Transportation, redistricting and the proposed closure of the Northern Virginia Training Center were the top issues among constituents who showed up at the Town Hall meeting hosted by Del. David Bulova (D-37) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) on Saturday, Feb. 2.

“We counted a little over 100 people … I love the fact that so many people care enough to come out on a cold Saturday morning,” said Bulova, who, along with Petersen, gave constituents an overview of major issues as well as information on bills the lawmakers introduced and the preliminary results of Bulova’s constituent survey.

“Many folks don’t realize exactly how many issues we deal with that directly affect our community,” Bulova said. “I love the questions and I love the dialogue with my constituents. This is truly what community is all about.”

Session Highlights:

• Session convened on Jan. 9; ends on Feb. 23.
• 1,042 bills introduced in the House; 684 in the Senate.

Bulova’s Bills include:

• HB 1584—Addresses what happens to digital assets (such as a Facebook page) if a minor dies.
• HB 1674—Allows a local school board to apply innovations at a charter school to other schools in the district.
• HB 2296—Creates a cost-share program to assist local governments with projects to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.
• HB 1883—Makes texting and driving a reckless offense if it is the cause of an accident.

Petersen’s bills include:

• SB 733—Bill to raise gas tax by 10 cents, then index it based on increase in average miles per gallon.
• SB 732—Bill to reallocate Commonwealth Transportation Board seats to represent Northern Virginia more fairly.
• SB 734—Would allow homeowners who have been foreclosed on using false documents to receive compensation from banks.
• SB739—Would increase the number of voting machines required by precinct and pay for them by the state.
• To contact Del. Bulova in Richmond, call 804-698-1037 or email DelDBulova@house.virginia.gov.
• To contact Sen. Petersen in Richmond, call 804-698-7534 or email Kathy@fairfaxsenator.com.