Cuccinelli Fights the Federal Government

Audio Version

President Obama has signed health care reform legislation into effect but Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is suing the federal government. Cuccinelli says the new bill is unconstitutional, and Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell is standing behind the attorney general. Cuccinelli commented last week.

“The federal law is unconstitutional because the government is forcing citizens to buy health insurance. Saying it has such authority because its power to regulate interstate commerce. But if a person decides not to buy health insurance, that person by definition is not engaging in commerce, Cuccinelli said. "If you are not engaging in commence how can the federal government regulate that? Just being alive is not interstate commerce, otherwise there are no limits to the commerce clause and the Congress’s authority to regulate what we do. There has never been a point in our history where our federal government requires us to buy goods or services. Such a requirement would represent an enormous erosion of liberty in this country."

Under the new bill, Virginians with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage. Small businesses will get tax credits to help provide health care and senior citizens will no longer fall into Medicare’s “donut hole,” a grey area involving out-of-pocket co-payments.

Many think that Cuccinelli’s actions are essentially his bid for the 2013 gubernatorial race. Cuccinelli had his suit ready to file Sunday night, waiting for Obama to sign it into law. Minutes after the President did so, Cuccinelli was ready with cameras set and media present to explain his action against the federal law.

This isn’t the first time Cuccinelli has sued a federal agency. In February, he sued the Environmental Protection Agency in regards to manmade global warming, claiming that it does not exist. Some say an expensive legal action in Virginia’s current fiscal straits is a misdirection of resources.

David Mills, Executive Director for the Democratic Party of Virginia says the effect of what Cuccinelli is doing is putting himself between the benefits of the health care reform and the tens of thousands of Virginians that could benefit from it.

"The attorney general’s office could really be making a massive difference for Virginians. But, instead of focusing, he’s decided to file these lawsuits. I can’t for the life of me figure out what makes him think these things are more important," Mills said. "The whole thing is just an example of misplaced priorities. And an example what happens when an individual uses their office as a piggy bank for their political agenda."

Mills says that the Democratic Party of Virginia filed a Freedom of Information Act request on the attorney general’s office last week to see how much tax dollars are being spent.

"It’s very possible it will be thrown out for not having any standing and being a massive waste of resources, the public’s time, and tax payers dollars. In a down budget time it’s not what we need from people’s attorney," Mills said.

13 other state attorneys general have filed a similar suits; all but one are Republicans.

Timothy Jost, a law professor at Washington and Lee University says that in order to have the suit succeed individuals need to get involved.

"The state doesn’t have standing to do this. Under Article 3 of the Constitution you have to show some kind of injury to bring a lawsuit. Number one it’s not in effect yet, and two it doesn’t affect the states, I can’t imagine how they are going to show standing," said Jost.

-Laura Peters

Global Warming Article

Published:

Emporia News

Gaineville-Times

Democrats Blast Cuccinelli Over Global Warming

By Xanthe Waters and Laura Peters

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – A roomful of Democratic legislators voiced outrage over Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s legal actions challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s findings on global warming.

More than 15 Democratic senators and delegates gathered last week at the Capitol to urge Cuccinelli to withdraw his petition seeking to block the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gases from cars, factories and power plants pose a threat to humans.

“It’s Ken Cuccinelli vs. 2,000 of the world’s leading scientists,” said Delegate Albert Pollard, D-Lively. “He’s taking a knife to an intellectual gunfight, and he’s wasting taxpayers’ dollars.”

Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, said Cuccinelli’s lawsuit against the EPA is “misguided and a big waste of money.” He estimated it would cost the state between $250,000 and $500,000.

“That’s maybe 10 teachers or 10 policemen for a year. That’s hundreds of school breakfasts for schoolchildren. That’s money to go toward transportation, snow removal or even fixing potholes,” McEachin said.

“There are plenty of other good uses for that money rather than going on a frivolous jaunt of legal precedence.”

Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, studied the causes and effects of global warming as a member of Virginia’s Climate Change Commission, which was appointed in 2007 by then-Gov. Tim Kaine.

“The science on climate change is clear,” Northam said. “If we do nothing to reduce carbon emissions, we will disadvantage ourselves on a number of fronts.”

The Democratic lawmakers said the environmental effects of climate change in recent years have been obvious and undeniable.

Pollard spoke out for the farmers in the 99^th House District, which includes much of Virginia’s Northern Neck. He said this year was the wettest year on record, preventing many farmers from getting their tractors in the field to plow.

“My message to the attorney general is very simple,” Pollard said. “There are plenty of reasons to be upset about federal overreach, but their efforts to fight pollution should not be one of them.”

Sen. Patricia Ticer, D-Alexandria, is concerned about flooding along the coast because of global warming. She said several insurance companies have stopped writing new policies for homeowners in Virginia’s 19 coastal communities because of weather-related risks.

“It’s hard to believe our ears when we heard that there was enough money to go into a lawsuit on this issue, when we don’t have enough money to do education, health care and mental health,” Ticer said.

Cuccinelli was elected as attorney general last fall. Delegate Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, said she knew from one of the first campaign debates that Cuccinelli did not believe in global warming.

“You don’t have to be a scientist to see that the polar ice caps are melting,” McClellan said. “Even though we’ve had four blizzards in the past couple of months, [that] doesn’t mean that the average temperature of the Earth is not increasing.”

Cuccinelli has called the EPA’s data “unreliable, unverifiable and doctored.”

“It’s political science, not real science,” he said last month in announcing that he was challenging the agency’s attempts to crack down on the emission of greenhouse gases.

Cuccinelli said he fears that the EPA’s finding would hurt jobs and the economy in Virginia.

March's City Hall Calendar

March 1-5

March 8-12

March 15-19

March 22-26

The Arc of Virginia Rally

Published:

Delmarvanow

Fund Community Services, Arc of Virginia Urges

By Laura Peters
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Virginia should help people with developmental disabilities live in the community – instead of housing them in state institutions.

That was the message that the Arc of Virginia, an advocacy group for developmentally disabled people, sent last week to state officials. More than 100 people attended the group’s rally at the Capitol, warning against proposed state budget cuts for community-based services.

“We’re dealing with significant reductions. There are reductions of support services,” Howard Cullum, president of Arc of Virginia, told the people who gathered around the Bell Tower at Capitol Square.

“This is not looking good. We recognize there are significant money problems, and we accept that, but we don’t like it. We recognize the difficult task the governor and the General Assembly have.”

Attendees at Monday’s rally held signs and pictures of people who would be affected by the budget cuts. The Arc of Virginia is pushing for programs that serve developmentally disabled people in the community instead of putting them in state institutions.
Virginia’s proposed budget would cut state funding for community-based services by more than $270 million.

“The problem is, we’re about to go backwards. We’re about to continue a policy that says people with significant disabilities need to be removed from society,” Cullum said. “We don’t believe that’s the way to go.”

Catherine Olson showed people at the rally the cost difference between state institutions and community services: The average annual cost of operating a Virginia institution is $194,000 per person – but for a community-based service, it is $95,000 per person.

Community-based services are not only cheaper to operate but also cheaper to build, Olson said. It costs $23 million to construct a 70-bed institution but just $8.4 million for a 90-bed community-based service.

“Why in God’s earthly name are they giving money to the people in the institutions when we need it more?” Olson said.

The rally participants marched through Capitol Square to the Civil Rights Memorial and then on to the General Assembly Building. There, they filed onto every floor to hold a vigil for more than 7,300 Virginians who are on waiting lists for services and others who are institutionalized. They stood for 47 minutes for the $47 million needed to rebuild and renovate state institutions.

Linda Trippet of McLean traveled to Richmond on behalf of her daughter, who is 26 years old and living with her. Trippet also cares for her elderly mother, who has Alzheimer’s.
“I’m here to show support,” Trippet said. “It doesn’t make sense to choose an institution. There is a solution.”

###

Information for text box

About the Arc of Virginia

The Arc of Virginia’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization speaks out on issues that affect not only people with disabilities but also their families.

The Arc has six core values: people first; democracy; visionary leadership; community
participation; diversity; and integrity and excellence.

“The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect,” the group’s Web site says.

For more about the organization, visit the Arc’s:

Web site, http://thearcofva.org/

Twitter feed, http://twitter.com/TheArcofVA

Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheArcofVA

Petersen's Conservation Bill

The following article is about Chap Petersen's, D-Fairfax, Green Public Buildings Act.

Commonwealth Times

Gainesville Times

Local Kicks

Emporia News

Updated Version

Gainesville Times

The Arc of Virginia

Audio Version

This week on Richmond Independent Radio News, community organization rallies Monday.

Many people associate February with civil rights. It is, after all, Black History Month and a time to reflect on African Americans’ struggle for equality. But another group also celebrates its progress during February. Fifty-five years ago – on February 15th 19-55 -- families of people with developmental disabilities formed the organization called The Arc of Virginia to create a voice in Virginia’s capital. … This created a movement that brought the community together in recognizing Virginians with developmental disabilities. Monday, to continue their movement, The Arc of Virginia is having a March for Rights at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square. Continuing on, the rally will march to the Virginia General Assembly building. There they will hold a vigil for the 6,000 Virginians who are still waiting for community-based services. They will fill every floor of the building and stand in protest of the $47 million being spent on the rebuilding and renovations of segregated state institutions. Each of the nine floors are for specific regions of Virginia, the first floor designated for Richmond. At 1 p.m. the group will meet with their legislators to voice their concerns about what should be done for the intellectual and developmental disabled people of Virginia.

Jamie Liban, executive director of The Arc of Virginia urges people to come out.

Arc’s main 2010 Legislative goal is to restore major cuts that have been imposed and oppose new building of institutions.

The Arc of Virginia is an advocacy group with the mission to advocate the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization speaks out on issues that not only affect the people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities but, their families as well. They seek to help people with disabilities, and urge others to become a part of the movement. They have six core values starting with people first, then creating involvement through democracy. With their leadership they create community participation, and have diversity among their members and conduct their business with integrity and excellence.

The rally starts at 10am at the intersection of 9th and Franklin Streets. To keep up with The Arc of Virginia you can visit their website at TheArcofVA.org or catch them on twitter or facebook at twitter.com/TheArcofVA or facebook.com/TheArcOfVA. You can also sign up for Action Alerts that tell you about budget issues and legislation that may affect you by going to http://capwiz.com/arcofva/mlm/signup.

-Laura Peters

Smoking Ban Follow-Up

Smoking Ban first segment

smoking ban follow up

Places it's been published

delmarvanow.com

wpcva.com

Martinsville Bulletin

Tobacco.org

The Whipple Report for Feb. 11, 2009

Smoke-Free May Be Working for Richmond

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – A lot of Virginia’s restaurant and bar owners feared their business would go up in smoke when the state’s smoking ban took effect in Virginia. They thought they’d lose customers who enjoy a cigarette with their drink or meal. But two months later, many eating and drinking establishments seem pleasantly surprised: They say the smoking ban hasn’t had much effect.

Poe’s Pub owner Mike Britt says his business hasn’t been that much affected by the ban in the two months it’s been enforced. He also said when speaking to some law enforcement officials, not one he spoke to has written a ticket for violators.

“There’s nobody to go out and enforce it. It’s basically under the health department. When they come in they’re supposed to tell the owner that they are under violation,” Britt says. “But, they can’t do anything about it. They have to go back to their office and call the police. If the police show up, which I don’t think they are, unless they’re calling 911. Who’s going to call 911 for a cigarette?”

According to James Mercante, part of the Richmond Police Department Public Affairs, the department is working with the Attorney General’s office to develop an enforcement plan.

The Attorney General’s office said they don’t go out and enforce the law; that’s up to the local law officials and the health department.

Chuck James, the Chief Deputy to the Attorney General said there are two ways in enforcing the Smoking Ban. One way, is to fine an individual for no more than $25 if they have violated the ban and refused to refrain from smoking. The second way, James says, is if a proprietor of a restaurant doesn’t comply with the ban, they are noted with the Virginia Department of Health.

Gary Hagy, head of the Food and Environmental Services for the Virginia Department of Health, says his department is in charge of the restaurant inspections that also look for violations of the ban. To comply with the ban, there needs to be either separate rooms or separate ventilation for the smoking rooms and a separate entrance. Restaurants also need to post no smoking signs and remove ash trays.

“The law limits the enforcement quite a bit,” Hagy says. “During regular inspections, we will also evaluate the restaurants compliance with the Clean Air Act.”

The limit that the health department faces is that they cannot issue any fines for violators.

“If we see something, we’ll discuss it with the owner, and try educate them on the requirements of the law, and try to obtain compliance,” Hagy says. “If they don’t comply, then we refer it to the local law enforcement. The code gives the authority for any law enforcement to issue a summons for the violator.”

To James’ knowledge, there hasn’t been any big flag as to smoking ban violators, and most restaurants have been taking it upon themselves to make their restaurant non-smoking.

“A lot of restaurants went smokeless on their own accord without having this legislation being passed,” James says.

Over 4,000 restaurants have been inspected in the commonwealth, according to Hagy, and 95 percent have all complied with the ban. In the past year, the number of smoke-free restaurants has increased from 66 percent to 85 percent.

Poe’s Pub has been smoke-free in their dining room two years prior to the ban being enacted. Britt even enjoys not having smoking in his restaurant.

“I think it’s nice for people to walk in the front door and not have smoke in their face,” Britt says.

The smoking ban was put into effect December 1^st, 2009 after being passed in the Virginia General Assembly under House Bill 1703, the Indoor Clean Air Act. This bill states that smoking is not allowed in restaurants in Virginia, without certain measures, like separate rooms and ventilation. The bill was signed by Governor Tim Kaine in March 2009. As of January 22, 2010, the House introduced House Bill 1351, the Indoor Clean Air Act, which would prohibit smoking in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth. This bill is awaiting vote in the General Laws Committee. To follow up on this bill, or any other bill in the General Assembly you can go to richmondsunlight.com.

Rail Transit Story

Publish article

Virginia Looks Toward Rail, Transit

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Rail and other public transit services are keys to solving Virginia’s transportation problems, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee says.

“As Virginia becomes an increasingly urban and suburban state, rail and transit increase will become an important part of our transportation solution,” said Delegate Joe May, R-Leesburg. “It’s not a choice; it’s just the way it has to be.”

Virginia doesn’t have the money and other resources to build more roads. So, May said, “The far greater solution is going to have to be rail and transit, and you might as well get used to it.”

He made his comments last week at a House transportation subcommittee meeting attended by officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, addressed the subcommittee. She is a former House member from Norfolk.

Drake said public transportation reduces energy consumption and improves air quality.

But public transit faces a funding crisis, she said. “Revenues are declining, as needs continue to increase.”

Virginia has applied for funding under the federal economic stimulus program to extend a high-speed rail line from Washington, D.C., to Richmond. Only time will tell whether the state will get the money, Drake said.

She said the federal stimulus funds would not be used for operating the rail service.

Gregory Whirley Sr., acting commissioner of VDOT, told the subcommittee that his agency is being revamped.

For one thing, VDOT has been trimming its workforce, cutting 450 employees last April, 640 in July and about 680 in January. Also, the agency is focusing on road maintenance, not construction.

“Maintenance is to preserve the existing highway systems, not to increase capacity,” Whirley said.

He said VDOT is working hard to cut costs and redefine its mission.

“We have to keep our eye on the ball, in spite of all these changes,” Whirley said. “Our operations won’t be perfect, and our activities won’t be flawless. But I guarantee you we will get the job done. Hopefully, we will emerge from this a strong and more focused agency.”

City Hall Calendar for the month of February

Week of Feb 1st

Week of Feb 8th

Week of Feb 15th

Week of Feb 22nd

McDonnell Keeps Rest Stop Promise

Here is an article I wrote about McDonnell's plan to reopen the rest stops that were closed last year.

Article

Gov. McDonnell vows to veto tax hike

Here is an article I wrote for Capital News Service about Governor McDonnell's State of the Commonwealth address. It was published on RichmondBizSense.com

Article

Higher Education Advocacy Day

Published in the Virginia Gazette

University Professors Get Lobbying Lesson

By Laura Peters
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Faculty members from colleges and universities across Virginia converged Thursday on the Capitol to urge legislators to support higher education.

During Higher Education Advocacy Day, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University, about a dozen of professors visited with lawmakers and urged them to protect higher ed from more state budget cuts.

“A large issue for us is funding in the state,” said Ernie Ackermann, a computer science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “Over the past few years, the state funding for higher education has decrease, I think, 24 percent.”

Ackermann said Virginia ranks poorly among the states in higher education funding.

“In the Southern region, we’re dead last,” he said. “We want to see if we can stop that trend.”
The day’s events began with a meeting that included officials from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, which oversees public colleges and universities.

For VCU, key points in legislation this session include funding, financial aid, compensation for faculty and staff. According to the VCU’s Office of Government Relations, SCHEV adopted a resolution marking student financial aid as a top priority for the 2010-2012 budget and are trying to get an increase of $19.9 million for the 2011 year.

Also, according to the website, nearly 70 percent of VCU students use financial assistance in some way.

Brian Turner, a member of the American Association of University Professors, helped prepare the faculty members to meet one-on-one with legislators.

“It is important for the members of the General Assembly to know who we are,” said Turner, a political science professor at Randolph Macon College. “We are not just part of SCHEV; we are individuals.”

Kirsten Nelson, the communication and government relations director for SCHEV, said visiting each legislator’s office is like going trick-or-treating.

“Talk about your successful students,” Nelson said. “Talk about how you’re contributing to Virginia.”

Raymond Jirran has been retired for 12 years from Thomas Nelson Community College has been attending the Higher Education Advocacy Day for eight years. His primary focus this legislative session is the budget.

“They won’t be able to pay our retirement, so that’s my alarm,” Jirran said.

Jirran said he planned to speak with Sens. R. Edward Houck of Spotsylvania and John Miller of Newport News and Delegate Watkins Abbitt of Appomattox. Jirran also shares a close relationship with Delegate Tom Gear of Hampton.

“My closest relationship is to Delegate Gear. He’s part of my Lion’s Club; his chief of staff is a former student of mine,” Jirran said.

Jirran said it’s important that faculty members understand what is happening at the Capitol.

“The real thing that’s happening here,” he said, “is the faculty themselves is grasping what’s going on.”

Dan LaVista, the Executive Director of SCHEV, said the overall budget for education is $85 million for the year. Within that, only $4 million goes to scholarships and financial aid, according to LaVista. The day before Higher Education Advocacy Day, the General Assembly convened for a two-month session to write a state budget. Lawmakers must find $4 billion to balance the budget.

Selected General Assembly Pre-filed Bills Discussed at Meeting

Faculty Related

HB 32: Possession of concealed handguns by faculty members at state institutions of higher education-Allows full-time faculty members of state institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.

Student-Related

HB 146: Child support-Provides that child support may be ordered for a child attending an institution of higher learning until the child obtains an undergraduate degree or reaches the age of 23.

Capital Projects

HB 41, SB 15: Bonds-Authorizes the Treasury Board to issue bonds in an amount up to $206,870,000 plus financing costs to finance revenue-producing capital projects at institutions of higher education.

Sustainability

SB 109: Green Public Buildings Act-Requires executive branch agencies and institutions entering the design phase for construction of a new building with certain requirements to conform to the LEED Silver or Green Globes two globe standard.

Revenue-related

SB 166: Community College Scholarship Match Program-Establishes the Community College Scholarship Match Program to provide matching funds to community college foundations and the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

Bob McDonnell Inauguration

Audio Version

This week on Richmond Independent Radio News, Virginia Officially Turns Red with McDonnell.

Saturday marked the inauguration of the 71^st Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell. With performances by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, the 29^th Division Band, and the Hampton University Choir, the inauguration kicked off at noon Saturday. McDonnell’s speech was filled with inspiration, history, and what is still left to overcome in the great state of Virginia.

Governor Tim Kaine, a Democrat, relinquished his title as governor before the Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, along with Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli, and Lieutenant Governor-elect Bill Bolling all took the Oath of Office. Now, all three statewide elected officials are Republican.

The ceremony included the National Anthem sung by McDonnell’s daughter Jeanine, a performance of America the Beautiful by Millie Harris, and the 29^th Division Band. After the swearing in ceremonies, the Virginia Army National Guard did a 19 gun salute, followed by a fighter jet fly over the Capitol.

With his wife by his side, clutching her hand tightly,McDonnell focused his inauguration theme, “A Commonwealth of Opportunity”.

“As Virginians, we believe that government must help foster a society in which all our people can use their God-given talents in liberty to pursue the American Dream. Our Administration will be dedicated to building "A Commonwealth of Opportunity" for all Virginians.”

McDonnell’s address focused on improving the economy, creating jobs and making Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast.

“We will make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast." By growing the natural gas and coal industries, expanding the use of nuclear power, and promoting new energy technologies like wind, solar and biomass. And we will champion environmentally-safe offshore energy exploration and production, bringing with it thousands of new jobs, hundreds of millions in new state revenue and billions in new investment.”

Scott Clemens of Stafford, who works for the United States Department of Energy, came to the inauguration to see his daughter march in the parade. Clemens said he especially connected with McDonnell’s words about energy.

“Being with the department I was really impressed with his look towards energy confidence of the future,” said Clemens. “Potential expanding our nuclear power generation and especially our coal and coal mining of the state.”

Many people who attended of the inauguration felt they were experiencing a piece of history. Celeste Inglehart of Northern Virginia found the event inspiring.

“The people…how well they responded,” said Inglehart. “The whole build up of the new governor, it was so special, it was so wonderful.”

Carly Tate of Mechanicsville, who is only 13 came out to the inauguration to be a part of history.

“It’s like making history, so I’d like to be there for it,” said Tate.

For the future of Virginia, like Tate, McDonnell’s discussion of education in Saturday’s speech might end up directly affecting them. He focused on funding and making room for more money in the classroom.

“And let us recognize that a high school degree is no longer the finish line in a global economy. We must create affordable new pathways to earning a college degree and make a commitment to confer 100,000 additional degrees over the next 15 years.”

McDonnell’s inaugural address was followed by a parade of 47 different organizations. They ranged from Girl Scouts to the Virginia Military Institutes Cadets (nat sounds parade), along with re-enactors of George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.

Marching bands marched from all of the state from different high schools and universities, making it a grand affair.

As the parade ended, people gathered around the podium where McDonnell stood to shake hands and answer questions, leaving a sense of hope for Virginians.

“It was George Washington who noted, in his first Inaugural Address, "The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected to remain on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems. It is right to provide opportunities for all.”

-Laura Peters

Legislative Agenda Presented by Area Officials

Audio Version

Legislative Agenda Presented by Area Officials

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

Focusing on growth, transportation, and public safety mixed with greetings of old friends, salutations, and acknowledgements marked the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission Legislative Meeting. The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 6^th breakfast provided, with the invitation extended to 22 Senators and Delegates, the office of the Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, county supervisors from seven counties, city council and mayor of Richmond and Ashland and the greater Richmond Chamber business leaders.

The agenda included the discussion of high speed rail, environment, growth, public safety and governing locally along with the future of the Virginia General Assembly in 2010.

Delegate Jennifer McClellan thinks that the big issue that will go through the assembly this year is the budget.

“The big issue is closing the gap of the budget,” said McClellan. “Citizens of Virginia have come to expect a certain service for the state with the current economy, but we need to find a way to do it."

The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission is made up of 33 members who represent the Virginians in the City of Richmond and its surrounding areas. The commission meets monthly to discuss and deliberate regional issues.

Looking over the new agenda for the 2010 Virginia General Assembly the biggest issue that came about was the introduction of the high speed rail. Dan Trout of New Kent talked about an $8 billion federal fund that Virginia has applied for that help with funding the high speed rail.

“Right now the only high speed rail line is the Northeast Corridor which goes from Washington to Boston, the next step is to go from Washington to Richmond,” said Trout. “That will make Richmond a transportation hub, and help business in this area and tourism.”

“We’ve applied for the federal funding and I think the bulk of that will come from that,” said McClellan. “There is a state fund that provides matching funds for private sources and if we can have the federal funds qualify for the matching that will help as well. That’s an existing fund, so there wouldn’t be any new taxes for that.”

Supervisor Joe Walton of Powhatan, thinks that filling vacancies in local government and funding mandates are of big priority for the 2010 agenda. Since last year Powhatan lost a supervisor and the process of obtaining another was difficult.

“We would like to see the general assembly provide some sort of alternative means to have a special election or election for that vacated spot,” said Walton.

John Gordon, the Co-Chair of the Capital Region Collaborative, works directly with the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission. With the collaboration he thinks that this will improve the quality of life for the citizen of Richmond and the surrounding areas.

“We strive with age, government, the business community with a process of identifying, prioritizing, and implementing actions that will enhance the quality of life in the Richmond region,” said Gordon. “I get excited when I start to talk about the collaborative because I believe that this generation that is in this room’s opportunity to make a difference in the Richmond region and move it forward aggressively toward a great future.”

Other things on the agenda for the 2010 session according to Delegate McClellan include domestic violence bills, health care bill, and the city charter. Overall, the legislative meeting created a bond between the returning delegates, senators and other city officials and laid out the agenda for the upcoming session in 2010, over eggs and coffee.

Headlines

Headlines Week of December 20th

Richmond based grocer, Ukrop's, was purchased for $140 million on December 17^th by the Dutch firm Royal Ahold, according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch. A division of that company, Giant-Carlisle, will gain control of the Ukrop's supermarket chain. The company's sources say that the sale of alcohol and Sunday hours could very well be in the future.

Governor-elect, Bob McDonnell stated December 16th that his budget plan may affect state employee's jobs, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. As revenues of the state continue to decrease, cuts will have to continue to be made according to McDonnell.

Record breaking snowfall hit Central Virginia Friday night dumping 17 inches of snow. State police assisted at least 6,100 vehicles who had crashed or were disabled since snow began on Friday. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch four died in weather related deaths on Virginia roads. On Saturday, 100 flights were cancelled, according to flyrichmond.com. But, Sunday, things were back on track with 30 cancellations.

No snowfall is forecasted for the week but the highs are in the mid-30s to low-40s. Rain is expected on Thursday, December 24^th.

December 18^th marks the conviction of Antonio Lamont “Tony” Allison for sexual battery and object sexual penetration of a jogger on Belle Isle on July 9, 2008 according to the December 19^th Richmond Times-Dispatch Article. The jury recommended 40 years in prison, 15 more years than the minimum. Allison’s sentence hearing will take place on February 24^th. The victim and her family are satisfied with recommendation and conviction.

Don’t head to Carytown to see the ball drop this New Years. According to Style Weekly, the Carytown Merchants Association lost $54,000 with the event last year. Since October 20^th Mayor Dwight C. Jones was in talks with the Carytown Merchants Association to get the event back. But last stitch efforts proved unfruitful. The city hasn’t agreed to help foot the bill for a similar event, but is considering relocating.

Three local rappers busted on coke charges on December 9^th. The rap group “Get Money Green Brothers” have been sentenced in Federal Court for distributing more than 110 pounds of cocaine. Christopher “Big Get It” Woolridge, Natasha “P Get It” Payne, and Terry “Little Get It” Battle used their proceeds from their drug trafficking ring to continue their music ventures. They were also found guilty of dangerous weapons. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, three local police departments, the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Project Winterfood

Project Winterfood

Apples, spinach, and sweet potatoes. That was the theme for the first year of Project Winterfood. A group of VCU Graphic Design students set up this event to create a service for the community, by providing a local food resource, and with this event having an art exhibition, and funraising opportunities and live music on Wednesday, December 2^nd.

Project Winterfood partnered up with local organizations, including the Farm to Family Veggie Bus, Dominion Harvest, Savor Café, Ipanema, Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, Ukrops, and Ellwood Thompson’s. Project Winterfood’s mission is to provide an outlet for the people of Richmond to experience the food culture by making the most of all the local food options assessable to Richmond.

They wish to introduce different options for seasonal winter local produce by creating a unique experience. With their different art events, live music, tasting booths, and coffee and tea provided by Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, Project Winterfood, brought the community together, with fun, food, and art.

Noah Scalin, the teacher of the Design Rebels class at VCU has been teaching the class since 2002. With his class he provides an outlet for all design students to take a glimpse into what he does for a living and describes it as social conscious design.

His class is designed to get his students out of the classroom and work with the community using their design skills to create something practical in the real world.

“What I’m interested in is for them to learn some practical skills and then applying them to community projects and understanding how they can have a positive affect with their art,” said Scalin.

Mim Scalin, a former teacher at VCU, who now produces art, loves the idea of promoting local food. She also said that it’s interesting to see how students are promoting local activity that saw little to no recognition years ago.

“I love the idea of promoting food, I think this is great!” said Mim Scalin. “And winter food, most people think you can’t get food in the winter.”

The concept of Project Winterfood was the brainchild of Christina Gleixner, a senior graphic design student at VCU. She enrolled in Noah Scalin’s Design Rebels class, and the entire class voted on her idea. The problem with the winter months is that most people don’t know what types of local produce can be found, and that was one of the main goals that Gleixner had with her project.

“The project ended up being this Project Winterfood and it came out of something I felt very passionate about and drawn to,” said Gleixner. “Supporting the local economy, supporting endangered family farms, and strengthening the food culture in Richmond.”

Johnny Utterback, a senior graphic design student at VCU is also enrolled in Scalin’s Design Rebel’s class. He says the Project Winterfood is designed to promote local food and show all the benefits that it brings to the community.

“It is important for people to buy locally grown food because it helps support the local economy and farmers,” said Utterback. “It definitely keeps the money in the same areas. It leaves no room for questioning where does my food come from, not many people question that today.”

Although the actual event occurred last week, the art exhibit that was held can be seen still at Gallery 5 from December 4^th- 31^st. All funds that are raised from Project Winterfood will benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank and Gallery 5.

-Laura Peters