Moran releases senior-care plan; Deeds unveils energy proposals

By: JIM NOLAN AND OLYMPIA MEOLA TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITERS | Times-Dispatch
Published: May 18, 2009

With three weeks left before the June 9 Democratic gubernatorial primary, candidates are pushing out policy proposals.

Former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria today rolled out his plan for improved senior care.

Moran's "Silver Virginia" plan proposes creating an "aging czar" in the governor's office to coordinate services for seniors, eliminating the waiting list for home delivered meals, increasing fines for people who financially exploit seniors and investing in expanding the state's weatherization program.

"We all have an obligation to stand up for the dignity and security of our senior citizens," said Moran, who is advocating for independent living options for the elderly. He did not give a price for his plan.

Meanwhile, state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, today unveiled a wide-ranging energy plan that features investments in biofuels, renewable energy, mass transit and energy-efficiency measures.

"Everything -- wind, solar, hydro, biofuels and cleaner coal -- needs to be part of the solution," said Deeds, who was accompanied on a conference call by Del. Albert C. Pollard Jr., D-Lancaster, who endorsed his candidacy.

The plan comes with a price tag -- $85 million in the first year, according to Deeds, who is vying for the party nomination along with Moran and former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe.

Citing statistics that say Virginia's energy consumption will rise 30 percent over the next 10 years, Deeds said he would invest $1 million in biofuel facilities for grass, chicken waste, and algae, and set a goal for Virginia to get 15 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020.

Deeds also said he would issue an executive order to reduce the energy consumption of the state government by 20 percent in four years.

The candidate proposed wind turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach by the end of 2012 and a series of tax credits and exemptions to homeowners and businesses, ranging from the sales of energy efficient appliances to the use of wind and solar technology to reduce consumption and create green jobs.

Noting that transportation accounts for 43 percent of energy consumption in Virginia, Deeds proposed investments in high-speed rail from Hampton Roads to Washington, as well as tax incentives for telecommuting and the use of public transit.