Connolly Takes Calls from Constituents

Shortly after the close of the 111th Congressional session last evening, Congressman Gerry Connolly took calls from residents via phone in his Capitol Hill office.

The event was the tenth of its kind during Connolly's tenure as the representative from Virginia's 11th District. It lasted approximately an hour, according to Connolly's Communications Director George Burke.

Over 7,500 citizens took part in the call and after giving a recap of the business of the House of Representatives, Connolly took questions from 14 different callers.

Among the main topics covered were the passage of the new tax relief bill, the Middle East and issues of foreign affairs and the deficit.

Of particular importance to residents of Lorton are the developments regarding the Telework Bill and TRICARE health insurance.

The Telework Bill, which was signed by President Obama on December 9th , mandates that federal agencies be more receptive to telecommuters. The bill also requires that agencies have contingency plans for emergency or severe weather situation. Such plans save federal dollars and also keep traffic volume down during inclement weather.

Connolly also discussed the change to TRICARE that will now allow military parents to keep their children on their health plan until the age of 26, as is the case with health plans for private citizens. The change went into effect as part of the Defense Authorization Act.

Burke explained that attendance for the calls was strong, but is typically between 9-11,000. He attributed the lower numbers to the holiday season and to the uncertainty of Connolly's voting schedule during the lame duck session.

Burke also said the practice of taking calls from constituents will continue in Connolly's second term, which begins January 5. "It's a great way to communicate with as many constituents as possible," Burke said. "People like being able to talk to their congressman from the comfort of their own home."