The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its regular session in early March this year and immediately went into special session that while still continuing has become the longest special session ever. The special session was needed to complete work on the biennial budget and to fill judicial vacancies. While technically in special session, we actually only meet as an assembled body a few days every couple of months. We passed a budget but have had to revise it because of declining state revenue. We considered expansion of Medicaid services in what some termed a "sham" session as the majority party had indicated its no-compromise opposition to closing the coverage gap. We filled a number of judicial positions although the drawn-out political process of selecting judges has made the flaws of the current method painfully apparent. Since the legislature is in session, albeit a special session, the Governor is prevented from making judicial appointments. As at the federal level, there is gridlock as Republicans fight among themselves as to who should be appointed to the bench.

 

 

Virginia's effort to balance its budget is made more difficult by what the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis terms "willful ignorance" to recognize the positive impact expanding Medicaid would have on the state's budget. At a recent Statewide Policy Summit I attended that the Institute sponsored, a report "RX for an Ailing Virginia: Budget Savings in Expansion States Can Happen in Virginia" was released. The report contends that 27 states and Washington, D.C. have freed up precious resources for critical needs like education by closing their health coverage gaps and saving money on medical care, and that savings in Virginia could amount to $161 million. While proponents of Medicaid expansion have contended that the program would save states money, the evidence is now available from its first year of implementation--Kentucky has saved $80 million, Arkansas $89 million and Michigan $100 million. Virginia would save money by using federal money to replace state-funded healthcare programs.

 

Wednesday, November 26, 7:30 p.m., Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, at United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston. For more information visit the church's website or call the church office at 703-620-3065.

Friday, November 28, 11:00 a.m., Reston Holiday Parade with the theme "Home for the Holidays." Details are at Holiday Parade.

Friday, November 28, at 6:00 p.m., Reston Chorale's Carol Sing-Along, at Reston Town Center in front of the tree on Market Street with the annual tree lighting ceremony followed by a sing-along of holiday favorites led by members of The Reston Chorale with a brass quintet. FREE - all are welcome! For further information, contact The Reston Chorale directly at 703-834-0079 or info@restonchorale.org. 

 

Saturday, November 29, 9:00 a.m., Vale United Methodist Church of Oakton opens its Christmas Tree Lot. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Stop Hunger Now. Vale Church is located at the corner of Vale Road and Fox Mill Road in Oakton (11528 Vale Road). The tree lot is open weeknights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For details contact (703) 620-2594 or send email to vale.church@verizon.net. 

 

Saturday, December 6, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Reston Chorale's "The Wonder of the Season" holiday concert featuring Twas the Night Before Christmas, Ken Darby and Harry Simeone's rendition of Clement Claude Moore's beloved poem, at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Tickets required: Buy Tickets Online or call Reston Community Center Box Office - 703-476-4500, Ext. 3. For further information, contact The Reston Chorale directly at 703-834-0079 or info@restonchorale.org.

Monday, December 8, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Dulles Corridor Rail Association's Annual Meeting and Reception, Celebrating the Opening Phase 1 of the Silver Line, at Courtyard by Marriott Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Download a Printable Registration Form. Sponsorship opportunities are available; call 571-296-1552 or send email to Patty Nicoson at dcra@dullescorridorrail.com.

Thursday, December 11, "Practices of Promise for Schools in Challenging Environments" Summit, at VA Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond. The summit is being presented by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Task Force on Schools in Challenging Environments, the Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe, the VCU School of Education, the Virginia Department of Education, and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. The Task Force's full report is available at www.vsba.org.