Students ask legislators to mind the money gap

RICHMOND -- Members of Virginia21, a student political-action group, braved cold and windy weather last week to deliver boxes of petitions to the General Assembly. The "Save $1,246 Campaign" collected the signatures of 12,531 registered voters who want legislators to fully fund higher education.

To see the complete story for possible publication in your newspaper or on your Web site, contact Annie McCallum at mccallumas@vcu.edu.

Assembly won't restore slave rebellion landmark

It has been nearly 175 years since the gruesome rebellion led by slave Nat Turner left its indelible mark in Southhampton County, Va., and U.S. history. Rebecca Vaughn, a widow and mother, was one of the last casualties of the two-day slave insurrection that left more than 55 white people and an unknown number of slaves dead.

A relic of the insurrection, her house still stands today, but barely. Delegate William Barlow’s proposal to grant $30,000 to help restore the dilapidated house failed to make it into the budget this legislative session, leaving future of the historical landmark up in the air. ...

To see the complete story for possible publication in your newspaper or on your Web site, contact Joannah Nwokeabia at jnwokeabia@yahoo.com.

Legislators crack down on fake IDs

Virginia’s legislators are looking to punish people who buy and sell fake IDs. If Gov. Tim Kaine agrees, a bill passed today by state lawmakers would make it a Class Six felony to sell or possess false identification that is used to establish Virginia residency. Currently, such a crime is only considered a Class Two misdemeanor. The bill was passed by the House of Delegates with an 88-9 vote.

To see the complete story for publication in your newspaper or on your Web site, contact Alex Woolridge at woolridgeas@vcu.edu.

Lawmakers commend state police for Katrina relief

By Joannah Nwokeabia
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – While the finger-pointing over the mismanagement of the Hurricane Katrina disaster continues at the nation’s capital, in Virginia lawmakers have given State Police the thumbs up for its involvement in the relief efforts in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Delegate Charles Carrico, R-Independence, is the chief sponsor for House Joint Resolution 198. Sixty-nine other lawmakers in the House joined him in commending the Virginia Department of State Police for its quick and effective response in the wake of the storm. The resolution easily passed voice votes in both houses.

It states: “The response of the Virginia Department of State Police to the disastrous aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was indicative of the selflessness, dedication, and courage of the members of the Virginia State Police.”

Over the course of about three months, nine different task forces of state and local police traveled to devastated Gulf Coast states to lend their services. In the weeks following the hurricane, which killed around 1,300 people, state task forces provided supplemental law enforcement to short-staffed localities with swelling and frustrated populations.

In hard-hit Baton Rouge, La., a state police helicopter provided bottled water to stranded persons, assisted with search and rescue efforts and transported survivors. Virginia troopers also dispatched a Critical Incident Stress Management Team that provided crisis counseling for Louisiana public safety officers.

Delegate William Barlow, D-Smithfield, one of the legislation’s co-sponsors, said HJ 198 demonstrates lawmakers’ appreciation of public safety officials who served in the devastated region.

“We were proud and pleased with what state police did with the Hurricane Katrina relief effort,” he said. “All indications we have are that they performed very well.”

On the other hand, the Bush administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency, the government’s disaster preparation, response and recovery arm, have come under intense criticism for what many consider was a delayed response to Katrina’s aftermath on their part.

Most recently, a videotape last week surfaced that contradicts President George Bush’s earlier assertions that he was not summarily informed of the gravity of the situation. The video shows President Bush being advised the day before Katrina struck that the storm could breach levees and wreak havoc on New Orleans, the hardest-hit area.

NOTE: Here are the lawmakers who endorsed the HJ 198:

Patrons -- Carrico, Abbitt, Albo, Alexander, Armstrong, Barlow, Bell, Bowling, Bulova, Byron, Callahan, Cosgrove, Crockett-Stark, Dudley, Ebbin, Eisenberg, Englin, Fralin, Frederick, Gilbert, Griffith, Hall, Hargrove, Hogan, Howell, A.T., Hull, Hurt, Iaquinto, Ingram, Janis, Joannou, Johnson, Jones, D.C., Kilgore, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Lohr, Marsden, Marshall, R.G., May, McClellan, McEachin, Miller, Moran, Nixon, Nutter, Oder, Orrock, Parrish, Phillips, Purkey, Putney, Rapp, Rust, Saxman, Scott, E.T., Scott, J.M., Shannon, Shuler, Sickles, Suit, Tata, Tyler, Valentine, Ward, Wardrup, Ware, O., Watts, Welch and Wright.

Kaine appoints new director of rail and public transportation

By Alex Woolridge
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine last week appointed Corey W. Hill acting director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Hill, who has worked in the department since 1997, will likely be instrumental in Virginia's transportation overhaul.

Hill has led the department's Administration and Capital Projects Division since 2003. He was also project director for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project during part of the planning phase. Later, Hill served as the Northern Virginia regional manager for the department.

"Corey's experience in rail, public transportation and overall administration of the department will allow DRPT to continue to grow and improve," Kaine said. "As we tackle our transportation challenges in the current General Assembly session, everyone agrees that transit and rail will be an increasingly important part of any overall transportation solution."

Hill's résumé includes time spent as project manager for multiple major planning studies and work for the department while updating its strategic plan. Before joining the state office, Hill worked for the Virginia Railway Express.

Hill earned his bachelor of science degree in political science from James Madison University before getting his master's in public administration at George Mason University.

Karen J. Rae, Hill's predecessor as director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, resigned to become a deputy secretary of transportation for Pennsylvania's Secretariat of Transportation.

The department is the state agency responsible for rail and public transportation in Virginia. As one of six agencies that reports to the secretary of transportation, it assists the movement of people and goods throughout Virginia by way of rail, public transportation and commuter services.

Lawmakers prepare Virginia for a disaster

By Alex Woolridge
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Just months after Hurricane Katrina destroyed homes and scarred lives in Louisiana, the Virginia General Assembly is taking steps to ensure that the commonwealth correctly responds to future disasters.

Delegates last week approved a bill to prevent post-disaster price gouging. The intention is to outlaw the selling of necessary goods and services at an “unconscionable price” in an area where a state of emergency is declared.

Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Sen. John Watkins, R-Midlothian, also broadens a “time of disaster” to include the 30 days following a renewal or extension of the state of emergency.The Senate had passed the bill 38-0 in January. Following the House’s 98-0 approval last week, the measure moves forward to receive Gov. Tim Kaine’s signature.

Also last week, the Senate joined the House in unanimously approving House Bill 1170, sponsored by Delegate Melanie L. Rapp, R-Yorktown. It would require each locality to maintain an agency of emergency management and to appoint a coordinator of emergency management. Currently, localities have the option of doing that, but they don’t have to.

The Senate last week took up another disaster-related bill: SB 730 would create an Office of Faith-Based Community Services in the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Sen. Mark R. Herring, D-Leesburg, who proposed the bill, said it would give the Department of Social Services the authority to “coordinate offers of assistance from faith-based organizations in times of disaster.”

Senators unanimously approved the bill, passing it on to the House. On Friday, the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety unanimously endorsed the proposal, sending it to the full House for a vote.

Also on Friday, the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety unanimously approved SB 363, by Sen. William C. Wampler Jr., R-Bristol. It would make the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness permanent and allow the governor to appoint the office’s director for a five-year term.

The office, which was created in 2002, would work with “federal, state, and local officials, as well as the private sector, to develop a seamless, coordinated security and preparedness strategy.” Wampler’s bill received unanimous approval from the Senate on Feb. 8.

Teens open up to abstinence

Teenagers may be more open to messages about abstinence than you think. A 2005 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests teens in abstinence education programs are opening up to abstaining from sex. Students in an ongoing evaluation by the Virginia Department of Health have also said they agree that having sex as a teenager would make it harder for them to study and stay in school.

YWCA says first lady Holton is 'Outstanding'

By Donna-Jo Webster
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Virginia's first lady, Anne Holton, needs to make space on her mantle in the Executive Mansion after being presented a 2006 Outstanding Women Award by the YWCA of Richmond.

Holton won in the law category for her work as a judge in the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Holton served the court as a substitute justice since 1998, but resigned the position in December to focus on being Virginia's first lady.

"In my work in the courts, I witnessed how important the work of caring organizations like the YWCA can be in helping abused women and their children get back on their feet," she said. "I am honored to be recognized by such incredible advocates for the most vulnerable in our community."

Holton, 48, earned her law degree from Harvard Law School. After graduation, she clerked for U.S. District Judge Robert R. Merhige Jr. She later served as an attorney with the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society for a decade. She became a substitute juvenile court judge in 1998, presiding over cases a few days a month, and heard cases for seven years.

While on the juvenile court bench, she also served on Virginia's Child Support Guideline Review Panel and on the Virginia Court Improvement Program advisory committee, which focused on adoption and foster care. She also chaired the Millennium Team, a task force aimed at improving the court's processing of foster care cases involving abuse and neglect.

Holton has been married to Tim Kaine, Virginia's governor, since 1984. She is the daughter of former Gov. Linwood Holton. The Kaines have three children -- Nat, Woody and Annella.

The YWCA Outstanding Women Awards have been given annually in 10 fields since 1980. Awards are given in categories of arts, business, communications, education, health and science, human relations, government and politics, law, religion and volunteerism.

Nearly 80 women were nominated for awards this year. Winners are selected based on their leadership skills, high levels of both personal and professional achievement, commitment to equality and racial harmony and impact on the community.

The first lady and her fellow award recipients will be formally recognized at the 26th annual Outstanding Women Awards luncheon on April 21 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit various YWCA programs, such as domestic violence shelters, 24-hour crisis hotlines, sexual assault response services and the Child Development Center. For ticket information, visit www.ywcarichmond.org

For safety, bill would let school buses go faster

School buses in Virginia may soon be going faster in order to ensure safer transportation for students going to and from school. That's the goal of House Bill 650, which last week won unanimous approval from delegates and is now being considered by the Senate. ...

Panel tables Tyler's bill targeting childhood obesity

Delegate Roslyn Tyler, D-Franklin, wants Virginia's public schools assume a more active role in fighting childhood obesity. But her efforts to make that a law will have to wait. ...

Motorcycles won’t get to use accessory lights

By Jack Lavelle
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- The House of Delegates has killed a bill meant to make motorcycles easier to see at night. The idea was to legalize low-intensity, low-voltage, steady-burning accessory lights to make bikes more noticeable in profile -- especially important for motorcyclists at intersections.

House Bill 26 was sponsored by former Delegate L. Preston Bryant of Lynchburg, who left his House seat in January when Gov. Tim Kaine appointed him secretary of natural resources.

The House Transportation Committee endorsed the bill on a 12-8 vote on Feb. 7, and the measure went to the full House for consideration. But on Feb. 10, the House referred the proposal back to the committee. That was a death sentence, because Feb. 14 was crossover, the deadline for bills to win approval from at least one legislative chamber.

At the committee meeting on Feb. 7, a representative of the Virginia State Police told legislators that law enforcement could not vouch for the low-intensity accessory lights because the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence does not certify them.

Outside the committee room, Tom McGrath, representing Virginia’s motorcyclists, said the institute does not certify the lights because they are too small. “These are not the big clearance lights that go on tractor-trailers,” he said.

But Delegate G. Glenn Oder, R-Newport News, wondered aloud if HB 26 would open the door for owners to light up their bikes like Christmas trees and voted against its passage. In the full House session on Feb. 10, he recommended that the bill be sent back because it was poorly written.

Delegate Robert Wittman, R-Montross, also had mixed feelings about the bill. He said he had concerns about requiring state troopers to make judgments on the density and size of extra lights while performing their other duties.

Keith Lindgren, district director of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, said, “We don’t disagree with that. We think it was poorly written. … We need to have something standard. I don’t want to leave (enforcement) up to individual officers.”

However, Lindgren added, “We will come back next year and we will have something that is well-written.” The most important thing is safety, he said. “I want to do anything I can do to make myself more visible.”

Senate OKs car tags for soccer moms and poll workers

By Alex Woolridge
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- They may not dominate conversation at the capital as roads, tolls and taxes do, but special license plates also are on the General Assembly’s transportation agenda.

Last week, the Senate approved a flurry of bills to create license plates for a variety of groups and causes. If the bills are approved by the House and signed by the governor, Virginian motorists will have more options for displaying their vehicular fashion:

Senate Bill 43, sponsored by Sen. Linda T. Puller, D-Mount Vernon, would thrill “soccer moms” across the commonwealth by authorizing special license plates touting support for youth soccer.

SB 50, proposed by Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Clarksville, would appeal to civil war buffs: It would authorize the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special plates honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

SB 128, sponsored by Sen. Jay O’Brien, R-Clifton, would recognize the men and women monitoring voting booths. It would create “I VOTED” plates for election officials and volunteer election workers with at least five years of service.

SB 1, also by Puller, would make special plates available to parents, spouses and children of deceased military veterans. These plates would be restricted to family members of veterans who were killed while on active duty and acting in their official duties.

SB 518, by Sen. Phillip P. Puckett, D-Tazewell, would authorize special license plates for members of the Virginia State Defense Force.

SB 617 would authorize special plates for supporters of childhood cancer awareness. DMV would charge $25 for the plates, with $15 going into a state fund to promote awareness of childhood cancer in Virginia. This bill was filed by former Sen. William Mims, R-Leesburg, who has since left the Senate to work for new Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell.

Republican Sens. Harry Blevins of Chesapeake and John Watkins of Midlothian voted against all of the bills authorizing special license plates. Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, R-Centreville, voted against the “I VOTED” plates.

The House also considered numerous bills to authorize special license plates -- including plates with patriotic messages, plates honoring soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and plates with the legend “PROFESSIONAL AUTO RACING.” Those bills were pushed back to the 2007 session.

After a late start, Sen. Herring makes roads his priority

By Craig Carper
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Mark Herring, a Democrat from Loudoun County and the Virginia Senate's newest member, is in the middle of a challenging first session. He won the special election Jan. 31 to fill the seat vacated by Republican Bill Mims, who retired to accept a position as chief deputy to Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Now Herring faces the dilemma of trying to address the issues that face his constituents without the ability to put forth legislation of his own.

"The time for filing bills has passed," Herring said. "But there are other procedures I am trying to work with. My goal is to work hard for the citizens of the district, try and accomplish as much as possible with the things that I campaigned on and promised the voters that I would work on."

Though senators may not submit legislation this late into the session, new bills may be introduced beyond that deadline at the governor's request. Herring said he will work with Gov. Tim Kaine's office on the Democratic chief executive's legislative agenda.

"I will be asking for unanimous consent to introduce a joint resolution to assist in keeping and retaining volunteers in fire and rescue departments," Herring said.

"So though I somewhat have one hand tied behind my back coming into the session about halfway through, I'm doing the best I can to use the rules available to me to advance the interests of the citizens in the district."

Herring credits his victory to addressing issues that his Republican opponent, Mick Staton, didn't focus on. Staton is the son-in-law of former Delegate Dick Black, a staunch Republican and social conservative.

"For me, it was an issues-based campaign," Herring said. "I campaigned on having the right priorities. I talked to voters about where I would spend my time and energy and the issues I would work hardest on."

During the campaign to represent Senate District 33, which includes parts of Loudoun and Fairfax counties, Herring pledged to work with Kaine to try to solve the state's transportation problems and to make improvements in public schools.

"I think that's what really gave me the edge, because those are not Democrat or Republican issues," Herring said. "If this had been a partisan campaign, Republican vs. Democrat, I probably wouldn't be here."

"My opponent had positioned himself as running on a conservative social agenda. Our area has had experience with a legislator who was focused on those issues and was really ineffective in working on trying to reduce people's commute time and things like that."

Herring's victory is also notable considering he had little time to campaign before the special election. No one knew Mims might resign until late November.

"We started the campaign in earnest on Jan. 3, which was the first business day after the New Year," Herring said. "It was truly a team effort.

"We started with zero money and zero volunteers and talked to people who cared about these issues: transportation, growth management and education and how important this election was. People really pitched in, and we got a tremendous amount of volunteer support all across the district because these issues are so important and this race was so important."

Herring began his political career in 1999 as a member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

"I ran for two reasons," Herring said. "One, because I thought growth was out of control and we needed some policies to better manage it; and second, to maintain and improve our system of public education."

Addressing Virginia's transportation crisis won't be easy.

On Feb. 6, the House of Delegates killed Kaine's transportation funding plan, which called for increases on the sales tax on automobiles and the tax on auto insurance premiums.

The Republican majority in the House has refused to accept any plan that includes a tax increase, saying that there is no reason to raise taxes when the state's general fund has a $1 billion surplus.

The House Republicans' transportation plan is woven into their budget, which the full House passed last week. Their plan would provide half as much revenue as Kaine's but would not raise taxes. Whether the plan will survive negotiations with the Senate remains to be seen. The Senate plan calls for more tax increases than the plan introduced by the governor.

Herring, who voted for both the Senate budget and transportation plan after Kaine's plan was killed, says he will "continue to support the governor in his efforts to make sure that we don't go home empty-handed."

Herring said he is looking forward to working with his colleagues in the Senate and finding common ground.

"We need to get something done this session," Herring said. "It may not be everything but we need to begin to tackle these problems."



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In his own words: Herring on transportation

Sen. Mark R. Herring, D-Leesburg, says Virginia's transportation problem involves two elements: inadequate money and inadequate planning. Any solution must address both to succeed, he said.

"The fiscal element is that there are improvements that are desperately needed right now, and in my area, it would be widening Route 7 to Tyson's Corner or it would be making sure that Route 50 in the South Riding and Fairfax areas moves more slowly. Williamsburg Bypass needs work. I have been a strong advocate for extending rail to Dulles and into Loudoun County. Those are some of the larger projects. There are also smaller ones that are within the network that we can do smaller type things to make traffic move smoother. So those are really a matter of fiscal challenges.

"I'm hopeful that working with the governor and the Senate and the House, we will come together on a package of addressing the backlog in transportation needs. But an important part of that is also addressing the planning element. I think people don't just want to throw money at the problem and find out after the money has been spent that our traffic is just as bad or worse. And so the only way we're going to have the transportation system turn around for the long run is not only to invest in some of the improvements needed now but also give localities the tools to better manage growth."

Sen. Quayle wants more oversight on imported sludge

By Joannah Nwokeabia
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- To fertilize their fields, Virginia farms use sludge from near and far. So what's the difference between imported sewage sludge and the "home-grown" stuff?

Not much, says the Virginia Department of Health.

But according to Sen. Frederick M. Quayle, R-Suffolk, out-of-state sludge may contain more hazardous materials than what is produced in-state, where authorities are able to monitor it more closely.

So this legislative session, Quayle co-sponsored a bill to prohibit the land application of biosolids from other states. Quayle said he endorsed House Bill 688 because some of his constituents expressed concerns that the state government's oversight and testing of biosolids were too lax.

"I have constituents in my district who are concerned about the possible health risk of applying biosolids to agricultural areas of the district," Quayle said.

HB 688 -- whose chief sponsor is Delegate Watkins M. Abbitt, I-Appomattox -- is likely to die this week in a House subcommittee.

But the bill reflects the concerns that Quayle and many other Virginians have about the use of sewage sludge as farmland fertilizer.

HB 688 would mandate stricter management of biosolids by state agencies. For example, the bill would require the state Health Department and the Department of Environmental Quality to make sure sewage sludge application meets human and environmental safety standards.

In addition, the bill would require the Department of Conservation and Recreation to certify that the nutrient management plan for applying the sewage sludge protects water quality.

Currently, more than half of the sludge applied to the state's farmlands comes from New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Of the 50,000 acres of state farmland that apply sludge, 26,000 use imported biosolids.

Banning imported biosolids, Quayle said, would allow state agencies to monitor exactly what is applied on farmlands.

"We quite often do not know what waste material is incorporated into biosolids or sewage sludge that comes into Virginia from other states," he said. "We have more control of biosolids that are created right here in Virginia."

Not so, said Kelly Vance Lobanov, assistant director of public relations for the Virginia Department of Health. Imported sewage sludge must undergo the same testing and treatment as indigenous sludge, she said, adding that biosolids from other states come from approved sources.

"They all have to meet a certain standard," she said.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency established the standard in a rule that spells out conditions for use or disposal of sewage sludge in land application, landfill disposal and incineration.

In the case of land application, the sludge rule outlines general requirements for operating and monitoring biosolids and places limits on the amount of pollutants that sewage sludge can contain. The rule allows some sludge to contain disease-causing bacteria above detectable levels.

Quayle also co-sponsored a bill to prohibit storing sludge for more than three days before its use. The chief sponsor of that proposal, HB 690, is Delegate Clarke N. Hogan, R-South Boston.

Despite the proposed regulations, Quayle said he does not oppose the cautious application of biosolids.

"I am not opposed to the use of biosolids for fertilization on farmlands," he said, "so long as its creation and testing is sufficiently strict that we are certain that it does not impose unwarranted health problems, and that the application of these biosolids is done properly within certified limits."

HB 688 and HB 690 have been referred to a subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources. Both bills are likely to die there this week. Tuesday, Feb. 14, is the deadline for the House and Senate to pass their bills and send them to the other chamber for consideration.

Teen drivers can still use cell phones

A House subcommittee has killed a Senate-passed bill that would have barred drivers under 18 from using cell phones.

VCU professor is named Outstanding Scientist

By Donna-Jo Webster
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- John T. Povlishock, chairman of the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, is among four honorees who will receive awards as Virginia's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists for 2006.

The quartet will be introduced to the General Assembly on Thursday [March 2]. The awards will be presented at a banquet at the Science Museum of Virginia on April 4.

"These select people are at the top of their fields," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said. "This year's outstanding scientists and industrialists have expertise in medicine, biology and national security. Their creativity, contributions and dedication are aimed at making life better for us all." Kaine and Walter R. T. Witschey, director of the Science Museum of Virginia, announced the winners on Tuesday.

Povlishock was named one of two Outstanding Scientists for his internationally recognized expertise with traumatic brain injuries. He and his colleagues developed a number of new treatments to block continuing brain damage, which scientists now know can occur hours after the initial injury takes place.

In addition to his duties as chairman, Povlishock is also a surgery professor in the Neurosurgery Department at VCU, where he has taught for 33 years. He also directs the Commonwealth Center for the Study of Brain Injury. And for the past 15 years, he has served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Neurotrauma.

"Dr. Povlishock's research has significantly advanced our understanding of traumatic brain injury," said Jerome F. Strauss III, dean of the VCU School of Medicine.

"His findings have disclosed new avenues to prevent permanent damage and loss of brain function. Moreover, Dr. Povlishock's partnership with VCU's outstanding neurosurgeons has made possible the clinical application of laboratory findings, placing VCU at the forefront of care of individuals with these potentially devastating injuries."

Cindy Lee Van Dover, also named an Outstanding Scientist, is an internationally known deep-ocean explorer and the author of numerous books, including The Octopus's Garden. She is the only woman ever certified to pilot Alvin, the deep-sea submersible, and has commanded more than 48 dives. Her various explorations have led to her discover of photosynthetic microorganisms, whose importance was previously unknown to the global carbon cycle.

Van Dover is an associate professor of biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Her continued interest in hydrothermal vents, or deep-sea hot springs, has led her to command nine expeditions to nearly every known vent field in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Duncan M. Porter, a worldwide Charles Darwin expert, received the state's Life Achievement in Science award for 2006. He is director of the Darwin Correspondence Project at Cambridge University, near London. Together with his colleagues, Porter is busily transcribing, annotating and cataloging all of Darwin's letters. When completed, the project is expected to number 30 volumes.

Stateside, Porter is professor of botany at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He has conducted numerous long-term plant studies, including Virginia's endangered plants and those found on the Galapagos Islands. Four years ago, he was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Excellence in Higher Education by Queen Elizabeth II.

Jack L. Ezzell Jr., chief executive officer of Hampton-based Zel Technologies LLC, was named Virginia's Outstanding Industrialist for 2006. Under Ezzell's guidance, Zel Technologies has grown from a small consulting firm to a large corporation specializing in national security. Among the company's projects are upgrades to the Virginia Port Authority and support of current military operations worldwide.

Ezzell, a retired Air Force colonel, received his master's degree in business administration from Ohio State University. He is also rector of the board of visitors for Norfolk State University and vice chair of the Hampton Industrial Development Authority.

"Science and industry are such an integral part of our existence that we often take them for granted," Witschey said. "Virginia's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists awards give us the opportunity to stop and recognize the people whose hard work and talent have helped create the technology and life-style we enjoy every day."

Legislators target teen drinking and drug use

By Joannah Nwokeabia and Alex Woolridge
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- The General Assembly appears likely to pass a cluster of bills aimed at curbing teenage drinking, marijuana use and other ways to get high.

Four bills at various stages of legislative approval call for stricter penalties for underage drinkers or for adults who provide the alcohol. Other bills moving through the General Assembly would punish drivers for using marijuana while operating a vehicle and would ban the sale and use of alcohol vaporizing devices.

All of those bills survived "crossover," the Feb. 14 deadline for legislation to win approval from either the House of Delegates or the Senate. Now they must be passed by the other chamber and signed by Gov. Tim Kaine to become law.

Two proposals -- House Bill 1208, sponsored by Delegate Brian J. Moran, D-Alexandria, and Senate Bill 396, introduced by Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, R-Hanover -- would outlaw serving alcohol in private homes to underage guests who are not accompanied by a parent.

On Friday, the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee unanimously approved HB 1208; it now goes to the full Senate for a vote. Also last week, the House General Laws Committee unanimously endorsed SB 396; it is being considered by the full House of Delegates.

HB 113, by Delegate David B. Albo, R-Springfield, also would punish Virginians who open their doors to underage drinking. Under this legislation, people who knowingly serve alcohol to underage drinkers would lose their driver's licenses for up to a year. The House passed Albo's bill on Feb. 10, and the Senate unanimously followed suit last week.

Under HB 1210, another measure by Moran, underage drinkers could bid farewell to their driving privileges for at least six months if they are caught buying or possessing an alcoholic beverage. That bill won a unanimous endorsement from the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee last week.

Drinking isn't the only way to ingest alcohol. SB 100, sponsored by Sen. Harry B. Blevins, R-Chesapeake, would outlaw the use of alcohol-vaporizing devices in Virginia. Such devices disperse hard liquor as vapor, which the operator then inhales. The devices have raised concerns because they cause quicker inebriation by allowing the vapor to enter the lungs and rapidly diffuse through the bloodstream.

In January, the Senate unanimously passed Blevin's proposal. A subcommittee of the House General Laws Committee is now considering the bill.

Another bill moving through the legislative process is HB 1182, sponsored by Delegate Charles W. Carrico Sr., R-Independence. It addresses tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main substance in marijuana. Under Carrico's bill, motorists who have 0.003 milligrams or more of THC per liter of blood would be considered as driving under the influence of drugs. Existing law does not define a specific blood level for THC.

Carrico's legislation, which unanimously passed the House, is pending before the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice.

The progress of such bills has pleased the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, a non-profit group that fights underage drinking, drunken driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

"Now is a good time to assess what survived the Virginia General Assembly's crossover as well as what's in store before this year's session is scheduled to conclude" on March 11, said Kurt Gregory Erickson, the program' president.

"The list of advancing DUI and or teen drinking bills is significant," he said.

For example, he noted, the House has passed:

• HB 1049, sponsored by Delegate John S. Reid, R-Richmond. It would increase the penalty for possessing, manufacturing or selling fake driver's licenses from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill is being considered by the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice.

• House Joint Resolution 35, sponsored by Albo. It would direct Virginia's Crime Commission to study and make recommendations to the current DUI laws. The resolution won approval last week from the Senate Rules Committee.

But Erickson said that several bills supported by his program did not survive crossover and are dead for the session.

Those bills would have banned open alcohol containers in cars, made seatbelt use mandatory for all front-seat passengers, impounded the cars of people caught driving on suspended licenses and increased the penalties for drunken commercial drivers.

Freshman delegate finds her way in Richmond

By Annie McCallum
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark, R-Wytheville, came to Richmond to give Southwest Virginia a voice during the legislative session. Southwest Virginia is far from the Commonwealth's capital, but this freshman delegate is up to the job.

Crockett-Stark is sponsoring nine bills. But her toughest battle this session hasn't been battling bills; it's been learning the lay of the land.

"My toughest personal battle has been learning just how the process works," Crockett-Stark said, adding that things move quickly. "I'm finding with almost 4,000 bills, there's very little time."

The fast-paced nature of the Legislature and the last-minute changes made to bills are a major concern for Crockett-Stark. She said sometimes amendments are made, and she worries people at home will question why she voted for something.

"With amendments and substitutes, you need to be really careful on how you vote because sometimes it changes the code," Crockett-Stark said.

True testaments to the complexities of bills are the thick black books that line the bookshelf behind her desk. They're codebooks, and she says it's not unusual for her to be up late reading and rereading. She said she wants to be certain she understands everything.

More than halfway through the session, Crockett-Stark has a handle on things. Five of her nine bills have survived crossover. Crossover, which was Feb. 14, marks the middle of the session and the deadline for bills to receive approval from at least one chamber of the General Assembly.

Since then, several of Crockett-Stark's bills have cleared both houses.

House Bill 439 passed through the House nearly unanimously. Delegate Clarke N. Hogan, R-South Boston, voted against the measure. Crockett-Stark, who sits next to Hogan in House Chambers, said it was just a joke.

"He was just teasing me and he didn't change it in time," she said.

Joking aside, Crockett-Stark believes the bill is extremely important for the people in her area. The bill aims at getting Virginia representation on the governing board of a sewage treatment plant located in both Virginia and West Virginia.

The plant serves both the city of Bluefield, West Virginia and the town of Bluefield, Virginia. Currently, the governing board only has representation from West Virginia. Crockett-Stark's bill wants equal representation from both states.

She said the elimination of Virginia representation from the board several years ago "has caused unrest because it's taxation without representation; our people are paying for those services."

As the bill makes its way through the Legislature, private negotiations to resolve the issue are also underway. An amendment to the bill even gives private negotiations until Jan. 1, 2007, to come to an agreement. Crockett-Stark explained the bill is insurance.

"I feel the bill needs to stay in place if negotiating falls through," she said.

Other proposals on the top of Crockett-Stark's legislative agenda include changing the name of the Domestic Violence Victim Fund and a budget amendment that will help fund a workforce center in Pulaski.

House Bill 1409 would change the Domestic Violence Victim Fund to the Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund.

"My feelings were many times if there is domestic violence there is sexual abuse, sexual violence," Crockett-Stark said.

Criminals convicted of sexual or domestic violence are required to pay a fee. The money is then given to the fund to help victims.

"It's one way to help victims without the state paying for it," Crockett-Stark said.

The bill has cleared both houses and awaits action by the governor to become law.

The fate of Crockett-Stark's proposed budget amendment is somewhat more uncertain. The goal of the proposed budget amendment is to get funding for a workforce center that would be a major source of economic development in Pulaski.

The center would be public private partnership between New River Community College and Volvo. New River Community College would own the building and lease the land, but Volvo would furnish machines and train workers.

"I want this so bad for further economic development in counties," Crockett-Stark said, acknowledging its expense. "It's got a $5 million price tag on it."

Crockett-Stark said she hopes the workforce center would bring even more opportunity to the area and provide jobs in several counties.

Delegate Tyler's mid-session hits and misses

By Joannah Nwokeabia
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- When freshman Delegate Roslyn Tyler embarked on her term in the General Assembly earlier this year, she received a nugget of helpful advice from Sen. Yvonne Miller: Introduce your bill, don't talk too much and have fun.

Tyler, D-Franklin, said it's the best advice she's gotten in office so far. Working 13-hour days, debating contentious bills, juggling constituent matters, being away from family and dealing with downtown Richmond's infamous parking paucity may not provide much fodder for humor. Nonetheless, Tyler, who describes herself as a serious person, has learned to have fun at her new job.

Even before she stepped foot inside her fifth-floor office in the General Assembly Building when session began in January, she had made local history. The Emporia native is the first woman to represent the 75th District in the House. The district includes Sussex and Greensville counties; parts of Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Lunenburg and Southampton counties; the city of Emporia and part of the city of Franklin.

"There has been a lot of pressure," Tyler said, "but I realize you can't change the world in a day. And when you do not succeed, you pick up and start again the next day."

Tyler has also learned to cope with being a long-distance mother and wife. To keep from missing her husband, Rufus Tyler Sr., and their four children -- Rufus Jr., Ronecia, Rosché and Rameka -- she talks to them on the telephone and takes the hourlong drive back home on the weekends. When her kids are out of school, they also visit her at work.

Tyler said her time away from home has forced her children to become more responsible.

"My kids have done well and become more mature and responsible," she said. "It's a good indication that my husband and I have given them a good foundation."

She said she's found a new family in the veteran lawmakers who have helped her adjust to the Legislature's fast pace.

"Everyone is so willing to help and make the transition easy and that makes you feel like a big family working together," she said with a grin.

Ask Tyler about the budget lawmakers are mulling over, though, and her buoyancy recedes, replaced by a sterner, more serious tone.

Since the legislative session began in January, Tyler, a physical therapist, has introduced four bills, none of which made it to a full House vote.

House Bill 1590 called for higher salaries for public schools teachers; HB 1591 sought to establish a small business advocacy office; HB 1592 would have set regulations for farmers selling produce. All were abandoned earlier on.

And HB 1593, which would require Virginia public schools to adopt tougher education and nutrition standards to prevent childhood obesity, was postponed until next year's legislative session.

The budget appropriation process, which began in earnest last week, allows lawmakers to set aside money for use in their localities. But the freshman delegate hasn't scored much success there, either. Her proposal for funding to add an elevator and handicap access to Wakefield Foundation Center for the Arts in Sussex County was shot down.

"It's disappointing when you submit amendments and they are not included," Tyler said.

For the remainder of the session, making sure rural areas aren't excluded from transportation funding is at the top of her agenda. Tyler said much of the money and services in the transportation plans have been directed toward Northern Virginia. But the southern region of the state needs help with its roads, too -- something she said she will push for in the budget.

"We would like our transportation issues addressed as well," she said.

There have been small victories for the small-town lawmaker. Tyler said she has received several letters from constituents and health lobbyists in support of her child obesity bill. Advocates have already offered to testify before the Legislature when the bill is picked up next year, she said.

When the legislative session wraps up on March 11, Tyler plans to return to the six counties and two cities in her district to meet with town councils, supervisory boards and constituents to give an account of her first term in the Legislature. Thus far, she said she's proud of the job she's done. But, in the end she knows the verdict lies with her constituents.

"I make sure I make the best decisions so I can have a clear conscience," she said.

House panel tables bill targeting chronic tardiness

By Donna-Jo Webster
Capital News Service

RICHMOND -- Although it won unanimous support in the Senate, a bill to address chronic tardiness with regards to compulsory school attendance has been put aside by the House Education Committee.

Senate Bill 672 required the state Board of Education to put forth regulations defining chronically late students. The legislation was approved 37-0 by the Senate on Jan 31.

Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, sponsor of the bill, said he was asked by a number of Shenandoah Valley attendance officers to introduce the legislation.

"We have a real problem with truancy," he told the House Education Committee. "We're not trying to address chewing gum in the halls."

He defined chronic absenteeism as being out of school without justification for five days or more. Chronic tardiness, he said, means arriving for school more than one hour late without a reason.

Delegate Philip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News, wrestled with the meaning of tardiness.

"If a kid goes to the restroom and stays longer than he should, is that tardiness?" he asked legislators.

School attendance is required by state law. Students are expected not only to show up, but to be on time. This allows students to both absorb the classroom materials and develop habits of punctuality, responsibility and self-discipline.

Currently, schools must make an effort to contact parents or guardians whenever a student is absent, in an effort to ensure that parents are aware of the situation. Contact is usually made by clerical workers or school volunteers, although some schools use prerecorded telephone messages.

Five unexplained absences warrant direct contact with parents by the school's attendance officer, at which time consequences of further absences are discussed.

If the attendance problems persist, the schools may take action, including in-person conferences with parents and, in some cases, referrals to juvenile courts.

Obenshain wanted chronic tardiness to be included with absenteeism and subject to the same consequences.

However, last week some members of the House Education Committee argued that policies regarding the definition of chronic tardiness had been discussed earlier. They said issues of tardiness should be handled at the school district levels, and not become part of state law.

"We addressed this policy five or six years ago and discussed the issue then," Hamilton said. "We made the decision then not to include tardiness, but let the school districts handle it. The bill would require more clerical help in the schools."

After discussion, the Education Committee voted to table the bill. By doing so, the issue is unlikely to be raised again this session.