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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Preparing for the Holidays
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
The holiday season is busy for most everyone regardless of faith and family traditions and the holidays we choose to celebrate. Increasingly there is a trend towards the winter holiday celebration beginning soon after Halloween. Thanksgiving is getting overshadowed with super-hot buying specials that used to at least wait until the Friday after Thanksgiving. Add to the number of holidays the gift buying, family travel and seasonal parties, and you have a very busy time of the year.
Politicians are just like everyone else in having our winter holiday celebrations and traditions. Depending on the holidays we observe, we shop for presents, put up decorations, and plan high-calorie meals and events. On top of all the things that others are doing, state legislators are getting ready for a legislative session scheduled to begin on January 10, 2013. Amidst the holiday merriment, state delegates and senators are reading reports of studies that have been conducted throughout the year. A proposal to lift the ban on uranium mining has brought a massive study report with additional supportive and contrary reports also coming available. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) has produced several very professional papers on issues it has been asked to review, and legislative study committees are making their reports for the year.
On December 17 the Governor is scheduled to speak to the "money" committees of House Appropriations and Finance and Senate Finance to bring legislators up-to-date on any fiscal cliffs the state might be facing. While the economy in Virginia has been making steady recovery, decisions at the federal level could have major impacts in Virginia especially as the federal actions might result in defense spending reductions and other reductions in federal spending in Virginia. The Governor at that time may announce more details to a proposal he has hinted at that might respond to our transportation needs.
Recognizing that legislators are getting near their annual trek to Richmond, advocacy and interest groups are increasing their correspondence and meetings to see and talk with us before we leave town. These meetings are very instructive and important, but they do take a lot of time. We need to hear from constituents; we work around all else that is happening during the holidays to make ourselves as available as possible. I ask constituents to take a few minutes from their personal and family activities to respond to my annual pre-session survey included in my legislative newsletter that will be arriving in homes in the near future. The survey also can be accessed on my website at www.kenplum.com.
As is our practice, Senator Janet Howell and I will be having a pre-session community meeting on January 3, 2013 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Community Center at Hunters Woods. Please come and talk with us about what you think we should be doing this legislative session. Pre-registration is not required. The meeting is informal; we just want to hear from you.
Along with all that is happening in preparing for the legislative session, my colleagues and I will be enjoying the holidays with family and friends. As you will hear from me many times over the next few weeks, I hope you have a happy holiday season!
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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, December 12 at 10:30 p.m. Senator Janet Howell, "General Assembly 2013"
Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, December 19 at 10:30 p.m. - George Braunstein, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, "Closure of the State Training Centers"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad.
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Bulletin Board
The Social Security Administration website has added a new feature. My Social Security, which allows you to set up your personal page and access it at any time. It includes an online version of the statement that used to be mailed every year, plus estimates of your future retirement benefits, lifetime earnings to date, and the total Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid. To open an account, go to socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and answer a series of questions to verify your identity, then create a user name and password.
Would you like to cut down on overhead energy expenses, be more comfortable in your home or business environment, and improve your building's indoor air quality? Don't know where to start? Don't worry, go to LEAP at leap-va.org. LEAP is a community-based nonprofit that provides a one-stop shot of who to call, what to do, and how to pay for it when it comes to your home or business's energy efficiency. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program for special low interest loans, bundling of available cash rebates, prequalified contractors and independent Quality Assurance of the work performed.
Universal Design refers to design principles that create environments and products that are accessible to everyone, including people using wheelchairs and people who have other kinds of disabilities. Using the Virginia Livable Tax Credit is an excellent opportunity to retrofit your home using Universal Design principles so that it becomes more accessible to you and everyone who visits. This tax credit applies to the purchase or construction of new residences or the retrofitting of existing ones. Both homeowners and licensed contractors may apply for the tax credit. Tax credits are available up to $5,000 for the purchase of a new residence, and up to 50 percent for the cost of retrofitting existing units, not to exceed $5,000. To qualify, a new home must have at least three Universal Design features. An existing home must have at least one. For more information, go to www.dhcd.virginia.gov or call 1-800-371-7124.
Fairfax Pets on Wheels is seeking volunteers to visit residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with their pets to provide companionship and compassion through pet therapy. Pet orientation and temperament testing is required. Commitment: one time weekly or monthly.
Urgent Need for Respite Care Vounteers. Give a family caregiver of a frail older adult a well-deserved break so they can go shopping, attend a doctor's appointment or just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Volunteers are matched with families in or near their own neighborhoods. Support and training is provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 803-324-7577 or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
More than 6,000 archeological sites have been recorded in Northern Virginia. It is the mission of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia to rescue information from these sites before they are lost forever. Men and women of all ages and walks of life are welcome to engage in this work under the guidance of professional archeologists. Hands-on training is offered at survey and excavation sites and in the laboratory; no experience is needed. More information: 703-534-3881 or www.nvcasv.org.
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Calendar of Events
Housing Options for Seniors (55 Years and Older) is a class that explores housing options for seniors, from independent living to skilled nursing care. Learn how to "age in place" at home and about the descriptions, costs and coverage of village communities, assisted living, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities. Thursday, December 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Cost: Free, Registration required.
Community Workshop for "Health Justice in Virginia" on Thursday, December 13 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at United Christian Parish (UCP), 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston. The workshop, sponsored by the UCP Justice Mobilization Task Force, will train and encourage folks to advocate for the expansion of Medicaid in Virginia, a state-run insurance exchange as part of the Affordable Care Act and state budget justice--all urgent matters before Governor McDonnell and the General Assembly in January.
Death Penalty Talk, Thursday, December 13. St. Mark Catholic Church at 9970 Vale Road in Vienna will host two speakers on "The Death Penalty in Virginia." Michael Stone and Meghan Shapiro will dicuss the Church's teaching on the death penalty, Virginia law on the subject, and the strategy to make changes. The program will be in the Msgr. Cassidy Activities Center at 7:00 p.m.
Conquering the Commute: Solutions for Washington Transit, featuring Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Robert Thomson, The Washington Post's "Dr. Gridlock" and many more! Friday, December 14, Doors open at 8:00 a.m.. Program to begin at 8:30 a.m. The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20071.
Bully-Free NoVA: A Community of Respect presents "Bullying Prevention 101 Facilitators Training." 53% of Fairfax youth report that they have been the target of bullying and 51% of Fairfax youth report that they have bullied others. The Fairfax Partnership for Youth's (FPY) Bullying Prevention 101 is for youth service providers in Northern VA who want to teach youth AND adult members of their organization or faith community how to prevent bullying and intervene in bullying situations. All interested trainees are welcome to register. When: Friday, December 14,2012, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Where: Pennino Building - Room #1034, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia. This program costs $149 per trainee and SPACE IS LIMITED. Reduced rates may be available for non-profit representatives, on a limited basis. REGISTER at Register for Bullying Prevention 101.
Register your business or donate online to help the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness in Putting the ZIP on Homelessness. Jeans Day 2012 is Dec. 14. On Dec. 14, allow your employees to wear jeans to support the 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. The cost to an employee to participate is $5. Each participating business will collect the funds raised and, if they choose, can match the funds. Donations will benefit the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. You do not need to be affiliated with a business or organization to participate in Jeans Day. Individuals who wish to take part in this initiative may donate online via Apple Federal Credit Union. You may also drop off your donation at any Apple Federal Credit Union branch. Checks will be accepted at any of Apple Federal Credit Union's 21 branch locations. Please make your checks made payable to PEH/CFNCR and mention "Ending Homelessness in Fairfax County" to the teller at the time of deposit.For more information, visit Jeans Day Event or contact Glynda Mayo Hall at glynda.hall@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Let your elected officials know about the state government issues that are most important to you at a Public Meeting hosted by Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell on Thursday, January 3, 2013, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Bring your comments for Ken and Janet. This will be their annual pre-session meeting prior to the General Assembly going into session on January 9, 2013.
The House Appropriation and Senate Finance committees will hold hearings on the 2013 budget actions, as follows:
Manassas: Friday, January 4, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, George Mason University, Prince William Campus. Middletown: Friday, January 4, 2013, 12:00 noon at Lord Fairfax Community College, Corron Community Development Center.
Winter Concert: The Reston Community Orchestra presents a musical program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Saturday, January 19, 4:00 p.m. at Reston Community Center at Hunter's Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
Are you a woman who is currently experiencing or has previously experienced domestic abuse? The Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers a free, confidential support group for adult women who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal). The group meets for eight weeks and promotes understanding and healing from abuse trauma and builds a sense of community with other survivors.
When: Wednesdays starting Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Where: Annandale Area. For more information or to join call Heather McMillen at: 703-704-6729
Men's Survivors' Group: A support group for men who were sexually abused as children meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Pohick Regional Library (private conference room) 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA 22015. For more info, call: Chris Davies at 703-704-6727.
2013 Signature Conference The American Civil War at Home, Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the College of William and Mary. This Signature Conference--the fifth in an annual series--brings together noted Civil War historians to consider how the Civil War changed Virginia and the nation 150 years ago in the year of the war's turning point, 1863. For more information on the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, visit www.VirginiaCivilWar.org.
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