Del. Filler-Corn’s ‘CARE Act’ Passes the House
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s (D–41) HB 1413 passed the full House of Delegates on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. HB 1413 or the “CARE Act” addresses the important role of the informal and family caregivers and improved communication with them and medical providers. Specifically, the bill looks to improve healthcare and reduce preventable hospital revisits by having hospitals formally acknowledge a patient’s family caregiver at the time of admission and provide critical home care instruction before discharge.
GMU Students Rally to Lower Student Debt
Members of GMU Student Power Travel to Richmond to voice concern over rising debt.
Twelve students from George Mason University traveled to Richmond with the Virginia Student Power Network, rallying and calling for debt-free education, and for increased educational opportunities for undocumented students. Rodrigo Velasquez, a junior at Mason from Springfield and GMU Student Power’s organizer, was one of the 12 from Mason who also went to Richmond.
Commentary: Addressing Sex Trafficking in Northern Virginia
Four years ago, I introduced my first piece of legislation to address an issue that I thought happened everywhere but here in Northern Virginia; sex trafficking. According to the Polaris Project, a leading organization in the global fight against human trafficking, over 100,000 children are victims of the sex trade in the United States each year. The Polaris Project ranks Virginia 7th in the nation in the percentage of calls received reporting human trafficking.
Puller Will Not Seek Re-election
Just as the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2015 January session, state Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36) announced her decision to not run for re-election later this year. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 36th district in the Senate of Virginia,” Puller said in a Jan. 14 statement. “Now, with the encouragement, love and support of my family I have made the decision to step down.”
Board of Supervisors Recognizes Global Arts Initiative
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the Arts Council of Fairfax County for its new Global Arts Initiative for which the organization received an Arts Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Filler-Corn Announces Legislative Agenda
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) recently unveiled the legislation she has introduced for consideration by the 2014 General Assembly. Among Delegate Filler-Corn’s legislative priorities are education, public and campus safety, workforce development, childcare safety, creating the new Virginia economy and looking out for our seniors.
Board Approves Supervisor Cook's Proposal on Electronic Data
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a board matter submitted by Supervisor John C. Cook (R-Braddock). The submission directs the County Executive to provide the Board with a recommended policy to govern the County's collection and retention of electronic data. With advances in technology comes the ability of the government to collect and retain significant amounts of electronic data.
Political Jockeying in Mount Vernon
With Puller’s retirement, the race is on.
Soon after state Sen. Toddy Puller’s retirement announcement, candidates for the vacated seat are already emerging.
Colleagues Praise Mount Vernon's Puller
State senator to retire at end of current session.
Calling State Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller’s announcement to retire “bittersweet,” Del. Mark Sickles explained that it is “bitter because her absence will leave a gaping void here in Richmond; sweet because nobody has done more in one life to deserve less hectic years at home with friends and family.”
Equipment Replacement and ADA-Compliancy
Parks and Recreation and Historic Resources offer CIP proposals.
With an eye on the upcoming City of Fairfax budget decisions, various department heads recently presently their FY 2016 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) wish lists to a joint work session of the City Council and Planning Commission.
Important Issues Facing the City of Fairfax
For its first issue of 2015, the Connection asked various local leaders what are the most significant issues and/or events facing the City of Fairfax in the coming year.
Protecting Dogs in the City of Fairfax
City Council passes one-hour maximum tethering ordinance.
When the Fairfax City Council last week passed one of the most stringent tethering laws in the state, it pleased many residents and animal advocates. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work,” said Fairfax resident Tim Parmly, who directs an equine-welfare group. “It’s an ordinance much-needed to protect the dogs in this City.”
Fairfax City Residents, Businesses Ask for More Affordable Housing
There was standing room only last week when residents and elected officials poured into Fairfax Baptist Church’s fellowship hall to discuss affordable housing in the City of Fairfax. And that church’s pastor, the Rev. Henry Brinton, got right to the point.
Fairfax City Votes
Voters turn out for mid-term election.
Jon Chu, of Fairfax City, entered the polling booth at Christ Lutheran Church on Meredith Drive, ready to experience civic duty in action. Except he is only 14. Accompanied by his grandparents, Chu is there to help them translate and understand, as they vote in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Steady Voter Turnout at Fairfax's Greenbriar East
More than a third of those registered there voted Tuesday.
Most voters at Greenbriar East Elementary (GBE) didn’t want to reveal specifics about which candidates they voted for on Tuesday, but they did share their reasons for casting their ballots, in general.