Today, I am officially announcing for re-election to the 36^th District of Virginia that now includes parts of Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford Counties. I am running again because I have the energy and experience to get things done in Richmond. And, I want to ensure that some of the critical issues I’ve worked on continue to move forward for the best interests of the people of Virginia.

The issues I look forward to continue working on include:

• The Rt. 1 Transit Study – I introduced and got this important initiative passed and funded to begin the process to revitalize the entire corridor through Fairfax and Prince William Counties.
• Property tax relief for disabled veterans – The constitutional amendment I introduced was approved by the Commonwealth’s voters and my legislation to enact the allowance of property tax exceptions for 100% combat disabled veterans and their widows/ers passed this session. Now I want to ensure it is implemented for all of those who gave so much to defend our freedom.
• Health Benefit Exchange – As Vice Chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care I and other members will be responsible for reviewing recommendations to develop a health care benefit exchange as required by the federal health care legislation.
• Wounded Warrior Assistance - My Wounded Warrior legislation has helped many veterans and their families especially with post traumatic stress after combat related brain injuries. I want to continue the development of this program at the local levels.

Help me continue this vital work by joining my campaign.

I’m excited about the race and we are off and running. My campaign manager is on board and we’re busy working towards victory on November 8! We need your help. Please visit toddy.org to volunteer or contribute today.

-Toddy Puller

The 2011 Virginia General Assembly session convened Wednesday, January 12th, and adjourned Sunday, February 27th.

• Regular Session
  The General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years and for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days.
• Special Sessions
  The Governor may call a special session when it is deemed necessary or advisable, and must do so when petitioned by two-thirds of the members of both houses.
• Reconvened Sessions
  A reconvened session is held on the sixth Wednesday after adjournment of each regular or special session for the purpose of considering governor’s recommendations and vetoed legislation.

Lee District is represented in the General Assembly by four Delegates (Englin, Sickles, Surovell and Watts) and three Senators (Barker, Puller and Ticer). Each has done a tremendous job during this term, and here are their reports:

• Virginia House Democratic Caucus
  • Del. David Englin
  • Del. Mark Sickles
  • Del. Scott Surovell
  • Del. Vivian Watts
• Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus
  • Sen. George Barker
  • Sen. Toddy Puller
  • Sen. Patsy Ticer

Did You Know

from the VA General Assembly Visitor’s Guide

The Virginia General Assembly dates from the establishment of the House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. It is heralded by Virginians as the “oldest continuous law-making body in the New World.”

The 1776 Virginia Constitution confirmed our bicameral legislature, which consists of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia. The present state Constitution, adopted in 1970, provides that the House of Delegates shall consist of 90 to 100 members and the Senate shall consist of 33 to 40 members. All members of the General Assembly are elected by qualified voters within their respective House and Senate districts. The terms of office are two years for members of the House and four years for members of the Senate. Members may not hold any other public office during their term of office.

The General Assembly’s chief responsibilities are to represent citizens in the formulation of public policy, enact laws of the Commonwealth, approve the budget, levy taxes, elect judges and confirm appointments by the Governor.

About House Members

from about the House, General Information

The House of Delegates consists of 100 members. Each member represents approximately 71,000 citizens. The term of office for a member of the House of Delegates is two years. Each member receives an annual salary of $17,640.

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House and is elected by the House in even-numbered years for a two-year term. The Speaker’s duties are dictated by the Rules of the House. Among these duties are the assigning of bills to committee and appointing the membership of the 14 House standing committees.

The Clerk of the House is elected by the House in even-numbered years and continues in office until another is chosen. The Clerk is responsible for the administration of the House under the direction of the Speaker.

About Senate Members

from about the Senate, General Information

The Senate of Virginia consists of 40 members. Each member is elected for a term of four years and receives an annual salary of $18,000. A Senator represents approximately 176,000 citizens of the Commonwealth.

The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate and is elected in a statewide election for a four-year term. In the event of his absence, the President pro tempore carries out the duties of the presiding officer. The President pro tempore is elected by the Senate for a term of four years.

The Clerk of the Senate is elected by the Senate. The Clerk’s duties are overseeing the daily operations of the Senate, maintaining all Senate records, keeping the daily Journal, and referring bills to committees.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010  6-7:30 pm

Reservations requested. To RSVP: TPuller@aol.com, 703-765-1150. Benefactor $2500, Patron $1500, Sponsor $1000, Supporter $500, Special Friend $250, Friend $100.

* Senator Warner is appearing at this event only as a special guest. Senator Warner is not asking for funds or donations.

Authorized and paid for by Linda T. “Toddy’ Puller.

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306; map, click here).