As you know by now, the DC area is bracing for a major snow storm.  The General Assembly has even gone into recess until Monday to allow those in the remote areas to return home.  This is the first time that anyone can remember this has happened.  So Thursday was a late evening, as we finished our business for the week and headed home to beat the snow.  I expect we will be in Richmond, in session this coming Saturday and Sunday.
VDOT and its contractors are equipped with 1800 pieces of equipment to treat over 16,000 lane miles of roads.  VDOT is requesting drivers to avoid travel throughout the weekend so that when crews hit the roads they can treat and plow more efficiently.  As we learned in the December storm, once the snow is packed down by vehicles, plowing subdivision streets is all but impossible and sanding is the only option.  Please remember:  

• VDOT clears high traffic streets (interstates, primary and major secondary) first and low traffic streets (cul de sacs) last. 
• VDOT advises drivers to expect conditions on subdivision roads to vary from snow-covered to 'passable' once a plow has come through.  
• Plowing will not necessarily provide bare pavement nor curb-to-curb clearance.  
• It may take VDOT up to 48 hours to enter subdivisions.
• Residents are urged to not park their cars on the streets to make it easier for the plows to do their jobs.   

Lyme Disease Legislation  
 
Last Monday, the lyme disease legislation which I introduced was brought before a subcommittee on behalf of our residents who suffer with the disease.  There were over 100 citizens from across the Commonwealth who literally stood up during the meeting in support of this bill.  They were wearing lime green, holding lime green signs, and wearing lime green ribbons to show their resolve in fighting this disease.  The chairman of the committee was gracious in allowing us to bring forward several speakers including a doctor, an attorney, an economist, and a mother who lost her daughter to lime disease.  The opposition was centered in the Medical Society of Virginia with two doctors testifying in opposition.  Unfortunately, the bill was carried over until 2011 (which is often the case with controversial bills the first year they are introduced).  With the support of the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association, we will create a study group to work on the issues prior to next year's session.  In the meantime, thanks to residents who visited their representatives, the General Assembly is more knowledgeable about this disease and we have opened up a dialogue for future discussions and legislation.
 
As we approach crossover (where the bills introduced and passed by the House go to the Senate, and vice versa), life in Richmond is fast paced with very early mornings and late nights.  I work to fully understand each piece of legislation that is before me in subcommittee and committee, so that I can ask the questions that are important to deciding each bills fate.  The emails, letters, phone calls and personal visits from constituents and organizations that are in support or opposition to a bill are extremely helpful to me in understanding the complex issues in front of us.   So while I may be in Richmond, I remain available to hear your concerns.  Have a safe, snow-bound, and relaxing weekend.

Warm regards,