help, and know in advance what charges will be paid out of pocket.
Plan on attending Fairfax County's 8th Annual History Conference, "Courage & Conflict in Fairfax County," on Saturday, November 10. This conference will feature Gregg S. Clemmer, award winning author of Valor in Gray, living history presentations, reenactments, and more. The Conference will run from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your registration fee of $20 includes Continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, exhibits, authors, trivia contest prizes, and parking. For further information and to receive a registration form/brochure, send your name, address, and email to lynnegarveyhodge@verizon.net. This event is sponsored by the Fairfax County History Commission, Fairfax County Sesquicentennial Committee, Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center, and Preservation Virginia/Northern Virginia Branch.
Join Ken and Jane at this year's Reston Holiday Parade at Reston Town Center on Friday, November 23. The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. with a 1/2 mile parade route. This year's theme is "Come Out to Play!" This annual tradition draws over 10,000 spectators and has something for everyone. Events include the Gingerbread Man Mile fun run for kids with a 7:30 a.m. registration and the race at 8:00 a.m. This run benefits Neediest Kids; no entry fee. Visit www.prraces.com/gingerbread for details. After the Holiday Parade, there are visits and portraits with Santa! Photos are free; donations benefit a local non-profit organization. Stay for the Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing Along that begins at 6:00 p.m., and watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus magically light up Reston Town Center and the holiday tree. Sing-along with the Reston Chorale and brass quintet. Enjoy Horse Drawn Carriage Rides from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, riders 5 and under are free, and all proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax!
VDOT is planning to hold a public information meeting about plans for Route 7 between Reston Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road, Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Colvin Run Elementary School cafeteria, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna. |
|
|
|
|
|
