The Program
Rotarian of the Day Kay Kemper introduced the speaker, Ross Grogg of Kemper Consulting, who gave a legislative session seminary. Ross recapped last fall’s statewide elections, noting Republicans maintain a one-seat margin in the house, with David Yancey winning the draw over Shelly Simonds. He also said that a number of new representatives bring a loss of institutional knowledge to the state senate, with 47 percent of members having less than five years’ experience in office.
Ross talked about the passing of a state budget that expanded Medicaid coverage and boosted revenue reserves. He said that Virginia has a budget surplus of more than $500 million, and cited funding for initiatives at EVMS, the DMV, and state police. He also talked about the need to get a “real ID” from the DMV for use at airport and federal facilities, starting in 2020.
Ross pointed ahead to the Nov. 6 U.S. Senate contest among incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine, Republican challenger Corey Stewart, and Libertarian Matt Waters.
He took questions about state-funded experimentation on dogs and cats, saying that those funds were banned in the special session. Ross said that the high-rise bridge and HRBT are big items for transportation funding, and was also asked if unfunded pension liabilities were a problem for the Commonwealth. He said no.
Finally, he was asked about the nature of “boozy confections.” He defined these as cupcakes and confections infused with alcohol, and said that licensing is now available for bakeries to serve them.
The Meeting
Jim Baker gave the visitation report, saying that Joe Massey is home and that Teddy Baker was back with us.
Al Carmichael announced the guests: Jos Hekking brought his wife, Rianne; Sally Hartman brought Tom Ambler, an attorney with Norfolk Southern; and Chip Vogan brought a prospective member, John Cameron.
Fines and Happy Bucks dominated Club Business, with donations coming from Bill Clendenin for his front-page appearance in The Virginian-Pilot; Kay Kemper for having a new home in Florida and “two newer vehicles”; and Chuck Spence who along with Sigur Whitaker had sung with the Christ and St. Luke’s choir at the National Cathedral. Chuck also paid a fine for his cell phone ringing.
Dalton Dunbar gave the social events report, announcing an Aug. 6 social at the Lafayette Shores Clubhouse. Hours are 6-8 p.m., guests are asked to bring hors d’oeuvres or a dessert, and the event is BYOB.
In the absence of Community Service chair Ashley Molinaro, President Pam Tubbs pointed out that sign-up sheets for the Aug. 17-19 Project Makeover Initiative at Jaycox Elementary School were on the tables. Pam said that details for this and the social hour can be found on the club website.
Pam presented immediate past president Gary Boswick with what she called the remainder of his gift, a representation of a world without polio. She also asked members to let Jane Dembert of any volunteer work they perform, which go to the club’s credit.