Legislative Update: May 19
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself,” artist Andy Warhol once said. When using this quote in reference to the current budget standoff no truer words have been spoken. A large amount of time has been invested in creating a budget; unfortunately time alone can not bring us closer to a budget. I have spoken with a number of folks in the district and the consensus is that it is time for the members of the General Assembly to step up to the plate and produce a budget. There was a meeting of a small group of budget conferees this week. They had some very positive discussions on the education elements of the proposed budget. There were no final agreements reached on this part of the budget but they did agree to meet again this Wednesday as a small group and then for all budget conferees to meet after the small group adjourns. This is one of those small steps that gets us closer to producing a budget. I am anxious for a leap to be taken this in the budget negotiations. I have expressed my desire to quickly pass a budget to other legislators and leadership from both the House of Delegates and the Senate.
On Thursday, May 18th, the House of Delegates held a pro forma session in which no new legislation was discussed. These pro forma sessions take place when there is no new legislation to discuss and they only require the presence of the Speaker and one other Delegate. Hopefully the next legislative update you read will be reporting on changes in this standoff.
Although I have not had to go to Richmond this week for session I have managed to make my way around the district pretty successfully. Last Saturday, May 13th, I had the opportunity to speak at the Colonial Beach Yacht Club Flag Raising Ceremony before joining Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis for a BBQ at her home in Gloucester. Both events were great opportunities to mingle and get feedback on the state of affairs in Virginia.
On Monday, May 15th, I was pleased to attend the King George County Business Celebration. This event was a great opportunity to honor local businesses and all that they do for our communities. The next day, Tuesday, I spent the evening at the Northern Neck Regional Jail dinner and spoke with many fine folks who keep our jail running. Regional jails have a partnership with the state where the state grants them money to operate based upon the number if individuals housed there. This partnership makes it important to keep communication lines open.
On Thursday, May 18th, I attended the 48th Annual Meeting for the Foundation for Historic Christ Church. Once the business of the meeting was completed the Rev. Dr. John W. Turner performed music on instruments from the period in history during which the church was constructed. After the meeting was adjourned everyone gathered for lunch on the church courtyard. Later that day I attended the Opening Ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall at Rappahannock Community College. I will be attending the armed services day ceremony on Saturday, May 20th. I finished my day on Thursday by attending the Westmoreland Schools Employee Recognition Banquet which recognized teachers who had received awards throughout the year and those who were retiring at the close of this year. I was proud to have the opportunity to let these fine ladies and gentlemen know how much I appreciate their contributions.
The week ahead holds many visits and meetings where I will have the opportunity to discuss what is going on in the District and in Richmond with constituents. Until then if you have any concerns or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at robwittman@verizon.net or 804-493-0508.
On Thursday, May 18th, the House of Delegates held a pro forma session in which no new legislation was discussed. These pro forma sessions take place when there is no new legislation to discuss and they only require the presence of the Speaker and one other Delegate. Hopefully the next legislative update you read will be reporting on changes in this standoff.
Although I have not had to go to Richmond this week for session I have managed to make my way around the district pretty successfully. Last Saturday, May 13th, I had the opportunity to speak at the Colonial Beach Yacht Club Flag Raising Ceremony before joining Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis for a BBQ at her home in Gloucester. Both events were great opportunities to mingle and get feedback on the state of affairs in Virginia.
On Monday, May 15th, I was pleased to attend the King George County Business Celebration. This event was a great opportunity to honor local businesses and all that they do for our communities. The next day, Tuesday, I spent the evening at the Northern Neck Regional Jail dinner and spoke with many fine folks who keep our jail running. Regional jails have a partnership with the state where the state grants them money to operate based upon the number if individuals housed there. This partnership makes it important to keep communication lines open.
On Thursday, May 18th, I attended the 48th Annual Meeting for the Foundation for Historic Christ Church. Once the business of the meeting was completed the Rev. Dr. John W. Turner performed music on instruments from the period in history during which the church was constructed. After the meeting was adjourned everyone gathered for lunch on the church courtyard. Later that day I attended the Opening Ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall at Rappahannock Community College. I will be attending the armed services day ceremony on Saturday, May 20th. I finished my day on Thursday by attending the Westmoreland Schools Employee Recognition Banquet which recognized teachers who had received awards throughout the year and those who were retiring at the close of this year. I was proud to have the opportunity to let these fine ladies and gentlemen know how much I appreciate their contributions.
The week ahead holds many visits and meetings where I will have the opportunity to discuss what is going on in the District and in Richmond with constituents. Until then if you have any concerns or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at robwittman@verizon.net or 804-493-0508.
posted by Blake Hite at 2:01 PM
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