Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. I extend my best wishes to both the teachers and students for success in their upcoming academic year. Children and school buses are on the roads – be sure to give them a “brake.” We are also entering the final stretch of […]

This weekend brings a unique opportunity for Virginians looking to take advantage of tax-free shopping. This year Virginia’s tax-free events for back-to-school items, Energy Star products, and hurricane-preparedness resources are being combined into one tax-free weekend. The sales tax holiday will run from August 4 – 6. During the holiday, […]

Summer is near the halfway mark with the 4th of July having come and gone. Celebrating the birth of our nation is a proud tradition. While the beach, a bar-b-q, parades and fireworks are things we look forward to, it is all a good time to remember that the Declaration […]

In less than two weeks, Virginians will have the opportunity to select the final two contenders for Governor as well as Lt. Governor. My choice is clear all the way to the general election in November — Ralph Northam. Dr. Northam has the experience and temperament for the office and […]

The Commonwealth’s legislative season is now fully in the rearview mirror and all eyes are now on the statewide primaries to be held June 13 of this year. Note that the deadline to update your address or to register to vote in the primaries is May 22. I encourage you […]

The General Assembly reconvened for the Veto Session April 5. It is the legislature’s turn to act on the Governor’s amendments and vetoes to bills that passed during the regular session. In 2013, Virginians elected Terry McAuliffe as governor. During his tenure in office, Governor McAuliffe has been a firewall […]

The General Assembly has completed its 2017 legislative session. The House of Delegates will be up for election in November along with the statewide offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Being an election year, at times it was painful to listen to the debate, as well as view […]

This General Assembly session is in full swing as we near crossover on Feb. 7. On the national front, it’s no surprise this President continues to wreak havoc domestically and internationally with directives that are meant to satisfy a far-right base of supporters. These reprehensible actions run counter to everything […]

Happy New Year to all of the constituents of Virginia’s 35th Senate district. 2016 is now in the books but there is much on the docket for the Commonwealth in 2017. The General Assembly will convene January 11 for the “short session.” That means we will have about 45 days […]

On November 8, millions of Americans went to the polls and cast their ballot for president. Twenty days later, I sit here writing this column, observing that one presidential candidate leads the other by some 2 million votes. But the candidate with the 2 million-vote lead, Hillary Clinton, will not […]