New laws going into effect July 1 that you should know!

New legislation passed by the 2010 General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor go into effect on July 1.  The Division of Legislative Services has produced a brief summary of legislation that will be interest to the citizens of Virginia.  Click here for a copy:

VA laws Jul2010

Help me continue the fight for our communities and schools!

Friends, 

You sent me to Richmond to fight for your values and our fair share  of state resources.  During the session I spoke out to increase education funding, to protect our teachers, to prevent restriction of voters rights, to eliminate flood-damaged used car fraud, to stop allowing concealed guns in restaurants and to keep our state parks open. I promoted economic development for all parts of Virginia.

Since returning from Richmond, I have been speaking to civic associations and business groups, meeting with constituents during my community drop-in hours, and solving individual problems ranging from potholes to retirement benefits. Working to improve our community is the best part of being your Delegate; asking you for money is the most painful part.

BUT I need your help to continue working for you.  Your contributions pay for email messaging, newsletter printing and mailing, record-keeping systems and  much more. Your dollars allow me to keep you informed.

My commitment to our community is clear; but I can’t make progress without you. I need your help NOW.

Please make a contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500–whatever you can give. MAKE IT TODAY.

Thank you for your support.  Together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,
Kaye

Annandale blog highlights Kaye’s First Year Celebration

The First Year Celebration was a great success!   My thanks to the hard-working volunteers who gave so generously of their time and efforts that made the event so much fun!   And more thanks to the many supporters who joined me to celebrate.  Your support means so much!  David Feld’s lovely home was filled to overflowing with music, good food and happy people!  David, you are a gracious host indeed!   Also special thanks to the Professional Rusticway Chamber Music Cello Duo, Kristin Gilbert and Marion Baker, for their soothing and delightful music and City Diner for their delicious and plentiful array of catered food.

Please use this link to read what the Annandale Blog had to say about our party:

http://annandaleva.blogspot.com/.

Note: page down to article.

VALCV names Kaye Kory Legislative Hero!

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Tuesday, June 30, 2010

Contact: Susan Southworth, Legislative Aide to Delegate Kory at DelKKory@House.Virginia.Gov or 703-354-6024

Delegate Kaye Kory named a Legislative Hero for 2010 by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. 

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) released its 11th Edition of the Legislative Conservation Scorecard announcing the conservation voting records of state legislators. This publication rates individual legislators on a series of important conservation votes cast during the 2010 General Assembly session. It also presents a total of each legislator’s conservation score from 2000, when VALCV was formed, through the 2010 session. Delegate Kory was given a 100% rating and named a Legislative Hero.

The 2010 Conservation Scorecard highlights critical votes from the 2010 Virginia General Assembly session. The General Assembly passed two bills in 2010 expressing support for offshore drilling off Virginia’s coast (HB 756, HB 787) that have gained added significance now that the catastrophic risks of offshore drilling are on display in the Gulf of Mexico. “The Virginia League of Conservation Voters is committed to providing the Conservation Scorecard as an accountability tool for environmentally concerned voters,” said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of the Virginia League. “Accountability is especially important when the potential consequences are as high as they are with an issue like opening our vital and productive coastline to offshore oil drilling.”

The Scorecard also features votes on issues ranging from air quality (HB 1300, SB 128) and energy efficiency (SB 71, SB 150) to bipartisan redistricting (HB 323, SB 173) and development planning (HB 1071, SB 420). “Ultimately, citizens care more about how their legislators vote on important conservation bills like these than whether they have a partisan R or D behind their names,” noted Ms. Guthrie. 

One senator and 18 delegates earned 100% scores. Another 22 legislators achieved scores between 75 and 99%. Four legislators earned a score of 25% or less and no legislator scored 0%.

VALCV works throughout the session to inform legislators and the public about legislation affecting the environment. Legislators are informed of VALCV’s position on specific bills before they vote. Memos and personal meetings serve as notice that the bill may be included in the Scorecard. At the end of the session, VALCV selects bills for the Scorecard which best represent the conservation community’s common agenda and illustrate a clear distinction between those legislators who support the conservation position and those who do not.

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the nonpartisan political voice of the state’s conservation community. Their mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life of all Virginians by making conservation a top priority with Virginia’s elected officials, political candidates, and voters.

Kaye’s Richmond Notes

Over the last two months I have met and spoken with many of the great community organizations whose efforts on behalf of their members and of the community at large play such vital role in the fabric of life in Fairfax County. I was truly energized by these contacts:

• Meeting with the Fairfax County Federation of Civic Associations, the Providence District Council of Civic Associations, and the Jefferson Village, Parklawn and Westlawn civic associations. The Commonwealth’s failure to act on transportation and neighborhood revitalization were two key themes;
• Meeting with the Greater Merrifield Business Association, HCA Dominion Hospital Board and staff and the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary to discuss the results of the past legislative session; 
• I was honored to speak at the Vietnamese Human Rights Day celebration on Capitol Hill;
• I was equally honored to speak at the opening of a Korean folk art exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center, to celebrate new exhibition space for Korean art at the Smithsonian;
• Meeting with the Asian-American Advisory Board to the Governor to discuss their agenda, which includes problems of language access in our courts and cross-cultural expectations;
• Meeting with the Washington Area Bicycle Association to discuss gaps in Virginia’s efforts to promote bicycle commuting safety, education and Safe Routes to School;
• I attended a League of Conservation Voter’s gala where I was happy to be named one of 18 “Legislative Heroes” who attained 100% ratings on the groups legislative scorecard;
•  Meeting with the J.E.B. Stuart High School and Sleepy Hollow Elementary School (ES) PTAs. They were both very concerned about the effects of budget cuts on key programs for at risk students, on the elimination of the year round ES calendar and summer school; and the implementation of fees for high school sport participation and the reversal of the 10 year old FCPS policy to pay student IB and AP test fees.

These opportunities for learning, constructive dialogue and celebrations of cultural diversity are among the greatest privileges of being a legislator.  These groups re-affirm for me the deep reservoirs of commitment to “ the common good”—that is to the community—that persists in so many Americans from all backgrounds and all walks of life.  So many people are willing to contribute their “fair share” and more for the benefit of all!

As Memorial Day draws near—next Monday as I write this column—the holiday gives us yet another perspective on the willingness of the few to serve for the benefit of all. I believe it important for Americans across the entire spectrum of political beliefs to remember and to honor those who have served our country as members of the Armed Services.  Whether you believe in the rationale–or the morality–supporting the decisions our leaders have made and will make to invest American blood and treasure throughout the world should not affect your willingness to honor the basic decision to serve of an ever-smaller cohort of young Americans. The personal stories behind these decisions vary widely, but the vast majority of these individual choices have in common—at some level—putting the community before the self. 

In these times of fat-cat CEO’s, Wall Street gluttons, tax cheats and, yes, self serving politicians, we should embrace every occasion we have to celebrate family, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens who have acted on their higher nature on the behalf of all of us.  May you all have a family filled and safe holiday.

Let’s Get Our Roads Repaired!

Friends:

I have heard complaints from many neighborhoods in my district about potholes still not repaired. Here is the Governor’s press release announcing a “pothole blitz”.  If your potholes have not been blitzed, please contact VDOT customer service number at 703-383-VDOT or  email to novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov. Or contact Susan Southworth, my Legislative Assistant, at 703-354-6024 or
DelKKory@house.virginia.gov and she will contact VDOT for you.

Potholes are a serious problem that deserve the Commonwealth’s immediate attention. My office will follow up on open pothole reports if you copy me (DelKKory@house.virginia.gov) on your message to VDOT.

-Kaye Kory

*Commonwealth of Virginia*

*Office of Governor Bob McDonnell*

 *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

April 15, 2010

*Office of the Governor*

Contact: Stacey Johnson

Phone: (804) 225-4260

E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov

*Virginia Department of Transportation*

Contact:  Jeff Caldwell

Phone: (804) 786-2715

E-mail:  Jeffrey.Caldwell@VDOT.Virginia.Gov

* *

*Governor McDonnell Announces Final Results of Statewide Pothole Blitz *

*Blitz Fixes More Than 150,000 Potholes in 6 Weeks; VDOT Now Kicks Off Spring Paving Season *

 *RICHMOND* — Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that from March 1stthrough – April 15th, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched more than 150,000 potholes statewide.  Governor McDonnell directed VDOT to launch
its pothole blitz and focus efforts on patching the thousands of potholes resulting from this winter’s harsh weather. Continued wet conditions in March resulted in even more pavement deterioration and prompted the extension of the pothole blitz for two more weeks.

Commending Virginians and VDOT for their work, Governor McDonnell noted, “I would like to thank the citizens that have helped by reporting potholes on VDOT’s Web site and by calling in as they see potholes develop in their travel. Historic blizzards added to an already cold and wet winter season resulting in a bumper crop of roadway hazards this spring. I also thank the hard workers at VDOT for their diligence in repairing the thousands of potholes so Virginians could travel smoothly.”

With warmer temperatures reopening asphalt plants and making permanent concrete patches possible, the Governor has asked VDOT to shift its attention temporary patching to conducting full-fledge pavement operations.

April 15th is opening day for Virginia’s paving season. More than $134 million in paving projects are already contracted for this spring. Contractors awarded these contracts can begin paving roadways as of mid-April. VDOT will advertise an additional $84 million in pavement projects statewide in coming weeks, and contractors will begin making permanent patches where temporary pavement repairs were made this winter, and overlaying new smooth services for summer driving season.

Citizens can continue to report potholes and roadway hazards to speed response time and improve safety. To report a pothole, citizens should visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7623 (ROAD). *TTY users, call 711. *

* *

VDOT repairs potholes on state-maintained roads only, which include interstate highways and most primary and secondary roads. Local governments are responsible for repairing potholes on city streets as well as on roadways in Henrico and Arlington counties. If citizens see a pothole on a city street or an Arlington or Henrico County road, they should contact their local public works agency.

 Safe driving tips, pothole patching videos, and other useful information on potholes is also available on VDOT’s Web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-potholes.asp.

VEA awards Kaye “Legislative Rookie of the Year” award.

On May 19, Kaye proudly received the Virginia Education Association (VEA) award for “Legislative Rookie of the Year.”   During the presentation, the VEA president called attention to her legislation requiring the Commonwealth of VA to raise our teacher’s salaries to no less than the national average teacher’s salary.  Currently VA is 31st in the nation in average teacher salary.  The legislation did not pass, but Kaye was able to present it to 3 committee meetings and publicize the issue.

The Long View – by Kaye.

Governor McDonnell and the Republican-dominated House of Delegates crafted and passed a budget for the 2010-2012 Biennium that fell short of funding program priorities I believe are vital to Virginia’s quality of life. This budget was based on Governor Kaine’s recommended budget, which closed the gap between projected revenues and spending with a combination of program cuts and revenue enhancements.  The Kaine budget proposed eliminating the state’s car tax reimbursement and adding a surtax to individual income tax. The Governor and the House chose to eliminate the tax changes, which required them to find an additional $1.9 billion in program cuts and funding deferrals.

It is politically risky to declare that Virginia’s current revenue sources do not produce enough revenue to fund services vital to the quality of life Virginians expect, deserve and can afford. But, it is true. Our “balanced” budget this year depended on hundreds of millions in one-time sources. Virginia’s tax rate structure is neither fair nor equitable for lower and middle income Virginians, who pay a larger percentage of total income in taxes and fees than the upper middle class and wealthy. Governor Kaine’s tax proposal only marginally impacted equity.

Our current revenue structure frustrates action on our big issues: transportation, aid to education, environment and work force development, all vital to job creation, as well as Medicaid, social services and community health care.  The Legislature did address transportation funding; cut education funding from pre-school through higher education; defeated measures to support retraining programs; and, continued shrinking education, family and health care services many low income Virginians need for a chance to join the middle class.

Does it make sense to allow congestion to strangle the Northern Virginia economic engine? Does it make sense for Virginia—sixth wealthiest state among the lower 48—to be ranked 36^th in Medicaid spending per covered child?  Does it make sense–even with $100 million in Federal stimulus grants—to cut our excellent university and community college system?

 We need to suspend partisanship and “get real” about structural changes in the tax code. We need to increase equity and efficiency, while providing adequate funding for mutual priorities. Democrats and Republicans must “walk the talk,” by demanding efficiency, transparency and accountability from all Commonwealth funded programs, including VDOT and other agencies, local governments, school districts and higher education.

Governor McDonnell is considering a special session on Transportation. I applaud this initiative, with a caveat. Without considering new revenue sources, talking about transportation is a waste of time. Though the Legislature passed 1541 bills this year, this volume of activity doesn’t offset our failure to address quality of life issues that will define our legacy to our children.

Gallows Road Traffic Shift Starts Saturday May 8 at I-495

ALEXANDRIA—Weather permitting, the Virginia Department of  Transportation (VDOT) will shift all lanes of traffic to the new Gallows Road (Route 650) bridge over I-495 beginning at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8.  The traffic shift will be completed by 5 a.m. Sunday morning.  Motorists should expect delays approaching the interchange on  Friday, May 7, as crews make final preparations for the shift. This  work is part of the Capital Beltway High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes Project. Should inclement weather cancel this work it will be  rescheduled for the weekend of May 14-16.

For the next 12 to 18 months, motorists will have one southbound lane  on the bridge rather than two lanes.  Two lanes northbound towards INOVA Fairfax Hospital will be maintained.  Motorists should expect 10  to 15 minute delays during the afternoon rush.

The Capital Beltway HOT (High Occupancy Toll) Lanes will bring the  most significant improvements to the Beltway since its opening in 1964. Construction of a new Gallows Road (Rt. 650) interchange is  necessary to accommodate the four new Beltway lanes and will include  bike and pedestrian access with access to the new HOT Lanes.

2nd Phase Work Begins in May 2010

Once traffic is on the new bridge, night work begins to demolish the  old bridge. There will be lane closures and detours in this area  throughout the spring and summer. Once the demolition is complete,  work will begin to rebuild a new northbound bridge. The final phase of  bridge construction is scheduled to be completed in September 2011.

Accelerated Construction Schedule: Clearing the Path for Beltway Widening

Construction crews are on an accelerated construction schedule for second phase work by combining the original three phased plan to a two phased approach. This new accelerated schedule will save up to 10 months of bridge construction at Gallows Road and could help finish the Beltway widening at this location up to 20 months ahead of schedule.

 Update provided by VDOT www.vamegaprojects.com.

Excellent Summary of 2010 Legislative Outcomes

The Virginia Division of Legislative Services has published an excellent summary of the 2010 legislative session with brief summaries of  laws passed and failed.  Click here: Highlights2010.