Delegate Tom Rust : Representing the 86th District

To view some of the events I will be attending in the community, click here

Many of the events are open to the public and are free of charge, but some require reservations.

For more information on any of these events, or to ask me to attend a community event you are planning, please call my office at (703) 437-9400 or send me an e-mail at trust@tomrust.org

The Rust Report

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Posted: March 06, 2009

The General Assembly finally adjourned sine die (to adjourn and meet in the future) on Saturday, February 28th at 8:47 pm; it was a very long day! We were able to pass the budget amendment, despite a revenue shortfall of $3.7 billion. While a great uncertainty remains in our economy, we were able to balance the budget (with the help of the Federal Stimulus), and restore critical core services and set aside a reserve fund of approximately $160 million that can be carried forward to help with the Fiscal 2011 and 2012 budget. Now it is Governor Kaine's turn to review the bills that have been passed by the General Assembly. He has three options: sign, veto, or offer amendments to the bills. (On a side note, if he chooses to not act on a bill, it becomes law without his signature). On April 8th, the General Assembly will reconvene in Richmond to consider the bills the Governor has amended.
                The budget was the crux of the General Assembly discussions during the end of the session. The House felt strongly that in order to meet our core responsibilities of state government, certain areas of the budget were crucial to protecting the public safety of our citizens; to ensure the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens; and to promote Virginia as the best state for attracting business and creating jobs. I believe the amended budget successfully addresses these priorities. Here are a few of the highlights of the budget:
            Health and Human Resources: restored 200 MR slots which the Governor had eliminated and added 200 more slots and restored the Medicade-Medicare cuts to the 2009 levels.
            Public Safety: eliminated $29 million in proposed budget reductions to Sheriffs, restored $6.6 million for 599 funding for local police departments, and eliminated the early release program for felons that the Governor had proposed.
            Economic Development: restore $2.5 million in funding through the Virginia Tourism Corporation, with $1.0 million dedicated to Northern Virginia, and restore 50% of the cuts to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
            Public Education: restored the cuts to the 2009 levels for K-12 and higher education.

Spring Forward

          A reminder to Spring Forward this weekend! Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8th. While setting your clocks forward, don't forget to change your smoke alarm batteries.

Events

           Last week I had the honor to congratulate 102 Cub Scouts as they crossed over into Boy Scouts, and my staff helped at the Kids for Hope event, while I was still at the General Assembly.
Upcoming events:
·         March 7: Tae Kwon Do Championship at South Lakes High School
·         March 8 @ 4:00 pm: Parents of Exceptional Children meeting @ Glory Days in the Fox Mill Shopping Center (open to the public)
·         March 8 @ 7:00 pm: Friends of Runnymede Park Wine and Cheese Reception (Open to the public)
·         March 13: Keynote speaker in Richmond on K-12 and Higher Education facilities in Virginia.
·         March 25 @ 7:00 pm: Chantilly High School PTSA Town Hall meeting (Open to the public)
·         March26 @ 5:30 pm: Taste of the Town @ Worldgate Center (Open to the public)

Thank you for allowing me to represent you as your Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. As always, if you should have any questions, or would like to meet with me, please contact my legislative office at 703-437-9400 or email me with your concerns.

Warm regards,

Tom Rust

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