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The Rust Report
 
Posted: February 13, 2009
Greetings!
 
In last week's Rust Report I indicated that this week I would give you a recap of my bills which have passed the House of Delegates as well as a few other measures of significance which have passed the House.
 
Smoking Ban
 
Last week, the Speaker of the House announced that a compromise had been struck with the Democrats in the House, the Senate, and the Governor to prohibit smoking in restaurants with certain key exceptions.  This week the smoking ban bills, HB 1703 and SB 1105, both passed the House of Delegates.  I am very pleased that the Speaker of the House reached out to the Governor to facilitate this compromise.  Many constituents have contacted me over the years about these bills, and I have always supported efforts that move Virginia to being a more smoke-free state.  

Transportation
 
The bill which I personally am most excited about, which passed the House of Delegates, is a bill which significantly changes the policy of how Virginia plans major transportation projects.  HB 2019 requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish "transportation corridors of statewide significance" in the Statewide Transportation Plan.  This bill could have a very positive effect on the future of our state's transportation, and I am pleased that it reported from the transportation committee unanimously.  In addition, the House passed another bill that can bring $600 million a year to NOVA for transportation projects.

Higher Education
 
This session I patroned nine bills which passed the House of Delegates.  One of my first bills to pass the body was one that helped William and Mary, Virginia Tech, and VCU better manage their endowment funds.  We passed similar legislation for the University of Virginia a few years ago and it has benefited them significantly.  

Operator's License
 
The House also passed another of my bills, HB 2021, which called for the impoundment of a motor vehicle for 30 days when the driver of the vehicle does not have nor has ever had a license.  There were about 60,000 convictions of persons without operator's license in Virginia last year.  It is a significant problem with accompanying safety issues.  Persons who have never had an operator's license are 4.9 times more likely to be in a fatal accident than those who have a license.  Once the individual obtains a license or waits 30 days, he or she can get the vehicle back.  Those under 18 or whose valid license has been expired for less than one year are exempt.

School Funding
 
Some may remember that last year I sponsored legislation that addressed the issue of funding for public school construction.  It passed the House but was held up in the Senate.  Since last year, I have worked on the legislation and have reintroduced it this year, and it has again passed in the House.  House Bill 2018 sets up a revolving fund which accepts both private and public funds for elementary, secondary, high, and vocational educational buildings.  The School Construction revolving fund will issue municipal bonds which would go the various localities.  If the federal stimulus package has educational funds in it, this revolving fund would be a perfect vehicle to take advantage of the funds.

Vacant Proprieties
 
One other bill I patroned which passed the House is the Vacant Properities Bill which received praise from various Homeowners Associations.  House Bill 2150 addresses the registration of vacant residential properties. The bill permits localities to require mortgage lenders to provide the locality with the name and contact information of a local agent who would be responsible for the property once it was vacated.
 
This bill is a step forward in an effort to make sure the vacant properties in our neighborhoods are accounted for, and if necessary, maintained so that they are not a detriment to our quality of life. In these hard economic times, unfortunately, houses are still being vacated. If localities can hold someone accountable, there is a much greater likelihood to prevent blight in our communities.

Tele Town Hall
 
This coming Tuesday night I will be holding a telephone town hall meeting. I have done these in the past, and have enjoyed the opportunity to give you an update on the major issues before the General Assembly, to highlight my committee assignments and some of the bills I am sponsoring, and to address the questions and concerns you have.  Telephone town hall meetings are an exciting new platform that offers a new way to connect with you.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me in Richmond should there be an issue of concern to you.  I can be reached by e-mail at DelTRust@house.state.va.us or by phone at 804-698-1086.

My Best,
 
Tom Rust
 
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