2017 Puller Institute Policy Projects

         On Wednesday March 22,  the 2017 Puller Institute students presented their 36th District policy projects and received certificates commemorating their completion of the program.

           In 2016, I created the Puller Institute to honor my predecessor, State Senator Elizabeth “Toddy” Puller who served in the Virginia General Assembly for 24 years.  Senator Puller was an avid fighter for the citizens of Virginia and this program is dedicated to her years of hard work for the 36th District. Over a decade ago, my predecessor in the House of Delegates,  Delegate Kris Amundson created her Young Leader Program.  Her program was designed to introduce top high school students in the Mt. Vernon area to Virginia State Government process. The Puller Institute is modeled after that program.
       

            During this year's program, eight students from four different high schools traveled to
Richmond during the General Assembly Session to be immersed in the legislative process of Virginia.  They observed the legislative process and meet with legislators, policy-makers, advocacy groups, and others.  They also were fourtunate enough to meet with Governor Terry McAuliffe, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and Secretary of Education Dietra Trent.         
 

Governor Acts on Coal Ash

Possum Point Coal Ash Ponds - 120 acres

Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe offered his amendments to SB1398 which I introduced to provide better information to the public before we make final decisions on closing four ponds or impoundments holding millions of cubic yards of coal ash located in:

• Possum Point, Dumfries, VA
• Bremo Station, Bremo, VA
• Chesterfield Station, Chesterfield, VA
• Chesapeake Energy Center, Chesapeake, VA

While Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been following existing state and federal law, I have remained concern that DEQ needs more tools and more options need to be on the table. 

Winter Storm Stella Advisory!

Winter Storm Stella is bearing down on the 36th District.  Here are couple important tips, websites and numbers to keep you safe, warm and dry:

• Monitor your local news sources for the latest weather conditions, and check the  National Weather Service  for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare your home for winter weather conditions by closing all windows and doors as well as ensuring all lose items (furniture, children's toys, etc.) outside your residence are secured or brought inside.
• Stay off the roads, if at all possible.
• If you must drive, do so slowly and carefully, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and leave plenty of driving room between you and the vehicle ahead of you.  Before getting on the roads, do the following:
  • Call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) to report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT's 24-hour Customer Service Center.
  • Call 511, go to www.511virginia.org or download the 511 mobile app to get the latest road condition information.
  • Prepare for winter driving conditions by having an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Have all of your utility account information, additional light sources,  and supplies to keep you warm on hand, in case of power outages.

  Additionally, please use the link and the numbers provided below to stay up-to-date on the road conditions or to report any power outages and road blocks:

Dominion Resources Power Outage Line

1-866-366-4357

Dominion Resources Storm Center Outage and
Restoration Updates

Northern Virginia Outages Map

VDOT Online Up-to-date Winter Storm Information,
Plowing Map and Road Issue Contact Number
Northern Virginia Snow Information/Status

VDOT Plowing Map

call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) to report road issues

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative 
1-888-335-0500

Washington Gas
1-800-752-7520

Columbia Gas
1-800-544-5606

Verizon Wireless
1-800-837-4966

Cox Communications

1-800-961-0027

Also, if you have any problems, you can always contact my office at 571.249.4484.  Stay safe!

***Additional Updates Will Be Posted***

Weekly Column: 2017 General Assembly Wrap Up Part II - Major Bills

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Gazette, The Mt. Vernon Voice, and the Potomac and Stafford Locals in the week of March 5, 2017.

Virginia General Assembly Approved New Policies

 

Last week, I reported on my accomplishments in the recent session of the General Assembly.  This week, I am highlighting a few other important policy changes coming to Virginia because of our action.

First, we passed several bills addressing the ongoing opioid crisis which is causing carnage across Virginia.  Community organizations will be authorized tothat possess the counter-overdose drug naloxone and after 2020 opioid prescriptions   will only be allowed to be transmitted electronically to minimize forgery risk. We passed legislation authorizing Virginia to sign onto the Interstate Metro Safety Compact.  This was absolutely necessary not only because of Metro’s ongoing problems, but to ensure that Metro continues to receive critical federal funding.

 

I have heard from several communities about problems created by AirBnB, a company that allows people to temporarily rent rooms or their homes.  In some areas, neighbors feel like residential properties have become hotels.  We passed legislation to confirm that localities’ can regulate these temporary rentals. The bill also authorizes localities to create registries for people renting their rooms for fewer than 30 days and to fine abusers.