Virginia Legislature Update
Posted by Angela Kerns on Mar 26, 2017
Joel Andrus (l) and Mike Edwards (r) of Kemper Consulting with Rotarian Kelly Stefanko (c) at the March 21 Rotary meeting.
We were joined by Mike Edwards (DUUUUUUKES) and Joel Andrus (VMI) from Kemper Consulting. The last sighting of Rotarian Kay Kemper was in Florida we hear…
The Virginia General Assembly just finished its 46-day session which is focused on amendments to the proposed budget. They started with a $1.5 billion shortfall.
Some notes from session:
This is the last session for Gov. McAuliffe and Speaker Howell who has been presiding since 1988.
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters was the only hospital to be fully restored for the inflation adjustment.
The budget included salary increases for state, local, faculty and teachers but to make the budget work the increase in salaries for teachers was pushed until Feb ’18.
The budget included items related to mental health. The Deeds commission was extended for two more years.
$6.2M was allocated to ensure same day access by community service boards. Jail reform was addressed. Opioid addition was a focus.
The Meeting
President Bryce sounded the water glass at the Town Point Club to bring the meeting to order. Song Leader of the Day, Pam Tubbs, led spirited renditions of “If you’re Happy and you Know It” and “America.” Following the Pledge, Skip Burton offered a thoughtful grace.
We will return to Scope for the next meeting on April 4.
Visitation Report:
Sharon Laderberg reported that Bill Burnette is home and doing better.
Visitors:
- Past Rotary District Governor Bill Pollard from the Churchland Club
- Shep Miller introduced Bob Bilicki – a high school friend and a former Rotarian
- Joe New introduced Amy Rogers – a linguist he met via Peru. She experienced Rotary Clubs that met from 9-12 and started the meeting with cocktails
- Rick Coradi introduced Mike Knepler, who is writing an article for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation about the 25th anniversary of our club endowment
Club Announcements:
- Mark Shaw presented John Lynn with a Charles Woodard Fellowship. The Charles Woodard Fellowship honors those who have contributed a total of $1,000 to the Norfolk Rotary Endowment.
- Jim Kitz reminded members of the upcoming event at the ForKids Mojo Thrift Store on March 28th from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. See Jim for details.
- Please make your annual donation to The Rotary Foundation.
- Collection of wine for the “Wine Pull”, for Suds and Buds is still going on. The goal is 100 bottles of donated wine for our May 19th event.
- Walt Sobczyk reminded the Club that we are still trying to recruit food truck and food vendors for Suds and Buds. Please see Walt if you have businesses they should contact. A list of current committed vendors is on the Suds and Buds website. If you have a way to get straight to the owner that is ideal.
- RSVPs are needed for upcoming outings to see the Waterside District and The Main. Visit the Club website to RSVP.
- We received 66 Applications requesting $140k in grants. We awarded $25k in grants. See the website for the list of winners.
Happy Bucks, Congratulations & Fines
- Ben Mason expressed his sympathy for all Duke fans.
- But University of Richmond advanced to the NIT Quarterfinals.
- Edna Baehre-Kolovani was thankful to be on a beach during our recent snow storm.
- Shep Miller continues giving after the sale of his business….he has a mutual connection through Barbara Lifland he is thankful for.
James Monroe Elementary school as the School of the week and will receive a book in honor of our speakers.