Advocacy Matters Newsletter
A periodic update on the Board of Trade's efforts to advance policies on your behalf, Advocacy Matters is distributed every 4 to 6 weeks to inform you of current efforts, upcoming events, and ways for you to make an impact. Subscribe
April 7, 2006
Kaine Endorses Proposal to Extend Metrorail to Dulles. Funding for a key Board of Trade of priority - Rail to Dulles - became more certain when VA Gov. Tim Kaine endorsed a proposal by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to operate the Dulles Toll Road and extend Metrorail to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County. The Board of Trade, having previously passed a resolution supporting MWAA’s proposal, expressed thanks in a letter to Gov. Kaine. Questions?
Urging VA Legislature to Keep Transportation Funding in Budget. In a recent letter to leaders of the Virginia General Assembly, the Board of Trade strongly advocated not to separate transportation funding from the rest of the state’s budget. The letter notes that differences on transportation would likely become entrenched without the pressure of approving a comprehensive budget. Read letter » Questions?
Promoting Dedicated Metro Funding in VA and MD. On March 21 the Board of Trade testified in Annapolis before Maryland’s Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in support of dedicated funding for Metro. The Board of Trade will also participate in an April 11 press conference in VA calling for legislative support for a local option sales tax for jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. Read MD testimony » Questions?
Securing Money for Higher Education and Nano-Biotech in MD. The MD General Assembly approved a 13% funding increase for higher education, a top priority of the Board of Trade. The funding helps cap tuition rates for the upcoming year, which have risen significantly in recent years. The legislature also approved $2.5 million for nano-biotech research, another Board of Trade priority. Read letter of support »
Advocating a Balanced Approach to Eminent Domain in MD.
A move to block the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes was thwarted on Maryland’s Senate floor. The Board of Trade supported a balanced approach preserving the use of eminent domain for economic development while improving compensation and procedural protections for property owners. Questions?
Key Issues Unresolved as MD General Assembly Session Ends Monday. With the MD General Assembly scheduled to adjourn April 10, many issues, such as dedicated funding for Metro and the expiration of utility rate caps, remain unresolved. Summaries of the session to follow. Questions?
Major Land Swaps in DC. After more than a year’s delay, Mayor Williams recently announced that the District is expediting the transfer of the McMillan Reservoir site to the National Capital Redevelopment Corporation. The District agreed in 2004 to swap the 25-acre parcel, along with $25 million in cash and $24.5 million in other scattered properties, for the NCRC-controlled Southwest waterfront, which it plans to then turn over to the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation for redevelopment. Questions?
DC Politicos Meet Board of Trade Members. DC Councilmember David Catania spoke to about 50 Board of Trade members at an April 6 lunch event. Among other issues, Catania spoke about the National Capital Medical Center and the importance of reviewing whether the proposed hospital meets community needs, a process supported by the Board of Trade. Mayoral candidates Marie Johns and Michael Brown also attended an April 6 “@Six” networking reception at The Washington Club. Questions?
Top Transportation Officials at April 25 Meeting at Board of Trade. VA Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer and Metro General Manager Dan Tangherlini will be special guests at a joint meeting of the Transportation and Environment Committee and the VA Public Affairs Group. The meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. RSVP
On the Horizon: Board of Trade Rates Northern Virginia Legislators. Board of Trade staff will be scoring the Northern Virginia state legislators on how they voted on our issues during the 2006 session. Stay tuned! Questions?
About Advocacy Matters. A periodic update on the Board of Trade's efforts to advance policies on your behalf, Advocacy Matters is distributed every 4 to 6 weeks to inform you of current efforts, upcoming events, and ways for you to make an impact. Contact Alan Smith with questions or comments. Subscribe » Past issues »
