COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG
The Comstock Connection
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
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Dear Friend,
The past month has been a difficult one for many with hurricane threats and damage, record and extraordinary flooding which washed out roads and bridges, and sadly brought tragedy to our community with the loss of two local residents in flood related drowning incidents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Jack Donaldson and Arsalan Hakiri.
We also had an emotional 10th anniversary of 9/11, which continues to touch so many in our area. We are particularly grateful through all of this to our police, fire fighters, and VDOT staff who have been working overtime as a result of all the recent difficulties.
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Bridge and Road Updates
Last Monday I attended the Great Falls Citizens Association Transportation Committee meeting. VDOT's Bridge Engineer, Nick Roper spoke at the meeting updating us on the bridges and roads that were damaged due to the heavy rain last week. VDOT is already working on the design for temporary bridges on Beach Mill Road and Towlston Road and preparing to announce the jobs to contractors. He stated that he hopes that each bridge will be temporarily replaced by the end of October. Plans continue to be made for the permanent replacement of both bridges, which were already slated to be replaced next year. I have also been in direct contact with VDOT about the damage on Carpers Farm Way. They have assigned the road to a contractor and we should have more details on the plans for the road as well as a time line for the work this week.
VDOT has been working quickly to repair the damage from the recent storms. If you see any roads that need to be worked on you can call 1-800-FOR-ROADS (1-800-367-7623) or fill out VDOT's online work request form. You can also contact my office at 703-772-7168 or [email protected] to let us know about a problem and I'll happily speak to VDOT on your behalf. I will continue to keep you informed of these issues as I receive more information.
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Telework Tax Credit Webinar
I will be participating in a free webinar to educate businesses and individuals on my new tax credit legislation aimed at encouraging private sector telework.
What: Telework Tax Credit Webinar
When: Friday, September 30, 2011 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Who:
- Bill patron Delegate Barbara Comstock
- Bill patron Senator Mark Herring
- A representative from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- A representative from the Virginia Department of Taxation
To Sign Up To Participate In This Webinar: Click here
During the Legislative Session this year I introduced and passed legislation creating a Telework Tax in Virginia. The legislation provides for a tax credit of up to $1,200 per employee, up to $50,000 per organization, for eligible telework expenses incurred during taxable years 2012 and 2013. The webinar will provide additional information on the tax credit, the requirements to pre-apply and qualify for the credit, and how telework practically applies in an organizational setting. For more information click here.
I first started working on telework issues in Congressman Frank Wolf's office almost 20 years ago. Teleworking is a 21st century workplace option that can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as cut gasoline consumption and dependency on foreign oil. It also helps provide a more family friendly workplace that gives Moms and Dads more time at home and less time sitting in traffic. Telework gives employees the flexibility they need to meet daily demands and can be a great recruitment tool for businesses. Employers get the benefit of increased productivity, improved morale, fewer sick leave days used, better worker retention, and reduced costs for office space.
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Meeting with Constituents
Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to hold a number of meetings with constituents to address issues that you face every day in your neighborhoods. We have been able to bring representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to the 34th District to meet with many of you, answer your questions and directly address issues that you are all facing with the continued construction of the HOT Lanes and Rail to Dulles. If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to meet with me about, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 703-772-7168 or[email protected].
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Every Woman Has A Story
On Friday, I attended the Women's Leadership Forum, "Every Woman Has a Story," hosted by the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. I was honored to present a Certificate of Recognition from the Governor recognizing the forum and the valuable contributions of women leaders in our community. Wanda Alexander was an inspiring keynote speaker with many wonderful stories to share. I enjoyed hearing her speak about the "Lessons Learned During the Making of my Story."
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$544.8 Million Surplus
Governor McDonnell recently announced that the total FY 2011 Surplus is $544.8 million. This includes $234.1 million in state agency savings and balances, as well as the previously announced $310.7 million revenue surplus. By law the surplus is dedicated to various areas incuding: $132.7 million to the Rainy Day Fund; $93.2 million to Transportation; and $30 million will be used to create a "Federal Action Contingency Trust" Fund (FACT Fund) to prepare the Commonwealth for likely future federal spending reductions. Our fiscally conservative, pro-jobs economic policies have led to economic growth in the Commonwealth that has put Virginia on a strong path not seen by many states. To read the Governor's press release about the surplus, click here.
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Virginia: The Brightest Pro-Business Star
Virginia was recently named the top pro-business state for 2011 by the Pollina Study. This news follows the July CNBC rankings, which also had Virginia as the top state for business. The study stated that "Virginia is the unquestionable brightest star on the American flag when it comes to being pro-business...Virginia is truly in a class by itself." Since being elected in 2009, my #1 priority has been to create jobs and improve our economy. Virginia won the 2011 top ranking by the largest margin in the history of the study. This marks the third straight year that Virginia has held the top spot in the Pollina rankings. The Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2011 are: 1) Virginia 2) Utah 3) North Dakota 4) Wyoming 5) Nebraska 6) Kansas 7) South Dakota 8) Missouri 9) South Carolina and 10) Indiana. Read the Op-Ed that I wrote about our top pro-business ranking on my website. You can also read the Governor's press release here.
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Tenth Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks
Last Sunday we marked the tenth anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks.
I attended that Candlelight Commemoration Ceremony held by the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial and the Great Falls Ecumenical Council. I was honored to be able to present a proclamation from the Governor commending the work done by the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial in honoring and remembering the six Great Falls citizens who died on September 11: Barbara Olson, Richard Gabriel, Lisa Raines, Diane Simmons, George W. Simmons and Ann Judge. The memorial is also a tribute to all who have died in defense of our freedom.
I want to thank Matthew McCann and Alicia Underhill and their fellow classmates at Langley High School in commemorating this year's 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a display of over 2000 flags spelling out 9/11 on the high school lawn and painting the school rock in honor of the anniversary.
 
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McLean Orchestra Concert
On Saturday, September 10th, the McLean Orchestra held their "Musical Salute to Our Military" Concert at Vinson Hall. This was their second annual such concert and it was a big hit at this very appropriate venue. I want to congratulate the McLean Orchestra, John Huling, Burt Heacock, Wayne Sharp and the rest of the Military Salute Committee for a wonderful concert. It was a delightful evening.
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Lewinsville Road Bridge
Last month I joined other local officials and our public and private partners at VDOT, Flour-Lane and Transurban to mark the opening of the new Lewinsville Road Bridge. We will continue to keep you updated on the various construction projects throughout the 34th District.
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2011 Wolf Trap Ball: Celebrating 40 Years
 On Saturday, my husband, Chip and I, attended the annualWolf Trap Ball to benefit Wolf Trap Foundation's renowned education programs. This year's ball was a celebration of Wolf Trap's 40th Anniversary. Congratulations to all of the Wolf Trap staff and Board for all of the wonderful programs they have provided our community for four decades now. We presented Wolf Trap with a Certificate of Recognition from the Governor commending them on the celebration of their 40th Anniversary.
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Governor McDonnell and First Lady To Join Friends of Clemyjontri 2nd Annual Concert in the Park
Clemjontri's Second Annual "Concert in the Park" is coming up this Friday, September 23
and the Governor and First Lady will be our Special Guests. This year's concert and dinner theme is "Under the Big Top" and will feature a performance by the celebrated Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. Last year's "Concert in the Park" raised nearly $100,000 which was used to help donate a new LibertySwing to the site. This year's concert theme is "Under the Big Top," and funds raised from ticket sales and sponsors will be used to donate a new "Big Top" tent/canopy on the site, affording much-needed additional
shade forplayground users as well as providing an additional location for event use and rental. To learn more about this event and this wonderful park, visit the Friends of Clemyjontry website.
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Sincerely,
Barbara Comstock |
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