Readers should make note of an editorial in the Roanoke Times NRV Current section, New River Valley Lawmakers Get Busy. We encourage everyone to read this editorial by Christian Trejbal, and discuss it with family, neighbors and co-workers. Do some research on what sparked any piece of legislation, how effective or ineffective it may actually be -- who wanted it passed into law and why. Reflect on the specific legislation our local delegates have sponsored, and how they will vote on each of the bills that actually survive the session.
The General Assembly convened their 46-day session on January 14, and so is scheduled to conclude by the end of February -- if, unlike the past couple of years -- they can actually set aside divisive partisanship and find common ground for a state budget. Otherwise, citizens are in for another "special session" which costs taxpayers and keeps localities -- counties, cities, towns, state agencies, and public or higher education institutions -- from being able to formulate their own budgets.
Even limiting the number of bills a legislator can introduce didn't do much to curtail the volume -- 2,189 pieces of legislation and counting. Many bills may appear frivolous, be geared towards appeasing a certain constituent base rather than to benefit the commonwealth, and there are numerous redundancies varying only slightly from other bills. Others will become problematic to institute especially if they arrive with a cost to implement yet lack funding to do so.
Remember, too, that much of this is controlled by committee and that something can die there without voters knowing why -- or who helped kill it. Several online resources for following the General Assembly include the following sites:
This is the time for citizens -- voters -- to be active. The session is, after all, a mere 46-days. Voters can watch video streams of some legislative action, but not all.
If you are unsure who represents your district, check out the Who's My Legislator database that searches by your home address. This link includes your representative's email address, direct phone number to their Richmond office, or snail mail address.
If you have questions about a bill -- why it exists, how it will affect you, that you strongly oppose or you fervently want passed -- you may call the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint at 800-889-0229 when the GA is in session. Operators will relay your comments and/or questions to your legislator(s).
Once you've acted, you can sit back and watch -- online or via media reports. Track which bills pass and which ones die. Track whether or not you think your legislator acknowledged your input or responded to your contact. Track how your legislator participated, behaving not based on party but on purpose, and how they vote. Make notes -- all House of Delegate seats are up for election this year. If you wait, you won't be participating in democracy, only reacting to what's already a done deal.