Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement Feb. 10 after the announcement by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on temporarily withholding FTA grant funds due to the Metro Safety Commission not yet being operational:

Committee will explore what Prince William County's Strategic Plan really does in a panel discussion on Feb. 16. Does it reflect the needs and wants of PWC residents, or is it a political tool for a predetermined government agenda? Does it work with the Comprehensive Plan and budget realities? Should the process be outsourced? Open to the public.

Four dynamic speakers will take to the podium on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. when the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will present the second event in its Economic Development Series: Exploring Innovation.

The proposed Prince William County Public Schools FY 2018 budget Superintendent Steve Walts unveiled at the Feb. 1 School Board meeting is designed to serve the needs and aspirations of each of the nearly 91,000 students expected for the 2017-18 school year. The proposed $1.14 billion operating and debt service spending plan addresses School Board priorities to maintain the incremental progress achieved to reduce class size, close achievement gaps, and limit the use of educational trailers.

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) has reintroduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, legislation that would provide federal workers with a 3.2% pay raise.

Virginia consumers will be receiving $15.335 million in restitution and debt relief as part of a settlement to resolve claims that CashCall, Inc. and its president and CEO J. Paul Reddam illegally deceived borrowers and collected illegal interest of up to 230% on online loans made in amounts of between $700 and $10,000, according to the Virginia Attorney General's office.

Prince William County has three workshops remaining on the 2017-18 budget and capital improvements program. The next session is Feb. 22.

If you have a condition such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, obesity, depression, pain or other chronic condition, the You Can! Live Well, Virginia Workshop series can help you take charge of your life. This free Chronic Disease Self Management Program is a workshop series given 2.5 hours, once a week, for six weeks, at one of four locations in the Manassas and Woodbridge areas.