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 quoted in Fairfax Times re Budget
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=2045
Virginia ends the budget year with $400M surplus
Legislators approve about $82 million in bonuses for state employees
Virginia ended the budget year with about $400 million more than expected, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) announced last week, reflecting the first overall revenue growth in the state since 2007.
Most of the surplus funding, which came from state agency cutbacks and higher-than-expected sales tax revenues, is spoken for, said McDonnell, who urged legislators to “not get too excited.” The state collected $228 million more in revenue than budgeted and spent $175 million less than expected, McDonnell said.
After replenishing reserves and fulfilling other approved spending, state leaders have about $71 million to spend. Any spending decisions not already included in the fiscal 2011 budget will not be made until the next General Assembly session in January.
State employees will all receive a bonus equivalent to 3 percent of their salaries on Dec. 1, costing the state about $82 million. Legislators approved the bonuses, a McDonnell initiative, contingent on surplus dollars being available.
“Our employees knew there would be a financial reward for saving taxpayer dollars and returning unspent balances to the general fund,” McDonnell said last week. “This notion of gain sharing or economic rewards for getting results is a concept widely used in the private sector, and long overdue in practice and implementation within state government operations.”
Vienna Del. Mark Keam (D-Dist. 35), a member of the House of Delegates Finance Committee, said the “surplus” is more of an accounting mechanism, not extra funding to replenish state programs that were cut earlier this year.
“It’s positive news in that we are not in a deficit … but I don’t want anybody to think that it is all sunshine and good news,” Keam said. “That money is already allocated to various obligations we already have.”
School divisions have received a bit of extra cash because of increased sales tax collections — about $19 million was distributed statewide. Other designated portions of sales taxes include $37.5 million for local governments and $28 million for the state’s transportation trust fund.
McDonnell must decide by Nov. 1 whether the discretionary $71 million should be retained in state agencies or if it should be reallocated. He will make his budget recommendations in December.
Keam said he would like to see some of that money go to restore Medicaid cuts and fund additional Medicaid-supported services for people with disabilities.
Latest Keam E-mail Update for Constituents
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 6:45 AM
Subject: A lot going on in Virginia
Dear Friend,
Budget “Surplus” News
We received some new information on the state of our economy and the budget. As a member of the House Finance Committee, I went to Richmond last Thursday to meet with Governor Bob McDonnell and the Secretary of Finance, Richard Brown, as they presented their first budget report. The Governor announced that the state finished Fiscal Year 2010 with a surplus of approximately $403 million. The funds comprised of $229 million in additional revenue from general collections, plus $174 million in appropriations that state agencies did not spend.
Most of this “surplus” is subject to re-appropriation based on language that the General Assembly passed earlier this year. The spending will be based on the Governor’s discretion, and he has until November 1 to report to the General Assembly on his decision regarding how much, if any, of the unspent agency balances he will recommend re-appropriating to agencies. Any amounts not re-appropriated will become part of the general fund and made available for reallocation during the upcoming budget development process.
Since Governor McDonnell made this announcement, some have praised him for managing the state in a fiscally responsible manner and others have criticized him for using “gimmicks” and accounting tricks to show a surplus on paper. My response is one of cautious optimism. The fact that we ended this year on a positive side of the ledger is good news no matter how we arrived at the number. I will be writing more on this topic on my website in the coming days as I learn more specific details from the budget report.
Governor’s Town Hall Tomorrow
By now, you’ve all heard about Governor McDonnell’s campaign pledge to take the Commonwealth out of the liquor business. Early this year, the Governor established a Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring to propose ideas “to ensure that duplicative, outdated, unnecessary and ineffective services and service delivery methods are eliminated and that state revenues are dedicated to the core functions of government.”
One of the main ideas this Commission is studying is the possibility of privatizing state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores. Since I don’t serve on this Commission, I have been following their progress online and through various conversations. And while I have my views on the ABC system, I’m going to keep an open mind about this idea until a firm proposal is presented by the Commission.
To help you better understand this issue as well as learn about any other initiative that the current Administration is undertaking, Governor McDonnell has scheduled a public town hall meeting this Wednesday, August 25, in Fairfax County. The Town Hall will begin at 7:00 pm at the Northern Virginia Technology Council, located at 2214 Rock Hill Road, Suite 300, Herndon, VA 20170.
The town hall will last approximately an hour and a half and will include an update from the Governor on policy issues and time for public comment. I hope you can attend!
Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative
Another one of Governor McDonnell’s high profile initiative is to reform the way our state treats ex-felons who return to society after serving their time. In a prior professional role, I worked on prison reentry issues, which led me to introduce a bill in this year’s General Assembly session that would seek federal assistance for the Commonwealth to improve our system.
That is why I was very excited that, in May, Governor McDonnell established a “Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative,” and appointed me to serve on the Leadership Team for this statewide Initiative. Our Team is meeting this Thursday in Richmond, so I look forward to providing you with a report on our progress.
Expect Delays on I-66 This Weekend
Virginia Department of Transportation tells us that beginning at 7 pm this Friday, August 27, until 5 am Monday, August 30, two of three lanes on eastbound I-66 between Nutley St. and I-495 will be closed as crews prepare to shift traffic to the new I-66 bridges over the beltway. In addition to the lane closures on I-66 East, several nearby ramps will also be closed.
Motorists should expect overnight temporary stoppages after midnight lasting no longer than 30 minutes throughout the weekend. By 5 am Monday morning, the three I-66 East lanes will be shifted to the new bridges over I-495. HOV motorists traveling in the left lane on I-66 East heading to Washington DC will need to merge to the right lane prior to I-495 north to continue into downtown.
I hope this information is helpful to you as you enjoy the last days of summer!
Sincerely,
Mark
Korean Bell Garden to be built in our district
This week, I had a chance to visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to learn about the Korean Bell Garden that’s being built on the property. Paul Gilbert, the executive director of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority gave me a tour of the park and introduced me to the carpenters from Korea who are here to build the pavillion.
As a Korean American state legislator, I’m very pleased to learn that the only Korean bell of this nature will be housed in the 35th District that I am honored to represent in Richmond! I’m looking forward to having this project completed so that our constituents can come and learn more about the cultures and traditions of Korea.
Here’s Paul’s blog post about our visit:
http://regionalparks.blogspot.com/2010/08/del-keam-meets-with-master-craftsmen.html
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| Delegate Keam with Master Craftsmen |
This project is being funded by the Korean American Cultural Committee, with private donations and financial support from the Republic of Korea.
Delegate Keam quoted in Vienna Connection re ABC sales
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=343216&paper=82&cat=104
Fears, Hopes for Private Liquor Sales
Governor wants to raise transportation cash by selling off state liquor business.
By Julia O’Donoghue
Friday, July 30, 2010
Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) hopes to sell off Virginia’s state-run liquor business to generate as much as $500 million for transportation projects.
The Governor has assembled a government reform committee to investigate the issue.
The committee, which has been holding public meetings around the commonwealth this month, is expected to vote on a privatization proposal produced by McDonnell’s staff in late August.
Then, McDonnell wants to call the Virginia General Assembly back to Richmond for a special session this fall to consider privatizing liquor sales.
Several legislators said the issue of selling off the commonwealth’s liquor business is more complex than it may first appear. Two other governors, Doug Wilder and Mark Warner, also looked at privatizing liquor sales but ultimately did not pursue the issue.
McDonnell has to not only demonstrate that Virginia would receive a large lump sum of money up front but that the new private system would also produce as much annual revenue for the government as the current state-run network. Last year, the Virginia general fund received $230 million from liquor sales.
Many people, particularly county and city officials, also have concerns about the placement of the liquor stores. They want local government to be able to control where the liquor stores go so that certain neighborhoods aren’t “overrun.”
Some people are also concerned about an increase in liquor consumption and access to alcohol in general.
Previous proposals to privatize state liquor sales would make as many as 800 to 1,000 licenses for selling spirits available in Virginia. Currently, there are fewer than 350 liquor stores across the commonwealth.
Here is what your local elected officials had to say about private liquor sales coming to Virginia:
Del. Mark Keam (D-35)
The freshman delegate said he is open to the idea of private liquor sales, though he would want to see details about the implementation process. Keam also said many questions must be answered. For example, could the new liquor stores sell cigarettes and lottery tickets?
“I am still open to the idea but it is a complex issue. It is not as simple as McDonnell is making it sound,” said Keam.
Delegate Keam named Conservation Hero
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters, which was founded 10 years ago to be the political voice of the conservation community, named Delegate Keam a “Conservation Hero” for his perfect 100% voting record on conservation and environmental issues.
The 2010 General Assembly Conserservation Scorecard and the voting records of every legislator can be found at http://www.valcv.org/Scorecard/2010Scorecard.html
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.
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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