Archive for June, 2010
In Virginia, new legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor generally goes into effect on July 1. For your convenience, the staff of the Division of Legislative Services has produced a publication that provides a brief summary of legislation passed by the 2010 General Assembly that is of interest to the citizens of Virginia and is likely to have an impact on their daily lives. Please click here to download your copy.
Continue reading ‘New state laws go into effect July 1′
Alexandria - The Virginia League of Conservation Voters announced today that it has again named Del. David Englin (D-45) a “Legislative Hero” for his work on environmental issues during this year’s General Assembly session. This is the fourth time Englin has been honored with this recognition.
“As the oil spill catastrophe demonstrates, we need to move away from offshore drilling and instead aggressively promote conservation and renewable energy. I’m proud to be among a stalwart minority who has continually fought to protect Virginia’s shores from these kinds of disasters,” said Englin. “I want my son’s generation to be able to breathe clean air, drink clean water, eat the fish they catch, and grow up healthy and strong in a world free from the threat of global warming and destructive climate change. The League of Conservation Voters is an invaluable partner as we build that future together, and I’m honored to be selected as a Legislative Hero.”
“This is the fourth year that Delegate Englin has earned the distinction of being a ‘Legislative Hero’ with such an outstanding record,” said Lisa M. Guthrie, Executive Director, Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “He continues to stand up for clean, renewable energy, and against offshore drilling. He has fought for measures to address climate change, protect clean air and water, and restore the Chesapeake Bay. David Englin is a true champion for Virginia’s environment.”
Continue reading ‘Englin again named “Legislative Hero” by League of Conservation Voters’
Arlington - Governor Robert F. McDonnell told reporters Monday that he no longer plans to ask Congress to support an enhanced federal match for Medicaid benefits to the states unless the funds are offset, citing concerns about the deficit. Yet he signed a letter in February, along with 46 other governors, indicating that an extension of these funds, known as FMAP, “would greatly assist us in maintaining services and further stabilizing the economy.”
“The General Assembly didn’t write such conditions for these Medicaid funds in Virginia’s budget, and Governor McDonnell didn’t propose such conditions before he signed the budget in April,” said Delegate Patrick Hope (D-47). “When exactly did the federal deficit become a revelation to the Governor? Why is he changing his position and putting Virginia jobs and Virginia citizens at risk?”
“Congress is getting ready to vote on this issue. With Virginia preparing cut services to thousands of our most vulnerable citizens because Congress has yet to approve this money, it’s irresponsible for Governor McDonnell to send a message that this money is no longer necessary,” said Delegate David Englin (D-45). “We urge Governor McDonnell to stick with his February position and join us in calling on Congress to approve this money now to protect Virginia jobs and Virginia citizens.”
At the Matthew Maury Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony this morning, David was honored to participate in the occasion as the graduation speaker. He was introduced by his son, Caleb, who was among the Alexandria City Public Schools students matriculating from elementary school. The following is the text of David’s remarks:
Thank you, Caleb, for that terrific introduction. I was incredibly honored that Ms Jackson invited me to speak at today’s ceremony, even though I know I was actually her second choice. Unfortunately, while I know Ms. Jackson tried very to get the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to be here, that was not to be — at least not this year. But I know if she was here, she would share our pride in these fine young men and women who are about to progress to Middle School.
As the proud parent of one of those students, I think I have some insight into what many of the adults in the room may be feeling. It seems like just yesterday that we helped you put on your new backpack, took your picture by the school sign, and sent you off to your first day of kindergarten. That was back when Buzz Lightyear or some other mascot of childhood seemed to rule your world — back when you relied on us for everything and we were happy to oblige. Over time, together we got used to the week-in, week-out, year-in, year-out routines of Elementary School, and before any of us realized it, those helpless kindergarteners transformed into the smart, funny, hardworking, opinionated, and all-too independent young men and women we have before us today. Continue reading ‘David helps Maury Elementary School mark 5th Grade graduation’
Organizing for America launched its statewide voter outreach campaign for the 2010 elections Saturday, and David stopped by their kick-off event in Alexandria to thank the volunteers and organizers for their hard work. Organizing for America — better known as OFA — is the successor to Obama for America and has become the major grassroots organizing arm of the Democratic Party. Team Englin worked closely with OFA during the 2008 election to deliver Virginia’s electoral votes for President Obama.
“Congratulations to Chrisi West and our local OFA team for the great job they are doing empowering people to get involved and make a difference,” said David. “Elections are won through grassroots, person-to-person outreach, and I’m confident that OFA’s hard work beginning now and going throughout the summer and fall will deliver results for our Democratic team this November.”
Click here for more information about OFA and to get involved.
