Expanded Virginia Gambling to be Considered by General Assembly
Virginia’s legal gaming landscape has shifted rapidly over the past five years. In decades past, legal gambling was limited to the Virginia Lottery, authorized in the early 1990s through a statewide referendum. Prior to five years ago, the only other legal form of wagering in Virginia was charitable bingo and “pull-tab” machines.
Opposition to the Proposed Reston Casino
During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator David Marsden advanced legislation authorizing a casino development in Fairfax County, with Reston suggested as a likely location. While the bill didn’t pass, lawmakers are already pledging to reintroduce it this coming session.
Ken Plum: Earning the Public’s Trust
After 50 years in public service to Virginia as a teacher, as the Fairfax County Public Schools Supervisor, and as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for 44 years, Delegate Ken Plum, is retiring.
2024 Legislative Agenda: FILING BILLS
State Senators are limited to introducing 21 pieces of legislation this session, so I am hard at work putting the final touches on my package of bills for 2024.
Fairfax County's Data Center Alley
Data Center
What's ‘Germinating’ in the General Assembly
As I hinted last week, this week’s column will delve into the environmental legislation that I have “germinating” in drafting.
Human Rights Everywhere Every Day
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Last Sunday was Human Rights Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights advancing the promise to all of freedom, equality and justice.
Inside Scoop: Drafting Bills for the 2024 Session
As I write this column, the 2024 General Assembly session begins in just four short weeks!
Letter from Gaza: Living Nightmare From Which There is No Escape
Residents of Gaza have spent years unable to move freely
Letter from Gaza
Much Remains To Be Done
The good old days were never as good as we sometimes make them out to have been.
Reston Political Scene as 2023 Ends
I cannot believe that we are about to go over the cliff into 2024! To me it seems like we need more of 2023 just to get ready for potentially cataclysmic 2024.
Be Warmer, Healthier and Save Money this Winter
Need help with your heating costs? You may be eligible to receive help through two energy assistance programs that are currently accepting applications.
Footprints on the Sands of Time
Maybe it’s the contemplations of my impending retirement or maybe it is because of the richness of the life I have been privileged to live that I have become more aware of and more impressed by the women and men I meet in my community and in the political arena.
Happy Thanksgiving 2023
There are so many complexities and challenges in the world in which we live that it is important to take some time to reflect on the good things that are going on in our families, communities and the world for which we need to be thankful.