Updates From George

The Latest From Richmond

When voters sent an equally divided Senate to the capital, we knew that there would be moments of tension. One such moment occurred last week, when we took up the constitutional requirement that we elect judges. Prior to convening session for the day, we had reached an agreement that the Senate would first vote to re-elect all incumbent judges, and later on the election of two first-time nominees. We had expected to see that arrangement honored, and were surprised to find instead all of the judges before us--incubent and new alike. 

Having previously outlined his interpretation of the constitutional powers of the Lieutenant Governor in a memo, Mr. Bolling could not vote to break the ensuing 20-20 tie that resulted, and we found ourselves in a stalemate.  In his State of the Commonwealth address to the residents of Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell warned of the consequences of overreach; what we saw on Tuesday was just that. After two days of discussion and debate, the two new judges' names were removed from consideration, and we were able to get back to the business of the people. This situation is almost certain to arise again, however, and it is my sincere hope that  members from both sides of the aisle will be able to find compromise and avoid another standoff. 


Common sense solutions to our problems should always trump partisan bickering, and we should never forget that we were sent here to serve. I try to legislate in that vein, and I always welcome your feedback on ways that I can better be a steward of our shared values. This past week I presented a number of bills in front of committee, and several more were passed by the Senate. Among them:

SB205 - A bill that would help doctors collect necessary forensic evidence in cases of suspected sexual assault. 

SB210 - A bill to help young drivers remain free from distraction when they are first learning to operate a vehicle on our roadways. 

 

SB371 - A bill that clarifies the use of advance directives when requesting judicial consent for treatment. 

SB207 - A bill that helps extend polling hours in the event of an emergency. 

SB375 - A bill that clarifies laws related to the mental health records of transfer students at our colleges and universities.

I hope to add to this list in the coming days, and that we are met with equal success when these bills are heard in the House of Delegates. You can also find a full list of the legislation that we are working on HERE.

 

There will be many twists and turns ahead as we consider more legislation this week and approach crossover - the day when all business must be completed in each house and sent to the other for consideration. As always, I hope that you will follow our actions in Richmond closely, and that you will get in touch if there are any questions that I can answer or ways in which I can be of service. 

Sincerely,
  

blue ink george barker

 

Thank You!

Because of all your hard work, our campaign was victorious on Tuesday with 53% of the vote.  We won the majority of votes in Alexandria and Fairfax and came very close to winning in Prince William -- an incredible result all around.

I am honored to be able to serve the 39th District again in Richmond.  I promise to continue listening, and to continue getting things done on a wide variety of issues for Northern Virginia.  If you have any ideas for potential legislation, please send them my way before the next legislative session begins in January.  Some of the best ideas for my bills have originated from constituents.

Lastly, I would like to thank my incredible staff and the volunteers who donated time, money, support, and energy for their hand in this victory.  I truly could not have done it without you.

I look forward to working with you for the next four years.

Vote Today

Election Day is here!  Polls are open from 6am to 7pm.  Click here (site: http://tinyurl.com/VoteVA11) to double-check your polling place in case it may have changed.  And of course, thanks so much for your support, and your vote.

If you need a ride to the polls or have any questions about voting, please give us a call at (703) 303-1426.

The Home Stretch

Just hours from now, polls will open and voters will decide what type of leadership they want for Northern Virginia.

I thank you for the opportunity to represent you the past four years.  I am honored to have been your Senator and ask for your vote Tuesday so that I can continue working on your behalf in the legislature.

When I have gone door-to-door each year visiting you, you told me your concerns and said what you wanted me to do.  I have listened, and you have helped me be an effective Senator.  I have gotten many bills passed that originated from ideas suggested by you.  I have worked hard.  Working with other legislators and the Governor, we have gotten things done.

I have spent the last four years fighting to improve the quality of life here in Northern Virginia.  I have protected school funding and passed legislation that helps more kids go to college.  I have worked to fund transportation so that we can relieve gridlock and get our region moving.  I have fought to support our veterans.  Just this year, working with members of both parties, I voted for a balanced budget that passed unanimously and had a surplus.   I also partnered with the Governor to get legislation passed to attract more high-paying jobs to the area.

To get real results I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Governor McDonnell.  It's that type of cooperation that allowed me to pass over 20 pieces of legislation last session -- the most of any Northern Virginia Senator.  It's also why I have been endorsed by groups like the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, local teachers, firefighters, and the Washington Post.

I would be honored to receive your vote on Tuesday so that I can continue working for you.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you the past four years.  I pledge to continue working hard on your behalf if you send me back to Richmond.

If you're unsure of where to vote, if you need any information about the election, or if you'd like to volunteer with the campaign, please click the links below.  See you on Tuesday!

Sign Up for George's Newsletter: