Welcome to my online constituent office. We hope you will find this website to be a useful one-stop portal for any needs you might have from the Virginia state government. We have included information to help you better understand how our government works.
You can also keep up with the policy-making process in the General Assembly during the weeks that I am working in Richmond by reading my blogs and Twitter updates.
As your State Delegate, I’m here to serve you so please contact me with any questions or services you need. I am particularly interested in hearing about ways to make our laws work better for all of us so please do not hesitate to send me policy ideas that I may be able to propose in Richmond. I am honored to represent you and I look forward to meeting you in person.
Thank you,
- DelegateKeam: Presented another Richmond report to civic group: Sully District Council. 35th Dist has only 1 precinct in Sully - called Vale - out of 18.
- DelegateKeam: Witnessing the investiture of new Fairfax Couny Circuit Court Judge Brett Kassabian whom we voted in this session. Congrats, Your Honor!
- DelegateKeam: At NoVA Asian American community town hall hosted by Virginia Asian American Advisory Board. I served on this Governor's board in 2001-09.
- DelegateKeam: Attending "Unlock Gridlock" forum in Tysons hosted by www.TeleworkVA.org and www.TeleworkExchange.com to find solutions for NoVA traffic.
- DelegateKeam: Providing another Richmond report to constituents; this time Providence District Council in Dunn Loring. Most active civic leaders I know.
Delegate Keam Receives Award from Teachers
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=341334&paper=73&cat=104
Teachers Honor Keam
Del Mark Keam (D-35) named Rookie of the Year
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Based on his record of strong support for public education, the Virginia Education Association named Del. Mark Keam (D-35) a “Rookie of the Year.” VEA is a public education advocacy group with more than 60,000 members throughout the Commonwealth.
The award was presented to Keam by VEA President Kitty Boitnott at the Fairfax Education Association’s Representative Assembly, which took place Wednesday, May 19, at Northern Virginia Community College.
“I am honored to receive this award and to be recognized by teachers for my work in the General Assembly,” said Keam. “As a product of public schools and as a parent with two kids in Fairfax public schools, I have made public education my number one priority as a legislator.”
In his first year in the General Assembly, Keam worked successfully with Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) to “unfreeze” the local composite index (LCI) formula that would have penalized Fairfax County schools by withholding $61 million in state funds that would have been provided under an updated formula. Keam joined Republican delegates in offering amendments to the House budget that provided the additional funds for Fairfax.
During the 2010 legislative session, Keam also introduced two bills to provide additional funding for Fairfax County Public Schools. House Bill 1128 would have imposed a cap of 0.6750 as the maximum number under the LCI instead of the current state cap of 0.800, which means that no locality shall ever pay more than 80 percent for their schools while the state picks up the other 20 percent.
House Bill 1129 would have added an additional 13 teachers for every 1,000 limited English proficient students in Fairfax County. The county currently has more than 21,000 such students out of 173,500 students. Without additional ESOL teachers, Fairfax suffers from having to have a student/teacher ration of 59 to 1 in classrooms instead of the ideal 30 to 1 that most jurisdictions enjoy.
Unfortunately, both bills were defeated on straight party-line votes in a House Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Del. Keam has begun his legislative career as a solid supporter of our public schools. We have acknowledged his 100 percent pro-education voting record by awarding him VEA’s Rookie of the Year award. He is a welcomed friend of public education,” said Boitnott.
Delegate Keam Observes Memorial Day
A Day To Honor Sacrifice
American Legion pays tribute to veterans.
By Donna Manz, The Connection
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
In between barbecues, festivals, store sales and family outings, many Americans paused to honor U.S. troops in harm’s way and those combat casualties who sacrificed self on America’s behalf.
Vienna has no sacred wall of names to touch or statuary immortalizing veterans but it does have Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 to perpetuate solemn Memorial Day traditions.
On Monday morning, Post 180 presented its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Flint Hill Cemetery.
The Vienna Community Band opened the program with a patriotic and spirited repertoire giving way to the National Anthem.
Mayor M. Jane Seeman, State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34), Post Cmdr. Bob Hatter and Vienna historian Mayo Stuntz offered brief remarks before the honored guest speaker, U.S.A.F. Brig. Gen. Peter Sefcik Jr. addressed the assembly.
Calling himself honored and humbled to be there, Sefcik said, “Memorial Day is one of the most significant and solemn holidays we have in the U.S. It all starts with those willing to serve.”
“Today is a sad day, but it’s okay to smile and laugh, too,” said Sefcik. “You live in the best nation on this planet. We have freedom, and that’s something to celebrate and rejoice in.”
Sefcik, an active-duty reserve officer assigned to duties at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is a Vienna resident and member of Post 180.
In attendance on the grass were State Del. Mark Keam (D-35) and Town Council members Laurie DiRocco, Edythe Kelleher and Mike Polychrones.
Petersen noted that Memorial Day is a significant day for the nation and the community, reminding guests that the country’s first leader came from Fairfax County.
Seeman commented on how moving it was to her to see all the flags on veterans’ graves at Flint Hill, thanking Post 180 for placing them there.
Ending the solemn ceremony, Commander Hatter and Vice-president of Auxiliary Martha Hatter lay the red, white and blue wreath. A three-volley gun salute punctuated the stillness, followed by Taps, as veterans stood in salute.
Following the Flint Hill ceremony, veterans and their families were invited to American Legion Hall for lunch.
The women of the American Legion Post 180 Auxiliary spent Thursday morning planting small flags at the gravesites of veterans buried there, all 125 of them. Many of the interred fought in the Civil War and first World War and World War II.
Not long after midnight on May 29, Post 180 representatives took to Route 123, posting American flags along Vienna’s main thoroughfare.
Sefcik talked about the price fallen troops paid defending liberty.
“They died in pursuit of the freedom and liberty we now enjoy,” Sefcik said.
ViVa! Vienna! honored Memorial Day with a tribute on Monday at 3 p.m. on the Town Green. U.S.M.C. Gen. Richard M. Lake of Fairfax County, director of intelligence and senior language authority, was guest speaker.
Students from George C. Marshall and James Madison high schools provided musical support to the program.
On Route 123 in Oakton, the Cox Farms marquee sounded the sentiment of the day. “Remember the Fallen” it read.
Delegate Keam congratulates Vienna election winners
PRESS RELEASE
Immediate Release: Thursday, May 4, 2010
Contact: Rob Abbot, (703) 380-8883
Delegate Mark Keam Congratulates Vienna Mayor and Councilmembers on their Re-Elections
VIENNA – Today, voters in the Town of Vienna exercised their civic duty and elected four candidates to lead the Town for another two years. All four winners were incumbents who ran for re-election to their current positions.
Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) congratulates Mayor M. Jane Seeman, Councilmember Laurie Genevro Cole, Councilmember Michael J. Polychrones and Councilmember Edythe Frankel Kelleher on their re-election.
“I want to congratulate the winners and thank them for their tireless service to the Town of Vienna,” Delegate Keam said. “I have enjoyed working closely with every member of the Town Council and I am excited to be able to continue representing the residents of Vienna together with these four leaders as well as with Councilmembers George Lovelace, Laurie DiRocco and Howard Springsteen.”
Delegate Keam continued, “I particularly want to thank Mayor Seeman for the generous time she has given to educate me on issues affecting the Town. As a first-time elected official, I truly appreciate the Mayor’s advice and mentoring, which has help me settle into my job as Delegate.”
Delegate Keam represents the 35th District in the Virginia House of Delegates, which includes the entire Town of Vienna and portions of surrounding areas of Dunn Loring, Tysons, Oakton, Fairfax and Fair Oaks.
Delegate Keam has made advancing the Town of Vienna’s interests in Richmond one of his top legislative priorities. He introduced the following four bills in this General Assembly session, which were drafted with significant input from the Mayor, Councilmembers and Town Attorney:
1. HB 1124 would have required increased state payments to localities like Town of Vienna for roads where traffic volumes exceed the statewide average by more than 20 percent. This bill was tabled in Transportation Committee.
2. HB 1125 would have authorized localities like Town of Vienna to administratively impound vehicles of drivers who are charged with driving without a license for a second or subsequent time. Because a similar bill introduced by Delegate Tom Rust and Senator Chap Petersen were enacted into law, HB 1125 was left in Courts Committee.
3. HB 1126 would have revised the Uniform Statewide Building Code to allow localities like Town of Vienna to maintain grading regulations for construction of single-family homes on small lots. This bill was left in Courts Committee.
4. HB 1127 would have limited abusive attorney subpoenas issued to elected or appointed officials to testify on matters involving their public duties. This bill was left in Courts Committee.
While three of these bills did not advance in this legislative session, Delegate Keam is continuing to seek other ways to address these Town concerns.
Mayor Seeman and the newly re-elected Councilmembers will take the oath of office for their new term at a Town Council meeting in June.
# # #
To follow Delegate Keam’s work in Richmond visit: www.DelegateKeam.org; www.twitter.com/DelegateKeam; or www.facebook.com/DelegateKeam
Delegate Keam Appointed to the Civil War Commission
Last month, Delegate Keam was appointed by Speaker William Howell to serve as a member of the “Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission,” which was authorized by the Genearl Assembly in 2006.
Today’s article in the Washington Post provides a preview of Commission’s upcoming work and challenges.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/02/AR2010050203457.html?hpid=topnews
Va. seeks balance in marking Civil War’s 150th anniversary
By Rosalind S. Helderman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, May 3, 2010; B01
RICHMOND — When Virginia and the rest of the nation set out to mark the 100th anniversary of the Civil War in 1961, the party got off to a rocky start.
Intricate plans were made to mark the military conquests of the Confederate and Union armies, but little attention was paid to the experience of individuals — soldiers, civilians and slaves.
A massive reenactment of the Battle of Bull Run at Manassas was marred by too little water and too few bathrooms. Most jarringly, some adopted the events as an opportunity to celebrate the Confederacy in the face of the burgeoning civil rights movement.
At last, President John F. Kennedy called on a 31-year-old historian to take over as the centennial’s executive director, refocusing it on sober education.
Virginia has turned to the same man — James I. Robertson Jr., a history professor at Virginia Tech and a Civil War expert — to help the state avoid the same kinds of problems as it prepares to mark next year’s 150th anniversary of the start of the war. Read More
April 14: Vienna Community meeting on Snow Removal Policy
Delegate Keam invites you to attent the North Vienna “Snow Summit” where constituents can share your experiences with this winter’s unprecedented snow storms.
State Senator Chap Petersen, Faircax County Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, Vienna Mayor Jane Seeman, representatives from Fairfax County Public Schools, Dominion Power, and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), will be there to listen to the community’s concerns, and will apply the lessons learned to be better prepared for future snow situations.
The Summit will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., at The Barns of Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna 22182.
More information or to RSVP: contact Rob@MarkKeam.com or (703) 350-3911.
Delegate Keam’s Legislation featured in Sun Gazette
http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2010/04/07/fairfax/news/fe211.txt
Gov. McDonnell signs several clean-energy bills at Old Dominion University, as legislators and members of his administration look on. (Photo by Michael White) 
Governor Signs Energy Legislation Patroned by Local Assembly Members
by SCOTT McCAFFREY, Staff Writer
(Created: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 6:58 AM EDT)
Gov. McDonnell has signed several pieces of “green-energy” legislation, including ones that were patroned by state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) and Del. Mark Keam (D-35th).
McDonnell traveled to Old Dominion University for a bill-signing ceremony, where he praised the efforts of legislators in both parties involved in crafting legislation to address energy issues.
“All the bills signed today represent bipartisan cooperation in the effort to bring green energy innovation and generation to the Commonwealth,” McDonnell said at the April 2 event. “Working across party lines, we are making Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast.”
Among the legislation McDonnell signed into law was a measure giving businesses a $500 tax credit for the creation of “green jobs.” Keam was among a number of delegates whose bills were incorporated into the green-jobs measure signed by the governor.
Another measure that was signed into law, patroned by Petersen, allows localities greater flexibility in securing loans for the acquisition and installation of clean-energy improvements. A second Petersen bill gives natural-gas utilities greater flexibility in recovering costs associated with improving infrastructure to meet modern standards.
In remarks at the ceremony, McDonnell reiterated his belief that meeting energy challenges requires all sides to find common ground.
“Currently, Virginia is the second largest importer of electricity in America, trailing only California,” he said. “We need to take immediate steps to produce more energy right here, and to do so in a comprehensive manner. We need more oil, coal and natural gas, but we also need more wind, solar, biomass and nuclear production, as well.”
Other measures that the governor signed into law include creation of a state offshore wind development authority, and creation of a state foundation to fund research and development for clean-energy technology at Virginia’s colleges and universities.
Gov. McDonnell Signs Keam-Poindexter Green Jobs Bill into Law
Today, Governor McDonnell signed into law House Bill 803, which provides tax credits for Virginia employers who create and retain new jobs that promote renewable and alternative energy. This “Green Jobs” bill is a bipartisan effort of Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax), Delegate Charles Poindexter (R-Franklin), Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24), and many other legislators.
In January, Delegate Keam joined Gov. McDonnell at a press conference in Richmond to announce the inclusion of HB 803 as part of the Governor’s Jobs Agenda. Today, Delegate Keam joined Gov. McDonnell once again, at the bill signing ceremony on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where he spoke about the need for everyone to work together to make Virginia the Energy Capitol of the nation.
The Governor’s press release is copied below, and is found online at: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=105
——————————————————————————–
For Immediate Release: April 02, 2010
Contact: Stacey Johnson, Press Secretary, (804) 786-2211
Governor McDonnell Signs Green Energy Legislation at Old Dominion University
– Another Step towards Making Virginia “The Energy Capital of the East Coast” –
–Legislation Includes Creation of $500 Green Jobs Tax Credit–
NORFOLK- Governor Bob McDonnell visited the campus of Old Dominion University today to sign into law a number of green energy bills passed by the General Assembly this session. Among the measures receiving the Governor’s signature was his legislation to provide a $500 tax credit for each green job created in the Commonwealth; a measure establishing the Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation; the creation of the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority; and legislation rewarding investor-owned electric utilities for using wind energy. The Governor also signed legislation to authorize investor-owned natural gas utilities to petition the State Corporation Commission to implement a separate rider that will allow for recovery of certain costs associated with eligible infrastructure replacement projects; to add improvement of infrastructure such as refueling stations to the Alternative Fuels Revolving Fund; and to give localities the authority to, in order to secure loans for the initial acquisition and installation of clean energy improvements, place liens equal in value to the loan against any property where such clean energy systems are being installed.
Read More
Delegate Keam’s article published in Fairfax County Times
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=1280
Tuesday March 30, 2010
Mark Keam: Reflections on the 2010 General Assembly session
On March 14, the General Assembly adjourned after approving about 850 bills during the 61-day session. The most important bill was the budget for the 2010-2012 biennium.
It was certainly challenging to balance a budget that would fill a $4.5 billion shortfall over the next two years based on reduced revenues and the anticipated gap when federal stimulus funds run out for enhanced Medicaid match program. While the final budget is nowhere near perfect, I believe it had improved from the earlier House version that had draconian cuts to education and safety net programs and made major structural reforms in the way some programs are funded.
After negotiations, the bipartisan and bicameral conferees came back with a product that I thought was as good as it could be under the circumstances. I voted for the final budget because it included no new general tax increases while adequately funding what I believe are the core functions of state government. Specifically, I believe Fairfax County schools received a fair shake in the process.
In December, outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine (D) had proposed a misguided cost-saving idea to “freeze” the Local Composite Index to data from two years earlier. This would have resulted in Fairfax County’s share of school funding remaining at a higher rate based on outdated statistics that reflect higher real estate and income levels.
The LCI freeze issue was a bright line test for me as it would have meant an unprecedented loss of about $61 million in state funding for Fairfax schools. I introduced a bill to fix the formula, and I joined other lawmakers from Northern Virginia in seeking budget amendments to reverse this proposal.
Fortunately, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) and the appropriators all agreed with my colleagues and provided the full amount due to Fairfax schools.
The budget also included $50 million for the governor’s “Jobs & Opportunity Agenda” which included my bipartisan “Green Jobs” tax credit bill. I am proud to have passed this significant clean energy job creation bill in my first year.
We also passed several economic development bills to expand the base of revenues for future budgets. I cosponsored many of these bills, such as providing entrepreneurs capital gains tax exclusion for investing in early stage science and technology companies and establishing a biotechnology research performance grant program.
As a new delegate, I had a very rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience during two months in Richmond. I found that most members truly want to get things done for their constituents, and have a sincere attitude about public service. And most delegates reached out to help a freshman learn the ropes.
There were certainly times when committee and floor debates were heated and unnecessarily sharp in tone, and partisan interests sometimes trumped policy. And like in any organization, there are work horses and show horses. But my experience has shown that these unpleasant aspects of politics were the exceptions and not the rule in Richmond.
I look forward to returning on April 21 for the “veto session.”
Del. Mark L. Keam (D) represents the 35th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Delegate Keam joins Gov. McDonnell at bill signing
Today, Governor McDonnell visited Fairfax County to sign several bills into law that will promote more tech jobs in Northern Virginia. Delegate Keam participated in the bill signing ceremony, hosted by the Center for Innovative Technology and Northern Virginia Technology Council, in their tech headquarters building in Herndon.
As a member of the House Finance Committee, Delegate Keam cosponsored and helped move House Bill 523 through to passage. This bill would grant income tax deduction on long-term capital gains related to qualified investment in a technology, bio-technology, or science start-up business, which will benefit Fairfax County.
Delegate Keam also cosponsored House Bill 677, which establishes a “Specialized Biotechnology Research Performance Grant Program” for nonprofit entities engaged in research, development, and production related to molecular diagnostics and drug development that commits in a memorandum of understanding and fulfills its obligation to (i) make a new capital investment of at least $200 million, (ii) create at least 415 new full-time jobs, and (iii) meet other criteria.
Governor McDonnell’s press release is: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=96
Washington Post wrote this about today’s event:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/03/post_663.html?wprss=virginiapolitics
McDonnell signs bills in NoVa to create jobs
By Anita Kumar
March 30, 2010; 5:44 PM ET
Republican and Democratic legislators joined Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) this afternoon in Northern Virginia as he signed a package of bills designed to create jobs and spur economic development.
The bills signed today will provide tax deductions on capital gains derived from investments in technology, energy, bio-tech and science-based companies; grant temporary business licenses to individuals who have a license or certification from another state; broaden the uses of the Governor’s Opportunity Fund; designate the head of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership as chief executive; and establish a biotech research performance grant program.
“The states that help lead this country out of this economic downturn will be those that move aggressively to promote job creation and make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to be successful,” McDonnell said at a signing ceremony at the Center for Innovative Technology and Northern Virginia Technology Council in Herndon. “That is what we are doing in Virginia.”
A slew of legislators from Northern Virginia joined McDonnell, including Sens. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun) and Janet Howell (D-Fairfax); Republican Dels. Dave Albo (Fairfax), Tom Rust (Fairfax), Tim Hugo (Fairfax), Barbara Comstock (Fairfax), Rich Anderson (Prince William), Joe May (Loudoun) and Jackson Miller (Manassas); and Democratic Dels. Mark Keam (Fairfax) and Mark Sickles (Fairfax). Several Northern Virginia technology and businesses also were in attendance.