On Monday, the House of Delegates convened to begin a special session to address the budget, but adjourned after just one day with no clear indication when it would reconvene. David used the opportunity to return to the 45th District and meet with constituents to update them on the budget impasse and listen to their thoughts and concerns about a variety of issues.

“I’ve enjoying chatting with constituents informally as I’ve been out and about the district this week, but it’s also been a great opportunity to meet with various community groups to hear what their members have to say,” said David.

On Wednesday evening, David was the keynote speaker at a dinner hosted by the Mount Vernon Rotary Club, where members asked about issues ranging from the budget to redistricting.

“Despite the budget impasse, we did make some progress in other areas,” David told the rotarians. “For example, we passed legislation to clean up emissions from dirty coal-fired power plants like the Mirant Plant.”

In response to a question about redistricting, David noted that House Democrats have been and will continue to push for non-partisan redistricting reform.

“We have to take the partisan politics out of redistricting,” said David. “Voters should choose their their elected officials, and not the other way around.”

On Thursday evening, David joined Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and members of the city’s small business community at the Salute to Small Business reception at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office Museum in Alexandria. The reception honored Alexandria’s Small Business Development Center.

“I enjoyed spending some time with the small business leaders who contribute so much to making Alexandria such a vibrant, dynamic community,” said David. “I enjoyed hearing their thoughts on a variety of local issues, and their message on the budget impasse was loud and clear: We need to protect core services, and we long-term, sustained funding for transportation.”

Later Thursday evening, David attended the semi-annual membership meeting of the Taylor Run Citizens Association to give them an update on their General Assembly. A key item of concern was skyrocketing real estate taxes and assessments.

“Transportation and education are two of the fastest growing costs for our local governments,” David noted. “If the General Assembly would fully fund transportation and education, our local governments would have more freedom to reduce real estate taxes.”

David also noted that several initiatives to reform real estate taxes require constitutional amendments, which by long-standing tradition are addressed in the second year of the two-year General Assembly cycle. One such reform is the Homestead Exemption, which David supports, which would give localities the power to exempt up to 20 percent of owner-occupied property from taxation.

The popular blog Raising Kaine interviews David in today’s weekly “Three for Thursday” feature, in which the bloggers ask “three questions of the candidates, office holders, activists and volunteers striving to put Responsible Government to work for all Virginians.” The bloggers asked about the budget impasse, David’s leadership on equal rights, and Team Englin’s plans for future activism. Click here for the complete interview.

At the call of Governor Tim Kaine, today a special session of the General Assembly convened to address the Commonwealth’s biennial budget, which the General Assembly failed to pass during the regular 60-day session. This year marks the third time in five years that Virginia’s Republican-controlled General Assembly has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to deliver a budget on time.

“Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, the Governor, and we House Democrats all agree that Virginia needs about $1 billion a year in sustained, dedicated, long-term transportation funding to get people out of gridlock, keep our economy strong, and improve quality of life,” said David. “The House Republican Caucus continues to obstruct the process by pushing a plan that fails to meet our transportation needs and cuts funding for core services.”

After several procedural votes, House Democrats offered a series of budget amendments to reinstate funding for core services like veterans care, fire departments, gang prevention, and education.

“House Republicans again blocked our efforts to protect the core services that keep our communities strong, but we will keep working in good faith to find a solution,” said David. “Virginians want their government to work for them and to deliver results.”

The House of Delegates adjourned in the early evening, with no clear indication when it will again convene.

“As a freshman legislator, you learn very quickly that it’s a numbers game, and what the majority wants, the majority gets,” said David. “Since Republicans control both the House and the Senate, it’s time for them to get their act together and work this thing out. Much more of this, and people might start to think that the current majority party doesn’t know how to govern.”

As soon as the House adjourned, David drove back up to Alexandria for the Women’s Commission’s annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet.

“Congratulations to all of the the amazing women who were honored this year for their contributions to our community,” said David. “Each in her own way has enriched and strengthened Alexandria, making it a wonderful city we are proud to call home.”

David joined Governor Tim Kaine and other elected officials in Richmond today as Governor Kaine announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to complete the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, an extension of Metrorail through Tysons Corner, Dulles International Airport, and to Loudoun County.

“Today, we take another step toward completion of the extension of Metrorail to the entire Dulles Corridor,” Governor Kaine said. “Enhanced transit service is an essential part of Northern Virginia’s transportation future, and this extension is vital for the residents and businesses in the Dulles Corridor.”

“I’m confident that this agreement ultimately will deliver Metrorail to Dulles Airport and beyond more quickly and at lower cost,” said David. “Completing Metrorail along the Dulles Corridor is a long-overdue investment that will strengthen Northern Virginia’s economy, better connect communities throughout the region, and improve quality of life.”

In December, the Airports Authority submitted a proposal to assume responsibility for the Dulles Toll Road and both phases of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. The signed memorandum establishes the overall relationship between the partners and the parameters of more specific project agreements to be completed in the coming months..

“Today, we mark a very large step toward the fulfillment of a longstanding vision—not just linking the airport to the region via Metrorail, but to make that same rail service available to all the residents and businesses in the corridor,” said James E. Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

“As public sector partners, the Commonwealth and the Airports Authority share the common goals of improving transportation in this corridor and meeting the future needs of the entire region,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer. “Today’s agreement guarantees completion of the project all the way to the Airport and well into Loudoun County.”

The agreement guarantees that all revenues generated by the Dulles Toll Road will be used for transportation improvements within the corridor, including the Metrorail extension and roadway improvements. Under the agreement the Airports Authority will continue to consider private proposals for the operation of the toll road and pursue innovative congestion management strategies, including High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.

David joined fellow Virginia Young Democrats at their annual statewide convention in Richmond today, where he was invited to introduce the keynote speaker, State Sen. Creigh Deeds, at the convention banquet.

“It’s always terrific to see so many young people organizing to fight for progress,” said David. “It gives me great hope for the future.”

At age 31, David is the youngest Democrat currently serving in the General Assembly. During his introductory remarks, David urged his fellow Young Democrats to stand up and be heard, “Because when young people stand up we can change the course of history.”

“Two hundred years ago, a young Virginian named Thomas Jefferson stood up and got himself elected to the House of Burgesses at age 26,” said David. “When he was just 33 years old, that Young Democrat wrote the Declaration of Independence and changed our country forever. When Martin Luther King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, he was just 26 years old, and when he stood at Lincoln’s feet and preached ‘I Have a Dream’ he was a young man of 33. If you have ideas and energy and passion, and are willing to work hard, never let anyone tell you you’re too young to make a difference.”

David introduced the keynote speaker, former Democratic candidate for attorney general State Sen. Creigh Deeds, noting his distinguished career in public service as an attorney, a member of the House of Delegates, and as a member of the Virginia Senate. David also congratulated Deeds on his donkey, Harry S. Truman (pictured above), being named earlier in the day as the official mascot of the Virginia Young Democrats.

Other business at the convention included the election of the Virginia Young Democrats’ statewide leadership team. Dominic Gabello was re-elected president, and Shayna was elected the executive vice president of the Virginia Young Democrats.

“I share Dominic and Shayna’s vision for building and organizing Young Democrats in Virginia as a political force to be reckoned with,” said David. “Congratulations to all of the newly elected leaders of the Virginia Young Democrats. I’m confident that together we can bring hope and progress to Virginia.”

David spent today’s morning rush hour at the Braddock Road Metro station meeting constituents and giving them an update on legislation from the regular General Assembly session that ended March 11.

“It’s always great to connect with my people and find out what issues are on their minds,” said David. “Folks seemed very aware of the budget impasse, and a number of constituents urged me to keep pushing for long-term, dedicated funding for transportation, which of course I will continue to do.”

Later in the day, David received several emails from constituents thanking him for his work.

“Thank you for coming to the Braddock Road Metro station this morning,” wrote one constituent, “In all my voting years prior to moving to Virginia . . . I never received an update of this kind, and I think it’s extremely helpful.”

“Just wanted to send a note to thank you for distributing the flyer at the Braddock Road Metro this morning,” wrote another of David’s constituents. “I really appreciate getting this kind of information in such an accessible format. You’ve sealed my vote if you decide to run again!”

“It’s all part of the service!” said David. “People have the right to know what their General Assembly is up to.”

Today David visited Mount Eagle Elementary School in the Fairfax part of the 45th District to congratulate 27 students who achieved the honor roll for the past semester.

“Thank you for inviting me here so I can congratulate you personally and let you know how proud I am of each of you for caring so much about your education,” David told the students, who gathered in the school library for the presentation. “I’m lucky to represent such terrific young people.”

David presented each of the students with a personal letter of congratulations.

“I have one favor to ask,” David said to the students. “When you go home and when you go back to your classrooms, remember to thank your parents and your teachers for everything they do to help you get such a great education.”

“Demographically, Mount Eagle is the poorest elementary school in Fairfax County,” said David later. “It’s a tribute to the excellent teachers and administrators at Mount Eagle that these students are doing so well despite some challenges other schools might not face. We have a duty to support these professionals and give them the resources and the tools they need so they can continue helping our children learn and grow.”

The regular session of the 2006 General Assembly adjourned Saturday evening without having completing the Commonwealth’s biennial budget, marking the third time in five years the Republican-controlled legislature has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty on time. The most frustrating aspect of the budget impasse is that four of the five players in the process — Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, House Democrats, and the governor — all agree that the budget must include a long-term, statewide, transportation solution that protects funding for education, public safety, health care, and job creation. Only the House Republicans stand in opposition to what is otherwise a forward-looking bipartisan effort. Before the final gavel closed the regular session, Governor Kaine ordered an upcoming special session to address this crisis. As I was driving home from Richmond to Alexandria on I-95 on Saturday evening, traffic backed up and slowed to 35 miles per hour in several places, as if to punctuate what’s at stake if we fail when the General Assembly convenes for the special session on March 27.

Despite failing to produce a budget, the General Assembly did pass a number of other bills this session that now await the governor’s signature. Bill’s I sponsored to rein in emissions of coal-fired power plants, to increase production of renewable biofuels, to create health insurance pools for small businesses, to begin the process of withdrawing Virginia from No Child Left Behind, to improve retirement benefits for emergency medical technicians, to help discharged prisoners more successfully transition into society, and to facilitate construction of the new T.C. Williams High School all passed with great success. I also helped pass bills to allow local governments to exempt more senior citizens from paying real estate taxes, to create an annual sales-tax holiday for back-to-school clothing and supplies, to lower the cost of textbooks for college students, to ban the death penalty for minors, to impede the production of the street drug meth-amphetamine, and to reform Virginia’s communication tax structure, which will lower monthly out-of-pocket expenses on communications services for the vast majority of my constituents.

Just as important as the bills we passed were some of the bills we defeated. We killed bills and sections of bills to use unnecessary regulations to shut down nearly every abortion provider in Virginia, to expand the use of the death penalty, to prevent local governments from requiring people applying for concealed weapons permits to be fingerprinted, and to give local school boards the power to restrict Gay-Straight Alliances, which promote tolerance and understanding among students. The effort to repeal the estate tax, which would forgo more than $100 million in revenue to benefit about 1,000 of the wealthiest Virginians, failed because the House and the Senate could not agree on the details. I support exempting family farms and closely-held small businesses from estate taxes, but I strongly believe that we should not slash taxes on the very wealthiest Virginians while we raise taxes on working people and also fail to properly fund foster care, child welfare services, and other efforts to give poor, vulnerable children a fair shot at the American dream.

I will be out and about throughout the 45th District between now and when the General Assembly goes into special session on March 27, so I hope you will take the opportunity to say hello and to share your thoughts on the budget impasse, the transportation crisis, or any other issue on your mind. Feel free to contact me or my legislative assistance, Beth Isaacs, at 703-549-3203 or su.av.etats.esuohnull@nilgnEDleD if we can ever be of service.

Richmond — This evening, the General Assembly adjourned without a budget for the 2006-2008 biennium, marking the third time in the past five years that the Republican-controlled General Assembly has failed to complete the budget on time. Of the four parties involved in the budget process — as in 2004 — the House Republican Caucus is isolated in the extreme.

“The Virginia Constitution, which all legislators swear to uphold, requires us to complete the people’s business, including the budget, during the 60-day General Assembly session,” said Del. David Englin (D-45). “With House Democrats, Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and the Governor all working towards a solution, it’s unfortunate that House Republicans have obstructed the process and have forced an end to the regular session with no budget.”

Governor Timothy M. Kaine and the Senate both presented plans that dedicated approximately $1 billion in new revenues to address Virginia’s transportation crisis. Unfortunately, the plan offered by House Republicans could not meet the transportation needs without cuts in other core areas and increased debt.

The full Senate, the Governor and the House Democratic Caucus are working towards a bipartisan budget solution. However, House Republicans have focused on mean-spirited divisive games — such as attacking Danny LeBlanc — instead of addressing the business of the people.

Governor Kaine today ordered a special session of the General Assembly to begin on Monday, March 27, 2006, and urged legislators to use the upcoming two-week break to continue efforts to produce a long-term, statewide, transportation solution that protects funding for education, public safety, health care, and job creation.

Short of a miracle breakthrough in budget negotiations this week, most of my colleagues and I expect the current General Assembly session to go into overtime beyond the scheduled March 11 end date. However, since the regularly scheduled session is drawing to a close, I thought I would take this opportunity to thank the thousands of constituents who have contacted me about so many different issues, from my opposition to the marriage amendment and the bill to restrict the use of soccer fields, to my support for the Clean Smokestacks Act, which I sponsored, to the other myriad issues we have addressed one way or another this session. Even if you contacted me about an issue on which we might not agree, I hope you found me willing to listen to your point of view and open to an ongoing discussion so we can move our community forward together.

Thank you also to everyone who has taken my new constituent survey on the various transportation budget plans. If you have not yet done so, please go online here and take the survey and tell me what you think about the options on the table. This will help me represent you better as the budget process moves forward.

Speaking of that process, last week, the House and the Senate rejected each other’s budgets, and both bodies appointed members to the conference committee that must negotiate and reconcile two very different plans. As I have noted before, the House plan fails to make the investments necessary to address Northern Virginia’s transportation needs, and what little money the House plan puts into transportation comes mostly from debt issued using money from the general fund that would otherwise go toward education, public safety, and social services. The Senate budget is not perfect — it includes a rather bizarre formulation that would have us saving our gas receipts for mail-in tax rebates — but it does get us to the $1 billion a year we need for transportation, it includes long-term dedicated funding for transportation, including Metro, and it protects money for education, public safety, and social services. Now that the business community is weighing in to support the principles contained in the budget plans offered by the Senate and the governor, I hope we can start to move forward and deliver a responsible budget that addresses our transportation problems without harming education, public safety, and other core services. (And, ideally, without the mail-in rebate provision of the Senate plan.)

I recently received a number of calls and emails about HB 568, which will reform Virginia’s antiquated system of communication taxes. I support this bill because it will make Virginia’s communication taxes more simple and more fair while also slightly lowering the cost of living for the vast majority of residents of the 45th District. The average consumer in Virginia pays a communication tax rate of 31 percent, which is nearly double the national average. HB 568 eliminates four existing communication taxes and replaces them with a low, across the board rate of five percent for all billed communication services. A number of satellite radio customers have expressed concern to me that they are not exempt from the five percent flat tax. It is true that satellite radio subscribers will now pay about $0.60 a month in taxes. However, the lowering of taxes and fees on services like residential telephones, cell phones, and cable T.V. will offset this minimal tax on satellite radio service, so even most satellite radio subscribers will see an overall decrease in their monthly out-of-pocket expenses.

In a note of good news, the Senate killed two bills that passed the House over my strong opposition. HB 1308 was sponsored by a conservative legislator from the Shenandoah Valley, Del. Matt Lohr (R-26), and it would have given school boards the power to restrict Gay-Straight Alliances, which promote respect and tolerance in our public schools. Del. Lohr and I have a good relationship despite our very different political views, but I was glad to see the Senate Health and Education committee defeat this unfortunate bill. HB 164, sponsored by Del. Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), would have threatened the effective, responsible, comprehensive family life education programs in our public schools. This bill also died in the Senate Health and Education committee, which appears to have become a bulwark against some very bad legislation. In another bit a good news, last week the House passed Senator Toddy Puller’s bill to improve coordination of services to the children of incarcerated parents, which I defended and helped narrowly pass out of the Health, Welfare, and Institutions committee.

We should have a better idea this weekend whether the General Assembly session will go right into overtime or whether we will recess for a few weeks before returning for a special session. Whatever happens, please don’t forget that I am here to serve you even when the General Assembly is not in session. I will soon be releasing a Constituent Services Guide pamphlet that you can use as a reference to the many ways I stand ready to help throughout the year, and I look forward to seeing you at your door or at Metro stops and other venues around the 45th District so we can chat about the issues and you can share your ideas and concerns. As always, please contact me if I can ever be of service.