The General Assembly will start its 2007 session today with a field trip to Jamestown and a visit from Vice President Dick Cheney.
After convening at 10 a.m. in Richmond, legislators will head to Jamestown, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary as the first permanent English settlement in the New World.
Cheney will address the 140-member legislature at 2 p.m. in the one-room Jamestown Memorial Church at Historic Jamestowne, the site of the original 17th-century fort that started the settlement.
During his remarks, which are slated to run 20 minutes, he will unveil a $5 gold coin being issued to commemorate the anniversary.
The church’s small seating capacity is limited to lawmakers and 13 members of the commonwealth’s congressional delegation.
At 7 p.m., Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine will deliver his State of the Commonwealth address from the Robins Foundation Theater at the Jamestown Settlement, the state-run 17th-century living history museum, where seating is also scarce.
“This State of the Commonwealth will be a little different because of the setting in historic Jamestown,” said Kaine spokesman Kevin Hall. “I think you can expect the governor to talk about the spirit of exploration and challenge that Jamestown represents. It is likely he will encourage legislators to seize the moment to make progress on modern challenges, particularly transportation, health care and public education.”
Delegate Jeff Frederick, R-Prince William, will deliver the Republican’s response to Kaine’s speech.
