NORTON META TAG

05 November 2014

The Rust Report from 86th district delegate tom rust r tb 29OKT14


THE rust report, from VA 86th district delegate tom rust r tb. He shows an amazing degree of humanity in this issue, supporting the VA Constitutional Amendment eliminating real estate taxes for surviving spouses of military personnel killed in action, providing information on voting, a sane update on the Commonwealth's health plans if Ebola appears in VA and support for STEM Takes Flight for VA college students (though this is funded by a grant from nasa and doesn't include a state increase in education funding). Still, he is the Chair of the Transportation committee and a member of the Health Insurance Reform Commission, two high priority issues, but here is the legislation rust sponsored so far in the 2014-2015 legislative session, and it is not impressive considering his committee assignments

  • HB 2021 Driving without license; motor vehicle impounded if previously convicted of certain offenses.
  • HB 2022 Technology Services, Council on; eliminates Council.
  • HB 2023 Virginia Information Technologies Agency; to delegate powers & responsibilities.[2] 
  • Virginia Committee Assignments, 2014
    Commerce and Labor
    Education
    Science and Technology
    Transportation, Chair
     
Delegate Tom Rust

The Rust Report
October 29, 2014

"Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government" Thomas Jefferson
   
The Identity Theft Symposium I hosted was a success with almost 100 residents attending. The Attorney General's office presented an informative discussion on avoiding identity theft. Attendee's learned how personal information can be compromised and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim. They also learned the steps to take if they become a victim.

Thanks to those who donated food for LINK in the Herndon Homecoming Parade. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and donations were down. If you would like to donate food, my legislative office is still collecting food and you are welcome to visit our office to drop off any donations. LINK is gearing up for a busy holiday season and all donations will be appreciated.
In This Issue
Say "Yes" to Support Veterans
Election Day is Tuesday!
Ebola Update
STEM $ for Community College Students
In and Around the District

Say "Yes" to Support Veterans
  
On Election Day, Tuesday November 4th, voters will have a chance to approve an amendment to Virginia's Constitution which will allow the elimination of real estate taxes on the home of any spouse of a member of our Armed Forces who is killed in action. I supported the passage of this amendment to Virginia's Constitution, along with the rest of the General Assembly who passed it unanimously.  

This state constitutional amendment would allow elimination of real estate taxes on homes of spouses of any service member who was 'Killed in Action.' The spouse can continue to claim the exemption so long as they do not remarry and continue to occupy their home as their principal residence. This amendment will not change current law which covers disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
 
In Virginia, we are fortunate and honored to have so many active duty military personnel, veterans and their families living in our communities.  We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice to this nation.  This constitutional amendment is one way to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
  

Election Day is Tuesday!
 
Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 am until 7 pm. Please remember to bring a valid photo ID to cast your ballot. If you qualify to vote absentee, you can do so in-person until Saturday, November 1st at 5 pm. If you need more information on absentee voting, voter ID, or the constitutional amendment, please visit the State Board of Elections website.

If you want to know about absentee voting, polling places, sample ballots, please visit:


   Ebola Update

In response to the Ebola outbreak in the United States, the Virginia Department of Health is taking a number of steps to prevent and combat the disease here in the Commonwealth.

On Monday the Department of Health implemented an Active Monitoring Program to monitor those most at-risk for contracting Ebola. Local health departments will begin monitoring all travelers arriving from West African nations suffering from the outbreak. Health officials will stay in contact with these travelers every day throughout a 21-day period and develop individually-tailored monitoring plans.

The Department of Health held a conference call with General Assembly leaders and indicated they are prepared to take additional steps as needed. This includes isolating or quarantining individuals if necessary.

For more answers to frequently asked questions concerning Ebola, please visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control.  The Virginia Department of Health has also set up an Ebola hotline 877-275-8343

  

   STEM $ for Community College Students
Because of my passion for science technology engineering and math (STEM), I wanted to let you know about this excellent opportunity for Virginia's community college students who are pursuing studies in STEM fields. They now have access to new scholarships, research experiences, internships and courses thanks to a two-year, $500,000 NASA grant to the Virginia Space Grant Consortium.  The new program, STEM Takes Flight at Virginia's Community Colleges, provides $5,000 mentored scholarships, paid industry internships, paid NASA research experiences and new courses to foster STEM awareness and workplace skills.  Community college faculty in STEM fields will have access to professional development at NASA.  The program's overarching goal is to foster community college retention in STEM academic tracks through graduation with an associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution. 

Please visit the STEM Takes Flight website which provides detailed information and applications for program components.  Application deadlines are as early as November 17.   
  

In and Around the District
  
In addition to meeting with constituents on a variety of issues, I have attended the following events since my last update:

  • Attended a meeting of the Health Insurance Reform Commission in Richmond as a commission member.
  • Participated in SterlingFest
  • Attended the Virginia Municipal League's annual meeting.
  • Marched in the Herndon Homecoming Parade
  • Attended a debate between Ed Gillespie and Mark Warner.
  • Offered an Identity Theft Symposium
  • Attended a meeting of the Northern Virginia Transportation Association
  • Attended a reception for the Virginia Credit Union League
  • Attended a luncheon of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce
  • Attended a breakfast of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors
  • Spoke at two homeowner's association meetings
  • Attended a legislative reception by the Virginia Nurses Association 
  • Met with the Secretary of Transportation
  • Presented a Commending Resolution recognizing the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad on their 50th anniversary.
  • Attended a briefing by the Commonwealth Transportation Board & VDOT on the Six Year Improvement Program
  • Presented a certificate to the Silver Light Senior Association on their 10th anniversary
  • Gave the commencement address at the University of North America Commencement
  • Attended a meeting of the Fire & Rescue departments on legislation being introduced in the 2015 session.
  • Chaired a meeting of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
  • Participated in a Presidential Search Forum for Northern Virginia Community College.
  • Was a guest lecturer at a George Mason University class on Financial Policy
* * * * * * * * *

It is a privilege and honor to serve the constituents of the 86th district. Part of my job is to keep you informed about the issues facing the Commonwealth; part of my job is to address your comments, questions, or suggestions. You can reach me either by phone 703-437-9400 or email at deltrust@house.virginia.gov. You can also 'like' me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. Please keep in touch.

Best wishes, 
 Tom Signature  
Thomas Davis Rust
Delegate, 86th District

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