Here it is, Winter again as we embark on 2011… Where do the years go? This will be a “Thank You” year. We do not have any major legislation on the docket this year so we will spend our time thanking the legislators for their efforts on our behalf from last session and welcoming them back to the new session.

   PMPV/VAPHCC members will be heading up to the “Hill” on Thursday, January 13th, 2011, to make our annual “deliveries” and visits. Please help us to ensure a great turnout. If you are or have been thinking about joining us or simply meeting your legislator, now is a wonderful time to visit. Especially since it is much easier to go and say “thank you” than to go with your hand out. In addition, the legislators really appreciate the opportunity to chat (if only briefly) with their fellow citizens! Believe it or not, they really do LOVE to hear from constituents!

   As always, I will be monitoring any legislation that gets dropped in the hopper on a daily basis. The program (Lobbyist-in-a-Box) is really wonderful. It tells me every piece of legislation as is gets submitted and from there I can follow it to sub-committee and see the votes and then follow it to the floor of the House or Senate and see the votes there as well. It tells me where the hearings on the bills are located, the time, and who is on the committee so that I can then write a letter to the delegate or senator expressing our stand. I have been able to follow a LOT of legislation from my computer at home. And that convenience keeps me from having to run down to the GA so much (which my company and my gas bill really appreciate).

   The bill we put in (and got passed) last year on unlicensed contracting went into effect in July of 2010. We are anxious to see how this bill impacts the industry! However, the new law can’t work alone. It is imperative that we start making sure our customers (and the public in general) know to “hire only licensed contractors (for their own security).” Please make it a point by putting tag lines in your ads…people need to be reminded that hiring licensed contractors is the only real way to ensure the job is done and done properly.

   As always, thanks to those of you who have contributed to the PAC fund. It is so important that we maintain a presence in front of our legislators. By getting to know them, they begin to understand what our industry issues are and how important our industry is really is.

   Remember, our industry protects the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Virginia… very few industries can
make that statement… and mean it! Please feel free to call or e-mail me with questions regarding any legislation.

   In the meantime, SEE YOU ON JAN. 13!!!!

Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie C. Crigler
Legislative Chair, PMPV
540-948-6230 (Office) 540-718-3000 (Cell)
lcc@ldassociatesinc.com