HB 1201 Unemployment benefits should be carefully controlled. We must avoid providing disincentives to work.

HB 118 Yes, include solar!

HB 1243 Mammography must be optional, based on the woman's choice. For a lot of thinking women it is wrong (does not make sense) to invade breasts with radiation in an effort to "detect" breast cancer.

HB 126 Yes, by all means.....Proton therapy works, I think.

HB 1288 Yes, by all means.....And rate reviews must allow for the power of solar to help us save the environment.

HB 153 Yes, by all means.....no state funds should be paid to workers illegally impaired.

HB 1160 I am in favor of this----a necessity nowadays to keep our communities healthy.

HB 263 If this bill will help to ensure that banks will be able to help people save money in virtual currency and add that to FDIC-like assurances for saving consumers......it has my blessing.

HB 225 -- It is a good idea to carefully define this disorder in the bill. Make sure NOT to simply repeat psychiatric jargon in the wording of the law, or it will be uninterpretable by the public that is being served. At a minimum, provide a clear definition of autism in plain English in the bill.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber supports HB 405 and thanks the committee for its consideration.

Comments Document

Dear Chairwoman Byron, Vice Chair Kilgore, and members of the committee: On behalf of all the people we serve in Virginia, including the 20,215 residents currently living with End-Stage-Renal Disease (ESRD) we are writing to request that you support HB 421, the Living Donor Protection Act. This important bill would prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their status as an organ donor. The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease, from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. We are also one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, AKF has also received the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 18 consecutive years, as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. While most transplanted organs are from deceased donors, patients may also receive organs from living donors. Living donation offers an alternative for individuals awaiting transplantation from a deceased donor and increases the existing organ supply. Over 6,000 living-donor transplants were performed last year in the United States. Kidneys are the most common organ transplanted from living donors, followed by liver and lung. Both living and deceased donation offer hope to nearly 110,000 people waiting for an organ transplant right now—including more than 95,000 who are waiting for a kidney transplant. In addition to transforming the life of the kidney patient, a transplant is a boon to society. The cost of a transplant is lower than long-term kidney dialysis, and it gives the transplant recipient a greater ability to remain in or return to the workforce. Unfortunately, studies have shown that people who donate organs experience discrimination by insurance companies solely based on their status as an organ donor. For example, an NIH study demonstrated that a high proportion of kidney donors had difficulty changing or initiating insurance, particularly life insurance. The study concluded that “[t]hese practices by insurers create unnecessary burdens and stress for those choosing to donate and could negatively impact the likelihood of live kidney donation among those considering donation.” Further, extensive research has demonstrated that people who donate a kidney are likely to live just as long as similarly healthy people who have both kidneys. We believe that providing incentives and removing financial burdens for living donors can lead to an increase in organ donations. For these reasons, we are hopeful for your support for this and any future legislation that could help improve the lives of those fighting kidney disease. Thank you again for your leadership and for your consideration of this important issue. Sincerely, Melanie Lynn Lendnal American Kidney Fund Senior Director, State Policy and Advocacy mlendnal@kidneyfund.org

Comments Document

Please see attached letter.

Comments Document

Support letter attached

Comments Document

Dear Chairwoman Byron and Vice Chairman Kilgore, The National Kidney Foundation respectfully thanks you for your consideration of HB 421. Sixty-five years since the first successful kidney transplant in America, hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved through the generosity of living organ donors. Kidney transplantation remains the optimal choice of kidney replacement therapy and in 2021 more than 24,600 Americans received a new kidney. However, 95,000 people are on a kidney waitlist, some of whom will die before receiving a kidney. Expanding living donation is the best opportunity to increase the number of transplants. Living organ donors undergo a thorough examination prior to donating, are healthier than the U.S. population at-large and rarely face long-term health consequences. Despite this, they often experience higher premiums or outright denial of insurance coverage. HB 421 would prohibit discrimination in the pricing or availability of life, disability or long-term care insurance. A 2014 study by Johns Hopkins University showed that a quarter of living donors faced discrimination when they tried to obtain or change their life insurance just because they were organ donors. Additionally, the National Kidney Foundation frequently hears from living donors who experienced premium changes or other restrictions on their insurance policies. Over the past decade, an approximately 1,800 Virginia residents have been living organ donors. Removing barriers is a critical component of expanding organ donation. In addition to providing a better quality of life, a transplant is cost effective for Medicaid and Medicare compared to kidney dialysis. Transplant recipients also are more likely than dialysis patients to remain in or return to the workforce. The National Kidney Foundation respectfully requests your support for HB 421. Sincerely, Michele Anthony & Nancy Castrina Michele Anthony Nancy Castrina Executive Director Executive Director NKF Serving the National Capital Area NKF Serving Virginia

January 26, 2021 Dear Chairwoman Byron and Vice Chairman Kilgore, Good afternoon, thank you for the opportunity to provide comments to the House Commerce and Energy Committee in support of the Living Donor Protection Act, HB421. I’m Manish Agarwal, a resident of Fairfax, Virginia, and I am fortunate to have a sister-in-law, Ena, who was willing to donate her kidney to save my life. I am writing today as a Board Member of the National Kidney Foundation and for living organ donors like Ena. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 30 million Americans, approximately 90% of those with kidney disease don’t even know they have it. Virginia has more than 128,000 Medicare patients with kidney disease, more than 11,000 of them are on dialysis, and 2,135 are waiting for a kidney transplant. In 2020, 664 Virginians received a transplant, but 66 of our neighbors died while on the waitlist. We need to do more to remove barriers to organ donation to help those who want to save another’s life are not penalized or prevented from doing so. Patients, like myself, seeking a transplant talk to their family, friends, colleagues, and even total strangers. I was fortunate my sister-in-law was willing and able to donate. To do so, she had to go through extensive testing that took weeks. Living donors are in better health than your average American. Organ donation is safe to donors, and they go on to live long, healthy and productive lives. However, sometimes donors get hit by “penalties” after donation. In this case, some face discrimination in obtaining insurance, including life, long-term care, and disability insurance. A study by Johns Hopkins University of their donors showed that a quarter of living donors who tried to obtain or change their life insurance faced discrimination because they were organ donors. We should be encouraging living organ donation, not discouraging it. We need to protect donors from future harm. People, like my sister-in-law, who saved another’s life shouldn’t have to worry about being penalized or discriminated against. This bill will not only help protect organ donors and improve the lives of kidney patients receiving donations, but also help save the healthcare system. While we do not have cost data for commercial plans or Medicaid, consider that Medicare saves more than $60,000 per patient per year when a person stops dialysis and receives a transplant. This bill would prohibit discrimination against living organ donors based solely on their status as an organ donor. Virginia has shown itself to be very supportive of organ donation. It has passed into law a tax deduction to assist donors in recouping expenses related to donation. Virginia also offers state employees paid leave. Let’s not stop there. I request you continue this by supporting HB421. Tell potential donors in Virginia that you want to protect them and saving the life of a Virginian shouldn’t cause them to worry about their future. Living organ donors should not be penalized for their altruistic act to help a friend or family member in need. Sincerely, Manish Agarwal Manish Agarwal Vice Chair, Board of Directors National Kidney Foundation CC: Members of the Commerce and Energy Committee

Comments Document

Dear Chairman O’Quinn and members of the subcommittee: On behalf of all the people we serve in Virginia, including the 20,215 residents currently living with End-Stage-Renal Disease (ESRD) we are writing to request that you support HB 421, the Living Donor Protection Act. This important bill would prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their status as an organ donor. The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease, from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. We are also one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, AKF has also received the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 18 consecutive years, as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. While most transplanted organs are from deceased donors, patients may also receive organs from living donors. Living donation offers an alternative for individuals awaiting transplantation from a deceased donor and increases the existing organ supply. Over 6,000 living-donor transplants were performed last year in the United States. Kidneys are the most common organ transplanted from living donors, followed by liver and lung. Both living and deceased donation offer hope to nearly 110,000 people waiting for an organ transplant right now—including more than 95,000 who are waiting for a kidney transplant. In addition to transforming the life of the kidney patient, a transplant is a boon to society. The cost of a transplant is lower than long-term kidney dialysis, and it gives the transplant recipient a greater ability to remain in or return to the workforce. Unfortunately, studies have shown that people who donate organs experience discrimination by insurance companies solely based on their status as an organ donor. For example, an NIH study demonstrated that a high proportion of kidney donors had difficulty changing or initiating insurance, particularly life insurance. The study concluded that “[t]hese practices by insurers create unnecessary burdens and stress for those choosing to donate and could negatively impact the likelihood of live kidney donation among those considering donation.” Further, extensive research has demonstrated that people who donate a kidney are likely to live just as long as similarly healthy people who have both kidneys. We believe that providing incentives and removing financial burdens for living donors can lead to an increase in organ donations. For these reasons, we are hopeful for your support for this and any future legislation that could help improve the lives of those fighting kidney disease. Thank you again for your leadership and for your consideration of this important issue. Sincerely, Melanie Lynn Lendnal American Kidney Fund Senior Director, State Policy and Advocacy mlendnal@kidneyfund.org

Chair O'Quinn and Members of this Committee, My name is Patrick Gee and I am a kidney transplant recipient. Getting a new kidney was truly, and without exaggeration, a life-changing experience. My days used to be spent shuttling back and forth from dialysis appointments and doctor appointments. Now I lead a very full life, serving as a pastor in my church and playing with my wonderful grandchildren. This is a life I would not necessarily be able to lead if I did not get my transplant. Given the effect it has had on my life I feel a deep moral obligation to help others and that is why today I ask you to support HB 421. This legislation is simple and straightforward. If someone if considering making the gift of a kidney, they should not be dissuaded by the fear of losing insurance or not being able to pay for it. The donor faces no problems in their life for donating while the recipient gets a new lease on life. Please join me today in supporting organ donation. Thank you so very much for your time and consideration today. Sincerely, Patrick Gee

Dear Commerce and Energy Committee Members, I write today asking you to support HB 421. If passed, this legislation would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against a living organ donor. They would not be able to charge a donor more or deny them coverage. We should do whatever we can to promote organ donation because it can make a massive difference in someone's life. Unfortunately, my mother never had that opportunity. It has been about 10 years now since my mother passed away from kidney disease. The diagnosis came as a surprise. She was a healthy person and we did not have a family history of it. Since then I have learned that none of that matters. Kidney disease can afflict anyone and you don't even have to have any symptoms until your kidneys no longer function. We tried to get my mother a transplant but unfortunately she never received one. I hate to think that someone could have donated a kidney to her and then been dropped by their insurance company or charged a much higher rate just because they donated. Studies have shown there are no long term side effects from donating a kidney. Our laws should reflect that. And we should do what we can to promote organ donation. Passing HB 421 could go a long way in showing that us Virginians are putting the health of our citizens first.

Comments Document

See attached letter of support.

Comments Document

Dear Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Members: January 24, 2022 I am a physician-educator specialized in geriatrics who retired from EVMS in Norfolk after helping implement a fellowship program to train geriatricians. I am writing to ask your support for House Bill 425 that would modify legislation governing Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), sometimes called Life Care Communities. CCRCs are insurance products. Eighty percent of CCRC residents buy Type A contracts. For an entry fee in the range of a half million dollars, and a monthly rental fee of around five thousand dollars, a retiree lives in a modest apartment and is guaranteed future long-term care. This promised long-term care consists of assisted living, nursing home care, and memory care. The management teams in these CCRCs must administer funds with discretion to have resources available to provide the long-term care promised years or decades in the future. Every year in the United States, two or three CCRCs go bankrupt from poor management. Other CCRCs spend money based on priorities other than planning for future healthcare. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) under Chapter 49 of Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia refuses to hear or to pass on judicially resident complaints about financial mismanagement. The US Congress and the Commonwealth of Virginia see the need for greater oversight. A study done by the Department of Social Services is the basis of the recommendations in HB 425. Long-term facilities are difficult to manage. One CCRC in Richmond area received a one-star rating on the most recent Medicare review of quality. The SCC guarantees the right to self-organize, but some CCRCs do not follow through. They have directed their Resident Councils to organize according to administration guidelines. Where the board of directors is supposed to hold quarterly meetings with the residents, some facilities meet only twice a year. And they are not transparent with strategic plans. These legislative changes would strengthen resident input into administration decision-making and would track problems that are occurring but go unreported. There are real problems in this industry. Objective studies have shown this. Seniors living in these communities are funding these businesses. They deserve a voice. Currently the model is “resident in care, manager is charge.” We would like the playing field to be more even. This legislation asks for residents to be members of the boards of directors. This assures effective communication about strategic planning and fiscal responsibility. This legislation sets up a system to report, track, and record problems. This will determine the extent and severity of the problems across the industry. Only 10% of CCRCs nationwide subscribe to the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a marker for quality care. CCRCs lack oversight, monitors, and data. I feel the time has come for the Virginia House of Delegates to support the expanding number of seniors seeking to improve CCRCs. I ask you to support HB 425 and move it forward toward passage. Sincerely, Charles H. Webb, MD M Div.

Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee: I am writing in support of the testimony of Penny Jez, President of the Virginia Continuing Care Residents Association (VaCCRA) Ms. Jez is testifying seeking the passage of HB425 (Willett). If passed the bill would residents of Contiuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) the opportunity to have representation on governing boards and establish a complaint line at the SCC to document resident concerns. While residents of assisted living and nursing homes have access to the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, as well as protections afforded to them from the licensure process through the DSS and VDH, independent living communities are requirred to register with the SCC but do not have a formal mechanism to investigate residents's concerns. I am a resident of the Cedarfield Retirement Community in Henrico County and a member of the Legislation Committee of the Virginia Continuing Care Residents Association (VaCCRA). Here at Cedarfield our residents are seeking to have a resident on the board of Pinnacle Living so that there can be greater transparency about decisions affecting us. We have also been told we cannot have a copy of Pinnacle's bylaws. We have increased the number of residents in VaCCRA eight fold in just three months because of this board response and are continuing to press for a way to have the board be responsive about decisions that directly affect our pocketbooks. HB425 will give us an avenue to file complaints if we believe Pinnacle Living is not acting in our interests. And, there are many residents here who have headed corporations and have served on other boards. We reject the response we have gotten from Pinnacle that there should not be a a resident on the board because the board deals with "confidential " issues. Please support HB425 so that we can have the voice we deserve in decisions affecting us. Sincerely, Martha Cole Glenn 10022 Cedarfield Court Henrico, VA 23233 (703) 851-4077

This bill will provide an independent contractor with legal protection to explicitly self-identify as a contractor and prevent forced classification as an employee.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Sometimes we need to step back and look at our legislation. As an on-air personality, MrHappyUSA.com; (named Happiest Man in America by USA Today Magazine) I am a 1099 contractor for many of my clients and I am writing in support of Delegate Amanda Batten’s House Bill 529. This is a common-sense measure that helps independent contractors maintain their autonomy and choice to remain independent while also knowing the established guidelines under the IRS guidelines and set criteria. It also protects our free market principles of choice. Is that not our basic freedom? I urge you to support HB 529 and continue the progress of moving Virginia forward. Please join me…this bill is good for all Virginians and will make our Commonwealth a “Happier Place to live.” J. P. “Gus” Godsey 1080 Old Clubhouse Road. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 757/685-6400 www.MrHappyUSA.com

Hello Mr. Chairman and members of the sub-committee, first I wanted to thank you for your continued leadership in continued progress of making Virginia the best state to do business in. On behalf of the Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce, we are writing in support of Delegate Amanda Batten's HB 529. As first glance, it looks like a clean-up bill; but it is more than that. The bill strengthens the original legislation by providing strong clarity as to what a 1099 independent contractor is and removes the ambiguity of what a business or independent contractor can do and cannot do. I think that you would all agree there really is never a one size fits all approach when it comes to our workforce and how we utilize the services/goods of vendors and contractors. This bill brings forth a common-sense approach. We urge you to support this bill for passage and for a full vote in Committee and bringing it to the House Floor for unanimous consent. Thank you to Delegate Batten for sponsoring this legislation and thank you all for your consideration. Sincerely, Hon. Ron Villanueva Executive Director, Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

I respectfully submit this response for impacts on Virginia House of Delegates House bill HB529 regarding the misclassification of employees. As a practicing Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years, I wholeheartedly endorse the proposed bill to amend and reenact section 40.1-28.7:7. I have assisted entrepreneurs and non-profits in determining independent verse employee status. I have represented clients before Federal and State taxing authorities examining the question of employee verse independent contractors with the rise in the gig economy. Additional language will only assist in clarifying the sometimes-difficult decision. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. Please contact the office for any additional information.

I’m honored to speak before you today on behalf of HB529 with the Independent Women’s Forum and share my freelance/independent contractor story. As a fulltime Virginia-based freelancer, I love having the freedom and flexibility associated with independent contracting. I started my journey six years ago at age 25. Since then, I’ve worked with multiple clients, traveled in and around the Commonwealth, maximized my earnings, and became an award-winning writer. Best of all, I’m in complete control of my work and am my own best negotiator. My being able to identify as an independent contractor is very empowering-especially as a woman. Women, who make up nearly 50 percent of the freelance economy, prefer flexible work arrangements to better balance work life and family obligations. And I’m not alone. Over 500,000 Virginians operate and identify as independent contractors. Freelancing is not exclusive to the Commonwealth. More gig workers nationwide self-identify as independent contractors. The future of work is freelance. Virginia allows independent contractors like me to thrive and succeed. And I hope it remains that way. Our Commonwealth should strive to support policies allowing our independent workforce to remain competitive, vibrant, prosperous and happy. Thank you.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

I SUPPORT HB 529 - Labor and employment; misclassification of workers - as introduced by Amanda Batten.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Comments Document

See attachment

We support HB 774

I urge you to open access to solar power in SWVA for people, businesses, and organizations unable to install solar on their own building . These bills (SB629/HB1634) are about fairness - restoring equity to solar access for electric customers regardless of where they live in Virginia. The General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation in 2020 (SB629/HB1634) to create a shared solar program in Virginia. This program is important to provide fair customer access to solar regardless of income level, building ownership, condition, or shading, who otherwise are left out of the opportunity to adopt solar power. These bills provide new opportunities to build solar on brownfields and mine lands and create jobs in the areas where the programs are available. Critically the bills will provide local employment opportunity and attract new businesses interested in being solar-powered. Only shared solar subscribers in Dominion Energy service area receive a bill credit for their proportional output of shared solar projects. As it now stands, the law discriminates against electric customers in SWVA. The 2020 legislation had significant bipartisan support throughout the 2020 legislative session, and the bills received unanimous support in committee and on the floor before being amended by conference committee. The bills' original language included Appalachian Power Company (APCo) and Kentucky Utilities/Old Dominion Power (ODP) in the program. On 3/7/20, the conference report narrowed the definition of utility to only include Dominion, eliminating APCo and ODP customers. Shared solar is particularly needed in Southwest Virginia where coal mine land suitable for solar is not large enough to support utility-scale projects, but can support community-scale projects (1-5 MW). HB 832 (Del. Wilt) and SB 659 (Sen. Hanger and Sen. Edwards) will permit APCo and ODP customers to access the same program as Dominion customers. Customers in Southwest Virginia deserve the same fair and equal access to solar programs and the associated jobs and economic benefits as are currently available to customers in other parts of the state. The bill simply changes the definition of utility to include all three investor-owned utilities in Virginia. Thank you for your service to Virginia and for restoring equity and fairness for Southwest Virginians.

Dear Delegates, As a resident of Salem, I urge you to support HB832 today so as to allow solar energy sharing in other parts of the state other than those served by Dominion, like where I live. I am a retired professor who has taught courses in meteorology and climate many times in my career and am up on the science. We are in a climate emergency and we must make alternative sources of energy available to citizens in order to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This is a step in the right direction. Please do the right thing for the western part of our Commonwealth.

My husband and I have long been interested in providing some of our electrical needs by use of solar energy. After looking into the feasibility of installing rooftop solar panels and finding our heavily wooded surroundings do not provide enough daily sunlight, we sought info about shared solar community projects. We are sold on the idea that by subscribing to and paying through monthly energy bills, we could benefit, along with our neighbors and community, from a shared community solar energy offered by one’s local power company. The problem in Southwest Virginia, however, is that our Appalachian Power Company has not made this option available to us. Because Southwest Virginia utilities are not required to provide the option, we can participate in this win-win program for power companies and their customers. Therefore, we strongly urge you to support legislation HB 832 and SB 659 in favor of legally requiring public utilities companies to offer the shared solar option to all customers, thereby providing the possibility of more jobs, industrial growth, and solar access to everyone, including schools and businesses, low-income residents who live in apartments or multi-family housing, or people like us who have too many trees! Such action will also support one of the Virginia Department of Energy’s stated primary goals for addressing climate change and energy diversification.

As a scientist, I’ve read about climate change and global warming since the 1980’s. It has taken almost a lifetime for the nations of the world to recognize that these things are actually happening and changing our world in a negative way. Any efforts to slow, stop, and reverse these changes that are taking place that are not themselves negatively impacting the environment should be adopted in order to save our planet for our children, grandchildren and generations to come. There is no choice if we are to be stewards of the earth. Many people nationwide live in housing situations that are not conducive to embracing solar as an alternative energy source—they live in shaded areas, or don’t have land and monies to install solar arrays, or they live in apartments with no ownership of the buildings—but as caring stewards they would willingly do so if given the opportunity. That is why passage of HB 832 and SB 659 is so important to residents of southwest Virginia. It affords residents in the region the option to utilize solar energy for their needs via their existing electric suppliers. In particular Appalachian Power and Old Dominion Power that currently do not provide this option to their customers. As a long-time southwest Virginia resident, who wants to help preserve our earth for future generations, I implore you to vote in support of this legislation.

Comments Document

I live in Dickenson County. Everyone is asking that by some means everyone gets solar energy, even those who cannot afford the solar panels. This HB 832 will be a good step in that direction. It will help with pocketbook savings, economic development , and job growth. With humanity under a Code Red Warning from the UN because of climate change, the verified record heat of 100 degrees within 6 miles of the Artic, and 64.9 degrees in the Antarctic we are in a race. We want to be winners.

Making solar more available is absolutely necessary for us to have fair access to power while reducing our carbon footprint. HB832 is the answer.

Please support HB 832 (Wilt) that would allow residential customers of Appalachian Power and Old Dominion Power to participate in a program known as "shared" solar. Shared solar programs allow customers who rent, who don't have a solar-friendly roof or who can't afford their own array to purchase solar energy from a 3rd-party owned project that's typically fairly small (often in the 1-2 MW range). These programs are currently being developed for customers of Dominion Energy but Appalachian Power and Old Dominion Power do not allow shared solar in their service areas, and I believe this is a significant inequity for folks in SWVA, including in Montgomery County where I live. Shared solar is a cleaner and cheaper energy resource, and more people should be able to pursue it. Please help make this opportunity available to us!

I urge you to open access to solar power in SWVA for people, businesses, and organizations unable to install solar on their own building . These bills (SB629/HB1634) are about fairness - restoring equity to solar access for electric customers regardless of where they live in Virginia. The General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation in 2020 (SB629/HB1634) to create a shared solar program in Virginia. This program is important to provide fair customer access to solar regardless of income level, building ownership, condition, or shading, who otherwise are left out of the opportunity to adopt solar power. These bills provide new opportunities to build solar on brownfields and mine lands and create jobs in the areas where the programs are available. Critically the bills will provide local employment opportunity and attract new businesses interested in being solar-powered. Only shared solar subscribers in Dominion Energy service area receive a bill credit for their proportional output of shared solar projects. As it now stands, the law discriminates against electric customers in SWVA. The 2020 legislation had significant bipartisan support throughout the 2020 legislative session, and the bills received unanimous support in committee and on the floor before being amended by conference committee. The bills' original language included Appalachian Power Company (APCo) and Kentucky Utilities/Old Dominion Power (ODP) in the program. On 3/7/20, the conference report narrowed the definition of utility to only include Dominion, eliminating APCo and ODP customers. Shared solar is particularly needed in Southwest Virginia where coal mine land suitable for solar is not large enough to support utility-scale projects, but can support community-scale projects (1-5 MW). HB 832 (Del. Wilt) and SB 659 (Sen. Hanger and Sen. Edwards) will permit APCo and ODP customers to access the same program as Dominion customers. Customers in Southwest Virginia deserve the same fair and equal access to solar programs and the associated jobs and economic benefits as are currently available to customers in other parts of the state. The bill simply changes the definition of utility to include all three investor-owned utilities in Virginia. Thank you for your service to Virginia and for restoring equity and fairness for Southwest Virginians.

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

911 operators experience the same issues that deputies experience

Comments Document

Although the MEWA and AHP proposals being considered by the General Assembly differ in their particulars, they are all intended to allow small businesses and self-employed individuals to risk select out of the common risk pools created by the Affordable Care Act. This will inevitably have the effect of increasing the cost of health coverage for older individuals or small groups and for people with pre-existing conditions who are not covered by the AHP or MEWA. Moreover, insofar as the proposals would cover small groups or individuals as large groups, or split up the small group and individual single risk pool, they would violate federal law. All of this is explained further in the attached testimony.