Last month, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters bestowed their Legislative Hero award on Del. Sickles for his 100% voting record on conservation issues. This is the third time he has won the award, following honors in 2004 and 2008. Del. Sickles responded to the recognition with the following statement:

I formally kicked off my re-election campaign this weekend in Alexandria, pledging to continue to fight for 21st century jobs, a modern transportation system, health care that works for everyone, preservation of our environment, and excellent schools in Fairfax County and the entire Commonwealth. Please click here to make a secure online donation to my campaign with any major credit card through ActBlue. Together, we will continue the successful work we've accomplished here in Northern Virginia.

Check out the entire program here.

RICHMOND, Va.--Despite a state budget deficit of nearly $4 billion, advocates for the Virginia Bioscience industry won a significant victory at the Virginia General Assembly with the passage of Senate Bill 1338, the “omnibus” bioscience bill, which now goes to Governor Tim Kaine’s desk for his signature or amendments.

This afternoon, Governor Kaine was joined by health advocates and legislators in Virginia Beach to officially sign the Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act into law. The legislation will restrict smoking in most restaurants and bars across the Commonwealth beginning this December. Under the new law, smoking will be permitted only in separately ventilated rooms or in private clubs.

Last month, I was joined by 59 of my House colleagues in voting this bill into law. I am honored to have been a part of this historic step forward for Virginia.

Due to our early start in January, Virginia was the first state to incorporate the federal Stimulus bill into its existing, deteriorating, out-of-balance, two-year budget. Since the Commonwealth cannot deficit spend, Governor Kaine was forced to propose many controversial cuts to K-12, hospitals, nursing homes, mental disabilities, higher education and public safety.

As I write this article, Virginia is poised to take a step that I was not certain I would see during my time in office. On February 5th, the House Committee on General Laws reported HB1703, a bill that bans smoking in establishments that do not construct separate smoking and non-smoking rooms with independent ventilation systems. Private clubs and cigar bars are not included in the ban.

Make your voice heard about HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes at VDOT's public design hearings on the following dates:

1) Monday, February 9, 2009

Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Potomac High School - 3401 Panther Drive, Dumfries, VA 22026

2) Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Robert E. Lee High School, 6450 Franconia Rd, Springfield, VA 22150

3) Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Minnie Howard School, 3801 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302

On January 13th, Delegate Sickles was interviewed about his work over the past year to increase Virginia's investment in Bioscience and Biotechnology.

To listen to the interview, click here.

Poll hours Feb. 3 are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Absentee voting begins today.

A special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, to elect the new Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman. The seat was vacated by Gerald E. Connolly, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The voter registration deadline is 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21; mail-in registration applications must be postmarked on or before Jan. 21. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 3.