Monday, January 26, is "School Choice Day" as Delegate Chris Saxman invites public, private, and home school groups to meet at the Capitol to support school choice.
HB 1965 (Saxman, R-Staunton) allows tax credits for businesses or individuals who contribute to non-profit education foundations. Scholarship foundations may distribute funds to qualified public, private, or homeschooled students.
HB 1965 will be heard in the full Finance Committee on Monday morning, January 26. Finance meets Monday at 8:30 a.m. in House Room D; however, we anticipate the bill will be heard later on the docket to give parents more time to arrive at the hearing.
Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) ... watching out for Virginia home schooling families since 1983.
Notes from the General Assembly
By Del. Chris Saxman
R-20th House District
A quick greeting from Richmond!
Session is rolling along here, and there is lots of news to report. First, I am very pleased to announce that my budget amendment to defer textbook purchases for a year in order to save the Commonwealth $79 million is gaining broad, bi-partisan support. 16 Democrats in the House have already signed onto the amendment, including members of the House Democratic Caucus leadership. You can view the press release below.
As I mentioned in my last email, my 2009 Legislative Survey is now up on my website, and I hope you will take a moment to let me know your thoughts on some of the issues before us this session.
With the fast moving pace of the session, I am using various technologies to share news and information from session. I invite you to sign up to be my friend on Facebook or follow me on Twitter at saxman8091 to keep up to date on the latest.
Finally, I wanted to wish a very happy 48th Anniversary to my parents! 48 years ago today they were married in a blizzard in Boston, and my sisters and I are so grateful that they did.
As always, please feel free to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
R-20th House District
A quick greeting from Richmond!
Session is rolling along here, and there is lots of news to report. First, I am very pleased to announce that my budget amendment to defer textbook purchases for a year in order to save the Commonwealth $79 million is gaining broad, bi-partisan support. 16 Democrats in the House have already signed onto the amendment, including members of the House Democratic Caucus leadership. You can view the press release below.
As I mentioned in my last email, my 2009 Legislative Survey is now up on my website, and I hope you will take a moment to let me know your thoughts on some of the issues before us this session.
With the fast moving pace of the session, I am using various technologies to share news and information from session. I invite you to sign up to be my friend on Facebook or follow me on Twitter at saxman8091 to keep up to date on the latest.
Finally, I wanted to wish a very happy 48th Anniversary to my parents! 48 years ago today they were married in a blizzard in Boston, and my sisters and I are so grateful that they did.
As always, please feel free to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
JR Dieckmann: "Letter of resignation to RNC: I quit!"
H/T Spark It Up!!
Letter Of Resignation To The RNC; I Quit!
by JR Dieckmann
After wrestling with this decision for two years now, I have resigned from the Republican party. The party no longer represents my values and I see no hope for real change in the foreseeable future.
The following letter is being sent to the Republican National Committee along with the California Republican Party by U.S. Mail. If you feel the same way, you are welcome to use this letter, or portions of it, for your own letter of resignation if you wish. Then contact your state Secretary of State’s office to change your voter registration.
To:
Mike Duncan, Chairman
Republican National Committee
310 First Street
Washington, D. C. 20003
To:
California Republican Party
1201 K. Street #740
Sacramento, CA 95814
They tell us that January 20, 2009, will be an historic occasion in American history. I agree, but not for the reasons they give. It will be the first time in history that a majority of American voters have not only elected a black man to POTUS, but also elected an unqualified, no résumé, unaccomplished, radical left, and likely illegal alien, without ever demanding personal history, educational records, health records, military records, or proof of citizenship from this man. He is an absolute zero on qualifications for POTUS.
We expect this from Democrats, but we also expect that the Republican Party would have made an issue of these shortcomings and the lack of qualifications of Barack Hussein Obama. We expected that the Republican party would have made an effort to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to see that our laws are followed. The Republican party shares the responsibility for this abomination in their negligence and refusal to stand up and fight for our Constitution and conservative values.
You and your Democrat-Lite candidate, John McCain, did neither and allowed this illegitimate candidate to usurp the office of the president. McCain’s campaign was pitiful and failed to bring up even the most basic issues of the Obama candidacy. Issues not only of his citizenship, but his dark associations with radicals (other than Bill Ayres, which was a non starter), his empathy with Islamics, his complete lack of understanding of the Constitution, the free marketplace, American history other than black separatist history, and the principles of freedom and liberty on which our country was founded.
You have not only betrayed all Republicans who have supported you over the years, but betrayed our country and - along with the Supreme Court - have allowed this trashing of our Constitution to continue with unconstitutional spending of taxpayers’ money, and by not demanding a genuine birth certificate from Barack Hussein Obama. I wish the best for Obama, but only if he resigns from this masquerade and chooses another line of work. I can never call him president unless he can prove that he is an American citizen and was born in America.
Not only have you failed to insist that Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution be respected and followed, you offered us, as the only alternative to Obama, John McCain who had virtually no chance of ever winning the support of conservative Republicans. Make no mistake, it was the RNC that forced his candidacy upon us.
You may say “but the voters selected him from the primary candidates.” In fact, he won the nomination only by default. Your obscene voting rules allowing for crossover primary voting by Democrats in many states, early voting in liberal states, and your “big tent” policy of encouraging liberals and moderates into the Republican party who do not share conservative values, simply to grow the party regardless of political ideology, is the reason for McCain’s win in primary voting. He was never the choice of conservative voters or a majority of the party. He was what was left after liberal Republicans refused to support conservative candidates. Your “big tent” is now filled with Democrats.
The Republican party used to be the conservative party and stood for something. Now your lust for increasing party membership and political power has left you with neither. You have abandoned Republican conservatives and conservative principles and have abandoned your voter base in an attempt to grow the party. You see party size and power as being more important than conservative American principles. I find this extremely repulsive and disappointing. When you try to represent everyone, you represent no one and stand for nothing. You have sacrificed quality for quantity and now you don’t even know who you are anymore.
You stand by and do nothing while Democrats lie and commit federal crimes, while throwing your own out in the street for lesser offenses. Why was George Allen forced out? For daring to call a liberal agitator “macaca” (monkey)? Why have Republicans caved to the liberal agenda of political correctness and the global warming fraud? America used to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. You have simply allowed this America to be trashed by your liberal counterparts with little or no resistance.
You have no backbone to stand up for what is right and decent. In Congress, you give and give and Democrats take and take, then stab you in the back when they gain majority power. You should have learned years ago that congressional Democrats are not your friends, they are your opponents and must be treated as such, just as they treat you. There can be no compromise between the two opposing forces of liberalism and conservatism; of socialism and capitalism. You have lost sight of what it means to be Republican. You have allowed the socialists to take over the country without a fight.
I hold you equally responsible along with the liberal media for the results of this 2008 election and the carnage that is sure to follow. The Republican party is devoid of credible leadership and conservative principles. Much of the blame belongs to George W. Bush for his lack of conservative fiscal, small government, and domestic policies. His first four years were spectacular, especially on the foreign policy and national defense issues. Then after reelection, he became a Democrat-lite, along with the entire Republican led congress, which seemed to have adopted the Democrat agenda.
You complain that you couldn’t get your message out. What message? You no longer stand for anything since abandoning conservative ideology. You don’t see Democrats abandoning liberal ideology - do you? They keep moving further and further to the left and you feel, for some reason, that you must do the same. Big mistake. That is where you have gone wrong, and that is where you and I must part company.
You have allowed liberals to pull the entire country into a socialist cesspool of immorality, atheism, socialist indoctrination masquerading as education, welfare handouts, infanticide, environmental extremism, government dependence, and lack of personal responsibility. These are the very opposites of the American foundation. We expected the Republican party to defend the American experiment, not hand it over to the communists.
How stupid must you be not to see that you are losing the right in your move to the left? That is why you have lost the past two elections to Democrats. If voters want to vote for Democrats, they will vote for the real thing, not Democrat-lites. Instead of contrasting with the Democrat party, you have tried to blend in with it. The Republican party has become a generic version of the Democrat party but without clear direction or leadership. You refuse to stand up for what’s right and have shown that you would rather switch than fight.
Republican Chairman Mike Duncan has an article at the Center For Republican Renewal entitled “A Path to Republican Renewal” that reads like an Obama speech - “hope and change” but little else. In it he states “I believe the GOP must find a way to relate more to the everyday concerns of families across the country, while at the same time staying true to our core conservative principles and beliefs.” In fact, if you would simply promote conservative American principles, you wouldn’t have to reach out to anyone. They would be reaching out to you. Show some pride in conservatism. That is how it should be, but you just don‘t get it, do you?
In other words, you want to reach out to the left and moderates to grow the party, rather than educate and promote the benefits and rewards of the conservative values that made this country great and strong. You can’t have it both ways. “While staying true to our core conservative principles and beliefs?” Since when? Do you, or the party leadership, even know what those principles are anymore? You abandoned them years ago as soon as you gained control of both Congress and the White House. Other than the mention of “conservative think tanks” this was the only mention of “conservative” in the entire article. I don’t think you even know what the word means anymore.
“Conservative” is not just a word you can throw out there to try to hold onto core Republicans, it is an ideology and a conviction that seems to have escaped you and the Republican “party leaders” - if you can call them that. You should have listened to George Allen, Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Fred Thompson, Rick Santorum, Mike Pence, Tom Colburn, Duncan Hunter, and others who have tried to get the conservative message out, instead of allowing them to be thrown under the bus.
It is for all of the reasons stated above that I feel the Republican party no longer represents my views and beliefs in the political arena. I hereby renounce my membership in the Republican Party and request that you remove my name, address, and email address from all mailing lists and voter rolls over which you may have control. I no longer want to see your promotions and solicitations in my mail.
I was ready to take this unfortunate step after the losses in 2006 but decided to give you one more chance to see if you would learn the lesson of 06 and come back to traditional conservative principles. I’m sorry to say that you failed the test and have rendered yourself an irrelevant political party because of it. You have shown that you no longer support me and my values, and therefore I can no longer support you as you continue your quest to attract moderate Democrats into your party.
I have reviewed the platforms of both the American Independent Party and the Libertarian Party, as well as the Constitution Party. I find all of them more in line with my views than the Republican Party of today, but none has convinced me to join due to one or more key issues that I disagree with, mainly that of foreign policy.
I have therefore reregistered with the California Secretary of State as an independent voter without party affiliation and will remain so until such time as a party emerges which represents conservative American values without going radically overboard to the detriment of the country; a party much like what the Republican party used to be 20 years ago.
If you really want to rebuild the Republican party, I would suggest to go to the Heritage Foundation and read what Reagan would do. That would be a good start. The course you have chosen now leads to nowhere and it‘s time to abandon ship.
Sincerely,
J.R. Dieckmann
Editor/Owner: GreatAmericanJournal.com
Letter Of Resignation To The RNC; I Quit!
by JR Dieckmann
After wrestling with this decision for two years now, I have resigned from the Republican party. The party no longer represents my values and I see no hope for real change in the foreseeable future.
The following letter is being sent to the Republican National Committee along with the California Republican Party by U.S. Mail. If you feel the same way, you are welcome to use this letter, or portions of it, for your own letter of resignation if you wish. Then contact your state Secretary of State’s office to change your voter registration.
To:
Mike Duncan, Chairman
Republican National Committee
310 First Street
Washington, D. C. 20003
To:
California Republican Party
1201 K. Street #740
Sacramento, CA 95814
They tell us that January 20, 2009, will be an historic occasion in American history. I agree, but not for the reasons they give. It will be the first time in history that a majority of American voters have not only elected a black man to POTUS, but also elected an unqualified, no résumé, unaccomplished, radical left, and likely illegal alien, without ever demanding personal history, educational records, health records, military records, or proof of citizenship from this man. He is an absolute zero on qualifications for POTUS.
We expect this from Democrats, but we also expect that the Republican Party would have made an issue of these shortcomings and the lack of qualifications of Barack Hussein Obama. We expected that the Republican party would have made an effort to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to see that our laws are followed. The Republican party shares the responsibility for this abomination in their negligence and refusal to stand up and fight for our Constitution and conservative values.
You and your Democrat-Lite candidate, John McCain, did neither and allowed this illegitimate candidate to usurp the office of the president. McCain’s campaign was pitiful and failed to bring up even the most basic issues of the Obama candidacy. Issues not only of his citizenship, but his dark associations with radicals (other than Bill Ayres, which was a non starter), his empathy with Islamics, his complete lack of understanding of the Constitution, the free marketplace, American history other than black separatist history, and the principles of freedom and liberty on which our country was founded.
You have not only betrayed all Republicans who have supported you over the years, but betrayed our country and - along with the Supreme Court - have allowed this trashing of our Constitution to continue with unconstitutional spending of taxpayers’ money, and by not demanding a genuine birth certificate from Barack Hussein Obama. I wish the best for Obama, but only if he resigns from this masquerade and chooses another line of work. I can never call him president unless he can prove that he is an American citizen and was born in America.
Not only have you failed to insist that Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution be respected and followed, you offered us, as the only alternative to Obama, John McCain who had virtually no chance of ever winning the support of conservative Republicans. Make no mistake, it was the RNC that forced his candidacy upon us.
You may say “but the voters selected him from the primary candidates.” In fact, he won the nomination only by default. Your obscene voting rules allowing for crossover primary voting by Democrats in many states, early voting in liberal states, and your “big tent” policy of encouraging liberals and moderates into the Republican party who do not share conservative values, simply to grow the party regardless of political ideology, is the reason for McCain’s win in primary voting. He was never the choice of conservative voters or a majority of the party. He was what was left after liberal Republicans refused to support conservative candidates. Your “big tent” is now filled with Democrats.
The Republican party used to be the conservative party and stood for something. Now your lust for increasing party membership and political power has left you with neither. You have abandoned Republican conservatives and conservative principles and have abandoned your voter base in an attempt to grow the party. You see party size and power as being more important than conservative American principles. I find this extremely repulsive and disappointing. When you try to represent everyone, you represent no one and stand for nothing. You have sacrificed quality for quantity and now you don’t even know who you are anymore.
You stand by and do nothing while Democrats lie and commit federal crimes, while throwing your own out in the street for lesser offenses. Why was George Allen forced out? For daring to call a liberal agitator “macaca” (monkey)? Why have Republicans caved to the liberal agenda of political correctness and the global warming fraud? America used to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. You have simply allowed this America to be trashed by your liberal counterparts with little or no resistance.
You have no backbone to stand up for what is right and decent. In Congress, you give and give and Democrats take and take, then stab you in the back when they gain majority power. You should have learned years ago that congressional Democrats are not your friends, they are your opponents and must be treated as such, just as they treat you. There can be no compromise between the two opposing forces of liberalism and conservatism; of socialism and capitalism. You have lost sight of what it means to be Republican. You have allowed the socialists to take over the country without a fight.
I hold you equally responsible along with the liberal media for the results of this 2008 election and the carnage that is sure to follow. The Republican party is devoid of credible leadership and conservative principles. Much of the blame belongs to George W. Bush for his lack of conservative fiscal, small government, and domestic policies. His first four years were spectacular, especially on the foreign policy and national defense issues. Then after reelection, he became a Democrat-lite, along with the entire Republican led congress, which seemed to have adopted the Democrat agenda.
You complain that you couldn’t get your message out. What message? You no longer stand for anything since abandoning conservative ideology. You don’t see Democrats abandoning liberal ideology - do you? They keep moving further and further to the left and you feel, for some reason, that you must do the same. Big mistake. That is where you have gone wrong, and that is where you and I must part company.
You have allowed liberals to pull the entire country into a socialist cesspool of immorality, atheism, socialist indoctrination masquerading as education, welfare handouts, infanticide, environmental extremism, government dependence, and lack of personal responsibility. These are the very opposites of the American foundation. We expected the Republican party to defend the American experiment, not hand it over to the communists.
How stupid must you be not to see that you are losing the right in your move to the left? That is why you have lost the past two elections to Democrats. If voters want to vote for Democrats, they will vote for the real thing, not Democrat-lites. Instead of contrasting with the Democrat party, you have tried to blend in with it. The Republican party has become a generic version of the Democrat party but without clear direction or leadership. You refuse to stand up for what’s right and have shown that you would rather switch than fight.
Republican Chairman Mike Duncan has an article at the Center For Republican Renewal entitled “A Path to Republican Renewal” that reads like an Obama speech - “hope and change” but little else. In it he states “I believe the GOP must find a way to relate more to the everyday concerns of families across the country, while at the same time staying true to our core conservative principles and beliefs.” In fact, if you would simply promote conservative American principles, you wouldn’t have to reach out to anyone. They would be reaching out to you. Show some pride in conservatism. That is how it should be, but you just don‘t get it, do you?
In other words, you want to reach out to the left and moderates to grow the party, rather than educate and promote the benefits and rewards of the conservative values that made this country great and strong. You can’t have it both ways. “While staying true to our core conservative principles and beliefs?” Since when? Do you, or the party leadership, even know what those principles are anymore? You abandoned them years ago as soon as you gained control of both Congress and the White House. Other than the mention of “conservative think tanks” this was the only mention of “conservative” in the entire article. I don’t think you even know what the word means anymore.
“Conservative” is not just a word you can throw out there to try to hold onto core Republicans, it is an ideology and a conviction that seems to have escaped you and the Republican “party leaders” - if you can call them that. You should have listened to George Allen, Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Fred Thompson, Rick Santorum, Mike Pence, Tom Colburn, Duncan Hunter, and others who have tried to get the conservative message out, instead of allowing them to be thrown under the bus.
It is for all of the reasons stated above that I feel the Republican party no longer represents my views and beliefs in the political arena. I hereby renounce my membership in the Republican Party and request that you remove my name, address, and email address from all mailing lists and voter rolls over which you may have control. I no longer want to see your promotions and solicitations in my mail.
I was ready to take this unfortunate step after the losses in 2006 but decided to give you one more chance to see if you would learn the lesson of 06 and come back to traditional conservative principles. I’m sorry to say that you failed the test and have rendered yourself an irrelevant political party because of it. You have shown that you no longer support me and my values, and therefore I can no longer support you as you continue your quest to attract moderate Democrats into your party.
I have reviewed the platforms of both the American Independent Party and the Libertarian Party, as well as the Constitution Party. I find all of them more in line with my views than the Republican Party of today, but none has convinced me to join due to one or more key issues that I disagree with, mainly that of foreign policy.
I have therefore reregistered with the California Secretary of State as an independent voter without party affiliation and will remain so until such time as a party emerges which represents conservative American values without going radically overboard to the detriment of the country; a party much like what the Republican party used to be 20 years ago.
If you really want to rebuild the Republican party, I would suggest to go to the Heritage Foundation and read what Reagan would do. That would be a good start. The course you have chosen now leads to nowhere and it‘s time to abandon ship.
Sincerely,
J.R. Dieckmann
Editor/Owner: GreatAmericanJournal.com
Staunton store window: "Thank You, President Bush"
Update: Vandalism? Poo left at Staunton store with tribute to President Bush
"Thank You, Mr. President"is seen in Zelma's front window as historic downtown Staunton buildings
are reflected in the background.
Zelma's ... Purveyors of Antiques, Vintage Clothing, Kitsch, and Fun!
Vintage vinyl records....
"Win the War," "Support President Bush and the Troops," and photos and newspaper articles adorn the window, recognizing the accomplishments of this President as he has kept America safe from terrorism after the 9/11 attacks.
When you're riding down Beverley Street, watch for the purple storefront and the window that says, "Thank You, Mr. President." And if you agree, honk the horn and let them know or, better still, pop in and tell her thanks.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
President George W. Bush says farewell to the Nation
President George W. Bush said farewell to the Nation Thursday night in his last speech to the American people.
Looking back over eight years ... a leader who will be missed.
Looking back over eight years ... a leader who will be missed.
Sen. Mark Obenshain's legislative update
By Sen. Mark Obenshain
One of the annual complaints about Virginia's budget is the inevitable effort by budget writers to "sneak" in policy changes that have nothing to do with money. This year is no different. Already, the Governor (a.k.a. the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee) slid "any reason absentee balloting." into his budget.
Absentee balloting is important, but it was designed to ensure that those who cannot reasonably make it to their local polling place may still exercise their right to vote. Now the Governor wants to change all that and allow anyone to vote by mail for any or no reason, a proposal rife with possibilities for voter fraud.
Earlier today, I filed a budget amendment to strip out that language, and to ensure that Virginia maintains its longstanding absentee balloting procedures. Once again, I have also introduced legislation to require that voters show some form of identification, another common sense measure to combat voter fraud and ensure that no legitimate ballot has its impact diluted. If the Governor wants to relax safeguards on the ballot box, he is free to take up that fight – and I will be there to oppose him. Sneaking it into the budget, however, reeks of the sort of politics Virginians deplore.
Don't forget to take my legislative survey!
One of the annual complaints about Virginia's budget is the inevitable effort by budget writers to "sneak" in policy changes that have nothing to do with money. This year is no different. Already, the Governor (a.k.a. the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee) slid "any reason absentee balloting." into his budget.
Absentee balloting is important, but it was designed to ensure that those who cannot reasonably make it to their local polling place may still exercise their right to vote. Now the Governor wants to change all that and allow anyone to vote by mail for any or no reason, a proposal rife with possibilities for voter fraud.
Earlier today, I filed a budget amendment to strip out that language, and to ensure that Virginia maintains its longstanding absentee balloting procedures. Once again, I have also introduced legislation to require that voters show some form of identification, another common sense measure to combat voter fraud and ensure that no legitimate ballot has its impact diluted. If the Governor wants to relax safeguards on the ballot box, he is free to take up that fight – and I will be there to oppose him. Sneaking it into the budget, however, reeks of the sort of politics Virginians deplore.
Don't forget to take my legislative survey!
Del. Chris Saxman's report from Richmond ... week 1
By Del. Chris Saxman
R - 20th House District
Greetings from Richmond, where the 2009 legislative session is now underway! Though session didn’t officially begin until noon on Wednesday, most of us have been here all week, busy with pre-session meetings, filing bills, and meeting with constituents.
This year we have our “short” session, which means we have all of 45 days to complete our work. With such a short amount of time to get everything done, we have hit the ground running!
My 2009 Legislative Survey is now up on my website, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to let me know your thoughts on some of the top issues we will be considering this session. Your feedback helps me to better serve our district, and our Commonwealth.
Right after the session began on Wednesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee took up one of my bills, HB1634, for consideration. This bill, which I first introduced 3 years ago, is a measure to further clarify fundraising rules for lawmakers during session. General Assembly members are already prohibited from raising money while we are in session; however, currently political parties can still hold large fundraisers with lobbyists, attended by legislators. I believe this is contrary to the spirit of the law. The intent of my bill is to ensure we draw a hard line between fundraising and legislating. Today, the full House debated this measure, and I am pleased to report that the measure passed by a vote of 78-14. The measure will now be considered by the Senate.
Another important issue for our 20th House District is the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. Governor Tim Kaine has proposed closing the Center, located in Staunton as part of his amendments to the budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2009.
The CCCA serves a critical role for children and families in Virginia, and that is why we are doing everything we can to see that this resource remains open. Providing a safety-net for children is one of the core services of government. In light of Virginia’s budget shortfall this year, there are certain sacrifices that will have to be made, but I do not believe we should sacrifice the safety and care of the children served by the CCCA.
As such, I have announced that I am introducing a budget amendment to restore the $6 million in funding for the Center that Governor Kaine cut. Working with members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Delegate Steve Landes, I am recommending the Commonwealth delay the purchase of new text books in the next fiscal year. This cost-savings measure will save the state approximately $79 million this year, providing the funding to keep the Center open, and help reduce the state’s significant budget shortfall as well.
I’ll be sending our regular updates from Richmond during the session, but as always, please feel free to email me any time if there is anything I can do to be of service.
R - 20th House District
Greetings from Richmond, where the 2009 legislative session is now underway! Though session didn’t officially begin until noon on Wednesday, most of us have been here all week, busy with pre-session meetings, filing bills, and meeting with constituents.
This year we have our “short” session, which means we have all of 45 days to complete our work. With such a short amount of time to get everything done, we have hit the ground running!
My 2009 Legislative Survey is now up on my website, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to let me know your thoughts on some of the top issues we will be considering this session. Your feedback helps me to better serve our district, and our Commonwealth.
Right after the session began on Wednesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee took up one of my bills, HB1634, for consideration. This bill, which I first introduced 3 years ago, is a measure to further clarify fundraising rules for lawmakers during session. General Assembly members are already prohibited from raising money while we are in session; however, currently political parties can still hold large fundraisers with lobbyists, attended by legislators. I believe this is contrary to the spirit of the law. The intent of my bill is to ensure we draw a hard line between fundraising and legislating. Today, the full House debated this measure, and I am pleased to report that the measure passed by a vote of 78-14. The measure will now be considered by the Senate.
Another important issue for our 20th House District is the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. Governor Tim Kaine has proposed closing the Center, located in Staunton as part of his amendments to the budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2009.
The CCCA serves a critical role for children and families in Virginia, and that is why we are doing everything we can to see that this resource remains open. Providing a safety-net for children is one of the core services of government. In light of Virginia’s budget shortfall this year, there are certain sacrifices that will have to be made, but I do not believe we should sacrifice the safety and care of the children served by the CCCA.
As such, I have announced that I am introducing a budget amendment to restore the $6 million in funding for the Center that Governor Kaine cut. Working with members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Delegate Steve Landes, I am recommending the Commonwealth delay the purchase of new text books in the next fiscal year. This cost-savings measure will save the state approximately $79 million this year, providing the funding to keep the Center open, and help reduce the state’s significant budget shortfall as well.
I’ll be sending our regular updates from Richmond during the session, but as always, please feel free to email me any time if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Bob McDonnell's Legislative Agenda
Press release from Attorney General Bob McDonnell's office....
McDonnell Calls for: Election Reforms, Tax Credits for School Supplies, New Safeguards for Home Buyers, Greater Support for Public-Private Partnerships to Build Infrastructure ... limits agenda to less than 15 bills; encourages General Assembly to focus on budget
RICHMOND - Attorney General Bob McDonnell unveiled his 2009 legislative agenda today, limiting his annual package of bills to less than 15 pieces of legislation in order to keep the General Assembly’s focus on the budget shortfall facing the Commonwealth.
Speaking about his 2009 legislative agenda, Attorney General McDonnell noted, “I have limited our 2009 legislative agenda to less than 15 bills, in support of the decision by the members of the House of Delegates to do the same. Over the past 3 years our legislative agendas have enjoyed broad, bipartisan support, with 83 bills passed and signed into law by the Governor. We accomplished this by bringing Virginians together to achieve positive results for the Commonwealth.”
McDonnell continued, noting, “This session of the General Assembly we must once again come together, this time to solve our budget challenges. We face at least a $3 billion dollar shortfall, and fixing this shortfall must be the focus of the next 45 days. With this in mind, I have proposed a very limited legislative agenda this year, consisting of common sense solutions to some of the challenges facing our Commonwealth. I am calling for important election reforms that will make voting easier and clear up legal problems, while providing important new safeguards for the democratic process. I have proposed a modest tax credit for the purchase of school supplies. At this tough economic moment we should pass measures which encourage consumer spending on the education of Virginia’s children. I am calling for mortgage lenders to be covered by the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Finally, I will ask for a renewed commitment to public-private partnerships to get new infrastructure built quicker, and at reduced cost to the taxpayers.”
The announcement of the 2009 legislative agenda follows three past years of important reforms advocated by Attorney General McDonnell. He won passage of all his original campaign promises within the first two General Assembly sessions: sweeping new measures combating sexual predators, protecting children online, reducing frivolous prisoner litigation, eliminating burdensome government regulations, improving homeland security and securing private property rights. McDonnell has also secured numerous other reforms, including creating a Senior Alert to help locate missing senior citizens, cracking down on animal fighting, strengthening Virginia’s mental health system, and eliminating burdensome and unnecessary regulations.
Read here about the success of the Attorney General’s previous legislative packages in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s 2009 Legislative Agenda....
ELECTION REFORMS:
Absentee Voters (Patrons: Cosgrove/Martin)
-- Adds emergency response workers to the list of persons entitled to vote by absentee ballot.
-- Requires absentee ballots are sent expeditiously to voter, including overseas military members.
Voting Improvement Act (Patrons: Cosgrove/Blevins)
Various Components Include:
School Tax Credit (Patrons: Ware/Newman)
Create a state tax credit of up to $250 per couple, $125 per individual, for anyone purchasing school supplies, including public/private school students, home schoolers, and all teachers.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (Patrons: Kilgore/Watkins)
Remove the “mortgage lender” exemption from the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Clarify and tighten the language relating to the Attorney General’s enforcement authority under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (MLBA).
Clarify and tighten the language relating to the ability of certain individuals to obtain relief under the MLBA.
Prohibition on Sale of Recalled Products (Patrons: Iaquinto/McDougle)
Adds provision to Virginia Consumer Protection Act which will allow the Attorney General to enforce laws regarding recalled products. Will also empower citizens to hold stores accountable for continuing to sell items that have been recalled.
Price Gouging (Patron: Lingamfelter)
Enhance Virginia’s laws to ensure that during a state of emergency at a time of disaster essential goods are not artificially restricted or their price inflated to the detriment of consumers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Identity Theft (Patrons: Bell/Hurt)
Amend identity theft statute to encompass the theft of someone’s identity to illegally obtain loans, credit, etc. The statute currently only addresses theft to obtain goods and services.
Gangs (Patrons: Cline/Obenshain)
Create a statute requiring the Department of Corrections to provide an inmate’s gang affiliation to the Commonwealth’s Attorney when they are being prosecuted for an offense occurring in a state prison.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Enhancing Virginia’s Infrastructure (Patron: McDougle)
Expanding Virginia’s Public Private Partnerships to include a greater range of projects and facilitate greater participation by the private sector.
Electronic Filing with State Agencies (Patrons: Massie, Wagner)
Clarifies that state agencies can offer citizens and businesses the option of filing paperwork and paying fees online.
OTHER LEGISLATION THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL BOB McDONNELL WILL SUPPORT
In addition to his legislative agenda, the Attorney General also supports the following legislative initiatives:
-- Constitutional Amendment protecting Virginia’s Right to Work Law.
-- Constitutional Amendment to protect private property rights.
-- Bill to establish more budget transparency in Virginia.
McDonnell Calls for: Election Reforms, Tax Credits for School Supplies, New Safeguards for Home Buyers, Greater Support for Public-Private Partnerships to Build Infrastructure ... limits agenda to less than 15 bills; encourages General Assembly to focus on budget
RICHMOND - Attorney General Bob McDonnell unveiled his 2009 legislative agenda today, limiting his annual package of bills to less than 15 pieces of legislation in order to keep the General Assembly’s focus on the budget shortfall facing the Commonwealth.
Speaking about his 2009 legislative agenda, Attorney General McDonnell noted, “I have limited our 2009 legislative agenda to less than 15 bills, in support of the decision by the members of the House of Delegates to do the same. Over the past 3 years our legislative agendas have enjoyed broad, bipartisan support, with 83 bills passed and signed into law by the Governor. We accomplished this by bringing Virginians together to achieve positive results for the Commonwealth.”
McDonnell continued, noting, “This session of the General Assembly we must once again come together, this time to solve our budget challenges. We face at least a $3 billion dollar shortfall, and fixing this shortfall must be the focus of the next 45 days. With this in mind, I have proposed a very limited legislative agenda this year, consisting of common sense solutions to some of the challenges facing our Commonwealth. I am calling for important election reforms that will make voting easier and clear up legal problems, while providing important new safeguards for the democratic process. I have proposed a modest tax credit for the purchase of school supplies. At this tough economic moment we should pass measures which encourage consumer spending on the education of Virginia’s children. I am calling for mortgage lenders to be covered by the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Finally, I will ask for a renewed commitment to public-private partnerships to get new infrastructure built quicker, and at reduced cost to the taxpayers.”
The announcement of the 2009 legislative agenda follows three past years of important reforms advocated by Attorney General McDonnell. He won passage of all his original campaign promises within the first two General Assembly sessions: sweeping new measures combating sexual predators, protecting children online, reducing frivolous prisoner litigation, eliminating burdensome government regulations, improving homeland security and securing private property rights. McDonnell has also secured numerous other reforms, including creating a Senior Alert to help locate missing senior citizens, cracking down on animal fighting, strengthening Virginia’s mental health system, and eliminating burdensome and unnecessary regulations.
Read here about the success of the Attorney General’s previous legislative packages in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s 2009 Legislative Agenda....
ELECTION REFORMS:
Absentee Voters (Patrons: Cosgrove/Martin)
-- Adds emergency response workers to the list of persons entitled to vote by absentee ballot.
-- Requires absentee ballots are sent expeditiously to voter, including overseas military members.
Voting Improvement Act (Patrons: Cosgrove/Blevins)
Various Components Include:
Reduce Voting Lines: Lower the number of registered voters needed to create an additional precinct to expedite the voting process and reduce the time voters wait in line to vote.EDUCATION / TAX RELIEF
Change in Voting Precinct: Require that when a voter’s precinct is changed prior to an election that the general registrar contact them via email and/or phone, if such information is available, in addition to sending a new voter registration card indicating the new voting precinct.
Election Official Relief Act: Require an additional election official to arrive one hour before closing at each precinct to assist with closing the polls, including tabulation of the final vote count.
Election Paraphernalia: The wearing of election paraphernalia within 40 feet of the voting precinct may include t-shirts, buttons and stickers.
Voter Domicile: Promoting clarity and uniformity among the localities responsible for determining a voter’s residence ... AND ... Amend Section 24.2-101 regarding the definition of “residence or resident.” Contained within that definition are criteria to be applied to the determination of “domicile” under Virginia law, and to require the State Board of Elections to promulgate uniform guidelines to assist local registrars with determining a voter’s residence.
Prevent Dual Registration and Voting: Increasing criminal penalties for a voter who knowingly votes or assists another to vote in a jurisdiction where the voter is not qualified to vote. The application to register to vote will also contain a statement informing the voter that if they vote more than once in the same election they shall be guilty of a felony. The Attorney General is also working with the State Board of Elections to develop other ways, within existing law, to maintain an accurate voter registration list to prevent voters from being registered in more than one place.
School Tax Credit (Patrons: Ware/Newman)
Create a state tax credit of up to $250 per couple, $125 per individual, for anyone purchasing school supplies, including public/private school students, home schoolers, and all teachers.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (Patrons: Kilgore/Watkins)
Remove the “mortgage lender” exemption from the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Clarify and tighten the language relating to the Attorney General’s enforcement authority under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (MLBA).
Clarify and tighten the language relating to the ability of certain individuals to obtain relief under the MLBA.
Prohibition on Sale of Recalled Products (Patrons: Iaquinto/McDougle)
Adds provision to Virginia Consumer Protection Act which will allow the Attorney General to enforce laws regarding recalled products. Will also empower citizens to hold stores accountable for continuing to sell items that have been recalled.
Price Gouging (Patron: Lingamfelter)
Enhance Virginia’s laws to ensure that during a state of emergency at a time of disaster essential goods are not artificially restricted or their price inflated to the detriment of consumers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Identity Theft (Patrons: Bell/Hurt)
Amend identity theft statute to encompass the theft of someone’s identity to illegally obtain loans, credit, etc. The statute currently only addresses theft to obtain goods and services.
Gangs (Patrons: Cline/Obenshain)
Create a statute requiring the Department of Corrections to provide an inmate’s gang affiliation to the Commonwealth’s Attorney when they are being prosecuted for an offense occurring in a state prison.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Enhancing Virginia’s Infrastructure (Patron: McDougle)
Expanding Virginia’s Public Private Partnerships to include a greater range of projects and facilitate greater participation by the private sector.
Electronic Filing with State Agencies (Patrons: Massie, Wagner)
Clarifies that state agencies can offer citizens and businesses the option of filing paperwork and paying fees online.
OTHER LEGISLATION THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL BOB McDONNELL WILL SUPPORT
In addition to his legislative agenda, the Attorney General also supports the following legislative initiatives:
-- Constitutional Amendment protecting Virginia’s Right to Work Law.
-- Constitutional Amendment to protect private property rights.
-- Bill to establish more budget transparency in Virginia.
Mortgage Relief for Thousands of Virginians
Press release from Attorney General Bob McDonnell
RICHMOND - Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced today that Virginia has joined a nationwide settlement agreement with Countrywide Financial Corporation. The settlement will provide about $8.4 billion in home loan and foreclosure relief to as many as 397,000 homeowners across the country, including projected relief of $212.8 million for more than 8,900 homeowners in Virginia. Countrywide was acquired by Bank of America Corporation in July 2008. In addition, the Attorney General announced that he will propose legislation in the General Assembly to provide further assistance to Virginia homeowners during this tough economic period.
“This settlement will provide crucial financial relief to thousands of Virginians who are struggling each month to pay their mortgages and keep their homes,” Attorney General McDonnell said. “I hope this settlement will serve as a model for other mortgage lenders to follow as they develop plans to help homeowners facing foreclosure.”
Under the settlement, Countrywide and its affiliates agree to modify loans for eligible borrowers so they are better able to keep their homes. Borrowers eligible for loan modifications are those who received either a qualifying subprime adjustable rate mortgage or a Pay Option adjustable rate mortgage prior to Dec. 31, 2007 and who meet other specific requirements.
Depending on the type of loan, modifications may include an automatic freeze or reduction in interest rates, conversion to fixed-rate loans, or refinancing or reduction of the principal owed. Under the modifications, first-year payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance will be targeted to equal 34 percent of the borrower’s income.
In addition, Countrywide agrees to pay a total of $150 million nationwide under a Foreclosure Relief Payment program for particular borrowers who either already have lost their homes or are at least 120 days delinquent. Virginia’s share of this amount is approximately $2.5 million. Countrywide also agrees to pay up to $70 million nationwide for relocation assistance to borrowers who do not qualify for a loan modification and who subsequently face foreclosure. Virginia’s projected portion of these payments is estimated at $2.3 million.
Finally, Countrywide agrees to waive prepayment penalties, late/delinquency fees and default fees otherwise due from eligible borrowers. Virginia’s estimated total of these waivers is $3.3 million.
On December 1, Countrywide began sending mailings to eligible Countrywide borrowers notifying them of the modifications that may be available under the terms of the program. Countrywide customers who have questions about their eligibility for a loan modification are encouraged to call Countrywide toll-free at 1-800-669-6607 or visit the company’s website at www.countrywide.com.
The settlement resolves any potential consumer protection claims the Attorney General could have filed alleging deceptive practices arising out of the mortgage origination or servicing activities of Countrywide in Virginia.
In addition to announcing this settlement, McDonnell also released details today of legislation he will propose in the General Assembly to further help Virginia homeowners:
Virginia Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Legislative Proposal
This proposal seeks to amend recently adopted provisions within the Virginia Consumer Protection Act law that, among other things, prohibit mortgage foreclosure prevention operators from being paid a fee prior to the settlement on the sale of residential real property. Questions have been raised concerning whether the prohibitions currently in place apply to foreclosure prevention transactions that do not involve the sale or transfer of residential real property (e.g., mortgage modification assistance). To make clear that this law covers all foreclosure prevention transactions, this bill proposes to add language to prohibit mortgage foreclosure prevention operators from charging or receiving any fees prior to full and complete performance of the services they agreed to perform, if the transaction does not involve the sale or transfer of residential real property.
Virginia Consumer Protection Act and Mortgage Lender and Broker Act Legislative Proposal
Currently, mortgage lenders are excluded from the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA), while mortgage brokers are not. To eliminate this inconsistency, this proposal seeks to remove the “mortgage lender exclusion” from the VCPA and make the conduct of mortgage lenders subject to the VCPA. (The VCPA generally prohibits misrepresentation and other deceptive practices in consumer transactions.) In addition, this proposal also seeks to amend the Virginia Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (MLBA) to clarify the application of code sections related to Attorney General enforcement and individual rights of action under the MLBA.
All Virginians who are facing foreclosure may obtain counseling help by calling the Homeownership Preservation Foundation’s HOPE Hotline toll-free at 1-888-995-HOPE.
RICHMOND - Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced today that Virginia has joined a nationwide settlement agreement with Countrywide Financial Corporation. The settlement will provide about $8.4 billion in home loan and foreclosure relief to as many as 397,000 homeowners across the country, including projected relief of $212.8 million for more than 8,900 homeowners in Virginia. Countrywide was acquired by Bank of America Corporation in July 2008. In addition, the Attorney General announced that he will propose legislation in the General Assembly to provide further assistance to Virginia homeowners during this tough economic period.
“This settlement will provide crucial financial relief to thousands of Virginians who are struggling each month to pay their mortgages and keep their homes,” Attorney General McDonnell said. “I hope this settlement will serve as a model for other mortgage lenders to follow as they develop plans to help homeowners facing foreclosure.”
Under the settlement, Countrywide and its affiliates agree to modify loans for eligible borrowers so they are better able to keep their homes. Borrowers eligible for loan modifications are those who received either a qualifying subprime adjustable rate mortgage or a Pay Option adjustable rate mortgage prior to Dec. 31, 2007 and who meet other specific requirements.
Depending on the type of loan, modifications may include an automatic freeze or reduction in interest rates, conversion to fixed-rate loans, or refinancing or reduction of the principal owed. Under the modifications, first-year payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance will be targeted to equal 34 percent of the borrower’s income.
In addition, Countrywide agrees to pay a total of $150 million nationwide under a Foreclosure Relief Payment program for particular borrowers who either already have lost their homes or are at least 120 days delinquent. Virginia’s share of this amount is approximately $2.5 million. Countrywide also agrees to pay up to $70 million nationwide for relocation assistance to borrowers who do not qualify for a loan modification and who subsequently face foreclosure. Virginia’s projected portion of these payments is estimated at $2.3 million.
Finally, Countrywide agrees to waive prepayment penalties, late/delinquency fees and default fees otherwise due from eligible borrowers. Virginia’s estimated total of these waivers is $3.3 million.
On December 1, Countrywide began sending mailings to eligible Countrywide borrowers notifying them of the modifications that may be available under the terms of the program. Countrywide customers who have questions about their eligibility for a loan modification are encouraged to call Countrywide toll-free at 1-800-669-6607 or visit the company’s website at www.countrywide.com.
The settlement resolves any potential consumer protection claims the Attorney General could have filed alleging deceptive practices arising out of the mortgage origination or servicing activities of Countrywide in Virginia.
In addition to announcing this settlement, McDonnell also released details today of legislation he will propose in the General Assembly to further help Virginia homeowners:
Virginia Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Legislative Proposal
This proposal seeks to amend recently adopted provisions within the Virginia Consumer Protection Act law that, among other things, prohibit mortgage foreclosure prevention operators from being paid a fee prior to the settlement on the sale of residential real property. Questions have been raised concerning whether the prohibitions currently in place apply to foreclosure prevention transactions that do not involve the sale or transfer of residential real property (e.g., mortgage modification assistance). To make clear that this law covers all foreclosure prevention transactions, this bill proposes to add language to prohibit mortgage foreclosure prevention operators from charging or receiving any fees prior to full and complete performance of the services they agreed to perform, if the transaction does not involve the sale or transfer of residential real property.
Virginia Consumer Protection Act and Mortgage Lender and Broker Act Legislative Proposal
Currently, mortgage lenders are excluded from the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA), while mortgage brokers are not. To eliminate this inconsistency, this proposal seeks to remove the “mortgage lender exclusion” from the VCPA and make the conduct of mortgage lenders subject to the VCPA. (The VCPA generally prohibits misrepresentation and other deceptive practices in consumer transactions.) In addition, this proposal also seeks to amend the Virginia Mortgage Lender and Broker Act (MLBA) to clarify the application of code sections related to Attorney General enforcement and individual rights of action under the MLBA.
All Virginians who are facing foreclosure may obtain counseling help by calling the Homeownership Preservation Foundation’s HOPE Hotline toll-free at 1-888-995-HOPE.
House of Delegates streaming live during 2009 session
Speak Howell's email title said it all: "Speaker Howell announces streaming live video of House of Delegates floor proceedings." This is good for Virginia and good for Virginians who live away from the Capitol but who may want to be more involved in the proceedings. They will now be able to watch the daily proceedings on the General Assembly website.
The Speaker's press release:
The Speaker's press release:
RICHMOND, VA – In the latest of a series of initiatives announced by the House Majority Caucus providing practical solutions to improve government operations, effectiveness and transparency, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced his decision to implement streaming live video of daily floor proceedings of the House of Delegates. Beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2009, all daily House sessions will be available for viewing by the public on the General Assembly’s website.Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
“The House of Delegates is an essential institution in our representative democracy,” said Speaker Howell. “Online video broadcasts provide not only a window into the seriousness and solution-oriented nature of the legislative process, but also a responsible and unfiltered method of allowing more Virginians to see the House at work doing the people’s business. When I became Speaker in 2003, I pledged to work to protect the institutional integrity of the House as Delegates exercise their constitutional duties. Online video broadcasts are the latest step toward meeting that goal.”
“Since being given the responsibility in 2000 to lead this historic chamber as the Majority, House Republicans repeatedly have demonstrated our strong commitment to making the House of Delegates a better working institution, one that is continuously being reformed and improved to make it more accountable, accessible, and open to the public.
“Long before Republicans were in the House Majority, we proposed major ethics reforms – like barring Virginia elected officials from fundraising while lawmakers are in Session in Richmond to keep a clear buffer between legislative votes and campaign contributions – and for the first time instituting proportional seating on committees. These and many other positive reforms are now in effect because the people of Virginia entrusted us with the majority. We have built successfully on our promises, making the legislative process more efficient and cost-conscious. Just last month, we instituted changes that will save Virginia taxpayers over $1.1 million this year alone. In the 2009 Session, we also will begin recording subcommittee votes (another first) and posting them online for the first time ever, a reform made possible by the sensible bill limitations we proposed last year and the cost savings we are enacting this year. As we have always done since being given the leadership responsibility of the Majority by Virginia voters, House Republicans will keep working to identify and institute common sense improvements for those we are honored and privileged to represent.”
Speaker Howell instructed the House Clerk’s Office to make House floor proceedings accessible on the Internet with the commencement of the 2009 General Assembly session. The video will be broadcast using cameras currently installed and operated in the House chamber. The live video stream will be accessible through the General Assembly’s homepage.
Calling on President-Elect Obama to help end the violence in Darfur
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R-Virginia 6th Congressional District
Just a few weeks ago, we marked the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document, a direct result of the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany during World War II, was intended to clarify the international consensus on the most fundamental of human rights. Despite growing international support for the core ideals such as the right to life, liberty and security of person contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you just have to turn on your nightly news to see blatant violations of these principles in many places around the world, from Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel to the brutal attacks on humanitarian aid workers by Somali warlords.
Perhaps there is no greater example of these violations than the war-torn country of Sudan. The crisis in Sudan began nearly six years ago, when two rebel groups emerged to challenge the National Islamic Front government in Darfur. This conflict escalated when the government of Sudan and its allied militias began a campaign of terror against civilians in an effort to crush the rebellion and to punish those living near the rebels. At the core of the current conflict is a struggle for control of political power and resources with an estimated 2 million people displaced from their homes within Darfur and more than 200,000 people forced to flee into neighboring Chad. Observers estimate that up to 450,000 people have been killed over the course of this violence.
The U.S. government has labeled the actions of the Sudanese government as genocide and rightly so. It is deplorable that any government would use the systematic dislocation of its own people, and the disease and starvation that inevitably follow, as a weapon – not to mention outright violence and killing. The United States and the international community must work together to stabilize the situation in Darfur and prevent further genocide.
For this reason I joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and other Members of Congress, in sending President-Elect Barack Obama a list of recommendations regarding the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Our letter lays out five specific goals which include reinvigorating the peace process, ensuring continued humanitarian access, helping peacekeepers to accomplish their missions, engaging the international community and monitoring southern Sudan. I look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to implement these important recommendations in the hope of bringing an end to the violence and suffering in Darfur.
As a nation dedicated to freedom and the rights of the individual, the United States has a responsibility to speak out and act to prevent mass genocide from occurring. We believe that with renewed American leadership, the people of Darfur will once again know the basic principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
R-Virginia 6th Congressional District
Just a few weeks ago, we marked the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document, a direct result of the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany during World War II, was intended to clarify the international consensus on the most fundamental of human rights. Despite growing international support for the core ideals such as the right to life, liberty and security of person contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you just have to turn on your nightly news to see blatant violations of these principles in many places around the world, from Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel to the brutal attacks on humanitarian aid workers by Somali warlords.
Perhaps there is no greater example of these violations than the war-torn country of Sudan. The crisis in Sudan began nearly six years ago, when two rebel groups emerged to challenge the National Islamic Front government in Darfur. This conflict escalated when the government of Sudan and its allied militias began a campaign of terror against civilians in an effort to crush the rebellion and to punish those living near the rebels. At the core of the current conflict is a struggle for control of political power and resources with an estimated 2 million people displaced from their homes within Darfur and more than 200,000 people forced to flee into neighboring Chad. Observers estimate that up to 450,000 people have been killed over the course of this violence.
The U.S. government has labeled the actions of the Sudanese government as genocide and rightly so. It is deplorable that any government would use the systematic dislocation of its own people, and the disease and starvation that inevitably follow, as a weapon – not to mention outright violence and killing. The United States and the international community must work together to stabilize the situation in Darfur and prevent further genocide.
For this reason I joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and other Members of Congress, in sending President-Elect Barack Obama a list of recommendations regarding the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Our letter lays out five specific goals which include reinvigorating the peace process, ensuring continued humanitarian access, helping peacekeepers to accomplish their missions, engaging the international community and monitoring southern Sudan. I look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to implement these important recommendations in the hope of bringing an end to the violence and suffering in Darfur.
As a nation dedicated to freedom and the rights of the individual, the United States has a responsibility to speak out and act to prevent mass genocide from occurring. We believe that with renewed American leadership, the people of Darfur will once again know the basic principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Rudy Giuliani supports Bob McDonnell
From the Bob McDonnell campaign....
Mayor Rudy Giuliani lent his full support to the McDonnell campaign Tuesday night, traveling to Washington for a fundraiser in support of Bob. While at the event, the Mayor explained why he supports Bob McDonnell, and why he hopes the citizens of Virginia will elect Bob as the next Governor of the Commonwealth. Watch the video.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Mayor Rudy Giuliani lent his full support to the McDonnell campaign Tuesday night, traveling to Washington for a fundraiser in support of Bob. While at the event, the Mayor explained why he supports Bob McDonnell, and why he hopes the citizens of Virginia will elect Bob as the next Governor of the Commonwealth. Watch the video.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Del. Steve Landes Townhall Meetings this Saturday
Three town meetings to be held Saturday
VERONA - Delegate R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, will hold three town meetings on Saturday, January 10, 2009, in the 25th House District. The meetings will be held in Crozet, Fishersville, and Elkton.
"I look forward to hearing from constituents at these three town meetings as we prepare for the 2009 General Assembly Session," Landes said. "It is important for elected officials to listen and learn of citizens' concerns, and town meetings provide an excellent opportunity to do so."
The first town meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at Mountainside Senior Living, 1220 Crozet Avenue, in Crozet.
The second town meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the Preston L. Yancey Fire Department, 2015 Jefferson Highway, in Fishersville.
The third and last town meeting of the day will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Elkton Area Community Center/Stonewall District, 20593 Blue & Gold Drive in Elkton.
Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes the City of Waynesboro, and parts of Albemarle, Augusta and Rockingham Counties. Landes was first elected in 1995 and is now serving his seventh term in the House of Delegates.
VERONA - Delegate R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, will hold three town meetings on Saturday, January 10, 2009, in the 25th House District. The meetings will be held in Crozet, Fishersville, and Elkton.
"I look forward to hearing from constituents at these three town meetings as we prepare for the 2009 General Assembly Session," Landes said. "It is important for elected officials to listen and learn of citizens' concerns, and town meetings provide an excellent opportunity to do so."
The first town meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at Mountainside Senior Living, 1220 Crozet Avenue, in Crozet.
The second town meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the Preston L. Yancey Fire Department, 2015 Jefferson Highway, in Fishersville.
The third and last town meeting of the day will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Elkton Area Community Center/Stonewall District, 20593 Blue & Gold Drive in Elkton.
Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes the City of Waynesboro, and parts of Albemarle, Augusta and Rockingham Counties. Landes was first elected in 1995 and is now serving his seventh term in the House of Delegates.
McDonnell bids farewell to Sen. John Warner
Richmond- Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the conclusion of Senator John Warner’s five terms in the United States Senate. The 111th Congress was officially sworn in at noon today.
“For 30 years John Warner has represented Virginia honorably in the United States Senate. During his long tenure in this office, second only to Harry F. Byrd Sr., John Warner has been a vigorous and dedicated public servant. He always focused on solving problems and getting things done for the people.”
“While he charted his own course on some matters, he always did what he believed was best for Virginia. A champion of our military men and women, John Warner’s legacy can be found all across Virginia, from the Port of Hampton Roads to the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. Through his tireless work, the nation and the Commonwealth are more prosperous and secure.”
“As John Warner takes leave of Washington D.C. he can take pride in a long and distinguished record. From his military service during World War II and in Korea, to his public service on Capitol Hill, Senator Warner has lived a life of duty, honor, and commitment. Virginia is better for his service. John Warner will be missed.”
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
“For 30 years John Warner has represented Virginia honorably in the United States Senate. During his long tenure in this office, second only to Harry F. Byrd Sr., John Warner has been a vigorous and dedicated public servant. He always focused on solving problems and getting things done for the people.”
“While he charted his own course on some matters, he always did what he believed was best for Virginia. A champion of our military men and women, John Warner’s legacy can be found all across Virginia, from the Port of Hampton Roads to the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. Through his tireless work, the nation and the Commonwealth are more prosperous and secure.”
“As John Warner takes leave of Washington D.C. he can take pride in a long and distinguished record. From his military service during World War II and in Korea, to his public service on Capitol Hill, Senator Warner has lived a life of duty, honor, and commitment. Virginia is better for his service. John Warner will be missed.”
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Preserving Employees' Rights to Secret Ballots
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R-VA 6th Congressional District
It has been widely reported that one of the top priorities of the incoming Obama Administration is the enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation which strikes a huge blow to the privacy rights of workers throughout the country. With a title like the “Employee Free Choice Act” you would expect this legislation to protect the American worker. Unfortunately, it does the exact opposite and its title is deliberately misleading.
This legislation, which I voted against in 2007, allows the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to certify a union without conducting a requested secret ballot election. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives private-sector workers the right to join or form a labor union and to bargain collectively over wages, hours, and other working conditions. The Employee Free Choice Act would change the procedures under which workers choose to join, or not to join, a union by eliminating the secret ballot system and requiring employees to make their decisions public.
Under current law, employees can petition or sign union authorization cards, commonly referred to as “card checks”, requesting union representation. If at least 30 percent of employees have signed the petition or cards, the NLRB conducts a private-ballot election to determine if union representation is desired by the majority of the employees. The Employee Free Choice Act would give the NLRB the authority to forgo the secret ballot election when a majority of the bargaining unit employees have signed authorizations designating the union and there is no other union currently recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees. These card checks are not private and can be made known to unions, employers, or others. When choosing whether or not to join a union, employees must have the right to cast a private ballot. They should not face fear of intimidation by union bosses and organizers or by employers.
It is especially ironic that Democrats in Congress who are so eager to get rid of the secret ballot for American workers used a secret ballot process for their own leadership elections just a few weeks ago. Despite the efforts of Big Labor and the Democratic majority in Congress, American workers continue to value their privacy and largely oppose the changes that would result from the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. In fact, recent polls indicate that 89 percent of Americans believe that a worker’s vote should remain private and not be public information.
I support the right of workers to organize unions when they choose, but while the name of this bill implies a promise of choice for employees, the intent of the bill strips employees’ freedom of privacy by eliminating the secret ballot system. Secret ballots are a hallmark of a free and democratic society and are strongly supported by the overwhelming majority of our citizens including union members. I will continue working to protect this most basic of freedoms for all American workers.
R-VA 6th Congressional District
It has been widely reported that one of the top priorities of the incoming Obama Administration is the enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation which strikes a huge blow to the privacy rights of workers throughout the country. With a title like the “Employee Free Choice Act” you would expect this legislation to protect the American worker. Unfortunately, it does the exact opposite and its title is deliberately misleading.
This legislation, which I voted against in 2007, allows the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to certify a union without conducting a requested secret ballot election. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives private-sector workers the right to join or form a labor union and to bargain collectively over wages, hours, and other working conditions. The Employee Free Choice Act would change the procedures under which workers choose to join, or not to join, a union by eliminating the secret ballot system and requiring employees to make their decisions public.
Under current law, employees can petition or sign union authorization cards, commonly referred to as “card checks”, requesting union representation. If at least 30 percent of employees have signed the petition or cards, the NLRB conducts a private-ballot election to determine if union representation is desired by the majority of the employees. The Employee Free Choice Act would give the NLRB the authority to forgo the secret ballot election when a majority of the bargaining unit employees have signed authorizations designating the union and there is no other union currently recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees. These card checks are not private and can be made known to unions, employers, or others. When choosing whether or not to join a union, employees must have the right to cast a private ballot. They should not face fear of intimidation by union bosses and organizers or by employers.
It is especially ironic that Democrats in Congress who are so eager to get rid of the secret ballot for American workers used a secret ballot process for their own leadership elections just a few weeks ago. Despite the efforts of Big Labor and the Democratic majority in Congress, American workers continue to value their privacy and largely oppose the changes that would result from the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. In fact, recent polls indicate that 89 percent of Americans believe that a worker’s vote should remain private and not be public information.
I support the right of workers to organize unions when they choose, but while the name of this bill implies a promise of choice for employees, the intent of the bill strips employees’ freedom of privacy by eliminating the secret ballot system. Secret ballots are a hallmark of a free and democratic society and are strongly supported by the overwhelming majority of our citizens including union members. I will continue working to protect this most basic of freedoms for all American workers.
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