Legislating in Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol Staying Connected: Capitol Update 2012-2

Dear Prince William Neighbors,

Last week, when I left Prince William for Richmond and the 2012 session of the General Assembly, I told you that I’d report back after we got underway. We are now fully engaged in the legislative process, and this report is my first in a series of weekly reports between now and March 10th when we adjourn and return home.

We began the 2012 legislative session at noon on January 11th by taking the Constitutional oath of office. That same night, the House and Senate gathered in the House chamber to hear Gov. Robert F. McDonnell present his annual State of the Commonwealth address. The next day, the real work of the Assembly began with meetings of committees and subcommittees, and I participated in several press conferences with Gov. McDonnell as he unveiled our legislative priorities during this session.

This year, the 100 members of the House have introduced a total of 1600 bills. I am patroning a total of 15 bills, the same number as last year. I am carrying HB (House Bill) 1057, a major overhaul of the “Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.” This bill will facilitate voting by US military personnel and civilians living overseas. I am also carrying HB 1056, which requires funeral homes to consult with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services on whether cremated remains in their possession are of military veterans, which will permit burial with honor in a Virginia Veterans Cemetery. These are but two of 15 bills, and I will highlight others in future weekly reports. A full listing is at http://tinyurl.com/3l7ksah.

I am particularly busy this year because the Speaker has assigned me to the House Transportation Committee, in addition to the three standing committees on which I served in 2009 and 2010 (House Finance Committee, House General Laws Committee, and House Science and Technology Committee). Three committees are a full load, so I’m especially busy with four committees. In addition, I am a Deputy House Whip and also chair the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus…so it’s a brisk time…but I sincerely value the opportunity that our neighbors have given me.

My office here on Capitol Square has been full of Prince William neighbors who have visited to advocate for specific legislation and to share their views with me and my colleagues. This is the best part of being in Richmond and is crucial to legislating effectively in a constitutional republic. Between now and March 10th, I invite you to visit our office in Room 406 of the GAB (General Assembly Building), or to call or email us as outlined at the end of this report.

At 7:30 PM on a Tuesday evening In the next two or three weeks, I will conduct a telephone town hall with residents of the 51st House District. You’ll hear a verbal update and be able to ask live questions or make comments about this year’s legislative session. When you get a recorded call announcing the event, simply remain on the line and you will be connected to a teleconference with a few thousand of your neighbors.

I am typing these words in my Capitol Square office on Friday evening, after which I will drive home to Woodbridge for the weekend. During the week, you may reach me and Ryan M. Galloway (my legislative assistant) in Richmond at 804-698-1051. If it’s the weekend and you have an urgent need that can’t wait until Monday, call me at home (703-730-1380) and I will be happy to assist you or even meet with you in person. My direct email address is DelRAnderson@house.virginia.gov, and Ryan’s direct email is RGalloway@house.virginia.gov.

This is an exciting time in Richmond, and I invite you to visit us between now and March 10th. If you are able to do so, I look forward to meeting you and even taking you and your family on a personal tour of the Capitol that Thomas Jefferson built for future generations of Virginians.

In closing, we just received a VDOT forecast for light snow and ice tonight in the Prince William area. The Northern Virginia VDOT District has pre-treated major roads and hot spots, and they will mobilize 600 trucks by midnight tonight. For current info or to report conditions to VDOT, please call 1-800-FOR-ROAD, or go to www.511Virginia.org.

I and Ryan thank you for the privilege of serving you at home and in Richmond, and we look forward to seeing, talking, or hearing from you soon!

Warmest regards,

RICHARD L. ANDERSON
Delegate, 51st House District
Virginia General Assembly