From Virginia Senator Ralph Northam

General Assembly Update

With only one full week remaining in the 2011 General Assembly session, the House and Senate are working hard to complete action on the budget and other legislation. Several of my bills have passed both chambers and now await the Governors signature, including measures to ease access for our veterans to birth certificates and other vital records, promote growth in the aquaculture industry, and foster economic development associated with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island.

Most importantly to me, however, is the passage of SB966 which requires 150 minutes of physical education per week for children in kindergarten through eighth grade in our public schools. As a pediatrician, I see every day the toll that childhood obesity is taking on our young people. It is an epidemic that leads to a lifetime of health and financial hardships, and we need to take action to combat it. Rates of stroke, diabetes, and vascular disease in teens and young adults have increased at alarming rates over the past 20 years, and fully one third of US children are now overweight or obese.

While my bill will not by any means eradicate childhood obesity, it is an important tool, and will not, as some have claimed, impose an undue hardship on our local schools. While I fully understand that SOLs and other requirements tax our teachers, finding 30 minutes or so per day for children to exercise and learn about the value of physical fitness is critical to their development. Active children are proven to be healthier, not just physically, but mentally as well. A sound body and sound mind reinforce each other, and having mandatory PE will improve kids' focus and performance in the classroom.

Although SB966 has passed both the Senate and the House of Delegates, it still must be signed into law by Governor McDonnell. I met with the Governor this week, and I know he understands the importance of taking steps to fight obesity. I also know he will be pressed to amend or veto the bill by those who argue that our schools dont have time to do this; I would counter that our children dont have time not to.

Thanks to all of you who have contacted me to share your thoughts on various bills throughout the session. I'll be here for one more week, and if youd like to get in touch please call us at (804) 698-7506, or send an email to Senator@RalphNortham.com. If I am not available, my legislative assistant, Matt Strickler will be happy to help.

UPDATE: From Del. Lynwood Lewis

The General Assembly has gone through the cross-over period and now the House Bills are on the Senate side and the Senate Bills are on the House side for consideration and are working their way through the committee process.

I wanted to discuss briefly a bill that I introduced this year which was laid on the table in Appropriations but which I think has a great deal of merit going forward and that is House Bill 2517, the zero-based budgeting bill. Zero-based budgeting is a budget management tool that provides a means of evaluating operations and programs. While theoretically each departments budget would begin at zero and build from there, in practice it is usually not purely zero-based but rather on the margins around the department or agencys current budget level. However, it does require and provide for a complete review of all aspects and functions of the particular agency. Usually, three or more alternative budgets have to be submitted for each program which make up what are called decision packages in the zero-based budgeting system. At least one of the alternative budgets has to be less than the current budget.

It is paper and time intensive, but it offers a thorough efficiency and results-based review of the way we budget our tax dollars. It also offers greater transparency on the budgetary decision making process.

While the Appropriations Sub-Committee which heard my presentation on the bill, which had two Republican co-sponsors, seemed very sympathetic to the notion of zero-based budgeting, it is a significant and fundamental change in the way Virginia constructs its budget. Therefore, the matter was "laid on the table" for this Session. I have learned in my time here in Richmond that many worthy ideas and practices begin with the planting of a seed which, in time, takes root. I am hopeful that the concept of zero-based budgeting will eventually take hold in Virginia, and hopefully I can be a part of bringing that about.

The Commonwealth received some good news last week with a continued increase in state revenues yielding an additional $152 million for our state's two-year budget period. The Governor, wisely, has asked the legislature to put the money in the state's "rainy day fund" and also to make payment towards the debt owed to the Virginia Retirement System and to eliminate the accelerated sales tax program, which was really a budgetary gimmick used to close the states revenue gap last year. Revenue from individual withholding taxes increased by 5.2% while the estimate had been for an increase of 3.4%. This is apparently due to a rebound in small business hiring.

The Senate and the House have both released their budget amendments to the Governor's introduced budget amendments. As is typical, they are at odds and will be reconciled by a committee of conference which is made up of legislators appointed by the Senate and House. This group of legislators will work long hours in an attempt to negotiate and finalize amendments to Virginia's two-year budget plan.

I will be in Richmond until Saturday, February 25 when the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn at 12 noon. It is important that I hear from the people that I represent. Please do not hesitate to contact me while I am in Richmond at (804)698-1000 or by email at DelLLewis@house.virginia.gov or by mail at Delegate Lynwood Lewis, P.O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218.

Virginia Delegate Wants Alternative Currencies For State

The Commonwealth of Virginia would begin minting its own gold and silver coins as an alternative currency to the U.S. dollar under a bill that Virginia Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) says he will file in coming days.

Marshall will ask the General Assembly to consider the idea when it convenes for its annual legislative session Jan. 12. It is a companion bill to a proposal he has already filed to establish a study committee to examine alternative currencies to that distributed by the Federal Reserve System "in the event of a major breakdown of the Federal Reserve System."

Marshall said his intention is to inject competition into the national economy and force the federal government to change monetary policy he believes is leading to hyperinflation. According to his bill, "many widely recognized experts predict the inevitable destruction of the Federal Reserve System's currency through hyperinflation in the foreseeable future." His critique mirrors that of the Tea Party movement, some of whose members have called for the end of the Federal Reserve system.

"State legislatures have to get a little more creative and savvy to counter the buffoonery that's been plaguing Washington," Marshall said in an interview.

Asked what he might say to people who believe the proposal is, well, a little wacky (after all, the last time Virginia used currency other than the U.S. dollar was during the Civil War), Marshall said he believes the Constitution allows for alternative currencies.

"The only people who would say that are people who don't understand or reject the clear language of the Constitution, of the law and of court decisions," he said. "We want to provide competition and some restraint on the profligates that have been running the Federal Reserve and the people in Congress who don't know the word 'no.' "

Marshall is one of the most conservative and controversial members of the Virginia legislature. He delights in proposing legislation that helps him advance his conservative philosophy and is considering running for the U.S. Senate in 2012.

But Marshall's bills aren't always embraced by the rest of the legislature, even his fellow Republicans. He is also sponsoring legislation this year to bar gays and lesbians from serving in the Virginia National Guard.

www.washingtonpost.com

Almost 900 State Laws To Take Effect In Virginia On July 1, 2010

Richmond, Va. --

Almost 900 new laws passed by the 2010 General Assembly will take effect Thursday.

Preoccupied with closing a $4 billion budget deficit, legislators avoided many of the hot-button issues that have dominated other sessions by killing or deferring action on bills.

But here's a look at some new laws that could affect Virginians' daily lives.

State workers

What's new? New state employees hired on July 1, or after, must pay 5 percent of their salary into the Virginia Retirement System. Local governments and school divisions have the option of picking up some, or all, of the 5 percent member contribution. What's changing? Since 1983, the state has been paying the employees' contribution and the state's share of state workers' retirement.

Concealed weapons

What's new? Holders of concealed-handgun permits will be allowed to carry concealed guns into bars and restaurants, but they aren't supposed to drink. What's changing? Under current law, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun into a restaurant or club where alcohol is consumed on the premises.

Speed limits

What's new? The Virginia Department of Transportation can raise the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on interstates and other limited-access highways after conducting traffic engineering studies of the roads.

What's changing? Initially, the only interstate where the limit will rise to 70 mph is Interstate 295 from Petersburg nearly to Interstate 64 east of Richmond.

Seat belts

What's new? Sixteenand 17-year-olds riding in the back seat must buckle up and can be ticketed if a law-enforcement officer sees they are not wearing seat belts. What's changing? Currently, only passengers 15 and younger are required to wear seat belts in the back seat. What's new? Front-seat passengers ages 16 or 17 can be ticketed if seen not wearing seat belts. What's changing? Under current law, such passengers can get tickets only if an officer has pulled the car over for a different infraction.

'Move over' law

What's new? A motorist approaching a tow truck or highway-maintenance vehicle displaying flashing amber lights must change lanes. What's changing? Currently, the law applies only to motorists approaching emergency vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights.

Underage drinking

What's new? A juvenile who commits a second offense of underage possession of alcohol can lose his driver's license for up to one year. What's changing? Currently, such a juvenile can lose his license for up to six months What's new? Courts will no longer be allowed to issue a restricted driver's license for school travel to a person under 18 who has been convicted of driving under the influence or refusing a breath test. What's changing? Courts currently have that discretion.

Health insurance

What's new? A new state law says Virginians cannot be required to purchase health insurance. What's changing? The new law is meant to protect Virginians against a mandate in the federal health-care law. Which law will prevail is the subject of a fight playing out in federal court.

Animal cruelty

What's new? The penalty for a violation of the minimal standards of animal care becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. What's changing? It had been a Class 4 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $250. What's new? The penalty for abandoning an animal becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. What's changing? It has been a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500. What's new? The penalty for animal cruelty remains a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine, but there are new restrictions. What's changing? The penalty will require a mandatory minimum of five days in jail and a prohibition on the possession and ownership of companion animals.

Alcohol

What's new? Wine and liquor-tasting events can be held at government Alcoholic Beverage Control Stores. What's changing? Such events have been allowed at restaurants and festivals, but not at ABC stores.

Flags

What's new? A unit owners' or property owner's association cannot bar a property owner from displaying the American flag. The association can establish "reasonable restrictions" on the size and placement of a flag.

What's changing? The law, inspired by the case of Van T. Barfoot, a Medal of Honor winner who lives in Henrico County, is meant to protect the rights of homeowners, while treating homeowners associations fairly.

Text messages

What's new? Anyone who sends an obscene or vulgar text message with the intent to coerce, intimidate or harass someone is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. What's changing? Current law punishes such behavior when simply using a telephone or citizens band radio.

www.timesdispatch.com