June 27, 2007

COMMENTARY

            Throughout my legislative career I have been researching information on conditions in Virginia that can be determined from statistical measures in various reports. The resulting annual reports where I compile this information I call the "State of the Commonwealth." They provide a form of accountability for state government. Last week I presented my 2007 report at a breakfast where I also raised funds for the periodic newsletters I send to constituents. Persons who share my interest in making Virginia a better place in which to live were invited to attend. Since community groups often find the information in my reports to be helpful, their staffs were offered complimentary invitations to attend. Contributions from these groups were neither solicited nor expected. My 2007 report is available to everyone on my website, www.kenplum.com, or persons can call 703.758.9733 to request a printed copy.
        One of the useful measures of how Virginia is doing as a state is to compare its performance with other states. A helpful source of that information is the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report, "Virginia Compared to the Other States" available at www.jlarc.state.va.us. JLARC is the nonpartisan legislative research agency for the General Assembly. Among the nuggets of information in its report that I have also included in the State of the Commonwealth is the fact that Virginia is the 12th largest state in population and 7th wealthiest in per capita personal income.
        Contrary to the rhetoric heard around election campaigns, the JLARC report finds Virginia to be a low tax state. For state and local government revenue as a percent of personal income, Virginia is 47th lowest among the 50 states. For state and local taxes as a percent of personal taxes, Virginia is 45th lowest among the states. The JLARC report also points out that Virginia is 27th lowest in average salary of public school teachers and 48th lowest in per capita total Medicaid expenditures.
        Another excellent source of information that I consult frequently is at www.vaperforms.virginia.gov. It includes metrics across a broad range of topics. On workforce, for example, Virginia Performs indicates that Virginia ranks third in the nation for the most master's degrees and doctorates as a percentage of the population age 25 and over. In one of the several contrasts that are a part of the State of the Commonwealth, Virginia has the 21st highest percentage of adults without a high school diploma among the 50 states. In terms of personal wealth, Virginia has jurisdictions that are among the wealthiest in per capita income in the nation; other jurisdictions are among the poorest.
        Information, often too complex and detailed to fit on a bumper strip, is essential for good decision making. I hope the information in my State of the Commonwealth report will inform voters as they make decisions, just as it assists me in my legislative duties. Your comments and suggestions are also welcome; email me at kenplum@aol.com.

Delegate Ken Plum's Weekly "Virginia Report"
on Reston Comcast Channel 28

Tonight – Wednesday, June 27 at 10:30 p.m. -  Delegate Ken Plum - "State of the Commonwealth - 2007"

Tuesday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 4 at 10:30 p.m. -  Patricia Nicoson, President, Dulles Corridor Rail Association - "Keeping Metro Moving to Dulles"

"State of the Commonwealth - 2007" Report Available

The full text of Delegate Ken Plum's State of the Commonwealth - 2007 report is available on his website, www.kenplum.com. For a printed copy, call 703.758.9733 or email kenplum@aol.com.

Announcements

Do you love parks, lakes, and trails? You can become a certified Virginia Master Naturalist. Apply for membership in the new Fairfax Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists to receive naturalist training and important information about volunteer stewardship, citizen science, and education opportunities in parks and natural areas. Certified Master Naturalists preserve and protect our natural resources by mapping and evaluating hiking trails, storing stream valleys, studying wildlife, leading nature center programs, monitoring the health of our streams, and much more. The three-month basic training course, taught by some 20 recognized environmental and scientific experts, offers fun and interactive instruction in natural history and forest and aquatic ecology. This educational experience will prepare volunteers to provide valuable community service. Visit www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/fairfax.html or email FMNvolunteer@cox.net.

The Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations provides affordable information, resources and advocacy for nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth. Membership is open to any nonprofit organization, regardless of size or mission. For more information about member benefits and how to join VANNO, visit www.vanno.org.

For periodic short stories from Virginia's rich history with suggestions for further reading, subscribe to Virginia Vignettes from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities by emailing sheryl@virginia.edu.

Calendar of Events

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival: The Roots of Virginia Culture will be held on the National Mall, Washington, D.C., June 27-July 1 and July 4-8. The Roots of Virginia Culture brings to Washington approximately 300 performers, artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers, cooks, farmers, and craftspeople to explain, demonstrate, and celebrate cultural traditions from native Virginia, southeastern England, and West Africa.

The Virginia Sustainable Building Network's 12th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting, "Moving Toward Carbon Neutral Buildings," will be held on June 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. For more information contact VSBN at 703.486.2966 or vsbn@vsbn.org. Visit www.vsbn.org for updates.

Dinner Zen celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, June 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 11160 South Lakes Drive in the South Lakes Shopping Center.  A portion of the proceeds from the day's sales will benefit NOVACO, a local organization committed to helping victims of domestic violence.

Bring your family and friends to Reston's 43rd Birthday Celebration. This year's Reston Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 7 and 8, at the Reston Town Center. Hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visit www.restonfestival.com or call 703.435.7989 - volunteers and sponsors are welcome.

Attend RCA's upcoming "resTOWN" Workshops at the Reston Regional Library on Saturday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Saturday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information go to http://go-resTOWN.org; call 703.786.3672, or email RCABoard @comcast.net.

The next Green Breakfast will be held on Saturday, July 14, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Old Country Buffet, Fair City Mall, Route 236 (Main Street) and Pickett Road in Fairfax City next to the Cinema Arts Theatre.  The program will be "Land Conservation - A Win-Win Program."  Whit Field, Vice President and General Counsel, Northern VA Conservation Trust and Kay Rutledge, Manager, Land Acquisition and Management Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority will speak.  Cost is approximately $9.00 paid to the cashier as you arrive.  Ask for the senior discount if applicable.  No reservations are necessary.

A program on global warming will feature Jenet Dechary presenting "The Climate Crisis: A Primer for Action" on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Reston Lake Anne Community Center Gallery Room in Lake Anne Village Center. The event is free. Jenet is one of a thousand climate crisis presenters trained personally by Al Gore to educate citizens on global warming. This event is presented in conjunction with a brief mothly meeting of the Hunter Mill District Democratic Committee. To rsvp or for information contact haleyr@sprintmail.com or call Bob Haley at 703.716.2339.

Fairfax County will host a Business Preparedness Summit on Friday, July 20, for small and large business owners and operators in Fairfax County.  The summit will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway.  On-site check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. with the opening session at 8:30 a.m.  and ending at 12:30 p.m.  A series of workshops will highlight the Summit.  Space is limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency.bizprep.htm.  For more information call the Fairfax County OFfice of Public Affairs at 703.324.3187, TTY 711.

The 4th Annual Asian Festival will be held on Saturday, July 21, at Lake Newport Square, 11452 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The Asian Festival is a one-day event designed to promote a greater understanding of the Asian culture from Thailand, China, India, Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  Each participating country will showcase its unique music, cultural performances, food, pageants, fashion, and other products and entertainment.  Visit www.asianfestivaldc.com for information about off-site parking at Reston Association, free shuttle service, and the schedule of events.

Authorized and Paid for by Kenneth R. Plum

Delegate Kenneth R. Plum | 2073 Cobblestone Lane | Reston | VA | 20191