Wow! The last two weeks have been a whirlwind, something I definitely expected when I returned to Richmond but also something for which you can never really be prepared.
Over 2,000 bills and resolutions have been filed this year and the General Assembly is already well on its way to working through them. Through subcommittee and committee hearings, we will begin to advance legislation that
creates new opportunities for Virginians and improves our Commonwealth.
One of the things that I believe can help Virginia is to remove many of the unnecessary and burdensome mandates on localities. Governor Bob McDonnell announced the findings of his “Local Mandates Task Force” this week. This Task Force recommended the repeal of twenty mandates on local governments. One of those mandates is the “King’s Dominion” Law, which requires school systems to get a waiver in order to start before Labor Day.
I am proud to be the House patron of legislation that would remove this mandate. I am pleased to have the support of Governor McDonnell and over 60 other House members.
I have seen many familiar faces in Richmond over the last week, far too many to list here. I do want to thank each and every one of them, however, for visiting our State Capital and I invite you to do the same sometime. Our staff can help arrange a guided tour and seats in the House Gallery during session.
Finally, I want to congratulate again the winners of the 2011 8th District “Back to School” Art Contest. Alexxa Forrester, Courtney Johnston, Garrett East, Serena Fick and Willow Pope all won top prize for their creative art work on the “Beauty of Virginia.” These five students will have their artwork unveiled outside my office in Richmond on Thursday, January 26 and will be recognized by the Virginia House of Delegates for their accomplishments. Congratulations to these creative young students!
As always, please contact my office at (804) 698-1008 or by e-mail at delghabeeb@house.virginia.gov if you have questions, comments or concerns.
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