The following is a statement from State Senator Richard Stuart, R-28. Stuart’s district includes portions of Prince William and Stafford counties.
The final week of every General Assembly session is different from the weeks that precede it. The halls of the General Assembly Building are rarely teeming with visitors. With most of the bills having either already passed or already failed, citizens who were advocating for the passage or defeat of legislation are no longer clamoring to contact legislators.
The warm temperatures of this final week added to the feeling of transition. The change can be seen in the grounds immediately surrounding the Capitol. When session began, only a few weeks had passed since Stephen Spielberg and his film crew had left the Capitol grounds, where they had been filming “Lincoln”.
The presence of Spielberg’s production company took its toll on the grounds, which looked rather unsightly when we arrived for session. To rectify this situation, the lawn areas surrounding the Capitol received fresh top soil and grass seed during the first two weeks of session. Now, in the final week, that seed has turned into new grass that is a very deep green. Spring is nearly here.
The effort to enact a new budget showed some encouraging signs, as well. Local governments, business leaders, and public safety professionals all weighed in to urge the General Assembly – and the Senate, specifically – to enact a budget. Early in the week the Democratic Senators appeared resolute in their refusal to enact any budget unless their demands for a reorganization of the Senate were met. By week’s end, however, things looked more promising.
Although Democratic Senators are still refusing to approve any budget, progress – though slow – is being made. A group of negotiators from the House and Senate began to meet to discuss the differences between the House’s approved plan and the plan the Democrats killed. And, two Democratic Senators were among those participating in the negotiations, which is encouraging.
On Wednesday, the Democrats changed tactics and put together a list of items they want included in a budget. The list, however, totaled $450 million and did not include how the items would be paid for. Then on Thursday, Senator Colgan, a Democrat from Prince William who is the longest-serving Senator in Virginia history, delivered a speech to the Senate indicating that he does not want to see the budget process drag into April. That was the first indication that any Democratic Senator might be willing to break from his caucus and vote to enact a budget.
While individually none of these events might be seen as a breakthrough, collectively they were the first signs that the budget standoff might end sooner rather than later. Of course, that progress will have to come after the adjournment of the regular session.
The budget impasse notwithstanding, the General Assembly had a remarkably productive session in terms of the number of bills enacted. More than 800 bills have already been approved and sent to Governor McDonnell for consideration this session. By the last week of session, the Governor had already signed 166 bills.
LEGISLATION
I have had 10 bills pass both Houses and will discuss them in future updates.
With the end of the regular session, my Capitol office will now be returning home to the 28th District. I will be returning to the Capitol frequently as we work to resolve the budget impasse of course, but my office will be operating in the district, not the General Assembly building. This also marks my last regular column for 2012.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to serve you in the State Senate. You can contact me by sending an e-mail to [email protected], or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 1146, Montross VA 22520. You can also call me at 804-493-8892.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
