Dear Friends, Virginians, citizens of Fairfax:

When the Union Army captured Richmond in April 1865, Jefferson Davis fled the capital in a black carriage pulled by the fastest horses.

When the 2009 General Assembly adjourned late Saturday night, the Petersen family left the River City in a white minivan with two missing hubcaps.

In each case, after months of combat, it was time to make an escape.

Faced with a deadline on Saturday, the House and Senate negotiators put aside partisan battles and patched together a "conference committee" budget that restored most cuts to K-12 Education, Higher Education and Medicaid -- all of which were facing massive shortfalls.

Each side then passed that budget: the House by 90-8 and the Senate by 35-5. I voted "yes." As a result of passage, the Assembly was able to forestall some tough decisions. For example, our local school divisions avoided the forced dismissal of 10,000 school employees statewide. Our hospitals and doctors were able to keep their Medicaid reimbursement rates close to 2008 levels.

But that does not end the tale. The stimulus money we used to Scotch-tape our state budget is a one-time "use it or lose it" benefit. Based on recent statistics, this recession should last well into 2010. We're not out of the woods. Not even close.

With that in mind, I strongly supported holding back a reserve fund for next year's anticipated shortfall. With bipartisan agreement, the Assembly will retain over $750M in state funds for next year's budget. I personally don't think it's enough, but at least it's a start.

With the budget vote, the 2009 Assembly regular session drew to a close. It has been a time of high drama and low comedy. I've attempted a record on www.oxroadsouth.com of my legislation and our important votes.

I was pleased that my SB 1128 which promotes geothermal heating systems and also SJ 332 which permits tax exemptions for "green buildings" each passed the House and Senate. The latter amends our constitution and thus must pass again next year to take effect. Each will create critical "green jobs" in Virginia.

I was also pleased that my SB 1132 passed after being adopted into a similar bill carried by Senator Deeds. Our measure eliminates all taxes on food grown for home consumption, thereby treating local farmers the same as large grocery chains.

On the other hand, I was especially disappointed that my SB 1135 and SB 1136 did not pass. Each would have saved the state millions on wasted correctional costs by reforming our sentencing system. This is a long-term process, and I will not give up.

Finally, there was my ill-fated "box turtle" bill which responded to a constituent request to name that humble creature as our state reptile. Alas, poor turtle! His genus name "terrapina carolina" became a political football as the bill was defeated in the House. The Republic will survive, although I may be a shell of my former self.

JCP Notes: Thanks again to all you who mailed, called or emailed me during the session. Your comments were reviewed, considered and appreciated. I tried to respond to all of you -- if I missed any, I apologize.

I am now back in Fairfax and resuming my full-time law practice. If you need us for any reason, you can reach Kathy Neilson at 703-349-3361 or kathy@fairfaxsenator.com.

With session over, we are also available again to accept donations so that we can continue our constituent outreach. You can make on-line donations at www.fairfaxsenator.com. A small donation (even $10) helps me reach thousands of Virginians. As always ...

Let us know how we can represent you better.

Sincerely,

Chap Petersen