Public Comments for 02/09/2022 Appropriations - Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee
HB120 - Disabled veterans, certain; special hunting and fishing licenses.
Last Name: Rohn Locality: McLean

Please email the above mentioned bills to me.

Last Name: Guloglu Locality: Falls Church

Please stop this cruelty

Last Name: ZIMMERMAN Organization: JLC as the Vice Chair and MOAA Representative Locality: MANASSAS

In support of all of these.

Last Name: Sergent Locality: Hanover

I am in support of HB120 proposed by Mr. Wyatt. We often take to lightly the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms and rights to Hunting , Fish, and Trap responsibily. I support this bill as a thank you to the Vetrans who have given their all to protect those freedoms. Please support HB120

Last Name: Reeves Locality: Prince william county

I support the Humane Society of the United States' positions pertaining to your particular bill(s). I do believe HSUS adheres to and promotes the highest standards of integrity in the issues of animal issues, the environment, human concerns, et. al. I hope you can vote with that perspective in mind.

Last Name: Jeffrey Decker Organization: Self Locality: Hanover

Honorable members of the Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources - Natural Resources Subcommittee: I am writing in support of delegate Scott Wyatt’s disabled veteran hunting/fishing license bill. It is my understanding this bill would be cost neutral to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. As a veteran and current holder of a Virginia lifetime hunting and fishing license I see this bill as a “thank you” to our disabled veterans and I ask that you vote in the affirmative for this bill to move forward. Jeff Decker, USCG, ret 804-683-1202

Last Name: Bird Locality: Midlothian

Encouraging your support on the above bills

Last Name: Lindskog Locality: PWC

Please stop the unnecessary killings by of the poor wildlife.We have already taken a lot of their habitat and now allowing this mass murdering of these voiceless animals by the sick people. Thank you

Last Name: El Hassani Locality: Fairfax

Please stop animal cruelty!

Last Name: Sakason Locality: Burke

“Kill contests” or otherwise hunting for sport should be outlawed.

Last Name: Petras Locality: Verona

The greatness of a nation and its MORAL PROGRESS can be judged by the way it treats its animals, its wilderness and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last Name: Pellek Locality: Norfolk

Good Afternoon, I am submitting my support of the above items. I strongly feel that we need to put more time and planning on what we are doing to our animals, that are due the same respect as we all inhabits of our planet, and out planet. We only have one earth and we have not been responsible on how we treated her.

Last Name: Harper Locality: Richmond city

Protect Virginia's environment from Republiklans

Last Name: Hicks Locality: Stafford, Fredericksburg

Protection of Land, Water, Air, Soil and all animals is up to us and for future generations a must.

Last Name: Tackett Locality: Virginia Beach

We should be protecting our animals, both wild and domestic. We also need to protect our environment. Inhumane treatment of all animals needs to stop.

Last Name: Schlessinger Locality: Nellysford

HB523 Research or experimentation of any kind should be prohibited with all animals especially dogs and cats

HB180 - Forest Sustainability Fund; created.
Last Name: Tisha Erby Organization: RPS Locality: Richmond City

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Last Name: Jenkins Organization: Virginia Loggers Association` Locality: GOOCHLAND

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB 1319 to incentivize landowners to improve their hardwood forest resources. Hardwood forests can take almost 100 years to mature for useful products used by society. Virginia's forest property owners are the single largest ownership and our future generations depend upon land owners making great decisions and investments to improve the likelihood of healthy forests in the future. HB 180 is very important to help localities maintain forest land use taxation as an option for land owners. Landowners will benefit from forest land use tax rates and may maintain forests in a healthy condition for the entire life of the forest stand. Localities will have a way to recover some of the lost tax revenues to meet their operating costs serving constituents. VLA supports hb 90 because food is an essential for every household. The effect will be to help all citizens by eliminating the taxes on food. By taking this action, our policy makers would be investing in hard working citizens who work everyday and the youth who are future leaders. Once people are well fed and strong, they will be productive and contribute in many ways to Virginia's economy.

Last Name: Jenkins Organization: Virginia Loggers Association Locality: Goochland

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB106, HB180, HB295, and HB 297. HB180 may help localities to retain forest lands in land use taxation programs. Currently it appears many localities with forest land use taxation are considering its removal to meet operating costs. The forest products industry is Virginia's third largest industry and depends the sustainable forest supply to daily supply the needs Virginia's mills. This great industry is one we hope our elected policy makers will support with pro-business laws and supporting incentives for private landowners to maintain the forest land base. VLA also supports HB106, HB 295, and HB297 because they will help all businesses and especially those businesses struggling due to the pandemic, market declines, and causes beyond their control. The bills have the effect of freeing up money businesses can invest in rebuilding, updating, and holding on during declines. Ron Jenkins, VLA Executive Director

HB191 - Health Workforce Development; creates position of Special Advisor to the Governor.
Last Name: Ghidotti Organization: Radford University Locality: Richmond

Radford University has a rich heritage of educating health care professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The University is committed to providing an exceptional professional education and building a robust health professions talent pipeline with health science programs offered both on main campus in Radford and Radford University Carilion (RUC), which is the University’s health sciences campus facility in Roanoke. Radford University is an active participant in the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers, which is a regional initiative to establish a K-12 to higher education to workforce health professions pipeline for Southwest Virginia, and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. Radford University supports HB 191 and increased investment by the Commonwealth to expand the health professions pipeline.

Last Name: Priddy Locality: Henrico

Please support HB191. With mental healthcare facilities understaffed, this is a step in the right direction to provide a direct line to the governor of effective changes that need to be made. Please support HB98. Obtaining guardianship is a difficult process. The more open and easier to navigate will help families in crisis.

Last Name: Armentrout Organization: Carilion Clinic Locality: Fincastle, VA

Healthcare employees support this bill for the following reasons: 1. Coordination across the Commonwealth will create the best use of workforce resources while preventing duplication. 2. All healthcare entities in Virginia need an education and training roadmap and funding to close our workforce gap now and in the future. 3. An identified leader for healthcare workforce training builds in focus and accountability.

Last Name: Durkin Organization: Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Locality: Roanoke

The Roanoke Regional Chamber strongly supports HB 191. Thank you for your consideration.

HB517 - Chief Resilience Officer; clarifies designation and role.
Last Name: Leyen Organization: Virginia League of Conservation Voters Locality: Richmond

Reasons to SUPPORT HB 517 Virginia’s Chief Resilience Officer is the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, but the responsibilities reside in the Public Safety section of the Code of Virginia. This proposal simply moves the position to the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat within the Code of Virginia and clarifies the duties. HB 517 is included in a comprehensive suite of bills proposed by the Chesapeake Bay Commission intended to integrate statewide flooding and resilience planning and implementation across the Commonwealth. Specifically, this bill: Would provide that the Chief Resilience Officer shall oversee development and implementation of the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan and the Virginia Coastal Protection Master Plan. Clarifies the scope of responsibilities from sea level rise to resilience and adaptation. Would require reporting to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of flood resilience in the Commonwealth every two years. The report shall serve as an evaluation of flood protection for critical infrastructure, including human and natural infrastructure. The report shall identify risks to critical transportation, energy, communication, water and food supply, waste management, health, and emergency services infrastructure. The report shall also include the status of flood resilience planning.

Last Name: Neil Organization: City of Portsmouth Locality: Hampton

The City of Portsmouth supports this bill. Please support. Thank you

Last Name: Stiles Organization: Wetlands Watch Locality: Norfolk

We are in strong support of this bill which clarifies and expands the role of the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO). This legislation puts the CRO in the middle of policy decisions on resilience across government. be in charge of the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan and the Coastal Resilience Master Plan, and has the CRO issue a report on the state of the Commonwealth's resilience efforts. With this legislation Virginia will continue to make progress on addressing its flooding issues.

Last Name: Alan Burress Organization: --None-- Locality: Tazewell

I am respectfully asking you vote to reinstate preemption.

Last Name: Barnhill Locality: Ashland

Please support HB 827, Delegate Wilt, which repeals the provision that allows local government to prohibit guns in parks, government buildings, recreation and community centers, and at permitted, or should have been permitted, events. This puts preemption back as it was in from 2004 to early 2020.

Last Name: Hunsinger Organization: Friends of the Rappahannock Locality: Fredericksburg

Friends of the Rappahannock supports HB 517. We believe it is important to ensure that the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) is housed in the correct Secretariat and that the duties of the CRO are clarified and codified into law.

Last Name: Wright Organization: VCDL Locality: Nelson county

Protect gun rights. I am a female home he’s nurse that has almost been a victim of assault at least 2 times. I see patients with mental and physical issues and I need to be able to protect myself. One of my patients tried to put me in a shed and the other was a known homicidal/suicidal with multiple antipsychotic medication and was able to find out my birthday and text me a happy birthday message despite being blocked and discharged as a patient. I am also an instructor and there have been times when I felt threatened in the classroom and clinicals. Times are changing and people are having difficulty controlling themselves and oftentimes act out impulsively which results in injury and sometimes death to others. As a health care provider and instructor, I urge you not to ban guns in public buildings, schools and parks. Also, I request that you vote to repeal the red flag law and stop hiding anti gun legislation in bulky bills that none of you seem to have time to read. Stop and think about your actions towards your constituents. You are acting against us, not for us. I pray that you wake up and cut the lobbyists puppet strings. Stand up for us and stop taking our rights away. Thank you, Patricia Wright

Last Name: Leyen Organization: Virginia League of Conservation Voters Locality: Richmond

Reasons to SUPPORT HB 517 • Virginia’s Chief Resilience Officer is the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, but the responsibilities reside in the Public Safety section of the Code of Virginia. This proposal simply moves the position to the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat within the Code of Virginia and clarifies the duties. • HB 517 is included in a comprehensive suite of bills proposed by the Chesapeake Bay Commission intended to integrate statewide flooding and resilience planning and implementation across the Commonwealth. Specifically, this bill: • Would provide that the Chief Resilience Officer shall oversee development and implementation of the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan and the Virginia Coastal Protection Master Plan. Clarifies the scope of responsibilities from sea level rise to resilience and adaptation. Would require reporting to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of flood resilience in the Commonwealth every two years. The report shall serve as an evaluation of flood protection for critical infrastructure, including human and natural infrastructure. The report shall identify risks to critical transportation, energy, communication, water and food supply, waste management, health, and emergency services infrastructure. The report shall also include the status of flood resilience planning.

Last Name: Calvert Organization: Virginia Conservation Network Locality: Charlottesville

Comments Document

Please support HB517. Comments attached.

HB574 - Horse racing tax; wagers to be deposited in Problem Gambling Trust and Support Fund, etc.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB656 - Income tax, state and corporate; creates tax credit for coal refuge energy and reclamation, report.
Last Name: Merchant Locality: Martinsville

No tax credits for fossil fuels.

Last Name: Granger Locality: Suffolk

As a solar owner for 12 years, I know that renewable energy and a cleaner environment is the future. Those who support coal and waste byproducts are losing the tide. I do not want this legislation approved.

Last Name: Barnes Organization: Appalachian Voices Locality: Big Stone Gap

On behalf of Appalachian Voices, our organization opposes this bill. While the clean-up of GOB is crucially important to improving the environment in Southwest Virginia, this tax credit is unnecessary. Dominion Energy is already burning coal refuse at the VCHEC without tax incentives; so far more than 4 million tons of gob have been burned at VCHEC. The plant was designed for this purpose, and is doing so as designed. While there is an enormous amount of GOB left to be cleaned up in SWVA, the Federal government just recently enacted the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which includes an $11.3 billion investment into cleaning up abandoned coal features. Virginia will receive 10 times as much funding for abandoned coal mine land clean-up funding for the next 15 years, which can go toward cleaning up the highest-priority GOB sites. Creating a tax credit for burning GOB puts an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Finally, SB 120 (Hackworth) and HB 657 (Wampler) propose to inventory and study how to best clean up GOB piles in Southwest Virginia. The General Assembly should wait for the results of this study before creating tax credits to incentivize burning GOB in power plants. Please oppose this bill.

Last Name: Shelton Organization: Appalachian Citizens' Law Center Locality: Whitesburg, KY

My name is Rebecca Shelton and I am submitting comments on behalf of Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, a public interest law firm and non-profit advocacy organization that works in and represents clients from Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia. We oppose this bill. This bill creates a tax credit to incentivize the burning of coal refuse, or gob. We see this as unnecessary for two primary reasons. First, Dominion Energy, without this credit, is already burning coal refuse at the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center in Wise County, Virginia. The plant was designed for this purpose and creating a credit is unnecessary. Second, the federal government recently enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which adds $11.3 billion dollars to the federal abandoned coal mine grant program. Over the next fifteen years, Virginia will receive nearly 10 times as much federal funding for the clean up of gob and other abandoned coal features compared to recent years. Given this infusion of federal funds, creating a state tax incentive to clean up gob is unwarranted at this time. In addition to being unnecessary, the bill incentivizes the use of gob but it does not require that the gob be from Virginia in order to be eligible for the tax credit. As the tax credit cap is greater than the amount of funding that has been identified as needed for gob cleanup in Virginia (according to Virginia' s coal mine inventory), the tax credit would likely be used to truck waste coal into Southwest Virginia; Virginia taxpayers would be subsidizing the cleanup of coal-mining waste. We ask you to vote against HB656. Though gob cleanup is critical for Southwest Virginia, we've seen no evidence to support the mechanism through which that bill proposes to achieve that - incentivizing an activity that is already occurring - and believe that the federal AML funds, instead, will help address this issue. Thank you for allowing me to provide testimony.

Last Name: Pender Organization: Chesapeake Climate Action Network Locality: Hampton

A 2011 Harvard report found that the life cycle effects of coal and the waste stream generated are costing the U.S. public a third to over one-half of a trillion dollars annually. The HB 656 bill uses taxpayer money to incentivize the burning of coal refuse at the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center (VCHEC). The excessive use of burning coal refuse would put communities along the transportation path at risk of environmental disasters and become more exposed to harmful emissions. Also, HB 656 creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for Dominion Energy for 2023-2027 equal to $4/ton of qualified coal refuse used to generate electricity at VCHEC. This bill will not only harm Virginia environmentally, but economically as well. And it is for these reasons, CCAN Action Fund opposes this bill HB656.

Last Name: Selvage Locality: Wise

SUMMARY: Kathy Selvage of Wise, VA addresses the VA Assembly Subcommittee on Finance regarding HB 656: Dominion’s power plant in Wise County, VA was a boondoggle when proposed and it continues to be. Life extension for the plant last year was granted. Currently, the SB 120 is attempting to rename Garbage of Bituminous (GOB) as a renewable energy. This is an alternative truth. The economic viability of the plant and industry are enhanced by subsidies (HB 656) through tax reductions that robs the tax coffers, and further increases their economic viability by tossing the health and environmental costs onto the community and its inhabitants. The Commonwealth is proposing the same path as Pennsylvania as they have the most waste burning plants in the nation and try to include waste coal in their renewable portfolio. GOB is low energy producing (60%), forcing the use of more GOB, heavily laden with pollutants, and produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) during incineration. Pollutants are displaced from the air, never eradicated, and reappear in the toxic waste coal ash at about 85% of the entire amount of GOB used, thus creating mountains of toxic coal ash. There are safer ways to deal with the GOB piles of far southwest Virginia than this proposed scheme. Population loss in a single decade for Wise County reached 14.7% or 5,308 as the young and college educated continue their flight in search of opportunity. Their future cannot be found in a GOB pile. This plan makes the continued destruction of Wise County legal and is absolutely the wrong trajectory.

Last Name: Scardo Locality: Clintwood

Comments Document

As you consider HB 656, keep in mind that Wise County is one of the most devastated counties in the world from mining activities. They have no need to deal with garbage of bituminous coal (gob) from every corner and then with a higher load of mercury, arsenic, and coal ash on their lands and waters. The drainage would be into Clinch River -- the home of endanger mussels and fish. There is no pressing need for all the gob piles to be burned. The burning of fossil fuels should have stopped yesterday. Coal power plants add greenhouses gases. New record heat confirmed within 6 miles of the Artic Circle of 100 degrees, and the record of 64.9 degrees in the Antarctic. Siberia is going from ice to fires that burn year around. Scientists are stunned at the rate of melt. The huge ice shelf that is breaking off Antarctic will no longer block a massive, massive glacier. The melting of that glacier will raise the sea levels in New Port News, Norfolk, and in the Chesapeake Bay. The warming of the oceans affect ocean currents. The Gulf Stream slows and may be on the cusp of major change so the rainfall amounts we need in the east for the forests and agriculture will be no longer. Dominion Energy has its own resources and supplies many states with coal and nuclear power. If you would incentivize their helping households and governments to go solar or other true clean energy moves , I would suggest the money move in that direction. In fact, a higher rebate for households below say $125 k to get a higher rebate to go solar would serve the state. This bill just adds to calamity. Like what happened in Hurley, Virginia with such heavy rainfall in a short period of time. If that event had happened at night, they say it would have cost 100 lives. You may not know but an engineer told me of a 35 inch rain event a few years ago. Sections of Highway 58 --one lane lost in three curves--above Stuart were wiped out. Our creek ran under and over the meadow. We have just lost orchard due to fire blight. Now we have only two seasons--hot and cold- and the hot is gaining. The gentle slow warming Appalachian Spring is long gone. Animal and insect populations are crashing. Read A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough.

Last Name: GOMEZ Locality: Loudoun

As a Virginin, educated in Virginian Schools, we were taught the importance of the Constitution of the Commonwealth with regard to our Nation's Constitution. These documents are articles that are supposed to guide our self governance. Article VIII, Section 10 Public dollars are not to go to schools NOT owned by the Commonwealth or a Municipality inside the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, except for when the Commonwealth has entered into an agreement with another jurisdiction. The Commonwealth should also not engage in the endorsement of private education cartels, weakening the publicly available options. This would do a disservice to the people, because the people's representatives have less oversight with regard to private institutions, than they have through electing their local boards.

HB727 - Historical African American cemeteries and graves; qualified organization, eligibility for funding.
Last Name: Rohn Locality: McLean

Please email the above mentioned bills to me.

Last Name: Neil Organization: City of Portsmouth Locality: Hampton

The City of Portsmouth strongly supports both HB140 and HB727. We respectfully ask that these bills receive favorable consideration. Thank you.

Last Name: Neil Organization: City of Portsmouth Locality: Portsmouth

Portsmouth was the second city to be included on the list of Historic African American Cemeteries, and this program has proven extremely helpful. We also have a privately owned cemetery that has historic African Americans buried there, and by passing this bill, they will be able to benefit from this program as well. Please support. Thank you

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

In support of all 3 bills. Thank you for your consideration.

Last Name: Westcott Organization: City of Chesapeake Locality: Chesapeake

City of Chesapeake supports this bill.

Last Name: Reeves Locality: Prince william county

I support the Humane Society of the United States' positions pertaining to your particular bill(s). I do believe HSUS adheres to and promotes the highest standards of integrity in the issues of animal issues, the environment, human concerns, et. al. I hope you can vote with that perspective in mind.

Last Name: El Hassani Locality: Fairfax

Please stop animal cruelty!

Last Name: smith Organization: self Locality: Williamsburg

pass all of the laws above

Last Name: Petras Locality: Verona

The greatness of a nation and its MORAL PROGRESS can be judged by the way it treats its animals, its wilderness and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last Name: Harper Locality: Richmond city

Protect Virginia's environment from Republiklans

HB765 - Charitable Gaming Board; powers and duties.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB766 - Gaming laws; enforcement, definitions, Gaming Enforcement Coordinator established.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB815 - Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; mentorship program.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB850 - Lyme disease; signage in state parks, instructional resources and materials, report.
Last Name: Lopez Locality: Kingsland

Do the right thing

Last Name: Eisenhart Organization: National Capital LYme Disease Assoc Locality: Loudoun County

If we have learned nothing else from this pandemic, we must agree that we need to teach our children to be better problem-solvers than we have been. Our kids have been living in one of the most frightening times in our history. We need to empower them by first teaching them that they have a more powerful tool than any scary thing they encounter - their brain. Knowledge gives them the power to navigate in a world we share with other living things. Ticks are predators and are dangerous. Providing age-appropriate information about ticks empowers them to replace fear with such tools as prevention strategies and protocols for mitigating a potential disease-transmission bite. But I would like to suggest a broader approach to designing educational materials that connects our kids to the world as problems-solvers. There are kids out there right now who will be tomorrow’s entomologist, epidemiologist or doctor. We need to think of each child as a potential professional or “problem-solver” in one of these fields. Including information about these related fields of study/professions can provide a bridge connecting interest and learning to career paths. One young man who, as a child loved snakes, went on to study herpetology and ecology, and is now participating in designing and building a floating ecosystem for an endangered turtle in Australia. This ecosystem not only provides a safe and sustainable environment for the turtles. It provides mechanisms to improve balance of the underwater ecosystem as well. A childhood interest that he was encouraged to explore led him to a career path that has made him a “problem-solver”. Empowering children through education is one of our most important responsibilities. Parents, teachers, and yes, governmental agencies share this responsibility.

Last Name: Roe Organization: National Capital Lyme Disease Association Locality: McLean

Dear Committee Members, My name is Chris Roe and I am an elementary special education public school teacher who grew up in the area. I contracted Lyme Disease as a child, and the effects were devastating. I had lost the ability to read, write, count change, and even walk short distances as I became a student with a disability. It was also an immense financial strain on my family. 30 percent of annual reported cases are children like me. These children often grow up with immense struggles. Fortunately, as I have made strides in my recovery, I am now a teacher who gives back to the community and works with students like me. Unfortunately, our school and public systems do not have adequate education, awareness, and prevention initiatives for Lyme Disease. Public health is only as valuable as the belief that people have in it, and I know firsthand that education is the most valuable tool that we have to strengthen public health, increase outcomes, and empower people to live a proactive life. The outdoors and our parks are incredibly important for children and their families to explore, play, and learn. But they should never be a danger. Unfortunately, too many families are at wits end with Lyme Disease, financially ravaged, and children are struggling in school due to a tick bite. I was that student. This bill, particularly its education component, will have long-lasting, profound, and necessary outcomes that will help to prevent Lyme Disease and strengthen our public health systems. Your vote will make a difference in the lives of children and their families. I strongly urge you to support House Bill 850. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted, Christopher A Roe Director of Education National Capital Lyme Disease Association

Last Name: Hohenstein Organization: National Capital Lyme Disease Association (NatCapLyme) Locality: Fairfax

I support HB850. More than 355 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide and about 40% will experience post-COVID symptoms -- commonly known as "long haul COVID" according to an October 2021 study by the University of Michigan. These COVID survivors will need ongoing care for a variety of psychological and physical symptoms. According to the CDC these symptoms can include joint pain, sleep problems, depression, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, stomach issues, shortness of breath, headaches, fevers, rashes, and heart palpitations just to name a few. Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses share all these symptoms. It is not uncommon for a Lyme patient to be treated and yet continue to experience significant, chronic symptoms. These same patients often face little or no support from physicians who are frankly puzzled by these chronic symptoms. Education is the answer. This bill advances our cause because it helps educate the public both about the dangers of ticks but also the chronic health consequences that can occur when bitten. These days everybody knows somebody who is suffering from Long Haul COVID. The same goes for chronic Lyme disease. Let’s move this bill forward to ensure a safer, healthier future for children and the public at large.

Last Name: Roe Organization: National Capital Lyme Disease Assocation Locality: Fairfax

My name is Chris Roe and I am an elementary special education public school teacher who grew up in the area. I contracted Lyme Disease as a child, and the effects were devastating. I had lost the ability to read, write, count change, and even walk short distances as I became a student with a disability. It was also a financial strain on my family. I am now a teacher who gives back to the community. Despite overcoming many hardships, I am incredibly disappointed that our systems do not have adequate education, awareness, and prevention initiatives for Lyme Disease. Public health is only as valuable as the belief that people have in it, and I know firsthand that education is the most valuable tool that we have to strengthen public health, increase outcomes, and empower people to live a proactive life. Too many families are at wits end with Lyme Disease, financially ravaged, and children are struggling in school due to a tick bite. I was that student. This bill, particularly its education component, will have long-lasting, profound, and necessary outcomes that will help to prevent Lyme Disease and strengthen our public health systems. Your vote will make a difference in the lives of children and their families. I strongly urge you to support this bill. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted, Christopher A Roe Director of Education National Capital Lyme Disease Assocation

Last Name: Jensen Organization: National Capital Lyme Disease Association Locality: Fairfax County

My name is Janet Jensen. I am a research scientist with education and work experience in the physical and life sciences. I support HB850 because our personal ignorance of Lyme disease and co-infections resulted in our daughter spending years in debilitating neurological pain and dysfunction. Our personal experience was that the standard testing missed the disease. The NAS IOM Committee on Lyme and Tickborne diseases came to the conclusion that testing in the U.S. was not accurate for Lyme disease and better testing was needed. Testing alone, at this time, is not sufficient for clinical diagnosis. Education, awareness, and prevention are necessary to avoid debilitating disease. Parents and children need to know about the disease so they know what to watch for and how to protect themselves. “If only we knew back then, what we know now…”

Last Name: Reeves Locality: Prince william county

I support the Humane Society of the United States' positions pertaining to your particular bill(s). I do believe HSUS adheres to and promotes the highest standards of integrity in the issues of animal issues, the environment, human concerns, et. al. I hope you can vote with that perspective in mind.

Last Name: El Hassani Locality: Fairfax

Please stop animal cruelty!

Last Name: Petras Locality: Verona

The greatness of a nation and its MORAL PROGRESS can be judged by the way it treats its animals, its wilderness and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last Name: Harper Locality: Richmond city

Protect Virginia's environment from Republiklans

Last Name: Kresha Locality: Herndon

Wildlife killing contests should be illegal.

HB1035 - State parks; free entry for veterans.
Last Name: Yenyo Locality: Springfield

HB1029

Last Name: Martin Locality: Wytheville

I strongly support these bills, please continue to pass these impornant bills .thank you Kathi Martin

Last Name: Lopez Locality: Kingsland

Do the right thing

Last Name: Youngs Locality: Virginia Beach

HB 1029 - We have to protect the environment for wildlife to ensure their survival as it is now against all odds. HB 1035 - Absolutely provide free admittance for veterans. They have lost time with their families and enjoyment of nature. By all means give them free passage to the parks. HB 1061 - We have no right to torture and abuse any animal in the name of science or medicine or cosmetics. Any animal - dog, cat, primate, livestock, end it all now. The Bible says that man has dominion over animals. Dominion is to look after not torture! And all animal testing is horrible torture.

Last Name: Guloglu Locality: Falls Church

Please stop this cruelty

Last Name: Fritz Locality: Arlington

Our lands and the animals that live on our lands should be protected at every cost. At a time when deforestation and the killing of animals in the U.S. and around the world grows more and more, it is imperative to fight against this. If we do not take action and push legislation to protect our land and the animals that live on them, in the not to distant future they will become less and less until they are no more. Please think about this and help to do what you can to make positive change.

Last Name: Turner Locality: Union Hall

Nothing

Last Name: ZIMMERMAN Organization: JLC as the Vice Chair and MOAA Representative Locality: MANASSAS

In support of all of these.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

In support of all 3 bills. Thank you for your consideration.

Last Name: Baker Locality: VA Beach

Animal cruelty is never excusable. They are living being with feelings- pain, fear, sadness, loyalty. Selling companion animals for experimentation is despicable. Trapping an animal to suffer agony is despicable. People are judged by how they treat other beings unable to defend themselves. Hunting for trophies is wrong. Trapping for fur is wrong. Mistreatment of hunting dogs is wrong. Discarding dogs to fend for themselves when hunting season is over is despicable. Hunters roaming around someone’s land without permission is just rude for starters. Humans are supposed to be protective of the environment.

Last Name: Reeves Locality: Prince william county

I support the Humane Society of the United States' positions pertaining to your particular bill(s). I do believe HSUS adheres to and promotes the highest standards of integrity in the issues of animal issues, the environment, human concerns, et. al. I hope you can vote with that perspective in mind.

Last Name: Hansen Locality: Fairfax

Support

Last Name: Weldon Locality: Charlottesville

HB 1029, 1035, 1061, 1067, 1074, 1089 are all bills that need to be passed into law. Please take account of my voice in favor of each of these bills that enhances a humane and healthy way of life.

Last Name: Baldwin Locality: Winchester

NA

Last Name: El-Quesny Locality: Fairfax

Please stop this heinous act.

Last Name: Brooks Locality: Danville

I support the passage of this bill.

Last Name: Freeman Organization: Jessica Freeman Locality: Hopewell

Please protect all animals and ensure there is no animal cruelty. Traps, hunting and any other endeavor that is cruel to animals needs to stop. We are at a tipping point now and the only way out is to promote sustainable plant based agriculture. Animal agriculture is ruining the planet. Hunting is cruel. Animal testing is very cruel. Visit www.caareusa.org for alternatives to animal testing. Please always be kind to animals!

Last Name: El Hassani Locality: Fairfax

Please stop animal cruelty!

Last Name: Sakason Locality: Burke

“Kill contests” or otherwise hunting for sport should be outlawed.

Last Name: Wranek Locality: Lexington

Please end these cruel practices!

Last Name: smith Organization: self Locality: Williamsburg

pass all of the laws above

Last Name: Bicking Locality: Chesterfield

Protect our wildlife and water resources. Restrict hunting on sundays. No snares or trapping. No animals gor research.

Last Name: Petras Locality: Verona

The greatness of a nation and its MORAL PROGRESS can be judged by the way it treats its animals, its wilderness and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last Name: Pellek Locality: Norfolk

Good Afternoon, I am submitting my support of the above items. I strongly feel that we need to put more time and planning on what we are doing to our animals, that are due the same respect as we all inhabits of our planet, and out planet. We only have one earth and we have not been responsible on how we treated her.

Last Name: Harper Locality: Richmond city

Protect Virginia's environment from Republiklans

Last Name: Winch Locality: Norfolk

Few things are crueler than animals being killed for prizes and bragging rights. Wildlife killing contests are barbaric events in which participants compete to kill the most, the largest or even the smallest foxes, coyotes and bobcats they can for cash and prizes. Wildlife killing contests are a widespread problem in Virginia—over 60 have been held in the Commonwealth since 2015. These competitions serve no legitimate wildlife management purpose. To achieve high kill numbers, competitors gain an unfair advantage over the animal with the use of night vision, high-powered guns and electronic calling devices that mimic the sounds of coyote and fox young in distress.

Last Name: Moritz Locality: Henrico

Please end these animal cruelty practices!

Last Name: giauque Locality: fairfax

stop this now!!

Last Name: Binard Locality: Earlysville

Please prohibit the suffering of innocent animals and breeding of animals for foreign animal testing, or any testing. It is so cruel! Also stiffen the punishment for those that neglect and/or abuse animals! Also please punish those that abandon their animals, it is neglect! Anyone that harms animals is a danger to society!

Last Name: Tackett Locality: Virginia Beach

We should be protecting our animals, both wild and domestic. We also need to protect our environment. Inhumane treatment of all animals needs to stop.

HB1067 - Enhanced Nutrient Removal Certainty Program; Fredericksburg waste water treatment facility.
Last Name: Yenyo Locality: Springfield

HB1029

Last Name: Hunsinger Organization: Friends of the Rappahannock Locality: Fredericksburg

Friends of the Rappahannock supports HB 1067. This bill adds the Fredericksburg wastewater treatment facility to the list of priority projects for the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Certainty Program. Listing this project will help continue Fredericksburg's efforts to remove nutrients from their wastewater before it reaches the Rappahannock River.

Last Name: Youngs Locality: Virginia Beach

HB 1029 - We have to protect the environment for wildlife to ensure their survival as it is now against all odds. HB 1035 - Absolutely provide free admittance for veterans. They have lost time with their families and enjoyment of nature. By all means give them free passage to the parks. HB 1061 - We have no right to torture and abuse any animal in the name of science or medicine or cosmetics. Any animal - dog, cat, primate, livestock, end it all now. The Bible says that man has dominion over animals. Dominion is to look after not torture! And all animal testing is horrible torture.

Last Name: Guloglu Locality: Falls Church

Please stop this cruelty

Last Name: Little Locality: Fredericksburg

Please support designating Fredericksburg wastewater treatment plant being added to the list of priority projects for the state. We need to keep the Rappahannock clean

Last Name: Reeves Locality: Prince william county

I support the Humane Society of the United States' positions pertaining to your particular bill(s). I do believe HSUS adheres to and promotes the highest standards of integrity in the issues of animal issues, the environment, human concerns, et. al. I hope you can vote with that perspective in mind.

Last Name: Hansen Locality: Fairfax

Support

Last Name: Weldon Locality: Charlottesville

HB 1029, 1035, 1061, 1067, 1074, 1089 are all bills that need to be passed into law. Please take account of my voice in favor of each of these bills that enhances a humane and healthy way of life.

Last Name: Baldwin Locality: Winchester

NA

Last Name: hardy Locality: Springfield

We cannot undo most of the damage humans have done so it is urgent to stop harmful behaviors of humans that effect and endanger animals and environments.

Last Name: El-Quesny Locality: Fairfax

Please stop this heinous act.

Last Name: Lindskog Locality: PWC

Please stop the unnecessary killings by of the poor wildlife.We have already taken a lot of their habitat and now allowing this mass murdering of these voiceless animals by the sick people. Thank you

Last Name: El Hassani Locality: Fairfax

Please stop animal cruelty!

Last Name: Sakason Locality: Burke

“Kill contests” or otherwise hunting for sport should be outlawed.

Last Name: Wranek Locality: Lexington

Please end these cruel practices!

Last Name: smith Organization: self Locality: Williamsburg

pass all of the laws above

Last Name: Bicking Locality: Chesterfield

Protect our wildlife and water resources. Restrict hunting on sundays. No snares or trapping. No animals gor research.

Last Name: Petras Locality: Verona

The greatness of a nation and its MORAL PROGRESS can be judged by the way it treats its animals, its wilderness and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last Name: Pellek Locality: Norfolk

Good Afternoon, I am submitting my support of the above items. I strongly feel that we need to put more time and planning on what we are doing to our animals, that are due the same respect as we all inhabits of our planet, and out planet. We only have one earth and we have not been responsible on how we treated her.

Last Name: Harper Locality: Richmond city

Protect Virginia's environment from Republiklans

Last Name: giauque Locality: fairfax

stop this now!!

Last Name: Tackett Locality: Virginia Beach

We should be protecting our animals, both wild and domestic. We also need to protect our environment. Inhumane treatment of all animals needs to stop.

HB1123 - Illegal gambling and unlawful gaming; increases criminal penalties.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Jacob Locality: Stafford

Gambling is bad social policy; it is bad economic policy; and it is bad governmental policy. Moreover, it undermines the moral foundations of society and invites corruption in government. Gambling destroys families. Gambling is a major cause of family neglect. Many of the social costs associated with gambling come from its mindset. As people get caught up in a gambling frenzy, they begin to neglect their families. Money spent on lottery tickets or at horse tracks is frequently not risk capital but is income to meet family needs. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul says that a person who refuses to care for his family is worse than an infidel. Parents must provide for their children (2 Corinthians 12:14) and eat the bread of their labors (2 Thessalonians 3:12). When gambling is legalized it tempts people to neglect their God-mandated responsibility to care for their families, and these families often end up on welfare. Gambling destroys the work ethic. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” And 2 Thessalonians 3:7,10 says, “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. . . . For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” Gambling breeds a form of covetousness. The Tenth Commandment admonishes us not to covet. Coveting, greed, and selfishness are the base emotions that entice us to gamble. We should be concerned about gambling if for no other reason than the effect it has on the weaker brother and how it will affect the compulsive gambler. State-sponsored gambling makes it harder for the compulsive gambler to reform. Legalized gambling becomes an institutionalized form of greed. Gambling is a form of state-sponsored greed. Romans 13 states that government is to be a minister of God. Government should provide order in society and promote public virtue. Legalized gambling undercuts government’s role and subverts the moral fabric of society through greed and selfishness promoted by a state-sponsored vice. The Twentieth Century Fund Research Group: “Gambling’s get-rich-quick appeal appears to mock capitalism’s core values: disciplined work habits, thrift, prudence, adherence to routine, and the relationship between effort and reward.” These core values of the work ethic are all part of the free enterprise system. Gambling corrupts these values and replaces them with greed and selfishness. Rather than depending upon hard work, gamblers depend instead upon luck and chance.

Last Name: Willis Locality: Richmond, VA 23234

The city has chosen ONE as a gaming host. This bill is identical to Morrissey's SB203 which puts limits on a casino referendum in Richmond for five years. We in the city of Richmond feels as Mr. Morrissey have committed MUTINY on us. We see this bill (HB-1134) only as a designed to remove Richmond city from becoming a host city, which in the end becomes Richmond being remove indefinite. PLEASE VOTE NO to HB-1134.

HB1159 - Virginia Housing Trust Fund; recommendations for increase in allocation of funds.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Willis Locality: Richmond, VA 23234

The city has chosen ONE as a gaming host. This bill is identical to Morrissey's SB203 which puts limits on a casino referendum in Richmond for five years. We in the city of Richmond feels as Mr. Morrissey have committed MUTINY on us. We see this bill (HB-1134) only as a designed to remove Richmond city from becoming a host city, which in the end becomes Richmond being remove indefinite. PLEASE VOTE NO to HB-1134.

HB1206 - Fort Monroe Authority; adds to powers and duties, facilities management.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Willis Locality: Richmond, VA 23234

The city has chosen ONE as a gaming host. This bill is identical to Morrissey's SB203 which puts limits on a casino referendum in Richmond for five years. We in the city of Richmond feels as Mr. Morrissey have committed MUTINY on us. We see this bill (HB-1134) only as a designed to remove Richmond city from becoming a host city, which in the end becomes Richmond being remove indefinite. PLEASE VOTE NO to HB-1134.

HB1319 - Beneficial hardwood management practices; creates a nonrefundable income tax credit.
Last Name: Jenkins Organization: Virginia Loggers Association Locality: GOOCHLAND

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB 1319. Hardwoods are an important resource for Virginia's forest products industry. Good quality hardwood management is critical to have these resources in the future. Most of Virginia's forest lands are privately owned. Our hardwood forests require 60 to 100+ years to mature.

Last Name: Tisha Erby Organization: RPS Locality: Richmond City

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Last Name: Jenkins Organization: Virginia Loggers Association` Locality: GOOCHLAND

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB 1319 to incentivize landowners to improve their hardwood forest resources. Hardwood forests can take almost 100 years to mature for useful products used by society. Virginia's forest property owners are the single largest ownership and our future generations depend upon land owners making great decisions and investments to improve the likelihood of healthy forests in the future. HB 180 is very important to help localities maintain forest land use taxation as an option for land owners. Landowners will benefit from forest land use tax rates and may maintain forests in a healthy condition for the entire life of the forest stand. Localities will have a way to recover some of the lost tax revenues to meet their operating costs serving constituents. VLA supports hb 90 because food is an essential for every household. The effect will be to help all citizens by eliminating the taxes on food. By taking this action, our policy makers would be investing in hard working citizens who work everyday and the youth who are future leaders. Once people are well fed and strong, they will be productive and contribute in many ways to Virginia's economy.

End of Comments