
Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment
Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.
This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.

Fairfax County Considers Meals Tax Referendum
Revenue would be earmarked for transportation projects.
Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County a new funding tool: the right to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age
Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.
For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.

Cracking Down on Texting While Driving
Bill would make it a primary offense rather than a secondary offense.
Although he hasn’t been reading them while driving, state Sen. George Barker (D-39) has been receiving a flood of emails about distracted driving. Increasingly,

Bulova, Marsden Present Report from Richmond
Area legislators host town hall meeting to get feedback from constituents.
Less than a month after Virginia’s General Assembly convened on Jan. 11, the GOP’s effective control of both houses has paved the way for a slew of conservative social legislation, from broadening gun rights to curbing abortion and voting rights.

Tightening Asbestos Regulations
Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

Cementing the Districts
Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.
Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.

President Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights
Gives speech to crowd at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church.
Calling the continuing depression in the housing market a "make-or-break" moment for the middle class, President Barack Obama delivered a short and pointed speech this morning about his proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights to an audience in Falls Church.
Assembly at Half-way Point
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn reflects on General Assembly session so far.
The 2012 General Assembly session is nearly at its half-way point. In just two weeks, we will reach the "cross-over" phase of the current session, signifying that the House of Delegates has concluded its scheduled business and will begin working on legislation that has already been passed by the State Senate.

Moderate Mutiny
Former governor wants to impose Virginia “talent economy” on Washington; increase bipartisanship.
With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb.

Politics of Notification
Father takes his plight for increased parental notification to Richmond.
Steve Stuban can’t help but wonder if things could have turned out differently.
In Session
Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape

McKay Hosts Open House
Supervisor Jeff McKay and his Lee District staff hosted about 200 people at the annual open house on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Franconia Government Center.
Richmond Diary: From Education to Transportation
Reflections on week two in Richmond.
State Sen. David Marsden (D-37) reflects on week two of the 2012 Virginia General Assembly Session.

Task Force Presents ‘Common Sense’ Proposals
Allowing schools to open before Labor Day part of task force recommendations.
Repeal of the "Kings Dominion law," which requires Fairfax County schools to obtain a state waiver to open schools before Labor Day, is high on the list of legislative priorities announced Monday, Jan. 16, by Governor Robert McDonnell.