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.

The Director on Record

The Future is Strong

Cory Suter is a student at James Madison University and he is sharp, very sharp.

Suter, a Mennonite originally from Virginia, is among a growing number of young leaders from every tradition who see the intersection between faith and public policy as a natural extension of his belief. He has even created his own faith-based think tank for young people called The Barrel Society.

I met Cory and about 70 other students last weekend in Harrisonburg when an intra-faith training conference gathered students to learn about the practical actions of solidarity we can take on behalf of the poor. There was energy, passion, and compassion for many issues including the Center’s priorities like minimum wage, payday lending, and indigent defense.

Amazingly, many of the students, like most people, were surprised to learn that they could trundle the halls of the Capitol and actually speak with legislators. For all of us, stepping into the marble-floored halls of the General Assembly can be a little scary, but I assured students that elected officials are not only willing to hear from us, but eager to do so. By the end of the evening, many of the students were more convinced than ever that our faith can be expressed by working for compassion through public policy change.

I hope that we can continue to work with emerging leaders of all ages in our congregations and faiths to create non-partisan change that speaks for justice. When we work above the shrill of extremes, our positive message of hope can guide policy makers to work for the greater good.

When our messages are timely and faithful, we can be assured that hunger is alleviated, housing affordable, and health care accessible for all of God’s children. I wish for you the optimism of people like Cory Suter, because only together will we become a beloved witness for all people. Doug

Where things are in the legislative process

Bill-wise, Crossover occurred Tuesday. Now each house works on the other’s bills, mainly through the committee structure. Because the number of bills has diminished, there are fewer bills to process with the consequent result of greater scrutiny.

Also, each house is protective of its own bills, and when a similar one comes across from the other house, it is usually “conformed” to its version. When the same bill
passes both houses but has been amended by one, creating a variation, a committee of conference is created to work out the differences.

The year is shaping up to provide a growing drama with each house having its own plans to fund transportation. The Senate’s plan creates new opportunities for revenue while the House’s draws more money from the General Fund.

There will probably be a slight stand-off on those bills soon, but nothing like in 2004.

By Monday, each chamber will adopt its own budget, rejecting the other chamber’s, forcing the all important budget conference, whose work could continue until the very last day, March 11th and possibly beyond. Some Delegates are already putting off late-March meetings in anticipation of a potential extended session.

The Center will now turn its attention more fully to budget bills for Indigent Defense, Meals on Wheels, and Prenatal Care.

Bill Tracking

This weekly source of information is designed to help you find the bills in which you are interested quickly and efficiently.

We will be posting information about any relevant bills, including which legislator(s) sponsoring a bill, a summary of the bill, and where the bill is in the legislative process. Additionally, we will be expanding the online list of bills as needed.

NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS BY LETTER/PHONE/FAX/VISIT! Send email and fax messages to your legislators via our user friendly communications system on our website at www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org.

Just Can’t Get Enough of This Stuff?

Check our Website for more information.

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)

Actions
Lending Petition (link)
Title Petition (link)
Wage Petition (link)

Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)

FAQ's (link)

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