Legislation

During the 2010 session of the Virginia General Assembly, I introduced legislation on the following topics.

	Transportation I have proposed legislation that will make the needed additions to transportation funding. This legislation will look at several key areas from which we can bring in the much needed revenue to fix our roads in a responsible manner. Recently, I authored an Opinion Editorial in the Daily Press, published January 17, 2010. Read the article here.
	Redistricting When it comes to elections, Virginia is one of the least competitive states in the nation. It's time to take the redistricting pen out of the hands of politicians and give it to a group that can draw lines that make sense. I proposed legislation that would allow a panel of five to draw the lines for the State Senate, House of Delegates and Congressional districts.
	Study of 3rd Grade Reading Scores There are two things we need to do to help improve education. First, we must expand the pre-K program and secondly, we must insist that every child in Virginia can read at grade level by the 3rd grade. I proposed a bill that calls for a study to rank each locality in Virginia on how many children pass the 3rd grade reading test. It would find out the best practices used by localities with the highest percentage of children passing the test and to come up with strategies to improve the reading skills of 3rd graders across the Commonwealth.
	Voting Changes We must make it easier for senior citizens to vote. The Senate has passed my bill to allow anyone 65 year old or older to vote absentee without an excuse.  My legislation allowing Virginians to apply and receive an absentee ballot by e-mail is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee.
	Pay Day Loans I have again introduced legislation to cap pay day loans at 36%. I believe this is the best way to deal with these loans.
	Other Lesiglation I have also offered legislation to increase the penalty for drunk driving when there is a child in the car. Another bill gives a tax credit to companies that create good paying jobs in the field of renewable energy. Finally, I have introduced a bill that would give our police another tool in fighting street gangs.