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Delegate Ken Plum’s Virginia E-News – December 21, 2005
COMMENTARY What Are the Issues Going to Be? Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
One of the most frequent questions I get this time of the year is, “So, what are the issues going to be in the General Assembly this year?” In 2006, as in every even-numbered year when the biennium budget must be passed, a major issue will be the spending plan for the next two years. In the recent past the passing of a budget has been a major struggle because of tight revenues with the recession. With the rebound in the economy there are funds available to meet some needs that have been slighted in the past. Senator Janet Howell and I will be discussing the upcoming General Assembly session on my television show, “Virginia Report,” on Reston Comcast Cable Channel 28 on Tuesday, December 27 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30 p.m. As everyone knows, the issue about which the most urgency is being felt is transportation, but the enormity of that issue may force it to be considered in special session. In addition to dealing with the financing of transportation, the Assembly must work with the new governor in deciding policy issues such as a stronger shift to multi-modal transportation planning, relationship to land use planning, and refocusing the state bureaucracy dealing with transportation issues in the Commonwealth. On education, the General Assembly will have proposals from outgoing Governor Warner as well as new Governor Kaine for preschool educational programs. The return on investment for these kinds of programs has been shown to be so great that the state must move forward with programs to keep up with other states. As Virginia is a Dillon Rule state in which all local powers must be granted from the state government, there will be a myriad of bills to amend charters of local governments. We need to give broader grants of power to local government and get out of the business of micromanaging them. Please let me know your position on issues before the Assembly and your suggestions for bills by going to my website at www.kenplum.com and click on 2006 Constituent Survey. If you need a printed copy of the survey, call 703.758.9733. I really appreciate hearing from constituents. You can talk directly to me and Senator Janet Howell at our public hearing on January 3, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne. You do not need to sign up in advance. Just show up and let us know what is on your mind about Virginia government. You can help set the agenda for the General Assembly session and for the outcome of it. Please take advantage of my survey and public hearing.
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Annual Public Hearing Prior to the General Assembly Session Tuesday, January 3, 2006 – 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Reston Community Center at Lake Anne
Each year before the General Assembly session I hold a public hearing with Senator Janet Howell to hear from constituents about the issues and concerns they feel the legislature should be addressing. A public presentation of your views will be informative for Senator Howell and me but will help others to understand and support your issues. I hope that you or a representative of your interests will plan to take part. Pre-registration is not required. Written statements are appreciated but not required. Students are welcome.
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Delegate Ken Plum’s Weekly “Virginia Report” on Reston Comcast Channel 28
Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 p.m. – Jim Waggener and Carole Hadlock, Audubon Northern Virginia – “Audubon at Home”
Tuesday, December 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30 p.m. – Senator Janet Howell – “2006 General Assembly Preview”
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
I will be speaking at the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Policy Update held prior to the General Assembly session. I will be joined by Senator Janet Howell of Reston and Delegate Tom Rust of Herndon. This year’s pre-session Update was originally scheduled for Friday, December 9, but was postponed because of bad weather. The event has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 5, at the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce offices, 1763 Fountain Drive, Reston. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; continental breakfast is available. If you are a Chamber member, attend this information packed event to find out how election results will change the dynamics of the session and the future of the Commonwealth.
Regional public hearings on the Governor’s proposed 2006-2008 State Budget will be held around the state on Thursday, January 5, at 12:00 noon. Attend our region’s public hearing at Northern Virginia Community College, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale.
General Assembly Members representing jurisdictions in Fairfax County will hold their annual pre-session Public Hearing on Saturday, January 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Details about pre-registration and requests for special accommodations will be available soon.
The “Cribs for Kids” Project is a special project of SIDS Mid-Atlantic providing safe cribs for babies to help prevent needless, tragic infant deaths. A safe, portable crib can be a lifesaver for a new baby. Each crib costs $50. If you would like to donate to the “Cribs for Kids” Project and buy a new crib for a baby whose life may depend upon it, please go to www.sidsma.org for learn more.
***************** Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.
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