RestonWeb

[Bob Bruhns]

I received this by e-mail from Virginia Delegate Tom Rust.
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Rust Report
January 23, 2009

As we finish the second week of the Session, I wanted to take an opportunity to update you on the movements of some of my legislation. As I mentioned last week, each member of the House of Delegates can only submit 15 pieces of legislation this session. This week I will highlight the progress I have made on my bills.

CONSTITUENT DAY

First, I wanted to remind everyone of the Richmond Constituent Day that I am sponsoring next Tuesday. Constituents in the 86th District (Herndon, Sterling Park, and Oak Hill) are invited to ride the bus to Richmond, meet with me, and learn how the General Assembly works. The day will also include a tour of the Capitol, which has recently undergone a major addition, and seating in the gallery to view the House of Delegates session.

If you still have interest in coming, please call my Herndon office today (703) 437-9400. Limited Space is still available.

MY BILLS

In this first week, I was able to get House Bill 2022 through the Science and Technology Committee and passed in the House. This bill repeals the Council on Technology Services. This repeal will help the Virginia Information Technology Agency and will further our state's technology goals.

This session I have proposed legislation to allow William and Mary, Virginia Tech, and VCU to better manage their endowment funds. This week that bill passed the Higher Education Sub-Committee, and will now head to the full committee. We passed a similar bill for the University of Virginia a few years ago and it has been very beneficial for them.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

I would also like to recognize those schools in my district that have earned the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence. The award is the highest honor under the Virginia Index of Performance. Congratulations to the follow schools: Chantilly High School, Herndon High School, Oak Hill Elementary School, Rachel Carson Middle School, and Westfield High School. I am very proud to represent such fine students, teachers, and staff.

VISITORS

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Anthony C. Tardd and students from the Northern Virginia Community College. It was a real pleasure to have them at the capitol.

JUDGES

Finally, after some regional disagreements on the selection of judges which has been ongoing since last session, both the Senate and the House agreed on a number of judicial appointments. The selection of judges is a very important responsibility of the General Assembly and it is usually debated at length. The delay was caused by a disagreement over judges in the Tidewater area. I am pleased to note that the NOVA selection process is bi-partisan, inclusive, and thorough and as a result, we reach agreement on candidates prior to going to Richmond.

Best wishes and hope to see you on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

My Best,

Tom Rust
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