Recent Mentions on Blogs

imsurroundedbyidiots.wordpress.com: "I will go down with this ship?"

March 9, 2008
That?s a reference to Dido by the way. Anyway: NBC4: Lawmakers Kill Abusive Driver Fees: Lawmakers working overtime in Richmond voted late Saturday night to kill Virginia?s much-reviled abusive driver fees as soon as possible. The law, which went into effect last year, will be repealed the moment Gov. Tim Kaine signs the bills. The move became assured in early January when Kaine conceded that after six months, the fees had failed to approach the estimated revenue yield and that highway deat...

www.3676.net: Planned Parenthood singled out NOT to recieve government funding

February 26, 2008
Voting is one way of making your voice heard. Communicating directly with elected officials is another. I find that communicating with elected officials is highly effective. Voting is a one-time-thing, to get someone IN to office. Communicating with elected officials is an all-the-time-thing, to make sure that said elected official is doing right by you. In politics, I really do believe that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I can only vote once, but I squeak early and often. From Planned Pa...

The Conservative V.O.I.C.E ~Voter Outreach to Increase Conservatives in Virginia Elections~: Senate Approves Gas Tax Hike

February 18, 2008
Senate Approves Gas Tax Hike 18 Feb Posted by Carlton Huffman as Virginia Senate, Fiscal Issues Staying true to form and conforming to the warnings of conservatives, the Democratic controlled Senate approved a bill calling for a gas tax hike over the period of six years. All of the Senate?s 21 Democrats voted in favor while 4 Republicans deserted and voted to help raise taxes. Sen. Hanger, Harry Blevins, Fred Quayle, and John Watkins all decided that it would be nicer to increase taxes in...

swacgirl.blogspot.com: Hanger votes for gas tax increase

February 15, 2008
You may be paying more state taxes at the gas pump in the future. According to the Roanoke Times: The Virginia Senate voted 25-15 just before noon today to approve legislation that would increase the state gas tax by 5 cents over the next five years. ... The bill would raise the tax by a penny each year. Saslaw said it's expected to bring $52 million in new revenue its first year. Many Republicans opposed the bill as an unnecessary gas tax, but several members of the party voted for it. Sen. Em...

FAMILYFOUNDATIONBLOG.COM : No More Big Macs

February 15, 2008
It looks like Virginians will have to go without their Big Mac value meals. At least if the Democrat majority in the Senate has its way. Earlier today, Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-35, Springfield), got his way, putting aside much of the calendar to get right to the topic du jour: SB 713, a massive gas tax increase (more than a billion dollars through its five-year phase in as the bill?s own impact statement claims) which he patrons. The vote carried 25-15, with all 21 Dems voting yea along w...

Recent Mentions in the Media

Tidewater News: The strongest tornado ever to hit Suffolk

April 30, 2008
Kaine and other legislators, including Congressman Randy Forbes, Congresswoman Thelma Drake, Delegate Chris Jones, Sen. Fred Quayle and many other state and ...

• SB201
  Introduced: January 07, 2008
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0036)
  
  : Midwifery, Advisory Board on; removes sunset provision.
• SB202
  Introduced: January 07, 2008
  Status: Left in General Laws
  
  : Indoor Clean Air Act; smoking in restaurants.
• SB203
  Introduced: January 07, 2008
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0144)
  
  : Real estate tax; exemptions for elderly and handicapped persons in certain cities and counties.
• SB204
  Introduced: January 07, 2008
  Status: Stricken at request of patron in Education and Health (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Freestanding birth centers; licensing.
• SB205
  Introduced: January 07, 2008
  Status: Stricken at request of Patron in Rehabilitation and Social Services (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Prisoners; mandatory release on parole.
• SB327
  Introduced: January 08, 2008
  Status: Incorporated by Courts of Justice (SB118-Edwards) (14-Y 0-N)
  
  : Notarial certificates; removes requirement that wording appear on same page as signature.
• SB328
  Introduced: January 08, 2008
  Status: G Approved by Governor-Chapter 699 (effective 7/1/08)
  
  : Divorce; order shall be mailed and posted on courthouse door of nonresident defendant.
• SB329
  Introduced: January 08, 2008
  Status: Left in Appropriations
  
  : Line of Duty Act; definition, and funding for Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund.
• SB330
  Introduced: January 08, 2008
  Status: G Approved by Governor-Chapter 809 (effective 7/1/08)
  
  : Custody and visitation cases; admissibility of mental health care records.
• SB518
  Introduced: January 09, 2008
  Status: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Custody and visitation; ex parte orders.
• SB651
  Introduced: January 09, 2008
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0630)
  
  : Aerospace Engine Manufacturing Performance Grant Program; created.
• SB671
  Introduced: January 11, 2008
  Status: Left in Counties, Cities and Towns
  
  : Single-family dwellings; extends effective date requiring Surry County to provide for clustering.
• SB711
  Introduced: January 16, 2008
  Status: Subject matter referred by letter to DEQ pursuant to Senate Rule 20 (L)
  
  : Plastic carryout bags; retail merchant shall provide durable plastic bag, with handles, etc.
• SB755
  Introduced: January 18, 2008
  Status: Stricken at request of Patron in Local Government (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Water and Waste Authorities Act; powers of political subdivision.
• SB788
  Introduced: January 18, 2008
  Status: G Approved by Governor-Chapter 845 (effective 7/1/08)
  
  : Social Services, Department of; nonattorney employees to complete, sign, file petitions & motions.
• SB789
  Introduced: January 18, 2008
  Status: Continued to 2009 in Finance (16-Y 0-N)
  
  : Real estate assessments; burden of proof on appeal.
• SJ65
  Introduced: January 08, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ65ER)
  
  : Southeastern Public Service Authority; Auditor of Public Accounts to collect, receive data, etc.
• SJ82
  Introduced: January 09, 2008
  Status: Stricken at request of Patron in Rules
  
  : Plastic bags; Department of Environmental Quality to study policies to mitigate negative effects.
• SJ130
  Introduced: January 18, 2008
  Status: Left in Rules
  
  : International education; recognizing importance in higher educational institutions.
• SJ141
  Introduced: January 28, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ141ER)
  
  : Commending Marcus Williams.
• SJ149
  Introduced: January 30, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ149ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Julia Campbell.
• SJ169
  Introduced: February 06, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ169ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of G. Bill Backus.
• SJ170
  Introduced: February 06, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ170ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Peter Eustis.
• SJ171
  Introduced: February 06, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ171ER)
  
  : Battle of Craney Island Day.  
• SJ189
  Introduced: February 12, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ189ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of James C. Strickler.
• SJ190
  Introduced: February 12, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ190ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Daniel Ray Worsley.
• SJ227
  Introduced: February 25, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ227ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Travis A. Tennessee.
• SJ246
  Introduced: February 29, 2008
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ246ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of George Robert Waymack, Jr.

• SB171
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Letter sent to the Boyd-Graves Conference
  
  : Ex parte affidavit or written statement; nonadmissible in a personal injury or wrongful death case.
• SB216
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Courts of Justice
  
  : Court Reporting, Board of; created.
• SB222
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Transportation
  
  : Interstate 264; VDOT provide signage directing motorists to Sports Hall of Fame & Children's Museum.
• SB490
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Education and Health (14-Y 0-N)
  
  : Sexually transmitted infections; requires four-year colleges & univ. to provide free STI testing.
• SB626
  Introduced: January 16, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N)
  
  : Water Quality Improvement Fund; revenues from lodging shall be deposited thereof.
• SB943
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0371)
  
  : Indigent Defense Commission; powers and duties.
• SB944
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0600)
  
  : Child support orders; provision of health care coverage.
• SB945
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0557)
  
  : Income deduction order; remitting payments via electronic funds transfer.
• SB946
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Letter sent to the Governor
  
  : Credit reports; authorizes an individual under age of 18 and over 65 to freeze access thereto.
• SB947
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
  
  : Child custody; parties to submit custody implementation plan prior to entry thereof by court.
• SB948
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0909)
  
  : Pendente lite spousal support; guidelines.
• SB949
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee on Rules
  
  : Incarceration and Reentry, Commission on; created, report.
• SB950
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
  
  : Muzzle-loading rifle ordinances; removes authority of localities to adopt ordinance that permit use.
• SB951
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Recommitted to Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
  
  : Stray animals; allows a person living in any political subdivision to adopt.
• SB952
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
  
  : Criminal jurors; disqualifications.
• SB953
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0149)
  
  : Incarcerated persons; develop accessibility to higher education using video conferencing technology.
• SB954
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0601)
  
  : Income tax, state; contributions to Department for Aging to be used for Medicare Part D counseling.
• SB955
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0713)
  
  : Affordable housing; localities that adopt bonus density in exchange therefor allowed incentives.
• SB956
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Left in Courts of Justice
  
  : District courts; replaces references to motion for judgment with complaint to be consistent.
• SB957
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0237)
  
  : Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission.
• SB958
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Impact statement from DPB (SB958)
  
  : Emergency service providers; advanced life support procedures.
• SB959
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0150)
  
  : Retired employees; removes exception for certain localities regarding provision of insurance.
• SB960
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Requires two thirds affirmative votes for passage
  
  : Charter; City of Suffolk
• SB961
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0772)
  
  : Charter; City of Suffolk.
• SB962
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Impact statement from VRS (SB962)
  
  : Law Officers' Retirement System; adds juvenile probation and parole officers as members thereof.
• SB1115
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0158)
  
  : Trees and timber; proceeds of sale of those from state parks and natural area preserves.
• SB1156
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: Assigned App. sub: Compensation and Retirement (Putney)
  
  : Law Officers' Retirement System; provides supplemental allowance currently paid to certain members.
• SB1157
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: Impact statement from DPB (SB1157)
  
  : Line of Duty Act; definition of disabled person to include local employee.
• SB1158
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
  
  : Line of Duty Disability Fund; created.
• SB1159
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: Impact statement from DPB (SB1159S1)
  
  : Line of Duty Disability Fund; created.
• SB1160
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: Impact statement from DPB (SB1160ES2)
  
  : Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund; revenue source therefor.
• SB1240
  Introduced: January 10, 2007
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0797)
  
  : Health Commissioner; duties thereof.
• SB1424
  Introduced: January 24, 2007
  Status: Tabled in Finance
  
  : Real estate tax; exemption for elderly and disabled.
• SJ73
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Committee substitute printed 064449800-S1
  
  : Utility distribution lines; SCC to study requiring underground placement in redevelopment areas.
• SJ362
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
  
  : Constitutional amendment; property tax exemptions authorized for persons 65 years of age (1st ref.)
• SJ363
  Introduced: January 09, 2007
  Status: Referred to Committee on Rules
  
  : Incarcerated persons; joint sub. to study accessibility of education programs & higher educ. oppor.
• SJ420
  Introduced: January 15, 2007
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ420ER)
  
  : Hampton Roads: America's First Region; recognizing as brand for Southeast Virginia.
• SJ439
  Introduced: January 18, 2007
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ439ER)
  
  : Commending the Isle of Wight Academy football team.
• SJ535
  Introduced: February 19, 2007
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ535ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Max Carrol Chapman.
• SR49
  Introduced: February 19, 2007
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate (SR49ER)
  
  : Celebrating the life of Frank B. Nelms, Sr.
• SR64
  Introduced: February 24, 2007
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate (SR64ER)
  
  : Senate Ethics Advisory Panel; confirming nomination.

• SB164
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0219)
  
  : Waste and water authorities; powers regarding cost reserves and expenditures for operating capital.
• SB165
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0310)
  
  : Judiciary members; not required to disclose personal info. on statement of economic interests.
• SB166
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice
  
  : Service of process; personal service on agent.
• SB167
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0798)
  
  : Child support; clarifies factors that court may consider when determining.
• SB168
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0365)
  
  : Child support; employer shall prorate amount if there is more than one withholding order.
• SB169
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0720)
  
  : Support orders; changes the effective date thereof.
• SB170
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
  
  : Child or spousal support; writing bad checks therefor, penalty.
• SB171
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Letter sent to the Boyd-Graves Conference
  
  : Ex parte affidavit or written statement; nonadmissible in a personal injury or wrongful death case.
• SB172
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Tabled in Appropriations
  
  : Learning Technology, Office of; created within Council of Higher Education.
• SB173
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0220)
  
  : Port Authority; allows police thereof to provide security for private terminal operators.
• SB216
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Courts of Justice
  
  : Court Reporting, Board of; created.
• SB217
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0724)
  
  : Conservators, guardians and administrators; nonprofit organization can be named that of an estate.
• SB218
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Left in Commerce and Labor
  
  : Identity theft; authorized security freezes by certain consumers who live in nursing facility, etc.
• SB219
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Stricken from docket by Counties, Cities and Towns
  
  : Revenue-neutral tax rate; locality to calculate and publish in its budget.
• SB220
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Left in Courts of Justice
  
  : Child support; revises guidelines for monthly obligations.
• SB221
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Left in Courts of Justice
  
  : Child support; provides a self-support reserve for parents with incomes of a certain amount.
• SB222
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Transportation
  
  : Interstate 264; VDOT provide signage directing motorists to Sports Hall of Fame & Children's Museum.
• SB223
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 3-N)
  
  : Law-enforcement officer, etc.; persons using abusive language towards guilty of misdemeanor.
• SB224
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0514)
  
  : Environmental site assessments; localities to adopt ordinances requiring.
• SB225
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Passed by indefinitely in Counties, Cities and Towns
  
  : Impact fees; add City of Suffolk to localities authorized to impose for roads.
• SB488
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0750)
  
  : Certified nurse midwives; clarifies relationship with licensed physicians.
• SB489
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: VOTE: (38-Y 1-N)
  
  : Child support orders; specifies date that support orders are effective and payment due dates.
• SB490
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Education and Health (14-Y 0-N)
  
  : Sexually transmitted infections; requires four-year colleges & univ. to provide free STI testing.
• SB491
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: Incorporated by Courts of Justice (SB200-Houck)
  
  : Dogs; penalty when recklessly controlling or handling.
• SB613
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0811)
  
  : Electric Utility Restructuring Act; excludes municipal utilities.
• SB626
  Introduced: January 16, 2006
  Status: Continued to 2007 in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N" SB627"
  
  : Water Quality Improvement Fund; revenues from lodging shall be deposited thereof.
• SB636
  Introduced: January 17, 2006
  Status: Incorporated by Finance (SB393-Stolle) (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Line of Duty Disability Fund; created.
• SB637
  Introduced: January 17, 2006
  Status: G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0766)
  
  : Circuit court; issuance of warrants by judges.
• SB724
  Introduced: January 27, 2006
  Status: Incorporated by Local Government (SB699-Houck) (15-Y 0-N)
  
  : Traffic impact analysis; localities to prepare and consider prior to approving zoning ordinances.
• SB5010
  Introduced: April 12, 2006
  Status: Left in Finance
  
  : Hampton Roads Transportation Authority; created.
• SB5014
  Introduced: April 19, 2006
  Status: Tabled in Finance
  
  : Hampton Roads Transportation Authority; created.
• SB5022
  Introduced: September 15, 2006
  Status: Left in Transportation
  
  : Revenue-sharing funds; modifies program of state matching funds in certain localities.
• SJ57
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Left in Rules
  
  : Landfills; memorializing Congress to take all action necessary to protect citizens of VA & NC.
• SJ71
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Left in Rules
  
  : Income tax; study imposition of local tax instead of current tax source.
• SJ72
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Stricken at request of Patron in Rules
  
  : Overhead utility lines; joint subcommittee to study feasibility & costs of placement underground.
• SJ73
  Introduced: January 10, 2006
  Status: Committee substitute printed 064449800-S1
  
  : Utility distribution lines; SCC to study requiring underground placement in redevelopment areas.
• SJ88
  Introduced: January 11, 2006
  Status: Stricken from docket by Rules
  
  : Transportation and land use planning; joint subcommittee to study integration thereof.
• SJ187
  Introduced: January 30, 2006
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ187ER)
  
  : Commending Planters on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
• SJ5065
  Introduced: September 27, 2006
  Status: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ5065ER)
  
  : Commending India Meissel.