Here’s a great video montage from the Lobby Day rally on January 18th at the Capitol. Virginia is clawing her way back to the Constitution, one bill at a time. Keep fighting!

Big thanks to Norvell Rose of Hampton Roads Tea Party for the video!

Gary Wood,  the State Chapter Coordinator for the Utah Tenth Amendment Center, writes in his analysis of 10th amendment:

Where the 9^th Amendment protects the people against attempts of the federal government to invoke powers not specifically enumerated the 10^th Amendment restrains federal power over states as well as citizens. It reemphasizes the fact our federal government only had certain civil liberties granted while protecting the political liberty, or sovereignty, of the states.

Mr Wood also discusses the importance of keeping the decisions close to the people:

Many of the founders realized they were fighting against a British system that felt it could best govern all levels of activity, even the activity of colonists an ocean away. It was imperative written assurance was provided which allowed people to self-govern at the lowest level possible being closer to local legislatures than they would ever be to their federal or general government.

If only our elected leaders would think as deeply on these issues! Read the complete article here: Consider the 10th Amendment.

Richmond Tea Party met with the Virginia Speaker of the House, Bill Howell, last week regarding our two federalism bills. The Speaker expressed support for both bills and assured us they would make it out of Committee in the House of Delegates.  He was also encouraging that these would pass the House.

The first bill, the Health Care Reform Act, chief co-patroned by Delegate O’Bannon and Marshall, would:

“…nullify any federal law, rule or regulation that: 1) requires individuals or employers to participate in any particular health care system or 2) mandates the purchase of health insurance. It would prohibit any fine or penalty on anyone or any company for deciding to purchase health care directly.”

The second bill, the Firearm Freedom Action, patroned by Delegate Carrico, would:

“Declares that any firearms made and retained in-state are beyond the authority of the U.S. Congress under its constitutional power to regulate commerce among the states.”

What do we need from you?  This is CRITICALLY important.  We need you to call and email your delegate and ask them to co-sponsor these two bills.  You can find out who your delegate is by going to “Who’s My Legislator?” 

You need to call and email before January 14th!!!!

We will need to work on the Senate side as well.  Info forthcoming…

Two follow these two bills closely, please bookmark http://www.va10thamendment.org