Delegate Matt Fariss

It was announced last week that Virginia death, marriage and divorce certificates are now available at all DMV customer service centers and DMV 2 Go mobile customer service centers, as an expansion of the partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)’s Division of Vital Records. This program was launched about 19 months ago with birth certificates and since then, the number of Virginians taking advantage of the service has exceeded expectations. More than 180,000 birth certificates have been issued as a direct result of this program. I am thoroughly satisfied by the program and very pleased with the ease of access to these vital records and the convenience this program brings to the residents of Virginia.

Last Thursday I had to opportunity to participate in “Read for the Record”, a worldwide campaign promoting early learning and the importance of reading by everyone reading the same book on the same day by volunteers.  This year’s book was “Not Norman: A Goldfish Story” by Kelly Bennett. I really enjoyed my time reading to Mrs. West’s class at Yellow Branch Elementary School and think this program is a wonderful way to get involved and get our youth excited about reading. In Campbell County alone, a total of 760 children in the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes were read to that day and about 20 more were read to that evening at the Campbell County library. The event was coordinated in Campbell County by the Campbell County Child Development Task Force and Smart Beginnings Central Virginia.

Last Thursday, the Governor released and signed Executive Order 50, Executive Action to Prevent Gun Violence. The details to the order can be found here-https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/newsarticle?articleId=13032

This week, it was announced from the Governor’s office that you can now apply for an absentee ballot online through the Virginia Department of Election’s new Citizen Portal. I think this is a great way to give the elderly, military personnel, or any other constituents who will not be able to vote in person, the opportunity to exercise this right.  I have included the link to the website here for your convenience, where you can find all of the details on how to apply online. Voters can simply visit http://elections.virginia.gov/ to view their registration record and request an absentee ballot.  The system provides a secure means for voters to conduct paperless transactions with their local voter registration office.  Voters without DMV credentials can still utilize the system to print a completed absentee ballot application to mail to their local voter registration office.  The site will also let voters see what will be on their ballot for the November 3^rd election and get other election related information. To be eligible for an absentee ballot, registered voters must meet one of nineteen eligibility requirements.  The qualifying reasons are available through the citizen portal, and can be viewed at the link mentioned above. You can still apply in person at your local registrar’s office of by mail. The deadline to apply by mail is October 27^th. The deadline to apply in person is October 31^st. 

With just over a month until the next general election, I wanted to give my constituents the resources available to register to vote or make changes to their voter record.  If you are not currently registered to vote, and in order to vote in the November 3^rd General Election, you must register to vote no later than Tuesday October 13, 2016 by 5p.m.

Last week, on September 16^th, the Department of Criminal Justice announced a round of school security equipment grants.  In 2013, the House passed HB2343, creating the “School Security Infrastructure Improvement Fund” and “Local School Safety Fund.” The 2013, 2014 and 2015 budgets appropriated approximately $6 million per year for school security infrastructure grants.

Last week, on August 26^th, a tragedy occurred that has shaken our community as well as many other communities beyond those in the Commonwealth. Reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, two young individuals with bright futures, lost their lives as they were going about another day at work.  It saddens me every time violence like this occurs with lives being taken too soon at the hands of someone with a mental illness. To have it happen right here, in our community, is unfathomable. I pray daily for the continuing recovery of Vicky Gardner and I pray for comfort and peace of the families and loved ones Alison Parker and Adam Ward.

On Monday, August 17^th, a special session was held in an attempt to work on redistricting. Unfortunately, it turned into a battle over the controversial appointment of the Supreme Court Justice seat with the way the courts have been used to interpret the laws as of late. I wish I could announce that we have secured a good judge for that seat. It is sad that a State Senator would let his personal vendettas get in the way of doing the state’s business. Little work on redistricting ended up being done meaning the September 1^st deadline set in place will not be met. Virginia’s redistricting plan is now in the hands of the United States Courts. No other special sessions are planned and this matter will be addressed again when session convenes in January.

It was an exciting week in the 59^th House of Delegates District. This past week Appomattox graciously hosted thousands of visitors for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the end of the Civil War at the Appomattox Court House. I had a great time with my boys this past Friday and Saturday visiting the events hosted at the battle fields. It was great to have Delegate Chris Jones join me for the stacking of arm ceremony Saturday afternoon. 

The March 29^th deadline has expired for the Governor to veto or amend legislation passed during the 2015 Session. The Governor has made a number of decisions that the General Assembly will reconsider during an April 15^th Veto Session. Please make sure to check my newsletter because I plan to use the remaining weeks leading up to Veto session to detail the Governor’s decisions.