E-Newsletter

Governor’s FEMA Appeal

The appeal process is underway. With the urging of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, Governor McDonnell submitted an appeal of FEMA’s decision to deny federal disaster assistance for the tornadoes that struck in April. He has our full support. The powerful storms that impacted communities in Southwest Virginia destroyed and severely damaged hundreds of homes, including many that were uninsured or underinsured. The level of damage in the affected areas is truly devastating. Many people are still sleeping in tents or staying with family because they no longer have their homes. When the appeal reaches the President and FEMA, I strongly urge them to reverse their initial denial. My prayers remain with those affected by these storms.

Congressional Art Competition Results

Each year the House of Representatives hosts the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. Every congressional district is invited to display one piece of artwork in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the coming year. My office received a number of entries from students in the District. I would like to thank every student who entered our inaugural Congressional Art Competition. Each entry displayed a great deal of hard work and creativity. I am proud of our talented young artists in Southwest Virginia. 

I am happy to announce that Jessalyn Mullins of Norton is the winner of the 9th District’s 2011 Congressional Art Competition for her pencil drawing entitled ‘Miner of the Ages.’ Jessalyn is currently a sophomore at J.I. Burton High School and is the daughter of Bryan and Michelle Mullins. A panel of judges from around the District selected Jessalyn’s drawing as the overall winner.

For the first time in recent memory, the 9th District will be represented in this display of young artists from across the country. Jessalyn’s ‘Miner of the Ages’ will serve as a reminder of the importance of coal to Southwest Virginia’s past, present, and future in Washington.  The artwork of the first and second runners up will be on display in my Abingdon and Christiansburg offices. To view photos from the awards ceremony, please click here.

As always, if you have concerns or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my offices. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.