IN THIS ISSUE:

Connecting with Kaine

VA PAC Picks Winners

Andrew Scott Joins Advocacy Team

Shaping DC Tax Policy

Getting Connected With HOT Lanes

Preview of 2006 MD Legislative Session

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2006 Maryland Legislative Preview (details at right)
Friday, Dec. 9, 2005
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Sheraton College Park Hotel
Register

Policy Series Presents William J. Howell, VA Speaker of the House
Wednesday Dec. 14, 2005
9:30 AM - 11 AM
Register

Policy Series Presents Linda W. Cropp, DC Council Chairman
Wednesday Dec. 14, 2005
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Board of Trade
Register

Transportation and Environment Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 20, 2005
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Board of Trade
RSVP

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Get involved in a Public Affairs Group or Political Action Committee. Contact Scott Sterling or Haley Smith. for more info.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Eight members of the DC Council are actively running for mayor, Council chair, or re-election.
 

November 22, 2005

Connecting with Kaine’s Transition Team. The Board of Trade extended congratulations to Governor-Elect Tim Kaine and reached out to his transition team with a detailed legislative agenda released earlier this month. In a separate letter to Kaine, the Board of Trade praised current VDOT Secretary Pierce Homer and encouraged Kaine to keep him as VDOT Secretary in his administration. Read letter >>

Virginia PAC Picks Winners. Of the 15 candidates endorsed by the Virginia PAC of the Board of Trade, 11 won their races. [list of winners] Overall, Republicans lost two seats in the VA House of Delegates: one to a Democrat and one to an independent who is expected to caucus with the Dems. In addition to Kaine claiming the governorship for the Democrats, Republican Bill Bolling took the Lieutenant Governor’s office. The Attorney General’s race is still too close to call. Questions?

Andrew Scott Joins Staff as Government Relations Director for MD. With 12+ years of experience in journalism and state and local government affairs in Maryland, Andrew J. Scott joined the Board of Trade advocacy team this week. Most recently, he was the director of Washington area transit programs for the MD Department of Transportation. Andy may be reached at AndrewScott@bot.org or 202.857.5963. Read more >>

Shaping Tax on Businesses to Fund DC Schools. At the request of the Board of Trade and other business groups, DC Councilmember Kathy Patterson (Ward 3) postponed a vote on a bill to raise taxes on DC businesses to fund public school improvements. Businesses have asked for more information on the school system’s real needs and capacities in order to craft workable financing and management plans. Board of Trade staff and members have met several times with Patterson and school officials to explore solutions. Questions?

Connecting MD and VA with HOT Lanes. In letters to the governors of Maryland and Virginia, the Board’s Transportation and Environment Committee (TEC) congratulated both for announcing interstate cooperation to study additional High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes for the region. In his letter, TEC Chair Mike Anzilotti also urged the two governors to accommodate the region’s growth with studies of new roadways and bridges – potentially using HOT lane funding – between the two states. Read letter >>

Get a Preview of the 2006 Maryland Legislative Session. Observers expect an intense session of the Maryland General Assembly in 2006, and the December 9 Policy Series Breakfast will bring together three key players in MD politics for a preview: James “Chip” DiPaula, Governor Ehrlich’s Chief of Staff; House Ways and Means Chairman Sheila Hixson; and Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chairman Ulysses Currie. Register online >>

On the Horizon: Area Legislatures Starting Up. The Virginia and Maryland legislatures start their 2006 sessions on January 11th. Watch Advocacy Matters for updates on what’s happening and what you can do to help us protect your interests.

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.