Senator McEachin comments on gun legislation

This year’s General Assembly Session has brought with it numerous bills regarding guns. Unfortunately, the majority of those bills are to expand guns rights and reduce limitations. Bills in the House and Senate include those that repeal one gun a month, allow faculty members to carry guns on state campuses, permit concealed weapons to be carried in bars and in houses of worship and remove restrictions on guns in courthouses, to name just a selection. But, the bill that I find most egregious is Del. Carrico’s House Bill 69 which says that a gun (or ammunition) manufactured in Virginia and retained within Virginia is not subject to federal law. Somehow, now the gun’s place of origin, exempts it from federal gun safety requirements.

I am a very strong believer in the U. S. Constitution and, as such, a believer in the Second Amendment. This country has had a long history with gun ownership and guns have played a role in the development of this country. But we, as a nation, have also decided that there are reasonable restrictions to be placed on who, when and where guns can and should be used. Those restrictions have come with significant debate, been voted on by the United States Congress, been signed by various presidents and frequently tested for their constitutionality in the United States Supreme Court.

Now, suddenly, the place of manufacture of a gun upends all of this?!

It seems somehow ludicrous. It doesn’t to the eight individuals, including a preschooler, who were gunned down last week in Appomattox whether or not the gun was made in Virginia. Nor does it matter to the 32 students and teachers (and scores of others who were wounded and maimed) by a deranged individual at our own Virginia Tech just a few short years ago. The place a gun originated doesn’t matter to the innocent child sleeping in his or her bed who is the victim of a drive by shooting or the elderly woman walking to her car who is shot by an armed robber.

Gun advocates frequently tell us that “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people.” Well, if that is true then the person aiming and firing the gun has the same legal or illegal intent whether or not the gun comes from Virginia. No gun can be exempt from reasonable restrictions because of where it was made or where it has or has not traveled. The bullets in it were not any more or less dangerous or fatal because they were or weren’t manufactured in Virginia.

As I review this myriad of gun legislation before me, the majority of it to loosen our gun laws, I will continue to strive to balance the rights given by the Second Amendment with the need for reasonable gun safety measures. I take my responsibility to both uphold the Constitutions AND to protect Virginians and their families very seriously.

Please feel free to let me know what you think of this issue or any other issue before the General Assembly. I can be reached at sen.mceachin@gmail.com or at (804) 698.7509. More information about this year’s Session and my legislation can be found on my website at www.donaldmceachin.com. Thank you again for the extraordinary honro and privilege of serving you.

RTD covers Senator McEachin's remarks

The Richmond Times Dispatch covered what happened when Senator McEachin commented on the Virginia state budget.

It started when Sen. Robert Hurt, R-Pittsylvania, a candidate for Congress in Southside's 5th District, praised McDonnell for a jobs program that, among other things, could help Hurt's battered region.

Hurt, running in a crowded field for the GOP nomination, likened McDonnell's policies to those of the late President Ronald Reagan, a proponent of low taxes and reduced regulation.

They are essential to jumpstarting the economy, argued Hurt, adding, "I believe that is truly the only way we'll do it."

That prompted Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, to scold McDonnell for failing to meet what McEachin described as the "standards of leadership."

McEachin complained that McDonnell is keeping most legislators in the dark on ways to erase a $4.2 billion shortfall, choosing to speak only with members of the General Assembly money committees.

"I'd like to see those cuts before I praise that (jobs-creation) plan," said McEachin.

McEachin went on to say McDonnell has somehow managed to master national issues in time for his response tonight to President Barack Obama's state of the union address, but claims he's still trying to get his arms around the Virginia budget.

You can read the entire story here.

He's had enough time . . .

There is a certain Standard of Leadership that is to be expected of a Governor. Virginians expect their Governor to conduct his business in the open, not in private meetings with legislators. The people of Virginia elected Governor McDonnell to make the tough decisions needed to manage the state and they deserve to know his priorities as we work to craft the state’s budget. Every Governor has put his mark on the budget, but Governor McDonnell has, thus far, shied away from this challenge. This is a time for leadership.

Yesterday the Governor introduced a slate of economic development legislation, but I have withheld judgment on this package because I have yet to see the Governor’s total plan for over $4 billion in budget cuts. I suspect those cuts will cost thousands of jobs.

The Governor has said there simply hasn’t been sufficient time for him to work on his budget. But tonight he will speak on behalf of national Republicans on the issues facing a nation that stretches from sea to shining sea, is conducting foreign wars, and faces a trillion dollar deficit. But when faced with the biggest budgetary challenge this state can remember, he just hasn’t had time yet. That fails to meet the standards of leadership that Virginians deserve out of their Governor.

Senator McEachin's remarks on the opening of the General Assembly session

As we begin the 2010 General Assembly session, the economy continues to be perilous. Virginians continue to struggle with job losses, home foreclosures and overwhelming debt. As elected officials, our responsibility is to ensure that these people and their families do not fall between the cracks. Government must take care of those most vulnerable, those who have no voice, those for whom the basic needs of life are not assured. We must continue to speak up and stand up for those who cannot do it for themselves.

The distressing state of the national economy has left Virginia in a weakened state. Fortunately, because of good stewardship we are not in quite the dastardly situation of some states. However, we will need to make cuts and they will be significant. There is no way to pretend that we are just cutting "excess" or "fat" at this time. We are cutting in ways that seriously impact important programs. With that in mind, these are my priorities. We must protect critical public services like public education and public safety. We must maintain a safety net for those who are totally dependent on us, children, the elderly, those who are sick or otherwise incapacitated. We must continue to ensure that Virginians have their basic needs of shelter, food and clothing met. We need to focus on growing the economy and specifically on producing jobs so that Virginians can be working, taking care of their families and contributing back to the economy by purchasing goods and services, thereby increasing demand which keeps businesses open and by paying their fair share. When Virginians are working, the economy will improve and the situation will ease.

As a State Senator I take this responsibility very seriously. With each budget decision, we must determine how it impacts those who exist at the margins. As we make cuts, necessary cuts, we need to protect for those who have no other options. I will be watching the impact of all our votes and decisions. The people who need us most are those who have no lobbyists, no megaphone and, yet, they are our biggest responsibility. Difficult choices will be made but I can assure you that, each and every day, I will fight to make absolutely certain that the families that live in poverty, the elderly, children and those who struggle with illness or disability will have the safety net they need and deserve. For us to continue to be proud of our heritage as Americans and Virginians we can do no less. This is the legacy of our moral heritage, the legacy of our Founding Fathers and the legacy of our heroes and leaders.

This week with the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination, it is even more important that we remember, honor and emulate his vision and values – to reach out to those who have less, to offer a helping hand and to never turn our backs on those who need us. I promise you that I will do everything I can to live up to his example as I serve you.

With the Session having started last week, I am now at the General Assembly full time. I invite you to call me at (804) 698.7509 or email me at sen.mceachin@gmail.com with any questions, suggestions or concerns. Please also fee free to visit my office in the General Assembly Building, room 318. Additional information about the Session and my legislative activities can be found on my website at www.donaldmceachin.com

Senator McEachin supports wind energy

Senator Donald McEachin is working in the General Assembly to support wind energy for Virginia.

Political and business leaders announced Friday the formation of a group to promote building a wind energy farm off the coast and to attract businesses to supply what members hope will be an emerging green industry.

Members of the new group, the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition, said they want to make Hampton Roads and Virginia a national wind energy hub.

* * *

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who was at the announcement, reiterated his hope that the old Ford plant could be converted to make turbines.

The group is forming one year after a study by scientists and energy experts concluded that a wind farm off Virginia Beach's coast is feasible.

The most viable project would include about 200 turbines, each nearly 500 feet tall at their highest point, placed 12 to 15 miles offshore, the study said.

Money is another hurdle. The group is seeking $3 million in state funding to erect pilot towers in the ocean to collect wind data.

Del. William Janis, R-Glen Allen, and Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, have introduced bills to create the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority to push wind energy projects. Virginia Beach state Sen. Frank Wagner has proposed similar legislation.

Not only is wind farm technology cleaner and safer than drilling for oil, it could create new jobs in Virginia if idled factories like the Ford plant in Norfolk could be re-purposed to build wind turbines.

You can read the entire article here.

McEachin fight for limits on auto title lending

From the Associated Press:

Legislators who worked for months to come up with a compromise over how to regulate Virginia's car title lenders failed to reach a deal Tuesday, the day before the General Assembly session begins.

That means any legislation to rein in the high-interest lenders must be worked out during a frenzied 60-day session...

Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, said he was disheartened that the committee didn't accomplish anything.

"We got nothing from the House, nothing from the Republicans whatsoever to even begin the discussion with," he said. "We just spent the entire summer working on this issue, and for there to be no answers from the other side is disappointing."

* * *

McEachin's was the most restrictive bill to come out of the panel's work. His would limit the loans to $2,500, which must be repaid over one year with interest not to exceed 10 percent a month for the first two months then 3 percent a month after that.

Senator Donald McEachin introduces energy efficiency legislation

Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today introduced energy efficiency legislation that would mandate a savings of 12% by Virginia utilities by the year 2022, an action that would produce economic development and create almost 10,000 jobs the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates.

In a press conference, Senator McEachin said, "We are here today to talk about what we can do to create jobs, and economic development, decrease family utility bills and, in the process, reduce pollution and help improve the environment. To accomplish all these goals, I have introduced Energy Efficiency legislation. Increased demand for weatherization products and energy efficient construction and construction materials for homes, commercial buildings and schools would create jobs right here in the Commonwealth and allow green businesses to grow and prosper. The jobs created by these businesses would be well paying, skilled jobs that would engage our workforce and help many Virginians make a better living to support their families.

I believe that nothing is more critical right now than job creation. As we all know, many traditional manufacturing jobs are gone and probably gone forever. We must be creating new jobs, in new industries and looking at job creation in new ways. This bill achieves those goals."

He went on to further explain the benefits of the proposed legislation. "Moreover, the numerous jobs created and the industries that are founded will help improve the environment and reduce pollution. We will diminish mountaintop removal, an activity that scars the landscape, threatens streams and rivers and endangers local communities.

As we create these industries and increase our energy efficiency, we would no longer need new expensive power plants that contribute to pollution and global warming. The proposed Old Dominion Electrical Cooperative coal plant would potentially release almost 15 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, augmenting atmospheric warming. Our shorelines and population centers, right here in Virginia, are vulnerable to rising ocean levels, and more powerful storms, both of which result from global warming.

With these concerns in mind, it is even more important that we pass this legislation which will create jobs, grow industries AND help protect our environment."

Remarks as prepared for delivery

Good Morning. We are here today to talk about what we can do to create jobs, and economic development, decrease family utility bills and, in the process, reduce pollution and help improve the environment. To accomplish all these goals, I have introduced Energy Efficiency legislation. This bill mandates that Virginia utilities reduce energy consumption by 12% by 2022, accomplishing this by investing in easily and readily available energy efficiency improvements. These investments would create businesses, and produce jobs, both critical in these perilous economic times.

Increased demand for weatherization products and energy efficient construction and construction materials for homes, commercial buildings and schools would create jobs right here in the Commonwealth and allow green businesses to grow and prosper. The jobs created by these businesses would be well paying skilled jobs that would engage our workforce and help many Virginians make a better living to support their families.

I believe that nothing is more critical right now than job creation. As we all know, many traditional manufacturing jobs are gone and probably gone forever. We must be creating new jobs, in new industries and looking at job creation in new ways. This bill achieves those goals. As a matter of fact, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that this legislation, with its 12% mandate, will create almost 10,000 jobs right here in Virginia.

Moreover, the numerous jobs created and the industries that are founded will help improve the environment and reduce pollution. We will diminish mountaintop removal, an activity that scars the landscape, threatens streams and rivers and endangers local communities.

As we create these industries and increase our energy efficiency, we would no longer need new expensive power plants that contribute to pollution and global warming. The proposed Old Dominion Electrical Cooperative coal plant would potentially release almost 15 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, augmenting atmospheric warming. Our shorelines and population centers, right here in Virginia, are vulnerable to rising ocean levels, and more powerful storms, both of which result from global warming.

With these concerns in mind, it is even more important that we pass this legislation which will create jobs, grow industries AND help protect our environment.

Senator McEachin to propose energy efficiency mandates

NBC Washington covers Senator McEachin plan for energy efficiency and new jobs:

Democratic State Senator Donald McEachin is expected to announce on Wednesday a bill which would mandate an energy efficiency standard for the Commonwealth. The bill will require utility companies to implement energy efficiency programs and reduce energy consumption among customers by more than 12 percent by 2022. The state already has a similar energy goal but it's voluntary.

Chelsea Harnish is with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, part of a coalition of environmentalists working with McEachin in drafting the bill. She calls the measure a "jobs bill" because all those energy saving measures, like home weatherization, will result in 'green energy' jobs.

Read the entire article here.