General Assembly Update: Week 2
Introduction
Alas, the first full week of the 2012 Session is now in the books, and we are starting to make our way through the myriad house bills and resolutions that have been introduced for the sixty day “long” Session.
Most bills are still being debated in committees; however, there was significant progress on a number of important issues that I would like to bring to your attention in this week’s newsletter.
MWAA Vote
One of the bills I sponsored, House Bill 252, would increase Virginia’s representation on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) in accordance with federal law. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated on the House floor on a party line vote. The MWAA Board currently makes a number of important decisions regarding the $6 billion Dulles Metrorail expansion. It is critical that Virginia has full representation on the board.
The bill had an emergency clause due to the pressing need of granting Virginia increased representation. The addition of the emergency clause meant that four-fifths of the House had to approve the legislation in order for the bill to pass. Unfortunately, only three Democrats joined with sixty-seven Republicans and one Independent to vote for passage of the bill, and the bill failed to pass.
In response to the bill’s failure to pass, Governor McDonnell issued the following statement:
“This move deprives Virginia of its proper representation on the board while MWAA continues making important decisions regarding the management of the $6 billion Metrorail expansion in Northern Virginia. The intent of implementing this new legislation with an emergency clause was to bring MWAA into compliance with federal law as quickly as possible. Congress voted to reform the authority. The President signed the bill. Based on that bipartisan legislation, Virginia should have a greater number of seats on the board now. It is the responsibility of our legislature to implement those reforms as soon as practical. The delay caused by the actions of the House Democrats today will reduce Virginia’s rightful, and congressionally approved, influence on this vital board.”
However, we have another opportunity through House Bill 1245 to address the issue again. The bill will have another hearing before the House of Delegates in the coming days.
Update on Uranium Mining
It has been announced by Governor McDonnell that he will not seek legislation to lift the moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia until a comprehensive study of the issue is completed by a newly-created multi-agency state workgroup. Uranium mining has been a widely discussed topic over the past year, but more time is needed to ensure that the uranium can be mined safely.
Governor Unveils 2012 Public Safety Agenda
I understand the importance of keeping our families safe. A number of delegates are working with Governor McDonnell and fellow delegates on McDonnell’s 2012 Public Safety Agenda. Highlights of the Governor’s agenda include legislation to provide tough mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drug dealers, and life sentences for sex offenders who prey on children; further protect victims of crime; streamline procedures for Virginia’s asset forfeiture laws; and, strengthen the response to emergencies and ensure maximum protection for victims.
Links of Interest
Jan 20
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1095
Jan 19
Governor McDonnell’s statement on MWAA:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1094
Governor McDonnell’s Public Safety Agenda:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1093
Governor McDonnell’s statement on Uranium Mining:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1092
Jan 17
Governor Announces $1.2 million in farmland preservation grants:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1086
Jan 16
House Republican Caucus Jobs and Economic Development Press Release:
Visitors
This week I was visited by members of the Northern Virginia Tea Party, Shenandoah Valley Tea Party, Dr. Kirk Norbo, with the Virginia Dental Association, and his son, Dr. Justin Norbo, and Peter Holden with the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to mention a few.
Contact Me
As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency.
My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you as your delegate in the 33rd House district.
2012 General Assembly Session Convenes
2012 General Assembly Session Convenes
The 2012 General Assembly session convened yesterday, January 11, at noon. The session will run January 11 – March 10. As I begin my work as your legislator, I encourage you to stay in touch whether it is through e-mails, phone calls, letters, or a personal visit to the Capitol.
Your input will be important to me as we work on issues of interest to you. You can find the bills that I submitted at the following website. You may also track legislation on the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System. Or if you wish, you may call my office for assistance.
If you are in Richmond please stop by my office (Room 504) in the General Assembly Building near the Capitol
If you need to reach us during session, our Richmond number is (804) 698-1033 and our email address is DelJMay@house.virginia.gov.
It is an honor and privilege to represent you in the 33rd House District in Richmond and at home.
Loudoun Delegation Plans Pre-Session Town Hall Meeting, January 4
LOUDOUN DELEGATION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING PRIOR TO 2012 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION
The Loudoun Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, seeking citizen input prior to the 2012 General Assembly session. A sign-up sheet will be provided at 6:30 PM for those wishing to speak before the delegation.
WHAT: Loudoun County Delegation 2012 General Assembly Public Hearing
WHO: Delegates: Joe May, Tom Rust, Tag Greason, Jim LeMunyon, Barbara Comstock; Delegates Elect, Randy Minchew, David Ramadan
Senators: Mark Herring and Jill Holtzman-Vogel, Senators Elect, Barbara Favola, Dick Black
WHEN: Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Loudoun County Government Center, Board Room
