“While the northern portion of this project — the I-95/395 HOT Lanes — that our community so opposes remains on hold pending the outcome of Arlington County’s lawsuit, I urge all concerned citizens to review these environmental documents in preparation for citizen information meetings in the fall,” said David.  “I will communicate the details of these meetings as soon as they are announced.  Our collective goal should be regional transportation solutions that work without pitting communities against each other and sacrificing people’s health and quality of life.  That’s why citizen input is so critical.”

“We are providing public access to this detailed environmental document to allow citizens plenty of time to review it before citizen information meetings are held this fall,” said Sean T. Connaughton, secretary of transportation.

Click here for VDOT’s I-95/395 website.

Community Cookout in the Berg, Thursday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join us as we bring together friends and neighbors from the Berg and the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy food and fellowship while we also register voters, distribute important information about services in the community, and spread the word about the upcoming election.  (Location: The courtyard at Tancil Ct, off of N Fairfax St between Princess St and Oronoco St in Old Town.)

We need your help to make this event a success: 1) Canvass the area a day or two before the event to spread the word; 2) Help us organize and run the event; 3) Be there on Sept. 16! Contact us at 703-549-3203 or info@davidenglin.org to let us know how you can help.

Volunteer Night, Thursday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
With the fall election season in full swing, it’s time to kick things up a notch! We’ll be preparing mailings to constituents, reaching out to voters door-to-door with Organizing for America (bring your walking shoes!) and making phone calls to help re-elect Rep. Tom Perriello (bring your cell phones with unused minutes!) As always, we’ll fuel the evening with pizza and beverages, and it all takes place at our home (a.k.a. “Campaign Central”) at 1505 Wayne Street, Alexandria (map).

Contact us at info@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203 to let us know when and how you can help.  Thank you for your continued energy and support!

“Thank you so very much for all of your hard work — I remain deeply honored and humbled that you are willing to give so much energy to our cause,” said David, expressing his appreciation for the volunteers.  “Our goal from the very beginning has been to build a grassroots operation that continually engages folks and empowers regular people to get involved and make change.  That’s why it’s especially exciting to see that, after more than five years at this, we’re still bringing in so many first-time volunteers.”

Join us for the next Team Englin Volunteer Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 23.  RSVP to info@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203.

Governor McDonnell today repeated the claim that Virginia suddenly has a surplus, but that is simply false. Webster’s defines “surplus” as “the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied.” Given that the General Assembly just cut an additional $4 billion in state services, one could hardly call this year’s $404 million account balance “the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied.”  If anything, it is an “unappropriated balance” waiting to satisfy unmet needs.  The fact that Governor McDonnell (correctly, in my view) intends to spend this money on dire unmet budget needs is proof enough of that point.

Beyond that, it’s important to note that this unappropriated balance is largely the result irresponsible choices and budget gimmickry.  The General Assembly effectively took a “payday loan” from the state pension trust fund by borrowing $600 million from the fund, despite the fact that the Pew Center for the States in February downgraded Virginia for underfunding our pension trust fund’s ability to meet known obligations.  Additionally, Virginia required retailers — many of whom are struggling small businesses — to estimate their July sales tax receipts and pay them early, shifting that revenue from one fiscal year to another.  The taxes these businesses were forced to pay early caused more than half of the current unappropriated balance and leaves a hole that same size in the next year’s revenue.

Instead of trying to score political points by claiming a surplus that isn’t, leaders of both parties ought to level with citizens who see for themselves the decline in services and quality of life.  A balanced budget and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars requires money in to equal money out, without gimmicks that cook the books and risk our future finances.

Delegate David Englin is Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and is serving his third term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County.  He serves on the Finance Committee, the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee, and the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee. For more information, visit http://www.davidenglin.org.

Can you please join us Tuesday, August 24, from 6-9 p.m., for Volunteer Night?

Contact us at info@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203 to let us know you’ll be there on August 24.  Thank you for your help!

“It’s the responsibility of the Federal government to enforce Federal immigration law.  Virginia can’t even afford to mow the grass in highway medians.  Now Ken Cuccinelli and Corey Stewart want to turn our local police into Federal immigration agents — even if it will make it harder for police to solve crimes and protect public safety,” said David.  “Whose teachers are you going to fire and whose taxes are you going to raise to pay for these expensive and controversial polices?”

Also speaking at the news conference were: Simon Y. Moshenberg, Victor M. Glasberg & Associates Attorneys; Jon Liss, Executive Director of Tenants and Workers United; Tram Nguyen, Associate Director of Virginia New Majority; and Sarahi Uribe, Regional Organizer of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

“To the many immigrant families across Northern Virginia who feel shut out and singled out by the vitriol from Ken Cuccinelli, Corey Stewart, and their supporters, I’m also here to remind you that there are elected officials who stand with you,” said David.

Virginia’s fifth annual sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

While we commonly refer to this as the “back-to-school” sales tax holiday, it is important to remember that the sales tax holiday is for all shoppers, not just those with children heading back to school.  Therefore, it is also an opportunity to purchase office supplies and shoes and clothing for adults tax free. There is no limit on the number of items you can buy as long as each one qualifies under the holiday’s guidelines.

Lists of exempt items, along with guidelines for the sales tax holiday and a set of frequently asked questions, are available online at the Tax Department’s Sales Tax Holiday Information Center.

Finally, since the sales tax holiday applies to anyone shopping in Virginia stores, including visitors from D.C. and Maryland, this is a great opportunity to invite friends from across the Potomac to come and enjoy a weekend of shopping in our community.

“Congratulations to all of the neighborhoods, Neighborhood Watch volunteers, and law enforcement and public safety professionals in our community for a wonderful evening,” said David.  “It was great to see so many families, friends, and neighbors enjoying each others company and building the kinds of personal relationships that keep us safe and enhance everyone’s quality of life.”

For more information about National Night Out, click here.

“More than 1,600 Alexandria families live below the poverty line, more than 5,600 Alexandrians rely on food stamps, and over half of the children in Alexandria’s public schools qualify for federally subsidized lunches,” said David.  “Supporting the United Way is a great way to make a difference to these neighbors in need, so I encourage folks to enjoy dinner at Austin Grill tonight between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.  Many thanks to this local business for supporting those in need in our community.”

“The pundits seem to think there’s no energy or enthusiasm among Democrats, but the fact that so many people would turn out on a sweltering hot evening in July to help make a difference proves the pundits wrong,” said David.  “I’m so incredibly grateful to all of the grassroots volunteers willing to give their time and energy to help us reach out to voters.  I’m especially proud of the fact that we continue bringing in new volunteers — including four first-timers last night — which shows how important it is to empower people to take action all year long.  Thank you to all of the volunteers who keep making our grassroots efforts so successful!”

Join us for the next Team Englin Volunteer Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24.  RSVP to info@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203.

Contact us at info@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203 to let us know you’ll be there on July 22.  Thank you for your help!

Here are the bills David successfully passed during the 2010 General Assembly session that become law today:

Emergency Vaccination of School Children: Ensures equal access to life-saving vaccines regardless of whether children attend private schools, charter schools, traditional public schools, or are home schooled.

Budget Transparency: Strengthens transparency and accountability in state budget process by improving annual corporate income tax relief report.

Public Safety Retirement Benefits: Empowers City of Alexandria to improve retirement benefits to recruit and retain high-quality public safety personnel.

Green Jobs: Green Jobs Tax Credit promotes creation of strategically important jobs in renewable energy and energy conservation. David developed this policy in 2009 and Republicans co-opted it in 2010 and passed it as House Bill 803.

(Note: David’s bill implementing the 2008 Advanced Health Care Directives Registry law was emergency legislation and is therefore already in effect.)

Alexandria

“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.”

Englin has been a key leader on environmental issues in the General Assembly and has authored and sponsored several pieces of legislation to address the growing threat of climate change. His 2009 Renewable Energy Job Creation Tax Credit proposal was the basis for the bipartisan Green Jobs Bill which became law this year.

Englin was among 19 legislators awarded this recognition this year.

Delegate David Englin is Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and is serving his third term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County. He serves on the Finance Committee, the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee, and the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee.

For more information, visit www.davidenglin.org.

Arlington

“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.”

Meanwhile, Congress adjourned without approving these funds, which means another week will go by without providing this critical funding to the states.

“Congress needs to understand the consequences of inaction,” said Hope. “Hundreds of thousands of Virginians are depending on the funding these services provide; thousands of jobs in the health care sector are at stake.”

Delegate Patrick Hope is serving his first term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 47th District in Arlington County. He serves on the Courts of Justice Committee and the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee.

Delegate David Englin is Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and is serving his third term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County. He serves on the Finance Committee, the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee, and the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee.

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. Please know that your families love you more than it’s possible for you to understand, and know how proud we are to see you closing this chapter of your education and moving toward the next one.

As much as your families have been part of that transformation, it was also made possible by so many dedicated teachers and staff here at Maury – or at other schools you may have attended along the way. Beyond applying their expertise and teaching you each year what you need to know, they have been mentors and care givers, counselors and confidants, working harder than many of us appreciate to give you the future you deserve. On behalf of all of the families of our graduating 5th Graders – and of all of Maury’s students, I thank you Ms. Jackson and all of the teachers, faculty, and staff for what you have done – and continue to do – for our children.

Now, this is my first graduation address, and I’m told that I’m supposed to pass on some words of wisdom – some important thought for these soon-to-be Middle Schoolers to keep in mind. I’ve been thinking long and hard about what kind of advice one can offer to 5th Graders who, let’s face it, already think they know everything. So I got to thinking, What do I wish I had known when I was your age? And here it is: For most of you, you will never learn faster and more easily that you will over the next few years. Seriously. It’s like you have some kind of superpower that nobody told you about. Whether you want to learn a new language, or play an instrument, or develop a new skill, right now and for the next few years, your brains and your bodies will be like sponges absorbing knowledge and skill more quickly and easily than perhaps at any other time in your life. (Trust me. Take it from somebody who waited until he was 33 years old to learn how to skateboard!) But you have to know the secret to unlocking that superpower. That secret is “hard work.” With the strong foundation Maury has given you, if you are willing to work hard these next few years, there is nothing you can’t learn or learn how to do. Whether you want to be fluent in Chinese or German, learn to rock out on guitar or keyboard, shoot three pointers like LeBron James, or skateboard like Shawn White, you are at an age where the world is wide open and anything is possible — if you are willing to work hard to unlock your potential.

So I challenge you — don’t waste these next few years. Use them to work hard and get everything you can out of Middle School. Of course, as your parents and families, we will always be here for you, helping you along the way. (And we would appreciate it if occasionally you would heed our advice. Oh – and always call us and let us know where you are.) But while Elementary School has transformed you into the fine young people we see before us today, your future is just beginning, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.

Thank you again to the entire Maury family, and warm wishes to all of our children for a bright future filled with possibility.

“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.

Signatures are being gathered to place on the ballot a referendum that would require Arlington County to adopt a new form of government structure. Based on our experience in the General Assembly, we oppose this effort.  It could significantly impair our ability to advance Arlington’s interests in Richmond.

Arlington is unique among Virginia counties and cities. We are the only jurisdiction to have adopted the “County Manager Plan” of government, and a separate section in the Code of Virginia sets out Arlington’s powers and responsibilities.

Over the years, we and our predecessors in the General Assembly have succeeded in securing special powers for Arlington that reflect both the needs of an urban, diverse population, and our values as an inclusive, forward-looking community.  For instance:

● Arlington’s requirements for child day care operations are far more stringent than statewide standards in terms of staffing ratios, personnel qualifications, etc.

● Arlington’s Human Rights Ordinance uniquely gives us the power to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

● Arlington’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance enables us to expand the stock of critically needed affordable housing in the County.

These and other authorities would be placed in jeopardy if Arlington were forced to abandon its current governing structure.  The referendum would require us to adopt a form of government that is used by four rural, sparsely populated counties in far southwestern Virginia — jurisdictions with which Arlington has virtually nothing in common.  Any change to this new form of government would need the concurrence of those counties.

In the coming years, Arlington faces great challenges — and even greater opportunities — in Richmond.  The Arlington delegation will be better able to meet those challenges and capitalize on those opportunities if we aren’t required to expend our resources trying to regain existing powers and authorities.  For these reasons, we oppose the “Change of Government” referendum.

Patsy Ticer, Senator, 30th District

Mary Margaret Whipple, Senator, 31st District

Bob Brink, Delegate, 48th District

Adam Ebbin, Delegate, 49th District

David Englin, Delegate, 45th District

Patrick Hope, Delegate, 47th District

Ed Holland, Senator, 31st District, 1972-1996

Karen Darner, Delegate, 49th District, 1991-2004

Judy Connally, Delegate, 48th District, 1992-1998

Al Eisenberg, Delegate, 47th District, 2004-2010

Click here for more information about the Coalition for Arlington Good Government, which is educating voters about this issue.

“In addition to providing a measure of help to people trying to be ready for emergencies in these tough economic times, I hope this holiday will highlight the need for people to be ready and plan for emergencies,” said David, encouraging constituents to visit www.readyvirginia.gov for preparedness information.Virginians can purchase the following eligible emergency items tax-free as long as the item costs less than $60:

• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice
• Batteries (excluding car or boat batteries)
• Battery-powered light sources, including flashlights and lanterns
• First-aid kits
• Cell phone chargers
• Weather Band radios and NOAA Weather Radios
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios, including radio with electrical power option
• Bottled water of any size, including flavored, carbonated and vitamin water
• Two-way radios
• Manual can openers
• Tarps, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths
• Bungee cords and rope
• Ground anchor systems or tie down kits
• Ratchet straps
• Duct tape
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers
• Empty gas, propane or diesel fuel tanks or containers
• Water storage containers such as buckets, barrels, canteens, coolers
• Storm shutter devices made for the prevention of storm damage (not plywood)

In addition, the following items are eligible to be purchased tax free as long as the item is priced less than $1,000:

• Portable generators and generator power cords
• Inverters and inverter power cables

Virginia has two additional sales tax holidays, for school supplies and clothing in August, and for energy-efficient appliances and other products in October.