Delegate Tom Rust : Representing the 86th District

Our Homecoming Food Drive was a 600 pound success! Together with Herndon Middle School and Herndon High School, we delivered over 600 pounds of food to donate to LINK and $150 in cash contributions. My sincere thanks to everyone who participated, including my wife, Ann, who suggested this idea.

What I've Been Asked on the "conscience clause"

The question relates to HB563 (2002). Existing Virginia law allows "a hospital or other medical facility or physician" to not perform an abortion based on "personal, ethical, moral or religious grounds." HB563 would have extended the conscience clause to medications causing chemically induced abortions. The bill passed the House by a vote of 79-20 but was not passed in the Senate. I would note the proposed federal health plan which is currently being debated has a "conscience clause" in it.

Bad News

I just received a copy of a letter dated October 1 to Governor Kaine from Congressman Oberstar, Chairman of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee stating that Virginia is last among all states in spending its "stimulus" transportation package. According to Chairman Oberstar, Virginia has only spent 17% of the states' stimulus funding for transportation. With our unemployment at record high records, the administration must do better to get these funds out to create jobs and improve our transportation system.

Good News

Energy Star and WaterSense Sales Tax Holiday: This weekend (October 9-12) is Virginia's third annual sales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense qualified products. During this holiday, consumers can save money by buying certain qualified products tax free. For a complete listing of products, visit

Virginia's Tax Holiday Information Center

Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: In addition to this money saving initiative, Virginia will be receiving $40 million from the ARRA to implement the Virginia State Energy Plan. Part of this plan will enable residents to purchase energy efficient products and equipment (such as heat pumps, central air conditioners, furnaces, replacement windows, etc.) and receive a rebate; another part will enable residents to install renewable energy generation systems (such as solar or wind) and receive a rebate. The rebate will be 20% of expenses up to $2,000 per household. There are also funds available for commercial consumers. For more information, visit Virginia's Rebate Program

In-Person Absentee Voting

Any voter that qualifies to vote Absentee may do so in person until Saturday, Oct. 31 (the application by mail deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 27). Time and location varies by jurisdiction. All Registrars must allow in-person absentee voting during their regular business hours through Oct. 31. Additionally, all must be open for at least 8 hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31. The closest absentee voting locations in Fairfax County are at the North County Governmental Center in Reston or the Sully District Governmental Center in Chantilly; in Loudoun County, they are at the Cascades Senior Center in Sterling or at the Voter Registration office in Leesburg. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=533 or http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/absentee.htm .

This week I was honored to meet with Chinese-American senior citizens at the Herndon Senior Center about issues that concern them. As a 'young' senior myself, I can appreciate their concerns. This Saturday, I will be at SterlingFest (11:00-4:00) and I hope you will stop by my booth and visit. This community event follows the Columbus Day parade which will begin at 10:00 a. m.. The parade begins at Park View High School, proceeds down Sterling Boulevard, and ends at the Barn on Holly Avenue.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns.

Warm regards,