I am writing in favor of the up to $500 deduction for VA teachers who purchase teaching materials, in HB 2065. My colleagues and I at CNU spend hundreds of dollars for books necessary to teach our courses. Some of my colleagues and I even buy books to give to students for their coursework, when students cannot afford them. These costs are not reimbursed by our university and a bit of relief on State tax returns would be highly beneficial.

Paul Ferguson, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Arlington VA & City of Falls Church VA HB 2071 would allow residents to avoid paying a $500 bond for one time ceremonies. $500 is a lot of money for residents to pay. We have found that some checks are returned for insufficient funds. Personal responsibility would rest with the one time marriage officiant to return the marriage license to the clerk's office after the ceremony. The newly married couple could also turn in the marriage license for the officiant. In addition to eliminating the $500 bond burden currently imposed upon one time officiants, it eliminates the inefficient process of Clerk's depositing a $500 check then returning $500 at a later time. There is no bond imposed upon certified ministers or civil celebrants when performing marriages. The court relies on the personal responsibility of the celebrant or newly married couple to return the marriage license within 30 days. Eliminating the $500 bond for one time celebrants would make the rules consistent for all who perform marriages. This bill would also allow the Circuit Court Clerk the authority to certify the one time officiant rather than have the resident have to wait for a Judge to sign an order. This is an administrative matter that is more practically handled by a Clerk's Office then a Judge. The applicant would obtain certification quicker by allowing the Clerk to authorize directly. Although I am a former President of the Virginia Circuit Court Clerk's Association, I am speaking for myself rather than the association. Not all Clerks agree with this legislation. A compromise would be to provide a local option where the Clerk makes a decision to proceed with the new authority granted by the legislation or to keep the option of keeping the $500 bond requirement in place. Convenience for your constituents, eliminating a burdensome, expensive bond, relying on the personal responsibility of the officiant and newly married couple, and creating efficiencies in government are all reasons to pass this legislation.