
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 14, 1995                   TAG: 9501170048
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MORGAN GRIFFITH
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PROCEDURES WILL BE RESOLVED

The House of Delegates was gaveled to order with the normal salutations and greetings that define the first day. The normal procedural resolution was presented and passed the House. The governor was notified of our assembly and our readiness to conduct business.

The same procedural resolution passed over to the Senate. The Senate chose not to approve our resolution and so the General Assembly is acting with no procedures other than those outlined in the Constitution and Jefferson's Manual. The business of the commonwealth will continue to be conducted. The only problem we have is that we have no defined deadlines for submission of legislation and action upon that legislation. I am confident that a procedure will be agreed upon.

Now that you know basically what happened, I would like to let you know a little about what I am doing for you.

The bill that I put in last year that would allow a simpler process for willing a list of tangible personal property was carried over and worked on during the summer. This week it was placed on the uncontested. House of Delegates Calendar. I believe this legislation will make the dispersing of tangible personal property by descendants much simpler.

I also voted against a bill that came before me. This bill would harm the poor and those who borrow small amounts. This bill would allow finance companies to charge up to 36 percent interest on loans of $2,500 or less. Those who lend this money could charge as much interest as they want on loans between $2,501 and $6,000. The State Corporation Commission currently has a maximum of 30.7 percent on small loans. I voted against this measure. Certainly 30.7 percent interest is sufficient. I believe more would be usurious and unfair.

I was pleased to visit with a number of constituents from the district. The doctors came to see me about their needs and concerns of the medical community; firefighters, including our own Jim Clifton, came down to talk with me about issues related to emergency services and firefighting. The state police were in to talk to me about the issues of crime and drugs; the members of the Virginian Agribusiness Council were into talk about the need to retain sufficient funding in the Extension agency which I heartily support. I was also able to talk with many other constituents about their needs and ideas. I encourage you to visit me in Richmond.

My office is Room 447 in the General Assembly Building and it is always open to you. My phone number is (804) 786-7296.

Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1995

by CNB