Welcome to the online version of LegisLink. This weekly newsletter, e-mailed to everyone and mailed to members of the Center, should be an excellent way for you to stay updated on the General Assembly. Do not hesitate to call the office for more information.
Director's Message
The opening gavel of the Virginia General Assembly session had barely fallen before frustrations were flying and the politics-of-the-usual at work. Last minute changes in the rules of the House of Delegates work has stirred an already tense environment into a caldron of distrust.
Politics can not work this way because the politics of unhealthy tension is a dead end. Simply said, the Session is already off to a rocky start and that bodes poorly for the pressing issues before the Commonwealth. We can only pray that the attention of legislators will turn from posturing to the needs at hand.
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy sees some very pressing issues on the horizon. I hope that you will use your weekly LegisLink newsletter as a way of keeping up to date on these issues with particular emphasis on poverty and the working poor, homelessness, and at-risk children. We are ardently working with legislators to advance the needs of those with no cheering section.
The Center is looking for ways to press an agenda for the agenda-less and work for those for whom no voice is heard and little compassion considered. When we look for Indigent Defense funding, it is because we believe that the poor should not get poor representation just because of their poverty. We work for clean air legislation because we know that smog-aggravated asthma too often strikes the poor, generating a doctor’s bill, straining a family budget. We want an end to payday lending because trapping the low income peoples, including the military, is simply wrong.
Thank you for thinking of us, praying with us, and working with us. You may read about tensions and disagreements in the next weeks but I hope that the Center can work with you to understand the process. Doug
Where things are in the legislative process
This is the long, “even-year,” 8 week, session, beginning Wednesday, January 11th and ending Saturday, March 11th. As you know, there are two aspects to the process: legislative and budgetary. The legislative crossover is Tuesday, February 14th, when all of the bills from one house that remain alive must “cross over” to the other. The budgetary crossover is on Thursday, February 15th when each house enacts its own budget, necessitating a conference committee to work out the differences. Since the biennial budget is enacted in even numbered years (2006, 2008, etc), this year is a two-year budget debate.
Because of the prefiling rules, many bills have already been “put into the hopper.” The committee/subcommittee structure dictates quick action, with the first priority on bills that may have fiscal impact.
What this means for you and me is that we must move quickly in our advocacy with our Delegates and Senators. Check the Interfaith Center’s Web site (www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org) and utilize our user-friendly system to email or fax your legislators regarding specific bills.
You will hear a great deal about one time spending and transportation, the biggest issue of the year. This does not mean that there is not money for human services and our anti-poverty initiatives, but rather that the biggest money will likey be spent on roads and some environment money. Budget years are often very tense!
DAY FOR ALL PEOPLE OF FAITH
(formerly Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian Day)
Join us for the Day of All People of Faith on February 1, 2006 at the Virginia General Assembly. This is a scheduled Advocacy Day for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a time to LEARN, PRAY and ACT.
Cost, including lunch, is only $15!
Registration begins at 8:00 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church across from the Capitol in Richmond. The day-long event affirms the work of the faith community to fulfill its mission to unite people of faith to build a more just and sustainable Commonwealth.
We have many opportunities for the novice and experienced advocate alike including three tracks matching your level of comfort:
Introducing Advocacy - experiencing state government for the first time, contact with helpful guides, and a behind the scenes look at the General Assembly. This track is best for interested citizens with little or no experience in legislative advocacy. Beginners will participate in a guided tour of the General Assembly Building and observe a committee meeting. Then, in a VA Civics crash course, participants will learn about the GA structure and “how a bill becomes a law.”
Legislative Immersion - education about the legislative process and how to participate as a person of faith. This track is for those who have a grasp of VA Civics, but don’t feel quite ready to advocate issues with their legislators. The small groups will accompany the Beginners on the guided tour of the GA and observe a committee meeting. Then, participants at this level will break way to meet with legislators and seasoned lobbyists to learn about what takes place “behind the scenes” to bring together legislators, administration and lobbyists.
Influencing the Agenda - faithful citizens engaged in advocacy together. The “Advocacy” track is for those who feel ready to meet with their legislators or aides to discuss current issues. The Advocates will have an issue briefing before heading to the GA Building to meet in groups with legislators or aides. [The Interfaith Center staff is available to make legislative appointments or you may make appointments on your own. Please let the office know if you need us to do this.]
All tracks will observe the opening of the session (House of Delegates or Senate), and enjoy lunch at St. Paul’s before participating in a training session on interacting with legislative committees.
Register online by going to www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org where payment will be accepted online by credit card.
If you would like to pay, make checks payable to Virginia Interfaith Center, P.O. Box 12516, Richmond, VA 23241.
For more information phone: 804-643-2474
E-mail questions to: Margaret@virginiainterfaithcenter.org
Inter-Sessionry Prayers
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is e-mailing daily prayers for legislators during the Assembly. Let us know (margaret@virginiainterfaithcenter.org) if you would like to receive these daily devotionals during the Assembly. They include sacred texts from our three traditions and short model prayers.
Bills we are Watching
HB 153You will have to pay to park for parking in the St. Paul’s parking garage. Other pay lots are available. Contact the office for more information about maps.tee for Courts of Justice
HB 225 - Jones, D.C.
Payday loans; use of Internet database for borrowers, rollovers prohibited by lenders.
(H) Committee on Commerce and Labor
(H) Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
HB 324 - Morgan
Tax refund anticipation loans; requires persons who facilitate to display their fees and info.
(H) Committee on Commerce and Labor
(H) Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
HB 583 - Watts
Public Assistance; eligibility for TANF benefits.
(H) Referral Pending
(H) Committee Referral Pending
