The dog days of summer are here.  I began the month of July by attending the New Kent County School Board meeting where I presented a resolution commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Supreme Court case: Charles C. Green, et al. v. County School Board of New Kent County, Virginia.  This case was an important case dealing with the freedom of choice plans created to comply with the mandate in Brown II.  The Court held that New Kent County's freedom of choice plan did not constitute adequate compliance with the school board's responsibility to determine a system of admission to public schools on a non-racial basis.  The Supreme Court mandated that the school board must formulate new plans and steps towards realistically converting to a desegregated system.
 
Governor Kaine called the General Assembly into Special Session to address transportation needs which convened on June 23 and adjourned July 9. Legislators debated numerous measures, but with session actions in the House of Delegates, Virginia taxpayers can rest easy that Democrats have failed, at least for this session, in their relentless efforts to raise the gas tax and a host of other regressive taxes. 
 
Speaker Howell recently appointed me to the Commission on Youth, a standing legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly.  It is comprised of twelve members: six Delegates, three Senators and three citizens appointed by the Governor.  We provide a legislative forum in which complex issues related to Virginia youth and their families may be explored and resolved. I attended my inaugural meeting on the morning of June 24 prior to session convening at noon.
 
I enjoy spending time in the District and speaking to local civic groups and organizations.  On June 3, I was honored to speak at a meeting of the King and Queen Republican Committee.  I shared with them about outcomes of the General Assembly session and the importance of up coming elections.
 
Mitt Romney was in Richmond on June 5 at Bill Bolling's annual birthday celebration.  Ashley and I appreciated hearing him speak as we were early supporters of his. The crowd came from all over Central Virginia. 
 
Graduation from elementary school is a moment to be celebrated.  I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural graduation from the new Lewis & Clark Elementary School in Caroline County on June 10.  These young people are beginning a new chapter in their lives, going to middle school.  I wished them luck and urged them to continue to strive for academic excellence. 
 
My annual Party with Ponies was held on June 11 at Colonial Downs.  The event was well attended; everyone enjoyed the entertaining thoroughbred races.  I was honored to be joined by many elected officials from New Kent County. 
 
Health care is important to the quality of life of Virginians.  On June 12, I attended the AARP Opinion Leader Health Care Forum.  A panel of representatives with diverse perspectives from state government, business, the medical field, and consumers, and labor joined together for discussion on the future of health care.  The forum offered an opportunity to have an open dialogue that is necessary to bring about change.  As long as we keep talking, I feel confident we will find solutions.
 
Judge J. Overton Harris was sworn in as the newly-appointed Judge of the Hanover Circuit Court on June 13.  Judge Harris was joined by numerous friends and family to celebrate this special occasion.  I was honored to be invited to join in this celebration.  Judge Harris has a long-standing legacy of service to Hanover and to upholding the principles of the judicial system.  I congratulate him.
 
The King William Republican Committee held their monthly luncheon on Saturday, June 14.  It was great to see my friend and colleague, Congressman Rob Wittman who was the special guest speaker.  He shared about Federal legislation and happenings in Washington. 
 
On June 18, I attended the building dedication ceremony of the New Kent County Sheriff's Office.  I commend Sheriff Howard and his staff for their commitment to the safety and well-being of New Kent residents and visitors.
 
 The Hanover Planning Commission met on June 19.  I attended in my capacity as the Executive Director of the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation and was delighted when the commission asked me to share about the mission of the Foundation and a history of the Church.  Residents of Hanover are blessed with a rich history; Hanover can be proud that this was the beginning of the successful struggle for religious and civil liberty. 
 
On the evening of June 26, I attended the regular meeting of the Battlefield VFW Post 9808 and presented a resolution celebrating the life of Lance Corporal Jeremy L. Tinnel.  Jeremy, a Mechanicsville resident, died in the line of duty on July 1, 2007, while serving his country in Iraq. 
 
The new Operation Hope playground located at Pole Green Park is helping to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to be included in valuable learning experiences; such as play.  I met here on June 27th with a constituent who is working with New Kent County Parks and Recreation to construct an all-inclusive playground in their locality.