State legislators are preparing to head to Richmond for the 2019 Virginia General Assembly.
Several lawmakers laid out their plans for the upcoming legislative session on Wednesday morning.
Coal ash, transportation, and the workload for school counselors are among the topics they discussed at the annual Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast.
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce ran the event at the Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge.
Senator George Barker and Delegates Hala Ayala, Jennifer Carroll Foy, Elizabeth Guzman and Danica Roem served as the panelists.
Foy plans to introduce legislation that addresses eviction rates.
One proposed bill is making written leases a requirement. Another one, if approved, could extend the amount of time tenants are given to pay for overdue rent before they’re evicted.
The Prince William County – Stafford County representative is focusing on coal ash, as well.
Some community members believe that a layer of dirt should be placed over ponds that contain coal ash, a process she opposes.
“Irreparable harm can be done and we get only one chance at this, and I’m not OK with poison in our playgrounds and led in our water,” Foy said. “So, this is something that’s very important that affects my constituents in Dumfries, that affects all constituents of Prince William County, and I think it’s important for businesses also.”
Roem provided details of OmniRide’s new bus route from Haymarket to the Rosslyn/Ballston corridor.
Addressing traffic congestion on Route 28 is one of Roem’s goals for the upcoming session.
Guzman hopes to reduce the caseload for high school counselors, which fluctuates throughout the year.
“I want them to … spend their time not only assessing for mental health but also helping children to fill out college applications … so they can find a career path,” Guzman said.
