The first week of every General Assembly session is busy. The first week of a session when the governorship is changing hands is extremely busy.
There is a lot of ceremony that goes along with inaugurating a new governor and convening a new General Assembly. The new Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General aren't the only ones that have to be sworn in. Every member of the House of Delegates has to take an oath of office, which legislators - myself included - did on the opening day. And, that's just the beginning of the ceremonies and traditions that initiate the first week.
Over the course of six days, legislators are addressed by the outgoing Governor once and the incoming Governor twice. Governor Kaine addressed us on the opening day of session, giving his final State of the Commonwealth Address. As the speech was delivered with just three days remaining in his term, it was largely devoid of policy pronouncements. Instead, the Governor used the opportunity to talk about his term and what he saw as his accomplishments.
The next big ceremony that follows is the Inauguration of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Bob McDonnell will be the 71st Governor of Virginia. Immediately following his swearing-in he will deliver his Inaugural Address, which will be immediately followed by a parade.
On Monday night, the new Governor will deliver a second address to the General Assembly. Customarily, new governors use this Monday address to lay out their policy agenda in greater detail, giving specifics and handing out assignments to the new cabinet.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Of course, Governor McDonnell won't be the only one becoming accustomed to a new job. We have twenty new members of the House of Delegates who are beginning their first General Assembly session. And, all of them - and all of the returning members - received their Committee assignments this week.
Every year, the House of Delegates considers an average of about 2,000 bills and resolutions. In even-numbered years, that number can approach 3,000. To manage this workload in the sixty days allowed under the Constitution of Virginia, the House has fourteen standing committees to process legislation.
This year, I have been appointed to serve on 4 committees. Speaker Howell appointed me to serve on the Courts of Justice, Finance, General Laws and Health, Welfare and Institutions committees.
In addition to these assignments, Del. Kirk Cox (R- Colonial Heights) who is the Majority Whip re-appointed Peace to serve as a Deputy Whip. A whip's task is to work with members of the majority party ascertain their individual positions on important issues and make sure that they not only attend important meetings but vote accordingly
IN THE NEWS
As in previous years, Delegate Peace and Delegate McClellan have been invited to publish weekly commentaries in the Sunday Richmond Times Dispatch (www.timesdispatch.com). We look forward to you enjoying our weekly, friendly discourse pertaining to important legislative matters.
BUDGET
For months now, the topic of discussion about the General Assembly session has revolved around one item: the state budget. An economic downturn invariably affects the coffers of state government. As a result, discussions about spending cuts have been the main topic for weeks.
Even though Virginia is rated the best managed state and the best state for business, we are not insulated from the effects of a national - and in this case worldwide - recession. In dealing with budget shortfalls, the big difference between Virginia (and most states, for that matter) and the federal government is that our budget must be balanced. There is no "deficit spending" in the Commonwealth.
We must make do with the funds we have, just as the people we work for have to in their own homes. Between now and when the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on March 13, legislators must produce a balanced budget with the funds available. With a revenue shortfall reaching $1.9 billion, we have our work cut out for us.
VISITORS
We had many visitors to our General Assembly Office this week. Kevin and Gwen Smith of Mechanicsville, Jean Shrewsbury of the Commissioner of Revenue Association, Glen Pond of West Point, Linda Moore of Hanover, Jerry Benson of New Kent, Renee Perkins, Deborah Harris, Joe Shearin, Jerry Riendeau, Patricia Gallagher, Melinda Butler, Barrett Wheeler, Rick Wheeler, William Hutton, all from the VA Banker's Association, Ann Heidig of Spotsylvania, Margaret O'Donnell of Caroline, Tim Craver of Aylett and Curry Roberts Hanover. We enjoy seeing folks form the 97th District; please stop by if you are in the Richmond area.
CONTACT INFORMATION
We are now set up in our offices in Richmond. My legislative assistant, Julie Coggsdale, is staffing our office here, located in Room 527of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, you can always call the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229. That's a good way to let me know you feel about a particular issue being considered during this session.
It's been pretty cold in Richmond (and everywhere) lately, and smiling faces from home are always a welcome sight. So if you're planning to visit the Capitol between now and March 13, please be sure to stop by our office.
Hopefully, the worst of the record cold weather is behind us. Look here next week for more news from Richmond.
