I am very honored and happy to have been re-elected to serve a second term in the House of Delegates. Thank you for your support and the trust you have placed in me. It is a privilege to be able to work for you; I endeavor to be the best representative for you that I can be.
Upcoming Legislative Session
In January, we will begin the 60-day “long session” of the General Assembly which means that the Governor’s biennial budget will be debated. As the legislative session approaches, I will be distributing my legislative survey to get a better sense of what is most important to you. Check my website at www.betsycarr.org for more information on the upcoming 2012 Legislative Session Survey or contact my office to request a paper survey by mail.
One good way to stay informed about the issues to be debated this year is to subscribe to the VPAP Whipple Report. The “Whipple Report” is a news clipping service that highlights Virginia news. Subscribe free online at http://www.vpap.org/updates/whipple_report or read the clips online.
The Governor has made a number of proposals to streamline state government agencies. Details of these proposals can be found on the Governor’s webiste at http://www.reform.virginia.gov/docs/11-21-11_Report.pdf. These include:
• combining the Department of Rehabilative Serivices, the Department for the Aging, the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the adult social services provided by the Department of Social Services into one agency.
• “reforming” the state employee leave and grievance process.
• eliminating the state regulation of hair braiders, polygraph examiners, interior designers, landscape architects, mold inspectors and remediators.
• consolidating natural resource agencies by merging the Department of Conservation and Recreation with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, as well as merging the natural resources law enforcement agencies of the Park Rangers (DCR), Conservation Officers (DGIF) and the Marine Police (VMRC).
It would be helpful to me if you would share any insights or reactions your have to these proposals.
Richmond City
Another way to stay informed at the local level is to attend one or more the Mayor’s Participation Action and Communications Team meetings where Richmond residents can hear the latest from our city government and are given an opportunity to give feedback.
For more information visit the MPACT website. The next two meetings will be:
December 6 – Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street Rd.
December 8 – Southampton Elementary, 3333 Cheverly Rd.
The City of Richmond has announced its leaf collection schedule for 2011-2012. You can find out when the leaves will be collected from your neighborhood at http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx, by calling 804-646-LEAF, or by checking the flyer in your Richmond City utility bill.
Important News
The Virginia Historical Society has recently introduced an online database of Virginia slave names for the purposes of researching African-American genealogy. Unknown No Longer allows users to search through sales deeds and tax documents for their ancestors. Visit http://unknownnolonger.vahistorical.org to begin searching.
Office Internships
My office has opening for an internship during the 2012 General Assembly session. If you know anyone who might be interested, or would like more information, please ask them to send a resume and cover letter to me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org.
I hope that you and your family enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving and wish you and your family a happy, safe and healthy holiday season.
- Betsy
