Latest Ideas

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has a wonderful idea and is holding a California Garage Sale this weeked as their state is flat broke.  Virginia also is in need of cash - why not get rid of all the clutter in our state facilities (cars, furniture, computers, etc.) as well as confiscated goods from police departments, and allow the citizens of Virginia to get a good deal on items that they need/want.  I think every state should do this.

I know the economy is going down hill, but speaking on behalf of a majority of state workers times are hard for us as well. I work for the Dept of Social Services and my job is not easy. We work very hard there. The 4 day work week bill did not pass, we have not had a raise in 3 years but we have had massive layoffs, people quiting left and right, hiring freezes. Which leaves your dedicated workers picking up the extra work. It's hard on us to cover our job plus take on added responsibilities. By the time the weekend gets here, we are just exhausted.

The Florida Department of Social Services has a centralized agency that is used to process applications for benefits such as SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other benefit services.

Solar Powered Schools

An idea whose time has come

I have developed an idea/plan that would greatly benefit the Environment, US Citizens, Consumers, Retailers, Merchants, Manufacturers, and of course our Government including its many branches across the nation.  I would like to see Virginia as the pace setter for this. 

I could not find a reward or incentive program for the average citizen within this category to introduce my idea to the government. 

There are many legitimate times that persons receiving services in the State have rights problems. That is true, but also, with this fairly new Organization reporting only to the Governor (?) currently, abuses also occur where families, Guardians, or others pick up a phone and call VOPA before attempting to work things out with Social Workers, Directors, and other persons dealing with their loved ones daily in State facilities.

If states funded a fixed length of time for maternity leave like almost every other nation, the wage gap would decrease, divorces would decrease, health issues would decrease for new mothers and babys as stress-related injuries and illnesses would decline, and perhaps most importantly, family structure would be preserved and new mothers would have time to bond with their new children setting a foundation of success that will pay dividends the rest of the child and family's lives.

In Virginia it is common practice for builders to purchase large quantities of wooded land and to clear and level the entire area.   Why do our land use commissioners allow this practice?

Other states require some of the land to be preserved and there are maximum concrete percentages requirements that can't be exceeded so that the earth can support the drainage required.   These would make happier, healthier communities.  Wooded areas would reduce noise and air pollution and help promote a more sustainable future.

Every day, in my small town, I encounter people rushing through intersections, not paying attention, while talking on cell phones.  I have developed the habit of counting people talking on cell phones, passing through intersections, while I'm stopped at traffic lights.  I would estimate that forty to fifty percent of people have a phone to their ear.  Today, two people almost hit me while talking on cell phones.  If I hadn't been aware, they would have run into me.

Increase the cigarette tax to more than $2.75 a pack.

Increase taxes on all alcohol significantly.