From: Martinsville Bulletin

Perriello: Clean Energy Key

Fifth District U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello stressed Thursday the need for a comprehensive national strategy to help the United States transition into a clean energy economy, as well as opportunities clean energy offers for this area and the 5th District. Perriello, D-Albemarle County, spoke at what was billed as a clean energy jobs workshop. More than 75 people attended the event.

Perriello began his remarks by telling about a Virginia company that makes solar panels that is moving its production overseas.

Later he said, “There’s not a question of whether ... (clean-energy) jobs will exist. It’s a question of whether they will” be in the United States or other countries.

He touted development of a clean energy economy as a way of creating jobs; improving energy efficiency; increasing this country’s energy supplies and sources and reducing reliance on foreign energy, which also would benefit this country’s national security; and other benefits. Perriello said he believes a national energy strategy should look at everything: traditional energy sources, nuclear energy and renewable and alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass (such as canola, switchgrass, wood waste, cattle and poultry manure), municipal waste and more.

From: ABC 13

Perriello Encourages Students in their Education

Congressman Tom Perriello was at Bassett High School Thursday, talking to a classroom full of students about the future.

The class- Career Pathways- exposes high school juniors and seniors to possible career choices. Perriello spoke about the importance of education and learning a skill or trade.

He says jobs of the future aren't going to pop out of nowhere, that the country needs to invest in energy, automation, agriculture and forestry.

"Our commitment to these kids is if they work hard and play by the rules, we're going to do our part to make sure that the economic growth is there so that there's a job for them when they finish that schooling," he said.

The students study health care, aerospace, agri-biotechnology and digital multimedia. Perriello the class shows how cutting edge programs can be in public schools.

We asked Perriello about his “yes” vote on health care. He says he voted for reform to help the people in his district.

Perriello says he knows everyone isn't going to agree on the issue, but he says he knows it's the right thing for people.

He says reform is crucial for putting money back into people's pockets by getting costs under control.

From: NBC29

Perriello Tours MESA at Albemarle High

Some Albemarle County students got a congressional visit Monday afternoon. Congressman Tom Perriello toured Albemarle County High School's new Math, Engineering and Science Academy (MESA).

Albemarle school leaders got to showcase their "school within a school", hoping to impress Congressman Tom Perriello.

The Math, Engineering and Science Academy is encouraging students to go the extra mile in all three fields. Inside the MESA classroom, a different kind of teaching is happening.

Jeff Prillaman, director of MESA said, "This is how kids learn, by being able to combine things together. It's not five separate classes. Math and science are one part of the whole big picture."

From: ABC 13

Groups Praise Perriello's Health Care Vote

Several Virginia groups are praising Congressman Tom Perriello for his vote in favor of healthcare reform. 

The Virginia Organizing Project and Health Care Reform for America Now thanked his staff outside of Perriello's Martinsville office Tuesday afternoon.

A few dozen were gathered outside, and many others showed their support by honking as they drove by. They praised Perriello for making a decision they say helps Virginia's working families and small business.

More than 20 people from every walk of life gathered outside the congressman's office.  Many held signs thanking Perriello for his vote and support of health care reform.

Supporters say his vote will give Virginians good health care at an affordable price and also the support of knowing they won't be denied coverage.

Terry Carter, who supports health care reform, said, "Insurance companies have to take them on with their pre-existing injuries and that's a huge, huge accomplish and that's a huge win for the many Americans without health care."

Perriello Supporter Jim White said, "Five years, 10 years from now, we'll be scrambling to find one of you to say that you voted against health care reform. I think this is going to rise right up there with Social Security and Medicare, and Civil Rights."

From: NBC29

Perriello Focuses On Veterans

Congressman Tom Perriello is trying to shift the focus of attention about what Washington is doing from healthcare to helping veterans. At issue is a new bill designed to help the men and women who served this country in the armed forces and now need help from the rest of us. 

Congressman Perriello says he's passionate about the men and women that serve our country. That's why he's written two bills to improve care for veterans. Last night his disabled veteran's bill passed in the house by a vote of 407 to zero. 

This cost of living adjustment act of 2010 gives veterans and their dependents more money.  These tax free payments go into effect at the end of the year.  Perriello says this bill will help more than 3 million veterans in Virginia alone.