For the second week in a row, the weather became a main topic of discussion at Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol. As it turns out, we might have paid more heed to events some 300 miles north in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. There, America’s most prominent weather forecasting rodent, groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow and proclaimed six more weeks of winter. And he was right.
The arrival of a record breaking snow storm affecting about two-thirds of the state caused General Assembly members to return home for the weekend a day early. The House cancelled Friday’s session and the Senate held a “pro-forma” session, one in which just two members – both from the Richmond area – participated. The goal was to get legislators and staff members home (and off the roads) safe and sound.

BILLS

Even with a slightly shortened week, legislation is making its way through the General Assembly at a brisk pace. This year though, there are fewer pieces of legislation to consider. Members of the House of Delegates filed 1,386 bills this session, while our Senate counterparts filed 735. That works out to an average of about 14 bills per delegate and about 18 per senator.
Though that may seem like a lot, the total actually represents a reduction in the number compared to the last “long”, or 60-day, session held in 2008. That year, the average Delegate filed 16 bills and the average senator 20. Overall, 12% fewer bills were filed in the House of Delegates and 8% fewer in the Senate.
While there may be many reasons for the reduction in bills, one in particular is worth noting. The current budget situation, with the Commonwealth having less money to allocate, directly affects the number of bills that can be passed. Considering this, legislators were less likely to file legislation that would cost money. In most cases this year, those bills that would increase state spending (referred to here as “having a fiscal impact”) have been carried over to next year’s session for consideration or defeated outright.

RISING ELECTRICITY COSTS

I would like to thank many of you for calling-in and sharing your concerns with me about rising electricity rates. I, like most Virginians, have seen my electric bill reach a record high, and I realize that most Virginians simply cannot afford such high costs for energy. Currently the power companies do provide several different payment options that can help reduce your bill, especially at this time of year when the cost and use of energy is at its highest. The Appalachian Power Company provides utility assistance to low income families and there is a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that may be able to assist you, or those that you know. You also have the option of requesting a payment extension if you ever find yourself in a situation where you are facing having your electricity shut off. You can visit the Appalachian Power Companies website, www.appalachianpower.com or call them at 1.800.956.4237 for further details.

VISITORS

Last weekend’s snow storm discouraged resulted in fewer visitors early last week, but many hearty soles still ventured out, often wearing footwear suitable for navigating Richmond’s snowy and slushy streets. This week we saw…
Organized labor, the United Methodists, the Podiatrists, local Centra Health Care Providers, Bevin Alexander, Terri RIpley and several colleges and universities (both state and private) made a splash, to name a few.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The week ahead is usually has the longest and most hectic days of the session, as the House and Senate work to finish considering legislation filed by their respective members. Even if you can’t come to Richmond, you can still see the progress of debate. The House of Delegates sessions are available for viewing live on the Internet at legis.virginia.gov. Just click on the link that says “House video” and you can watch the proceedings on the House floor live. And there’s a link to watch the Senate on the same page, if you’d prefer watching their session.

If you want to let us know about an issue that concerns you, contact us here by sending an e-mail to DelSGarrett@house.virginia.gov. You can also call the General Assembly’s toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229 to let me know your opinion on an issue or piece of legislation of concern to you.
With an especially wintry winter underway, I hope you stay warm and safe this week. Watch for my column in this same place next week.