As promised, following up to my last report, we had our last meeting of the Energy and Environment Commission for this year.  While we examined a lot of interesting ideas and thoughts looking forward, I am particularly proud to tell you that we had Bill Carden from Potomac Supply come and present to the Commission regarding Potomac Supply’s wood pellet technology.  As many of you know, this is something that could be very beneficial to the economy of our region because we have so much wood waste in this area that can be utilized for both electricity and heat.  As a result of that presentation, we are working on a couple of policies that may help that industry going forward.

We also had our organizational meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Task Force which was held in Matthews County as a result of so many different folks coming from so many different regions of the Bay.  I am very happy to say we had more than fifteen participants, including five legislators who came to the meeting.  We looked at various issues which affect the Chesapeake Bay region, including the recent study regarding the Asian and native oyster, some agricultural practices by some out-of-state growers, issues affecting the watermen, and ways that we can improve the Chesapeake Bay.  All-in-all, there were some very thoughtful and provocative discussion, which I believe was helpful to everyone, and will allow us to move forward on some good policies to restore the Bay as I believe it is our responsibility to do.  At the end of the day, it was an extremely productive first meeting.  Everyone left encouraged by what we were doing and the amount of support that this group has seen.

I have spent a great deal of time recently meeting with all types of folks who will be affected by the budget.  First let me tell you, that we had our Senate finance meeting.  The numbers put forth by Senate finance staff indicate a conservative estimate of approximately a 3.5 billion dollar shortfall.  This is gloomy to say the least.  As bad it seems, we must get through it.  So many folks have called and have met with me regarding this issue from sheriffs, to clerks, to hospital workers, to members of outreach organizations, to boards of supervisors, and school employees.  While I wish I could tell you that there were certain elements that are safe, the fact of the matter is everything will be looked at in the budget cuts to get the budget balanced.  It is my sincere hope that we can find the fluff in the budget, which there always is, and avoid the cuts to the more substantial services.  It is an understatement to say this is going to be a very tough session,

Finally, I would like to report to you that I have opened a second office in Stafford County at 150 Riverside Parkway.  As you know, my district runs all the way from the tip of the Northern Neck to about the midpoint of Fauquier County.  I opened this second office in Stafford as a convenience to the folks in King George, Stafford, Fauquier, and Fredericksburg so that they didn’t have to drive all the way to Montross.  As you know, my only office has been in Montross up to this point.  I will continue to maintain the office in Montross together with the Stafford office.  Hopefully this will allow me to serve my constituents better.