STAUNTON -- Local government employees are now eligible to accept cash payments recognizing exceptional service in public schools and the community, with thanks to Delegate Steve Landes and Senator Emmett Hanger. The change in Virginia’s Conflict of Interest Act was passed during the General Assembly’s 2008 legislative session. Prior to the new law, such an honor could only be awarded to school board employees. The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge brought the issue to the attention of area legislators. Both Delegate Landes and Senator Hanger agreed reform was needed
and sponsored amendments in both the House and Senate. The amendments modify the Act to allow any local government employee to earn such recognition, as long as the award is made by a qualified tax-exempt public charity.

    Community Foundation Board Chairman Bill Watkins reports, “We are so grateful for the work of Del. Landes and Sen. Hanger. All employees who go ‘above and beyond’ for the benefit of the community and our schools, deserve a chance for recognition—no matter where they work. And watching Del. Landes and Senator Hanger make this change happen so quickly illustrates what can happen when our representatives work together for our area. Equally important, this change allows Community Foundations throughout Virginia to help donors establish award programs that can now include local government employees.”

    “It was a pleasure for me to work with the Community Foundation to get House Bill 1334 passed during the 2008 Session,” said Landes. “This legislation, which is identical to Senator Emmett Hanger’s Senate Bill 478, allows an employee of local government to receive an award or payment in honor of exceptional service. This is in keeping with the Foundation’s goal of improving public education and honoring those individuals who help foster this achievement.”

    Senator Hanger shared similar sentiments, “I was pleased to patron, along with Delegate Landes, the legislative initiative to resolve the Foundation’s predicament which prevented them from recognizing outstanding contributors simply because they were local government employees. We certainly want to ensure that our local employees as well as our teachers are encouraged to better the community around them in their daily tasks. This change in law will allow the Foundation to reward such noble work.”

    The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for the greater Augusta area by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in the community. The Foundation provides a vehicle for planned giving through the management and distribution of endowed funds in accordance with the wishes of donors. Some of the more noted activities are its Dawbarn Awards, The Smyth Education Awards, The Big Read, Community Grants Program, and its many scholarships. For more information, see www.communityfoundationcbr.org.