Legislation

During the 2012 session of the Virginia General Assembly, I have introduced legislation on the following topics.

	3rd Grade Reading 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.
	Redistricting When it comes to elections, Virginia is one of the least competitive states in the nation. It is time to take the redistricting pen out of the hands of politicians and give it to a bipartisan commission to draw lines that make sense. I have proposed legislation that would allow a panel of five to draw the lines for the State Senate, House of Delegates and Congressional districts.
	Predatory Loans I have again introduced legislation to cap all loans at 36%. I believe this is the best way to break the cycle of debt.
	Childhood Obesity This is the first generation of children who are not expected to live as long as their parents. Weight gain in childhood often sets up a lifetime of health related problems – including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. I have introduced legislation requiring every child in Virginia have at least 30 minutes of physical activity every school day. This is not the total answer, but it will help reduce childhood obesity.
	Voting We must make it easier for senior citizens to vote. My bill allows registered voters 65 years old or older, to vote absentee without an excuse. I have also proposed a bill allowing registered Virginian voters to apply and receive an absentee ballot by e-mail. This is more efficient and will save the state millions of dollars.