Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Supporters 'optimistic' about bill becoming law next year.
The Virginia DREAM Act — legislation that would have allowed children of illegal immigrants to receive in-state college tuition — has died in Richmond, but supporters are optimistic the bill will pass next year. "I was encouraged," said Del. Tom Rust, R-Herndon. "The bill has never gotten this far before. In fact, it's never gotten anywhere. I was encouraged by the response. It got a lot of support. I will be introducing it again next year, and I will be working on it between now and then." For the past seven years, similar legislation has died in a House subcommittee. This year, though, the measure enjoyed bipartisan, unanimous support on the subcommittee level, and it then passed the full House Education Committee with a 17-4 vote. It …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Virginia officials doubt Fairfax County will get money for transportation projects in 2013 legislative session.
As officials sat down Tuesday to discuss priorities for the legislature’s fast-approaching 2013 session the county’s widely publicized road funding woes—a $3 billion need for road projects and improvements over the next decade—took center stage. The county faces a $300 million per year funding shortfall for the next 10 years. But nobody is quite sure where the money will come from. And at Tuesday's joint meeting of county supervisors and representatives from the Virginia State Senate and General Assembly, tidings were grim. “I honestly don’t expect a transportation bill to pass this session,” said Del. Vivian Watts (D-39th). The Commonwealth’s Secondary Road Program, from which the county used to get $29 million annually, is dry. The …
Monday, December 10, 2012
Erase your library fines with a canned food donation.
1- City Council will hear public input at tonight’s meeting on the 2013 legislative program. Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35th District) and Del. Jim Scott (D-53rd District) will represent the City of Falls Church during the next session of the General Assembly in Richmond and they will be at tonight’s meeting. 2- From now through Dec. 16, you can erase your late fines at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library with a canned food donation. 3- City of Falls Church real estate tax bills were mailed on Nov. 13. Tax rebates, if applicable, were credited on the statement. Tax rebates, if applicable, were credited on the statement. Second half tax bills are due Wednesday, Dec. 5. For more information, click here to email officials. 4- Falls …
Friday, December 7, 2012
The public is invited to speak at Monday’s council meeting.
City Council is scheduled to hear public input at its Monday meeting on the 2013 legislative program. The program provides the foundation for positions on bills before the Virginia General Assembly that will impact the city. Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35th District) and Del. Jim Scott (D-53rd District) will represent the City of Falls Church during the next session of the General Assembly in Richmond. The two are expected at Monday’s meeting. Council is expected to hear public comment on state funding of local programs, pedestrian safety and crosswalks, the Virginia Retirement System and affordable housing. Here are some of the other issues expected to be discussed Monday: • Public Safety – dangerous weapons in City facilities • Unfunded …
