General Assembly

Virginia Speaker of the House of Delegates Highlights Legislative Agenda at End of Session 2009

2009-03-02T06:38:00.001-08:00

Commonwealth of Virginia

Speaker's Office
Virginia House of Delegates

February 28, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org

Highlighting the achievements of House Republicans to deliver practical solutions to the issues of concern to Virginians struggling through tough economic times, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today underscored the positive results of the policy initiatives advanced by House Republicans accomplished during the legislative session. The House of Delegates today adjourned sine die, bringing an end to the “short” 2009 General Assembly Session.
“House Republicans understand that as citizens are hurting in the midst of this difficult economy, they expected their elected leaders to make the tough decisions that will help Virginia’s economy recover and regain prosperity,” noted Speaker Howell. “I’m pleased with the successful accomplishments of the strong reform agenda of House Republicans this session. On a wide range of issues, our positive proposals have received broad, bipartisan approval because they were based on sound principles and practical ideas.

“Creating jobs and helping spur economic recovery, protecting our most vulnerable citizens, ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and communities, reducing congestions on our roads and educating our children are all major components of the comprehensive package House Republicans developed and advanced through the legislative process this year. The breadth and depth of the proposals offered is reflected in the success that the vast majority of our bills achieved. Working in a bipartisan manner with members of both bodies, House Republicans have delivered significant and positive change.

“Before this session began, House Republicans displayed strong leadership. We advanced sensible reforms, announced efficiencies and transparency measures and laid out a vision of innovation and progress. Now at the end of session, we have built on those impressive efforts with an outstanding package of reforms. There is no doubt in my mind that Virginians will benefit from the legislative successes we have achieved.”

Below is a partial list of measures, supported by the House Republican Caucus and grouped by topic, that were approved by the House of Delegates and their final legislative outcome.

Economic Recovery, Jobs & Prosperity

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 90-8 Passed Senate 35-5
Expedites seven significant higher education capital projects worth over $230 million to start construction one year sooner in order to stimulate creation of 3,400 new jobs and advance higher learning opportunities.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 90-8 Passed Senate 35-5
Supports efforts to increase economic development and marketing efforts in Virginia by providing an additional $2.7 million for tourism to leverage millions in private sector investments and restoring $500,000 to the Economic Development Partnership.

HB 2575 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Extends by ten years the successful major business facility job tax credit and expedites the drawdown of those credits over the next two years to stimulate job creation.

HB 2550 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 92-0 Passed Senate 38-0
Provides innovative financing for large, job creating economic development projects that create over 400 new jobs and invest over $250 million in Virginia communities.

HB 2583 (Del. Merricks – Pittsylvania) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 38-1
Retains a portion of local government deposits in Virginia financial institutions, increasing their capital holdings by almost $400 million so they can reinvest in local jobs and stimulate the local credit market.

HB 2437 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 88-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Allows manufacturers' corporate income tax to be based on sales, phased in by 2013, helping Virginia remain competitive to retain and create some 9,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs.

HB 2056 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 96-0-1 Passed Senate 40-0
Provides economic grant incentives for workforce training programs and facilities to support an advanced workforce training program in Hampton Roads that creates 1,000 new jobs.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 90-8 Passed Senate 35-5
Provides $1.5 million for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support training programs for a major automotive supplier that will create 318 new jobs and invest $194 million in Virginia.

HB 1938 (Del. Peace – Hanover) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Increases to $2,000 the amount of the livable tax credit for Virginians purchasing a new home or retrofit an existing residency to improve accessibility.

HB 2262 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Strengthens the Attorney General’s enforcement authority under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act to go after predatory mortgage lenders using fraud and deception.

HB 2031 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Requires the licensure and registration of mortgage loan originators and establishes licensing procedures and criteria to ensure consumer protection.

HB 2132 (Del. Miller – Manassas) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Allows localities to cooperate with school divisions to offer residential housing assistance grants and other arrangements to provide affordable housing alternatives to teachers and other educational staff.

HB 2096 (Del. Orrock – Caroline) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Encourages charity organizations like Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing by allowing localities to waive building permit and other local fees.

HB 2354 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 99-0 Killed by Senate Committee
Allows for the temporary suspension of any mandate on a local government by a state agency if it would help alleviate the localities’ fiscal hardships.

HJ 647 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 98-1 Passed Senate 31-9
Increases the amount that can be appropriated to the Rainy Day Fund to strengthen Virginia’s ability to effectively weather future economic downturns.

HJ 640 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 56-43 Killed by Senate Committee
Protects Virginia’s Right-to-Work Statute in the Constitution so that Virginia remains the best place to do business during these tough economic times.

Government Reform & Transparency

HB 1634 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 78-14-3 Killed by Senate Committee
Closes the loophole on fundraising by elected officials while in legislative session in order to eliminate the influence of campaign contributions on the consideration and outcome of legislation.

HB 1883 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 98-0 Killed by Senate Committee
Strengthens the transparency and oversight of lobbyist registration by increasing reporting and reforming compliance procedures.

HB 1738 (Del. Purkey – Virginia Beach) Passed House 98-0 Killed by Senate Committee
Expands to two years the period for which a former legislators and executive branch official must wait until becoming a registered lobbyist, closing the revolving door.

HB 2463 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 95-3 Killed by Senate Committee
Creates an Efficiency Review Commission to systematically review every agency of state government to make certain that they are necessary and are performing their work efficiently and without redundancy.

HB 2285 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 38-0
Improves state spending transparency through Virginia’s searchable database website to include information on state revenues, appropriations and expenditures.

HB 2657 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 99-0 Killed by Senate Committee
Prohibits use of Commonwealth’s publicly owned Executive Mansion for partisan political fundraising.

Energy Independence & Alternative Resources

HB 2404 (Del. Bell – Albermarle) Passed House 98-0 Killed by Senate Committee
Creates VA Universities Clean Energy Development & Economic Stimulus Foundation to assist in identifying and administering development of alternative energy sources to create jobs and promote energy independence.

HB 2531 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 61-14 Passed Senate 37-1
Encourages energy conservation, primarily by businesses, by examining development of energy conservation and demand-response targets that can be accomplished by cost-effective demand-side management portfolios.

HB 2152 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Provides for relief from capacity charges that discourage renewable energy generation without increasing the cost of energy to the consumers.

HB 2175 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 90-7 Passed Senate 32-5-1
Breaks down barriers in the regulation process for completing small renewable energy projects so more projects can be built faster and at a lower cost, helping to reduce electric grid consumption.

HB 2172 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 97-2 Passed Senate 40-0
Streamlines the regulatory process for renewable energy generation projects so they can be connected more easily into the existing electrical grid for aid in addressing overall energy demand through the use of alternative energy resources.

HB 2371 (Del. Nutter – Montgomery) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Encourages consumer-driven choices for commercial costumers generating renewable power by providing real-time, dynamic energy rates so utilities can bring that renewable power into their overall grid to lower overall costs and satisfy demand.

HB 2268 (Del. Poindexter – Franklin) Passed House 96-0 Passed Senate 37-2
Expands the definition of renewable energy to encourage new alternative energy projects with greater use of organic, biomass sources to meet rising energy demand.

HB 1633 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 58-41 Killed by Senate Committee
Directs the royalties from exploration of domestic energy sources that will create local jobs to transportation improvements, Chesapeake Bay clean-up, renewable energy research and home energy assistance.

HB 2001 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Expands the eligibility of the Biofuels Production Incentive Grant Program to include advanced biofuels that are made from winter cover crops, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin oil, and algae.

HB 2002 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Encourages the production of sustainably produced biofuels made from traditional agricultural crops as part of Virginia’s comprehensive energy plan.

Health Care

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 90-8 Passed Senate 35-5
Restores the 200 MR Waiver slots cut by Governor Kaine in his budget amendments and funds an additional 200 slots in order to reduce the urgent waiting list for the MR Waiver program.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 88-11 Killed by Senate
Dedicates $1.5 million in additional funding for critical and cost-effective early intervention services for children with developmental delays, including children with autism and autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2024 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 95-1 Passed Senate 40-0
Reduces the number of uninsured Virginians by allowing small businesses that do not currently offer health insurance to their employees to offer plans with the choice of what mandates to cover.

HB 1598 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 96-0-2 Passed Senate 40-0
Revises the criteria for issuance of a Certificate of Public Need which will result in increased competition in the delivery of health care services, opening greater access to high quality care.

HB 2044 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 96-0-1 Passed Senate 40-0
Creates an advisory committee of health care and technology experts to assist in developing standards for health care information systems that reduce medical errors, reduce costs and save lives.

HB 2674 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 92-0
Sets out an aggressive goal of eliminating the urgent care waiting list for the home and community-based MR Waiver program that grows by one family within the next 10 years (by 2018-2020 biennium).

HB 2061 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Reforms process for placing juveniles in outpatient mental health treatment services and monitoring those cases.

HB 2557 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Applies any mandate imposed on small businesses to the state employee health insurance plan and requires information on cost and utilization of any proposed mandate.

K-12 & Higher Education

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 88-11 Killed by Senate
Lessens the possibility of schools having to layoff younger teachers and helps schools divisions better
manage their budgets by establishing a Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan.

HB 2464 (Del. Morgan – Gloucester) Passed House 98-0-1 Passed Senate 40-0
Continues and improves upon the 2005 landmark restructuring of Virginia’s higher education system

HB 1965 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 50-47 Killed by Senate Committee
Creates income tax credit for businesses that support public school scholarships for families that decide to send their students to the school of their choice, including services used for children with autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2104 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 59-39 Killed by Senate Committee
Provides a grant for families in Virginia with a child who has autism spectrum disorder to use at a private school if their child is demonstrating substantial unmet academic or development progress in a public school.

HB 2018 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 72-24 Killed in Senate Committee
Creates a permanent, perpetual School Construction Revolving Fund to better assist local school districts in financing construction and renovation. Leveraging innovative public-private financing and expertise will help build needed classrooms faster, at lower costs and in a more dynamic way.

HB 2304 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 97-2 Passed Senate 40-0
Maintains the one year period in which anyone aggrieved by a decision on special education program placement, eligibility or other matters made in a due process hearing may appeal to a circuit court.

HJ 678 (Del. Tata – Virginia Beach) Passed House 95-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Requests Virginia’s public higher education administration study methods to attract students to the Virginia Community College system for teacher preparation programs.

Transportation

HB 1579 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 67-31 Killed by Senate Committee
Increases transportation funding for Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and other regions of the Commonwealth by dedicating a portion of future growth in existing revenue sources so Virginia can reinvest in its roads, rail and transit, increase mobility and strengthen the flow of job-creating commerce.

HB 2066 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 68-29-1 Killed by Senate Committee
Improves the Public-Private Partnership Transportation Act by streamlining the regulatory process to increase the number of public-private projects that could be built faster and at a lower cost.

HB 2079 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 65-31-1 Killed by Senate
Expedites improvements and expansion of two transportation projects critical to Hampton Roads – the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension project and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

HB 2019 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 96-0 Passed Senate 39-0
Directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to designate corridors of statewide significance in the Statewide Transportation Plan and localities to include them in their comprehensive plans.

HJ 620 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 99-0 Killed by Senate
Locks-up from legislative raids the Transportation Trust Fund by an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia so money dedicated and supposed to go to transportation actually is used for transportation.

Environment

HB 2351 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 91-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Dedicates a portion of future surplus funds to the Natural Resources Commitment Fund and increases the share allocated from the Fund to the Agriculture Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program.

HB 2168 (Del. Abbitt – Appomattox) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Improves the ability to clean up Virginia’s waterways from storm-water nonpoint pollution through a nutrient offset program that allows compliance through offsets in the same tributary.

HB 2165 (Del. Lohr – Rockingham) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Streamlines the ability of Virginia farms to undertake small-scale conversions of renewable biomass from feedstock produced on the farm for energy production.

HB 2646 (Del. Poindexter – Franklin) Passed House 92-7 Passed Senate 40-0
Establishes a market based betterment loan program to address onsite sewage system or alternative discharging sewage systems in order to reduce threats to public health and ground and surface waters.

HB 2565 (Del. Knight – Virginia Beach) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Encourages localities to develop lease of development rights, transfer of development rights and agricultural and forestal district with assistance from the Office of Farmland Preservation.

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 90-8 Passed Senate 35-5
Protects children from online predators by appropriating $2.0 million to the Northern Virginia and Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

HB 2402 (Del. Bell – Albermarle) Passed House 99-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Combats identify theft in cases where people obtain money, loans and credit through the use of identifying information of another person.

HB 1868 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Increases permanently the penalty for underage drinking and driving to a Class I misdemeanor to deter reckless behavior by young people.

HB 2041 (Del. Iaquinto – Virginia Beach) Passed House 91-7 Killed by Senate Committee
Removes drunk drivers from Virginia roadways by requiring the instillation of an ignition interlock system so convicted drunk drivers will not put other law-abiding Virginians in harm’s way.

HB 1693 (Del. Albo – Fairfax) Passed House 98-0 Passed Senate 28-12
Strengthens Virginia’s DUI laws by requiring mandatory jail sentence when a blood alcohol test is
done at a hospital.

HB 2358 (Del. Gilbert – Shenandoah) Passed House 75-21 Passed Senate 24-13
Redefines the “triggerman rule” as it applies to capital murder cases to include accessories and principles in the second degree in cases dealing with terrorism and murder for hire.

HB 2638 (Del. Pogge – James City) Passed House 75-22 Passed 29-11
Expands the death penalty for those convicted of the murder of law-enforcement officers including auxiliary police officers and deputy sheriffs and fire marshals and assistant fire marshals.

Other Important Issues

HB 1732 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Develops and deploys an automated system for the electronic preparation of veterans’ disability claims (similar to “Turbo Vet”) so more of our veterans can receive their disability payments in a timely manner.

HB 1727 (Del. Cole – Spotsylvania) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 39-0
Establishes an interstate compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.

HB 1712 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 96-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Conforms Virginia’s absentee ballot laws to similar federal laws to make certain that all absentee ballots from active duty military personnel are counted.

HB 1877 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 96-0-1 Passed Senate 40-0
Allows law enforcement officers including firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders to vote by absentee ballot.

HB 2579 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 62-36 Killed by Senate Committee
Adds an ultrasound to the information given a woman considering an abortion under informed consent to give better assurance on the gestation age than the current approach of guessing.

HB 2634 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 64-34 Killed by Senate Committee
Requires that any person, who seeks an abortion past the first trimester, must allow their unborn child to receive anesthesia so that they do not feel the pain that is ending their lives.

HJ 648 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 97-0 Passed Senate 40-0
Amends the Virginia Constitution to allow for exemption from property taxes for disabled veterans.

HJ 725 (Del. Bell – Albermarle) Passed House 68-31 Killed by Senate Committee
Protects private property rights by amending the Virginia Constitution to narrowly define under what circumstances eminent domain powers can used for public use.

Please Note: This list is not intended to be a complete compilation of all Republican-sponsored legislation in the 2009 Session. Additional House Republican initiatives are included in the Conference Report for the Amendments to the 2008-2010 Biennial Budget (HB 1600).

For more details about any bill listed above, please contact the office of the delegate who patroned the measure or click on the bill number, which is linked to the General Assembly’s Legislative Information Service and provides more information on the legislative measures.

Virginia State Delegate Ken Melvin Announces Retirement

2009-02-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Virginia House Democratic Caucus

February 24, 2009

CONTACT: Claire Wilker, (804) 644-1966

Delegate Ken Melvin Announces Retirement

Portsmouth Lawmaker Concludes Distinguished Career

Today, Delegate Ken Melvin of Portsmouth announced that he would be retiring from the House of Delegates after 24 years of service. As one of the longest serving members of the House Courts of Justice Committee, Delegate Melvin has earned a reputation as an arduous defender of civil rights and a strong voice for the disadvantaged.

"Ken Melvin has one of the sharpest legal minds of anyone I've ever had the privilege to work with," said House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong. "He has devoted his career to the equal and fair distribution of the law, and this House will not be the same without him. I thank him for his service, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

"I have had the joy of working with Ken for over two decades," added Caucus Chairman Ken Plum. "He has served this body with honor and distinction, and we will dearly miss his perspective and innumerable contributions. The Commonwealth is a better place thanks to his work."

Delegate Ken Melvin was elected to the House of Delegates in 1985 and is a senior member of the House Finance, Courts of Justice, and Commerce and Labor Committees. The 80th House District encompasses parts of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Norfolk.

Virginia State Senator John C. Watkins on 2009 General Assembly Session

2009-02-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

John C. Watkins
10th District
Senate of Virginia

Contact: Lorraine Waddill, Legislative Assistant
(804) 698-7810

February 24, 2009

John Watkins Talks About Guns and REAL ID

As the 2009 session of Virginia’s General Assembly is approaching its close, I’d like to tell you about some of the issues that were in the headlines and of interest to a great number of the citizens of the 10th Senatorial District.

There were three primary pieces of firearms legislation, one of which I sponsored. SB 1166, which passed the Senate and was ultimately killed in a House subcommittee, would have done two things. It would have placed in statute a Freedom of Information exemption for information filed by firearms purchasers that is required in order for a background check to be performed. My bill would have retained the privacy of those forms and that information. Secondly, it raised the fee for the background check from $2 to $5 in state, and from $5 to $8 for out of state background checks.

This was a modest increase in a program that has not been increased since its inception back in 1989. Other background checks, i.e., to obtain a concealed weapons permit, permits for loan originator applications, and other business filings are considerably higher and usually run somewhere in the $30 to $50 range.

The number of background checks performed by the State Police has risen from roughly 40,000 in 1990 to 240,000 last year. This system has resulted in the apprehension of some 10,000 people who were trying to illegally purchase weapons here in Virginia. Without the additional funds, our State Police will be forced to reduce other public safety priorities to provide for the background checks needed for gun purchases.

The second piece of legislation was the “gun show loophole,” which was introduced by Senator Marsh. I voted against this legislation. I was concerned that the way the statute was drawn it could be broadened to prevent the ability of individuals to sell or barter a weapon with neighbors, friends or relatives. It also included all hunting weapons.

The third piece of legislation is still in debate at this time. This bill would require localities that come into possession of confiscated weapons to sell or auction these weapons. I think we should not put localities in the business of selling firearms. Localities should have the discretion to request proposals for the purchase of valuable weapons, but they should also have the discretion to destroy every day handguns, etc., that repeatedly are utilized in criminal activity. This legislation should be voted on in this final week of the legislature.

Another topic of high interest this session was the REAL ID Act, considered at this year’s session as Senate Bill 1431.

Federally mandated REAL ID has been an issue at the General Assembly over the last five years. This specific legislation would have mandated Virginia not to adhere to any of the regulatory structure of REAL ID. This requirement would thwart any attempt by the Commonwealth to establish legal identity mandated by state law six years ago because of the issues surrounding immigration. It would seem counterproductive to me to abandon the requirements for legal presence at this time.

As the federal regulations continue to proceed with the implementation of REAL ID, many of the practicalities of its implementation are moving the Department of Motor Vehicles in a preferred direction. The state will ultimately control the data bases that have the information on Virginia citizens. This is not unlike many license and registration systems that currently exist in Virginia with the State Corporation Commission and the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, as well as the Health Department.

With that in mind, I would indicate this legislation has been modified to protect much of the REAL ID information and to limit some of the types of information that are retained. Full implementation of REAL ID for individuals under 50 years of age will take place fairly soon. For those of us older than 50, it will be phased in later years.

The major hurdle that remains to be overcome is that the federal government is going to require a compliant system for identification in order for one to board an airplane, even for domestic flights, a ship and perhaps any form of mass transit in the future. I think it is important that we all keep in mind that one-third of the highjackers who attacked New York and Washington, DC on 9/11 had Virginia identification. We have had to make significant changes in order to avoid anything like that from ever happening again.

I voted in favor of SB 1431. It is now in the House of Delegates and will be voted on during this final week of the General Assembly.

To learn more about any other legislation of interest to you, please visit the General Assembly web site at: http://legis.state.va.us. As always, I value your opinions and suggestions, and invite you to call or write to me on issues of concern to you.

Speaker Bill Howell Encourages Swift Budget Negotiations & Resolution

2009-02-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org

– House Budget includes Funding to Accelerate Economic Recovery & Job Creation –

In the latest effort by House Republicans to assist in the economic recovery of Virginia, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued a statement encouraging House and Senate budget negotiators to act expeditiously to complete their work on amendments to Virginia’s current 2008-2010 state budget. Speaker Howell appointed the six House budget conferees three weeks ago and the House fulfilled their duty to pass a budget on time last week.

“At a time when Virginia’s families and businesses are concerned about their jobs and economic future, elected officials now in Richmond must be vigilant and ready to produce a fiscally responsible balanced state budget that addresses those concerns,” said Speaker Howell. “To fulfill the General Assembly’s obligation to all Virginians during this economic recession, it is imperative that budget negotiators not delay the hard work necessary to craft a reasonable and responsible state spending plan. Despite these difficult circumstances, I am optimistic that the conferees will be able to forge a compromise that balances the budget without earmarks, creates jobs and restores economic prosperity to Virginians by the scheduled adjournment of this Session on February 28.

“In a strong, bipartisan vote last week, the House passed amendments to the 2008-2010 budget that advanced a multitude of practical solutions to the challenges facing Virginians. I’m pleased that we were able to aggressively address the urgent care waiting list for the community based MR Waiver program, encourage increased tourism and the clean jobs that sector creates, bolster the services provided to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens with autism and autism spectrum disorder, and expedite capital projects at our public institutions of higher education to stimulate job creation and expand educational and economic opportunities. I regret that the budget amendments adopted by the State Senate did not make these critical issues a priority.

“It is important that budget conferees begin to address these and other important budgetary matters without delay and as soon as possible. Although House budget conferees have indicated that they are ready to begin meeting today, anytime tomorrow or Sunday afternoon, Senate budget conferees do not want to begin meeting for the first time until Sunday at 6:00 PM.

“Because I, like all Virginians, want to see the people’s business done not only thoughtfully but on time, I am hopeful that the Senate conferees will avoid any further delays and meet with their House counterparts to help resolve Virginia’s serious fiscal challenges before the end of next week.”

State Senator Creigh Deeds, D-25 (Candidate for Governor) on Redistricting Reform

2009-02-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Contact: Sen. Creigh Deeds
(804) 698-7525

February 19, 2009

With just nine days left in this legislative session, I presented nine of my Senate bills on Tuesday to my colleagues in the House of Delegates. One of my bills that came up in committee was my proposal for redistricting reform, which is near and dear to me. At an early morning hearing, I presented my Senate bill to take politics out of the drawing of legislative and congressional districts. Despite receiving unanimous support for my proposal in the Senate, four Republicans on the subcommittee defeated my proposal.

While I was disappointed with this outcome, the fight for bipartisan redistricting is not over. Government ultimately belongs to the people, not elected officials. Our broken redistricting process allows for legislators to protect their own interests by drawing districts that protect incumbents and political majorities. When I'm Governor, Virginia voters will be the ones to choose their elected officials instead of allowing legislators to choose their voters. I will create a bipartisan redistricting commission and use the veto and amendment process to create competitive congressional and legislative districts.

I mentioned last week that we are facing the largest budget shortfall in Virginia history. We have received both good news and bad news since I last wrote. Word came over the weekend that Virginia tax revenue fell by more than 15 percent during the month of January—the largest drop in more than ten years. Earlier this week, good news came our way when President Obama signed the federal stimulus package. Stimulus money will help us address the budget shortfall and will keep Virginia moving forward, especially the funding that will be set aside for investment in our transportation infrastructure.

The choices we face aren't getting any easier, but we are going to come out of this session with a balanced budget. During the budget process, I will continue to stand up for you in Richmond. I will fight to protect Virginia jobs, make health care more affordable, and keep our investment in education all across the Commonwealth.

I'm pleased to serve on the Privileges and Elections; Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Transportation; and, Courts of Justice Committees. If you ever have a question, comment or concern about bills before me in the General Assembly—whether you were tracking them on Richmond Sunlight or read about them in your local newspaper—please contact my legislative assistant Davis Walsh at (804) 698-7525 or at senatordeeds@embarqmail.com.

Very Truly Yours,

Creigh Deeds

P.S. There are only nine days left in this session. I want to hear from you.

Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus Makes Economic Recovery & Prosperity Initiatives Announcement

2009-02-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2009
Contact: Mike Hazlewood (804) 698-1093

Delegate Phil Hamilton Highlights General Assembly’s
Economic Recovery & Prosperity Initiatives

Delegate Phillip A. Hamilton (R-Newport News), vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, today addressed the House of Delegates regarding several of the economic recovery and prosperity initiatives passed during recent years by the Virginia General Assembly, including the current 2009 session.

Delegate Hamilton’s remarks to the House of Delegates are as follows:

“Even with President Obama signing the ‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’ yesterday in Denver, the economy continues to be the most pressing problem facing all levels of government.

“On Monday of this week, we learned that the Virginia budget was facing another projected $821 million revenue loss for the current 2008-2010 biennium. The good news was that this short term additional revenue from the federal government would more than likely mean that no more reductions would be needed in the state budget.

“While the federal plan provides short term revenue that backfills current state revenue reductions, the plan provides little evidence that it will actually stimulate the economy or create new private sector jobs for American workers.

“Too little money is returned to the taxpayers – the consumers who actually stimulate the economy through the purchase of goods and services – or to the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our economy by creating the private sector jobs that keep the American economic engine moving forward.

“Because this economic downturn has been predictable for the past several years, the Virginia General Assembly has passed several comprehensive economic growth and recovery initiatives that focus on improving the public infrastructure and creating incentives for job creation within the private sector.

“In 2007, the General Assembly passed legislation that provided for $3 billion in bonds over 10 years for transportation construction. The General Assembly also increased the vehicle registration fee, the per gallon diesel fuel tax, and dedicated one-third of the insurance premiums tax to Virginia’s Transportation Trust Fund. While there may be a need to do more, this additional revenue provides more funding to address improvements to Virginia’s transportation infrastructure.

“More specifically, this legislation provided significant funding to improve rail transportation from the ports in Hampton Roads to connections with the Heartland Corridor which is a major transportation artery for the transport of goods across America. This is another important component of the legislation that should work to stimulate growth and job creation in Virginia’s economy.

“In 2008, the Higher Education Bond package that the Virginia General Assembly passed provided $2.6 billion for capital projects on Virginia's colleges and universities and other state facilities.

“Legislation also passed that authorized up to $350.5 million in revenue producing capital projects at certain institutions of higher education.

“So far during the current 2009 General Assembly Session, the House and Senate have passed the Advanced Shipbuilding Performance Grants program.
“The House has passed legislation to extend the Major Business Facilities Job Tax Credit until 2020 and approved the Major Employment and Investment projects legislation that authorizes the Virginia Public Building Authority and the Virginia Resources Authority to finance economic development initiatives performed by state and local government entities.

“In each instance, all of these state initiatives provide a real incentive to private business and industry for high impact regional economic development projects in which the private entity makes a significant capital investment, creates hundreds of new, full-time jobs, and is expected to have a substantial direct economic impact on surrounding communities.

“In addition, the House budget included $3 million more to promote tourism, $12.5 million for detailed planning to accelerate five major capital projects on various public college campuses, and $1.5 million for workforce development.

“Rather than just talk about the need for an economic stimulus, the Virginia General Assembly has been proactive in creating an environment that clearly says that ‘Virginia is Open for Business.’

“Ranked as the 'best managed' state in the nation and the best place to raise and educate a child, our Commonwealth has a solid record for working to actually stimulate the Virginia economy without increasing government spending that does little more than create more public-sector jobs.

“As a right to work state with positive tax and regulatory policies, Virginia is poised to weather this economic downturn for both the short and long term benefit of the Commonwealth and the citizens we are proud to serve.”

Virginia House of Delegates Raised Over $6,400 for Komen Foundation for Cancer Research

2009-02-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Contact: Heidi Schlicher
(804) 698-1174
Virginia House of Delegates
February 16, 2009

Virginia House of Delegates Raise Over $6,400
for Komen Foundation for Cancer Research
Delegates, Staff, and Visitors raise donations for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
through Valentine’s Day Office Decorating Contest, Bake Sale and Auction

The Virginia House of Delegates has raised over $6,400 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Race for the Cure. On Thursday, February 12, 2009 delegates and staff decorated their offices for the annual Virginia House of Delegates Valentine’s Day Decorating Contest and asked employees and visitors to donate money to the office with the best decorations. “Each dollar acts as a vote,” said Sharon Crouch, director of the Virginia House of Delegates Information Systems. “No donation is too small and definitely not too big.”

All of the money raised will be donated to the Komen 5k Race for the Cure which takes place in May at Kanawa Plaza in downtown Richmond. Anna Hanback, House Human Resources Director and a breast cancer survivor, helped organize a bake sale and auction which raised nearly $5,000 alone. That’s a sizable increase from the $500 raised at the first such event six years ago. The total funds raised through the bake sale, auction and decorating contest will be donated under her Race for the Cure Team, “Anna’s Bananas.” “I am so touched by the generosity we have seen this year,” noted Ms. Hanback, who has been a breast cancer survivor for six years and was joined by another 40 survivors at this year's events. “I am so glad that we were able to raise money for this wonderful cause.”

Offices decorated included Delegate John Cosgrove, of Chesapeake, who sang “love songs” to individuals who donated money at his office. Also among those whose offices decorated was that of Delegate Joe Morrissey with the theme “Fightin’ Joe Fights for the Cure,” and included the old fashioned “Rockem’ Sockem’” games for contributors to play.

The 2009 contest winner, which raised the most money for office decorations, was the House Information Systems whose theme was “Go Green for Valentine’s Day – Love our Planet – Renew, Reuse, Recycle.” All of the decorations were made from recycled and reused materials including Target bags, candy wrappers, and toner packaging.

“I am pleased with the outpouring of support by the House of Delegates’ members, staff and guests for the ongoing efforts to find a cure to breast cancer,” remarked Virginia Speaker of the House William J. Howell. “In these tough financial times for Virginians, it is reassuring to see people digging deep and continuing to contribute hard earned dollars for worthwhile efforts, like the Komen Foundation for Cancer Research, to fight this terrible disease.”

Virginia Public Access Project Posts Most Recent List of House of Delegates Candidates

2009-02-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

Contact: David Poole
www.vpap.org
February 16, 2009

Updated House Candidate List

VPAP has posted the most recent list of Virginia House of Delegates candidates who have filed paperwork with State Board of Elections. These candidates' first campaign finance report will be due by April 15. The name in parenthesis is the name of the incumbent.

F. Seward Anderson, Jr. - House District 14 (D. Marshall)

John Bell - House District 13 (R. Marshall)

Kerry Bolognese - House District 41 (D. Marsden)

Gerald Burch - House District 55 (Hargrove)

Jason Call - House District 90 (A. Howell)

Barbara Comstock - House District 34 (M. Vanderhye)

Craig Ennis - House District 28 (W. Howell)

Olaf Gebhart, Jr. - House District 91 (T. Gear)

Thomas Greason - House District 32 (D. Poisson)

Patrick Hope - House District 47 (A. Eisenberg)

Alan Howze - House District 47 (A. Eisenberg)

James Hyland - House District 35 (S. Shannon)

Mark Jainchell - House District 27 (S. Nixon)

Edyth Frankel Kelleher - House District 35 (S. Shannon)

Esam S. Omeish - House District 35 (S. Shannon)

Dennis Parker - House District 27 (S. Nixon)

Christia Rey - House District 93 (P. Hamilton)

Peter Schmidt - House District 82 (B. Purkey)

Lionell Spruill, Jr. - House District 90 (A. Howell)

Andres Tobar - House District 47 (A. Eisenberg)

Luke Torian - House District 52 (J. Frederick)

Greg Werkeiser - House District 42 (D. Albo)

In addition, press reports indicated the following candidate has announced:

George Schwartz - House District 28 (W. Howell)

Virginia House of Delegates Democratic Caucus on Republicans' Record

2009-02-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

February 13, 2009

Contact: Claire Wilker, (352) 445-9000

House Republican Record of Accomplishment

~House Republicans Prove They Can Do Something Well - Kill Commonsense Bills~

Today the House Democratic Caucus released a list of bills introduced by Democratic members that failed to pass the Republican controlled House during the 2009 legislative session. Many of the listed bills were not passed out of committee and some received no hearing at all. It is the prerogative of Committee Chairmen to decide which bills the committee considers and which go unheard.

"The Republican majority in the House of Delegates reminds me of a black hole," said Democratic Caucus Chair Ken Plum, "Good bills go in, but they don't come out. This session Delegates from both parties have introduced a number of bills aimed at improving the lives of Virginians. Unfortunately, for the legislators with a 'D' next to their name, even the best bills seem to enter the 'Party of No' black hole, never to be seen again.

"As we begin the second half of the 2009 session, Democrats are going to continue to work for results for Virginia. I look forward to working with members of both caucuses to solve the problems we face as a Commonwealth, and I urge my Republican colleagues to put politics aside and work across the aisle to keep Virginia moving forward."

Below is a partial list of bills, grouped by category, proposed by members of the House Democratic Caucus that failed to pass the House:

CREATING JOBS AND INVESTING IN VIRGINIA

· HB2439 (Del. Poisson - Ashburn) would have offered tax incentives for businesses hiring honorably discharged veterans.

· HB2374 (Del. Englin - Alexandria) would have given an income tax credit to businesses that create jobs related to renewable alternative energies. Neither one was heard in committee.

· HJ742 (Del. Hall - Richmond) would have established a two year study to develop a strategic plan that aims to reduce the poverty rates, especially in those jurisdictions with rates above the state average.

· HJ727 (Del. Bouchard - Virginia Beach) would have investigated ways to combat homelessness among Virginia's veterans.

FIGHTING FOR MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES

· HB2588 (Del. Englin - Alexandria) would have eliminated the food tax and cut taxes for low income Virginians and small businesses.

· HB2196 (Del. Watts - Fairfax) would have granted an income tax deduction for certified nursing assistants and home health aides who provide Medicare-authorized home health or long-term care services to individuals in their homes. HB2512 (Del. Marsden - Fairfax) would have ensured that Virginia Military Family Relief Fund benefits would not be taxed.

· HB2195 (Del. Watts - Fairfax) would have given tax credits to families who care for a mentally or physically impaired relative.

· HB2343 (Del. Amundson - Fairfax) would have increased the tax credit to families that buy an accessible residence to accommodate a handicapped inhabitant.

· HB2522 (Del. Nichols - Woodbridge) would have allowed employers with fewer than 50 employees to participate in the state health insurance plan.

· HB1903 (Del. Armstrong - Martinsville) would have prevented Virginia merchants from charging unconscionable prices for necessary goods during a shortage.

· HB1997, HB1959 and HB1960 (Del. Bulova - Fairfax and Del. Mathieson - Virginia Beach) would have expanded access to Virginia's Line of Duty act and make sure that public safety employees and their families receive full benefits to cope with the sacrifices they've made for us.

PROTECTING HOMEOWNERS

· HB1093 (Del. Sickles - Fairfax) would have prohibited lenders from making a low document, no document, or stated document mortgage loan unless they verified a borrower's stated income.

· HB77 (Del. Toscano - Albemarle) would have expanded the recordation tax exemption for certain nonprofit providers of affordable housing.

STENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

· HB1606 (Del. Poisson - Ashburn) would have granted Virginia veterans who graduated at the top of their class automatic acceptance to in state colleges, was defeated in committee with an unrecorded vote.

· HB2295 (Del. Caputo - Fairfax) would have increased two year college transfer grants, was also left to languish in committee.

BROADENING ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT

· HB2496, HB2301, HB1620, HB1621, HB1894, HB2307; HB1988, HB2110, HB2113; HB1644 (Multiple Patrons) Yet again, the House Republican majority quickly disposed of legislation to expand access to absentee voting and create a nonpartisan redistricting process. Democrats proposed a variety of no excuse absentee voting and early voting measures in order to help assure that working men and women won't be disenfranchised and easy the workload of local registrars. All were defeated in subcommittee.

· HJ677, HJ623, HJ182, HJ628, HJ623 (Multiple Patrons) The GOP majority also squashed efforts to restore voting rights to former offenders who have paid their debt to society.

· HJ702, HB1793, HB1685 (Multiple Patrons) House Democrats patroned several measures to broaden input into the redistricting process through either bipartisan or nonpartisan means - ensuring that voters choose their representatives, not the other way around. Unfortunately, all were again defeated before so much as reaching the House floor.

· HJ668 (Del. Shannon - Vienna) would have directed the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the legislature and state agences and recommend money saving improvements,.

· HJ676 (Del. Armstrong - Martinsvile) would have directred JLARC to review the effectiveness of the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission in its efforts in meeting its strategic plans and goals. Since its inception, the tobacco commission has never been audited.

MEETING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

· HJ675, HJ704, HJ682, HB2387 (Multiple Patrons) The Republican majority defeated a variety of home energy and conservation measures this session, as well as further efforts to ensure new public buildings are as green as possible.

· HB2157 (Del. Toscano - Albemarle) would have required all biodiesel sold in Virginia to contain at least 2% biodiesel by 2011.

· HB2235 (Del. Shannon - Vienna) would have created a clean energy manufacturing grant program, in order to provide financial incentives to companies that manufacture or assemble equipment, systems, or products used to produce renewable energy, nuclear energy, or energy efficiency products.

· HJ682 (Del. Vanderhye - McLean) would have directed the Virginia Department of Taxation to recommend options for restructuring the residential electric consumption tax to promote energy efficiency while remaining revenue neutral.

Democrats Report House Republicans Pass Budget with $133 Million Shortfall

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009

Contact: Claire Wilker (352)445.9000

House Republicans Pass Budget with $133 Million Shortfall

~Balanced Budget Required by Virginia Constitution~

For the first time in its history, the House of Delegates voted yesterday for a budget requiring deficit spending, violating Virginia's Constitution. The deficit results from an amendment proposed by the Republican controlled House Appropriations Committee, Item 3-1.01 #3h, which proposes a transfer to the general fund of $149 million dollars from a supposed cash balance in the Department of Environmental Quality's Water Quality Improvement Fund.

According to the Commonwealth Accounting and Reporting System, the official system used to track all state expenditures, the Water Quality Improvement Fund balance as of Thursday, February 12th was $137,718,715.00. Bills for projects under this Fund continue to come in on a weekly basis. These projects are already under contract, under construction, and in many cases, nearing completion.

Between now and June 30th the Commonwealth will receive bills for an additional $121 million which it is contractually obligated to pay. The balance in the Water Quality Improvement Fund is expected to be a mere $16 million by June 30th.

"The budget passed by the House yesterday effectively has a $133 million dollar hole in it," said House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong. "Including this amendment and passing this budget is highly irresponsible deficit spending. Virginia takes pride in its long tradition of passing balanced budgets as required by our state Constitution. We don't need the practice of deficit spending coming across the Potomac into our Commonwealth."

The budget amendment authorizes the use of bonds to However, every single dollar of bond money has been committed by the Commonwealth in contracts for other projects.

The amendment also stipulates that the transfer to the General Fund will not be made if the Commonwealth receives federal funds from a federal stimulus package. However, based on reports from Washington, it appears that Virginia will only get about $81 million in clean water funding from the federal stimulus package. Even if this money could be used to back fill the raid on the Water Quality Improvement Fund, the budget would still be $68 million dollars short. In addition, federal restrictions prohibit federal stimulus funds from being used for projects already funded and under construction. Therefore, federal stimulus funds could not be used to plug the budget deficit.

Virginia Speaker of the House on Approval of Budget Amendments

2009-02-13T13:26:00.001-08:00

Speaker's Office
Virginia House of Delegates
February 12, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org

Statement of Speaker William J. Howell
– On Bipartisan House Approval of Amendments to the Current State Budget –

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement after the House of Delegates gave bipartisan approval – on vote of 88 to 11 – to approve House Bill 1600, Amendments to the current 2008-2010 Biennial Budget:
“Today, the House of Delegates fulfilled its responsibility to balance Virginia’s state spending blueprint by approving a package of fiscally sound amendments to Virginia’s already existing 2008-2010 Biennial Budget. The strong bipartisan support for this plan is testimony to the ability of Chairman Putney and all of the members of the House Appropriations Committee to come together and work cooperatively in doing the people’s business.

“The members of the House have not shrunken from their responsibility, choosing instead to face the difficult budgetary choices brought on by a challenging economic recession. While some might find it tempting to postpone these responsibilities in the hopes of more encouraging news or relief, Virginia’s Constitution and the procedures by which the General Assembly operates compel us to discharge our duties with prudence and pragmatism. The House has done just that, we have done our job and I regret that the Democratic led Senate chose a different course.

“By approving budget changes that protect core services while encouraging an expedited economic recovery, the House of Delegates has adopted a plan that will aid Virginia in hastening a more robust recovery. I congratulate them on their accomplishment and look forward to completing the process of amending the budget on schedule by adjournment of this 2009 Session on February 28.”

House of Delegates Republicans Highlight Midpoint Successes

2009-02-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth of Virginia

Virginia House of Delegates

February 11, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov
williamjhowell.org or vahousegop.com

House Republicans Highlight Success
of Legislative Agenda at Session Midpoint
– Priority Bills to Balance Budget, Boost Economy & Restore Prosperity Advance –

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and House Majority Caucus Chairman Samuel A. “Sam” Nixon, Jr. (R-Chesterfield) today highlighted the many legislative successes so far by members of the Republican Majority Caucus through the halfway point of the 2009 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. The announcement comes at the 2009 session’s midway mark, commonly referred to as “crossover.” By that date, which this year fell on February 10, each house must have acted on the bills filed by its respective members.

“During these trying economic times, Virginians rightly expected their elected state officials to advance practical solutions that will balance the budget without earmarks, hasten economic recovery and restore prosperity to Virginia’s ailing economy,” noted Howell. “House Republicans have delivered real results to the financial challenges citizens are facing. Our aggressive reform agenda sets forth a fiscally responsible approach to dealing with the kitchen-table concerns of Virginia families, businesses and taxpayers. Our strong majority caucus has developed new ideas, received support from Democrats and Independents and achieved House passage of scores of positive reforms.

“House Republicans successfully passed legislation to improve job creation, stimulate economic development, support educators, make higher education more affordable, ensure health insurance coverage for small businesses, ease congestion on Virginia’s transportation system and promote alternative energy development and conservation. Most of these bills garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, producing valuable momentum as these common-sense measures now go to be considered by the Senate of Virginia.”

“Offering practical solutions to Virginia’s challenges is a hallmark of House Republican leadership in the General Assembly,” said Chairman Nixon. “With our Commonwealth confronting the most difficult economic environment in decades, it is essential to build and expand upon our many accomplishments. Our individual legislative solutions, along with the House’s fiscally prudent action on amendments to the 2008-2010 biennial budget without raising taxes, displays the reasoned and comprehensive approach taken by House Republicans this year to help meet Virginia’s challenges. The overwhelming bipartisan support for many items on our agenda underscores the ability of Republicans to govern effectively and responded appropriately to the concerns of Virginians.”

Below is a partial list of measures advanced by the House Republican Caucus – grouped by topic – that the House of Delegates approved by the February 10 midpoint deadline of the 2009 Session.

Economic Recovery & Stimulus

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Expedites five significant higher education capital projects worth $230 million to start construction one year sooner in order to stimulate creation of 3,400 new jobs and advance higher learning opportunities.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Supports efforts to increase economic development and marketing efforts in Virginia by providing an additional $3 million for tourism to leverage $13.5 million in private sector investments, restoring $500,000 to the Economic Development Partnership, and increasing the deal-closing Governor’s Opportunity Fund.

HB 2575 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 99-0
Extends by 10 years the successful major business facility job tax credit and expedites the drawdown of those credits over the next two years to help stimulate much-needed job creation in the private sector.

HB 2550 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 99-0
Provides innovative financing for large, job-creating economic development projects that create over 400 new jobs and invest over $250 million in Virginia communities.

HB 2583 (Del. Merricks – Pittsylvania) Passed House 91-3-4
Retains a portion of state revenue holdings in Virginia financial institutions, increasing their capital holdings by almost $400 million so they can reinvest in local jobs and stimulate the local credit market.

HB 2437 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 99-0
Allows manufacturers' corporate income tax to be based on sales, phased in by 2013, thereby helping Virginia remain competitive to retain and create approximately 9,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs.

HB 2056 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 97-0-1
Provides economic grant incentives for workforce training programs and facilities to support an advanced workforce training program in Hampton Roads that creates 1,000 new jobs.

Economic Security & Prosperity

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Provides $1.5 million for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support training programs for a major automotive supplier that will create 318 new jobs and invest $194 million in Virginia.

HB 1938 (Del. Peace – Hanover) Passed House 99-0
Increases to $2,000 the amount of the livable tax credit for Virginians purchasing a new home or retrofitting an existing residency to improve accessibility.

HB 2262 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 99-0
Strengthens the Attorney General’s enforcement authority under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act to go after predatory mortgage lenders using fraud and deception.

HB 2031 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 98-0
Requires the licensure and registration of mortgage loan originators and establishes licensing procedures and criteria to ensure consumer protection.

HB 2132 (Del. J. Miller – Manassas) Passed House 99-0
Allows localities to cooperate with school divisions to offer residential housing assistance grants and other arrangements to provide affordable housing alternatives to teachers and other educational staff.

HB 2096 (Del. Orrock – Caroline) Passed House 98-0
Encourages charity organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, to build affordable housing by allowing localities to waive building permit and other local fees.

HB 2354 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 99-0
Allows for the temporary suspension of any mandate on a local government by a state agency if it would help alleviate the localities’ fiscal hardships.

HJ 647 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 98-1
Increases the amount that can be appropriated to the Rainy Day Fund to strengthen Virginia’s ability to effectively weather future economic downturns.

HJ 640 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 56-43
Protects in the State Constitution Virginia’s Right-to-Work status, a key cornerstone of why Virginia has been ranked #1 in the nation as the best place for business to do business.

Government Reform & Transparency

HB 1634 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 78-14-3
Closes the loophole on fundraising by elected officials while in legislative session in order to eliminate the influence of campaign contributions on the consideration and outcome of legislation.

HB 1883 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 98-0
Strengthens the transparency and oversight of lobbyist registration by increasing reporting and reforming compliance procedures.

HB 2463 (Del. O’Bannon - Henrico) Passed House 95-3
Creates an Efficiency Review Commission to systematically review every agency of state government to make certain that they are necessary and are performing their work efficiently and without redundancy.

HB 2285 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 99-0
Improves spending transparency through Virginia’s searchable database website to include more information on state revenues, appropriations and expenditures.

HB 2657 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 99-0
Prohibits the use of the Commonwealth’s publicly owned Executive Mansion for partisan political fundraising events.

Energy Independence & Alternative Resources

HB 2404 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 98-0
Creates the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation to assist in identifying and administering the development of alternative energy sources to create jobs and promote energy independence.

HB 2531 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 87-12
Encourages energy conservation, primarily by businesses, by examining the development of energy conservation and demand-response targets that can be accomplished through cost-effective demand-side management portfolios.

HB 2152 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0
Provides for relief from capacity charges that discourage renewable energy generation without increasing the cost of energy to consumers.

HB 2175 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 80-18
Breaks down barriers in the regulation process for completing small renewable energy projects so more projects can be built faster and at a lower cost, helping to reduce electric grid consumption.

HB 2172 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 97-2
Streamlines the regulatory process for renewable energy generation projects so they can be connected more easily into the existing electrical grid for aid in addressing overall energy demand through the use of alternative energy resources.

HB 2371 (Del. Nutter – Montgomery) Passed House 98-0-1
Encourages consumer-driven choices for commercial costumers generating renewable power by providing real-time, dynamic energy rates so utilities can bring that renewable power into their overall grid to lower overall costs and satisfy demand.

HB 2268 (Del. Poindexter – Franklin) Passed House 99-0
Expands the definition of renewable energy to encourage new alternative energy projects with greater use of organic, biomass sources to meet rising energy demand.

HB 1633 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 58-41
Directs the royalties from exploration of domestic energy sources that will create local jobs to transportation improvements, Chesapeake Bay clean-up, renewable energy research and home energy assistance.

HB 2001 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0
Expands the eligibility of the Biofuels Production Incentive Grant Program to include advanced biofuels that are made from winter cover crops, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin oil and algae.

HB 2002 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0
Encourages the production of sustainably produced biofuels made from traditional agricultural crops as part of Virginia’s comprehensive energy plan.

Health Care Reform

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Restores the 200 MR Waiver slots cut by Governor Kaine in his budget amendments and funds an additional 200 slots in order to reduce the urgent waiting list for the MR Waiver program.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Dedicates $1.5 million in additional funding for critical and cost-effective early intervention services for children with developmental delays, including children with autism and autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2024 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 99-0
Reduces the number of uninsured Virginians by allowing small businesses that do not currently offer health insurance to their employees to offer plans with the choice of what mandates to cover.

HB 1598 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 88-0-1
Revises the criteria for issuance of a Certificate of Public Need which will result in increased competition in the delivery of health care services, opening greater access to high quality care.

HB 2044 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 96-0-1
Creates an advisory committee of health care and technology experts to assist in developing standards for health care information systems that reduce medical errors, reduce costs and save lives.

HB 1853 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 99-0
Sets out an aggressive goal of eliminating the urgent care waiting list for the home and community-based MR Waiver program that grows by one family within the next 10 years (by 2018-2020 biennium).

HB 2061 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 99-0
Reforms the process for placing juveniles in outpatient mental health treatment services and monitoring those cases.

HB 2557 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 99-0
Applies any mandate that may be imposed on small businesses to the state employee health insurance plan and requires information on cost and utilization of any proposed mandate.

K-12 and Higher Education

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Expands access and creates more in-state Virginia students by providing $12.5 million for new enrollment at Virginia’s public institutions of higher education and setting aside 70% of those slots for Virginians.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Lessens the possibility of schools having to layoff younger teachers and helps schools divisions better manage their budgets by establishing a Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan.

HB 2464 (Del. Morgan – Gloucester) Passed House 98-0-1
Continues and improves upon the 2005 landmark restructuring of Virginia’s higher education system

HB 1965 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 50-47
Creates an income tax credit for businesses that support public school scholarships for families that decide to send their students to the school of their choice. Part of the qualifying education expenses covered by such scholarships would be services used for children with autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2104 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 59-39
Provides a grant for families in Virginia with a child who has autism spectrum disorder to use at a private school if their child is demonstrating substantial unmet academic or development progress in a public school.

HB 2018 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 72-24
Creates a permanent, perpetual School Construction Revolving Fund to better assist local school districts in financing construction and renovation. Leveraging innovative public-private financing and expertise will help build needed classrooms faster, at lower costs and in a more dynamic way.

HB 2304 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 98-0
Maintains the one-year period in which anyone aggrieved by a decision on special education program placement, eligibility or other matters made in a due process hearing may appeal to a circuit court. The State Board of Education has proposed decreasing the time-period to 90 days.

HJ 678 (Del. Tata – Virginia Beach) Passed House 95-0
Requests Virginia’s public higher education administration study methods to attract students to the Virginia Community College system for teacher preparation programs.

Transportation

HB 1579 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 67-31
Increases transportation funding for Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and other regions of the Commonwealth by dedicating a portion of future growth in existing revenue sources so Virginia can reinvest in its roads, rail and transit, increase mobility and strengthen the flow of job-creating commerce.

HB 2066 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 68-29-1
Improves the Public-Private Partnership Transportation Act by streamlining the regulatory process to increase the number of public-private projects that could be built faster and at a lower cost.

HB 2079 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 65-31-1
Expedites improvements and expansion of two transportation projects critical to Hampton Roads – the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension project and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

HB 2019 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0
Directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to designate corridors of statewide significance in the Statewide Transportation Plan and localities to include them in their comprehensive plans.

HJ 620 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 99-0
Locks-up from legislative raids the Transportation Trust Fund by an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia so money dedicated and supposed to go to transportation actually is used for transportation.

Environmental Stewardship

HB 2351 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 99-0
Dedicates a portion of future surplus funds to the Natural Resources Commitment Fund and increases the share allocated from the Fund to the Agriculture Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program.

HB 2168 (Del. Abbitt – Appomattox) Passed House 98-0
Improves the ability to clean up Virginia’s waterways from storm-water nonpoint pollution through a nutrient offset program that allows compliance through offsets in the same tributary.

HB 2165 (Del. Lohr – Rockingham) Passed House 98-0
Makes it easier for Virginia farmers to undertake small-scale conversions of renewable biomass from feedstock produced on the farm for energy production.

HB 2646 (Del. Poindexter - Franklin) Passed House 92-7
Establishes a market-based betterment loan program to address onsite sewage systems or alternative discharging sewage systems in order to reduce threats to public health as well as ground and surface waters.

HB 2565 (Del. Knight – Virginia Beach) Passed House 98-0
Encourages localities to develop lease of development rights, transfer of development rights and agricultural and forestal districts with assistance from the Office of Farmland Preservation.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12
Protects children from online predators by appropriating $1.0 million to the Northern Virginia and Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

HB 2402 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 99-0
Combats identify theft in cases where people obtain money, loans and credit through the use of identifying information of another person.

HB 1868 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 96-0
Increases permanently penalty for underage drinking and driving to a Class I misdemeanor to deter reckless behavior by young people.

HB 2041 (Del. Iaquinto – Virginia Beach) Passed House 91-7
Removes drunk drivers from Virginia roadways by requiring the instillation of an ignition interlock system so convicted drunk drivers will not put other law-abiding Virginians in harm’s way.

HB 1693 (Del. Albo – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0
Strengthens Virginia’s DUI laws by requiring mandatory jail sentence when a blood alcohol test is done at a hospital

HB 2358 (Del. Gilbert – Shenandoah) Passed House 73-25
Redefines the “triggerman rule” as it applies to capital murder cases to include accessories and principles in the second degree in cases dealing with terrorism and murder for hire.

HB 2638 (Del. Pogge – James City) Passed House 75-22
Expands the death penalty for those convicted of the murder of law-enforcement officers including auxiliary police officers and deputy sheriffs and fire marshals and assistant fire marshals.

Other Improvements to Virginia’s Quality of Life

HB 1732 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 97-0
Develops and deploys an automated system for the electronic preparation of veterans’ disability claims (similar to “Turbo Vet”) so more of our veterans can receive their disability payments in a timely manner.

HB 1727 (Del. Cole – Spotsylvania) Passed House 99-0
Establishes an interstate compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.

HB 1712 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 98-0
Conforms Virginia’s absentee ballot laws to similar federal laws to make certain that all absentee ballots from active duty military personnel are counted.

HB 1877 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 97-0-1
Allows law enforcement officers including firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders to vote by absentee ballot.

HB 2579 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 62-36
Adds an ultrasound to the information given a woman considering an abortion under informed consent to give better assurance on the gestation age than the current approach of guessing.

HB 2634 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 64-34
Requires that any person, who seeks an abortion past the first trimester, must allow their unborn child to receive anesthesia so that they do not feel the pain that is ending their lives.

HJ 648 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 97-0
Amends the Virginia Constitution to allow for exemption from property taxes for disabled veterans.

HJ 725 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 68-31
Protects private property rights by amending the Virginia Constitution to narrowly define under what circumstances eminent domain powers can used for public use.

Note: This list is not intended to be a complete compilation of all House Republican-sponsored legislation in the 2009 Session. For more details about a bill listed above, please contact the office of the delegate who patroned the measure or click on the bill number, which is linked to the General Assembly’s Legislative Information Service and provides complete information on all measures.

Virginia State House Republicans Approve Comprehensive Alternative Energy & Conservation Package

2009-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth of Virginia

Virginia House of Delegates

February 10, 2009

Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or
williamjhowell.org or vahousegop.com

- Renewable Sources Promoted without Raising Consumer Rates or Business Costs -

- Legislation to Reduce Consumption, Improve Efficiency Receive Bipartisan Endorsement -

In the latest announcement by House Republicans of practical solutions to improve the economic climate in the Commonwealth, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegates Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott), Clarke N. Hogan (R-Halifax) and John A. Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) today applauded the final approval of a comprehensive package of legislation that will promote energy conservation and efficiency as well as the development and delivery of alternative energy sources.

The full House passed energy bills put forth by Republicans and Democrats, whose highlights include:

· Helping Virginia conserve 10% or more of its electricity consumption in future years and keep prices competitive through reduced demand and improved efficiency;

· Creating new jobs by breaking down barriers in order to encourage fiscally responsible alternative energy generation;

· Supporting the development of new renewable energy projects across Virginia to ease reliance on foreign oil and other energy sources; and

· Helping to keep energy costs to consumers low without adding business regulations and mandates.

"Encouraging the cost effective development and responsible production of economically viable alternative energy resources in Virginia will help secure our energy independence and reduce our reliance on foreign oil to meet our energy needs,” noted Speaker Howell. “The series of commonsense measures successfully advanced by House Republicans this Session will help address Virginia’s demand for increased energy production in an environmentally sensitive manner. This sensible package of reforms, including partnering with our fine public institutions of higher education and the Tobacco Commission, will create critical new jobs in the alternative energy arena that will make significant progress in alleviating Virginia’s energy needs."

House Bill 2404, patroned by Delegate Bell, creates the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation to assist in identifying and administering the development of alternative energy sources to create jobs and promote energy independence. Many of Virginia’s colleges and universities already are pioneering work on alternative energy and will be key partners with the Foundation, along with others. Likewise, private sector experts will be involved in determining the economic impact of individual projects and provide insight into creating a comprehensive alternative energy research and development program for the Commonwealth.

House Bill 2531, patroned by Delegate Kilgore, establishes a meaningful and measurable energy conservation and demand-side management program under the careful direction of the State Corporation Commission. These programs aimed at reducing energy consumption by electricity consumers would be cost effective for the producers while protecting rate payers across Virginia. The legislation does not employ mandates and burdensome regulations that tie the hands of businesses to achieve the same positive results as will occur under this bill.

“With the growing understanding of Virginians for the need to conserve energy use, House Republicans have taken a responsible approach to ensure continued progress in reducing demand,” said Delegate Kilgore, Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee. “My bill recognizes that the private sector has the ability to create innovative products and services to help all consumers conserve. And, the legislation is able to protect consumers from being harmed through increases energy costs during this economic downturn.”

Several bills, including House Bill 2172, House Bill 2175, House Bill 2268, House Bill 2152 and House Bill 2371, break down barriers that currently exist to developing renewable energy projects in Virginia. House Bill 2172 would make it easier for renewable energy projects to connect into the electrical grid in order to share energy resources with Virginia consumers. House Bill 2175 would provide a programmatic incentive for small renewable energy production by streamlining the permitting process. House Bill 2268, patroned by Delegate Charles D. Poindexter (R-Franklin), expands the definition of renewable energy to encourage new alternative energy projects with greater use of organic, biomass sources to meet rising energy demand. House Bill 2152, patroned by Thomas D. Rust (R-Fairfax), provides for relief from capacity charges that discourage renewable generation. House Bill 2371, patroned by Delegate David A. Nutter (R-Montgomery), promotes the use of renewable energy through the development of dynamic rates for larger, nonresidential customers who use the output from a renewable generation facility.

“Virginia has an abundance of natural resources that can be used to develop environmentally-friendly energy and improve our economic situation,” said Delegate Hogan, patron of House Bills 2172 and 2175. “It makes good business sense for the Commonwealth to reduce the burdens of those seeking to produce renewable energy and supply that valuable commodity into the marketplace. These bills foster an improved business climate so the use of innovative alternative energy sources continues, expands and creates new jobs.”

House Bills 2001 and 2002, patroned by Delegate Cosgrove, encourage the use of biofuels as part of Virginia’s overall approach to delivering energy. House Bill 2001 expands the Biofuels Production Incentive Grant Program to include advanced biofuels derived from renewable biomass or algae. House Bill 2002 recognizes and encourages the reliance on sustainably produced biofuels made from traditional agricultural crops and supports the delivery infrastructure needed for statewide distribution of these advanced biofuels to Virginia consumers.

“Expanding the feedstocks used to produce biofuels in Virginia will improve the comprehensive approach we have taken in delivering alternative energy to our citizens and businesses,” remarked Delegate Cosgrove. “Using sustainable sources grown and found in Virginia helps create local jobs in this cutting-edge field. Providing incentives to harness these natural resources stimulates innovation and economic development.”

House Bill 1633, patroned by Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) dedicates royalties from the from exploration of domestic energy sources that will create local jobs to transportation improvements, Chesapeake Bay cleanup, renewable energy research and home energy assistance.

House of Delegates Republicans Advance Economic Growth Transportation Funding Plan

2009-02-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Contact: G. Paul Nardo
(804) 698-1228
gpnardo@house.gov

February 10, 2009

Recognizing the importance of improving Virginia’s transportation system to help stimulate economic recovery and restore economic prosperity across the Commonwealth, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegates G. Glenn Oder (R-Newport News), David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) and Delegate Phillip A. Hamilton (R-Newport News) today detailed an innovative, reform oriented, and economic growth drive transportation package that will create jobs, ease congestion and improve safety without raising taxes. The House today gave preliminary approval to the funding and reform package, with a final vote expected tomorrow.

Highlights of the 2009 House Republican Transportation package include that it:

Accelerates the issuing of $570 billion in funding authorized by the Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform Act of 2007;

Increases future transportation funding for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads by dedicating a portion of growth in existing revenue sources;

Improves the Public Private Transportation Act of 1995, providing a streamlined process to expedite eligible projects, including the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel; and

Constitutionally secures the Transportation Trust Fund.

Major provisions of the legislative package are included in House Bill 1579 that expands a similar plan approved by the House of Delegates during last year’s special session on transportation. Other key components of this year’s transportation package are House Bill 2066, House Bill 2079, and House Joint Resolution 620.

“In proposing this practical solution to the transportation challenges of Virginia’s most congested regions, House Republicans are again demonstrating their commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure,” said Speaker Howell. “Combined with the ability to issue $570 million in bonds authorized as part of the $3 billion package I patroned in 2007, this package positions Virginia to make significant progress in delivering a 21st century network of roads, rail and transit. This transportation infrastructure funding plan, in partnership with efforts on the federal level and through the private sector, will stimulate our economy, create jobs and enhance mobility across the Commonwealth."

In 2007, the General Assembly passed and Governor Kaine signed Speaker Howell’s House Bill 3202, which dedicated new and existing revenue for statewide transportation needs, implemented overdue VDOT reforms, granted expanded tools for localities to combat sprawl and, for the first time, tied land use and transportation decisions. Part of that landmark legislation authorized the issuance of $3 billion in bonds to highway, rail and transit projects. With the successful resolution of legal challenges and the conclusion of prior debt obligations, the first issuance of $570 million is on schedule to be released during fiscal year 2010 which begins July 1, 2009. The infusion of these funds will jumpstart transportation projects across Virginia, improving transportation and providing economic stimulus.

House Bill 1579, patroned by Delegate Oder, dedicates a portion of future revenue growth from economic activity in regions of the Commonwealth with major import and export activity to regional transportation projects. Specifically, the plan calls for:

30% of future growth from the corporate and individual income taxes and sales and use tax in Planning District 8 to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to fund important regional road, rail and transit projects. The plan allows for the generation of up to $600 million annually in new funding for regional transportation initiatives.

30% of future growth from revenues generated by the economic engine of the ports in Hampton Roads for local and regional projects determined by the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization. The plan allows for the generation of up to $300 million annually in new funding for regional transportation items.

30% of future growth from revenues generated by existing and future ports in Front Royal, Richmond and Ellison. The plan allows for the generation of up to $50 million annually for Staunton, Richmond, and Salem VDOT Districts, respectively, for transportation projects selected by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

“Like businesses, Virginia needs to prudently reinvest in capital infrastructure projects to ensure long term economic growth,” noted Delegate Oder, vice chair of the House Transportation Committee and patron of House Joint Resolution 620 to lock up the Transportation Trust Fund from raids for non-transportation purposes. “House Republicans are offering the only solution this session that utilizes this responsible approach to addressing our transportation challenges. As our economic engines in the Commonwealth expand and grow, as we anticipate with our ports and business activity, our most congested regions should be able to capture a portion of that future revenue to build the infrastructure necessary to sustain and maximize ongoing economic prosperity. And, Virginians should be confident that funds intended for transportation improvements are exclusively reserved for that purpose.”

“Our plan allows areas like mine in Northern Virginia to keep a piece of the money generated here to stay here to help solve our transportation problems,” remarked Delegate Albo, a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. “Families in my district are stuck in traffic every day and business cannot move goods and services in a timely manner. This plan would directly address those issues by reducing congestion, increasing safety, and creating jobs. I am hopeful that all delegates and senators representing congested regions and beyond will vote for this commonsense transportation solution that allows us to reinvest in our infrastructure.”

Delegate Hamilton’s legislation, House Bill 2066, streamlines and improves the provisions of the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995. The bill would result in an increased number of opportunities for public-private transportation projects in Virginia as well as hasten the process of bringing those projects to fruition. Delegate Hamilton’s bill and Delegate Oder’s House Bill 2079 include provisions to expedite improvements and expansion of two projects critical to Hampton Roads, the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension project and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

“House Republicans understand the need for practical and viable solutions to address Virginia's transportation problems,” concluded Delegate Hamilton. “Utilizing future tax revenues generated from economic growth, improving efficiencies that encourage public-private partnerships, and protecting transportation funding for transportation only uses are common sense initiatives that distinguish us from the failed tax and spend and inefficient policies of the past."

Virginia's Speaker of the House Howell on Budget Amendments

2009-02-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND

February 8, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org

Statement of Speaker William J. Howell
– On House Budget Amendments' Unanimous Approval by House Appropriations Committee –

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan and unanimous vote of 24-0 to to approve House Bill 1600, Amendments to the current 2008-2010 Biennial Budget:

“The ongoing economic downturn presented members of the House Appropriations Committee with serious challenges and difficult choices. Chairman Putney and the members of his committee, on a bipartisan basis, have responded with a responsible, pragmatic and fiscally sound package of amendments to the existing state budget.

“Our number one goal for the Commonwealth right now is balancing the budget without any earmarks, protecting core services to the extent possible and enacting policies that hasten job creation and economic recovery. The House budget includes a number of key initiatives to help meet that goal:

· $65 Million Economic Contingency Fund: Because our economy continues to struggle and another downward revision by the Governor of state revenues is imminent later this month, our spending blueprint wisely sets aside $65 million in a reserve fund for the current fiscal year 2009 in case things get worse.

· Job Creating Capital Building Projects: Our budget accelerates the timeline on five capital projects for Virginia’s public colleges and universities worth $230 million in construction value by leveraging $12.2 million to help create an estimated 3,400 new jobs and advance higher learning opportunities.

· Tourism & Marketing: Recognizing the importance of tourism to Virginia’s economy, our budget provides an additional $3 million in funding to help enhance the vitality of this key component of our economy. We also restore $500,000 to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to help them market Virginia’s #1 ranking in the country as the best place for business to do business.

“Considering the strict restraints on revenues, the Committee has done an exceptional job producing a plan with benefits for primary, secondary and higher education which provide vital skills and learning for Virginia’s workforce:

· Higher Education: In today’s economy, a college degree is more important than ever for success. Governor Kaine cut higher education severely, but House budget writers have been able to restore $50 million. And, we structured $12.5 million for enrollment growth to make possible additional seats for more deserving in-state Virginia students who want to attend our excellent colleges, universities and community colleges.

· K-12 Education: Our budget’s Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan provides local school divisions with a tool that will retain quality in the classroom, lessen the possibility of having to layoff younger teachers and other support employees and help Virginia’s schools better manage their budgets.

“Some of the best news in the budget proposal by the House Appropriations Committee is their decision to reaffirm and strengthen Virginia’s commitment to mental health care:

· 400 More MR Waivers: By not only restoring the 200 Mental Retardation (MR) waiver slots that the Governor proposed to cut, but also increasing by another 200 the number of MR waivers available in 2010, the $18,6 million in state and federal funding in our budget demonstrates clearly our strong desire to adhere to the state’s responsibilities to Virginians who must cope with the daunting challenge of having a family member who is intellectually or developmentally disabled. As House Republicans have done for several years now, we are making it a budget priority to fund and strengthen the MR Waiver program, which is a home and community based program that funds services to help individuals with intellectual disability remain in the community and avoid institutional care.

· Funding for Autism: Our budget also provides $1.5 million for early intervention services for developmentally delayed children, including those with autism and autism spectrum disorders.

“The Appropriations Committee also has made it clear that the House intends to keep its commitment to public safety:

· Sheriffs and Commonwealth’s Attorneys: Eschewing Governor Kaine’s risky scheme to provide early release for certain felons was an obvious and necessary change that the House budget makes. I’m also pleased that House budget writers were able to offset a portion of the Kaine Administration’s proposed cuts by restoring over $9 million to sheriffs and commonwealth’s attorneys, all of whom are on the front lines in the battle to keep Virginia’s families, neighborhoods and businesses safe.

“By providing Virginia with budget changes that protect core services while encouraging an expedited recovery, Chairman Putney and the members of the House Appropriations Committee have served the Commonwealth and their fellow delegates very well under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I congratulate them on their accomplishment and look forward to the passage of House Bill 1600 by the full House later this week.”

Delegate Lacey Putney Announces State Budget Amendments

2009-02-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth of Virginia

Appropriations Committee
Virginia House of Delegates

February 8, 2009
Contact: Robert P. Vaughn (804) 698-1590

Statement of Chairman Lacey E. Putney
-- on State Budget Amendments Unveiled by House Appropriations Committee --

The House Appropriations Committee today announced their amendments to House Bill 1600, the state budget for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Committee Chairman Lacey E. Putney (I-Bedford) gaveled the meeting to order at 2:00 PM and made an opening statement. Once the various subcommittees report on their recommendations, the full committee will debate and vote on HB 1600. Later today, additional information about the budget to be approved by the House Appropriations Committee will be available on the committee's website -- http://hac.state.va.us/

The opening statement by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Putney follows:

"Good afternoon. Today we meet to consider amendments to House Bill 1600, which is the current 2008-2010 biennial budget.

"As every member of the committee knows, crafting amendments to the biennial budget of the Commonwealth of Virginia is no easy task, and one that I know this committee undertakes earnestly with the best interests of Virginians in mind.

"This year represents my 47th Session in the General Assembly. In all of my years as a member of the House and of the Appropriations Committee, I must say this has been one of the most challenging times.

"The US economy continues to struggle, with each week comes news that another economic indicator is showing weakness at levels, in some cases, not seen in 50 years.

"Back in November at our committee retreat, I noted that although Virginia typically out performs the US economy it’s not immune from the nation’s problems and, that perhaps the reason we had yet to see significant job loss may very well be that Virginia simply is lagging and the effects of the recession may be more of a timing issue, with our decline still to come.

"Not wanting to qualify as a prophet, but, Virginia’s economy is beginning to see acceleration in job losses. Since the Governor presented his updated forecast in December, over 5,000 jobs have been lost, including the bankruptcy of Circuit City, the closing down of Qimonda here in the Richmond area, and another round of layoffs at Volvo truck in Southwest Virginia.

"Now, seven weeks after the introduction of the budget, we are ready to report out the committee’s recommendations. As in previous sessions, the committee’s budget reflects the fiscal priorities of the House. However, unlike most sessions, this budget, to use a sports metaphor, is a “half-time” budget.

"From all indications, the Governor will be recommending another reduction in general fund revenues, the amount we do not know yet. Quarterly estimated payments due in January were considerably weaker than the forecast. Likewise, sales tax collections remain soft and payroll withholding, which had been out performing the forecast, is beginning to reflect the growing job losses.

"While we will not get an updated forecast until the 16th of February, the committee budget anticipates a downward revision and sets aside $65.0 million in a revenue reserve fund in fiscal year 2009. I hope this, along with the federal stimulus dollars, will allow the conferees to balance the budget and avoid deeper reductions.

"However, even in times of economic downturn, I believe it is imperative that we remain true to our core responsibilities of state government, which is to protect the public safety of our citizens; to promote access and affordability in higher education; to promote and support a strong system of public education; to ensure the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens; and, to promote Virginia as the best state for attracting business and creating jobs. I believe the committee recommendations reflect these priorities.

"As with any budget proposed by a Governor, there will be many items with which the legislature concurs. This year, for example, we recognize that the Governor had to make some very difficult funding decisions that impact public education.

"We agree that protecting the classroom is our first priority. While we cannot mitigate his proposed funding reductions, we believe that we can provide help to school divisions in two ways. First, the Commonwealth provides over $500 million each year in funding for programs that are not part of the Standards of Quality basic aid. It is our belief that we can reduce the burden on school divisions by waiving the local required funding match for the programs within the Lottery Proceeds Fund and the purchase of textbooks.

"Second is Delegate Cox’s proposal to give our school boards the ability to offer an enhanced retirement incentive plan. This option would provide those school divisions, which voluntarily elect to participate, the ability to better manage their personnel needs and staffing requirements while they balance their budgets.

"The concept of this proposal is modeled after a provision in the state’s Workforce Transition Act, whereby the state, on behalf of eligible state employees, can purchase additional retirement service credit, thus allowing them to retire with additional years of service and without penalty.

"By enacting this legislation this Session, I believe it will lessen the possibility of having to layoff younger teachers and other school division employees, as well as help our schools better manage their budgets in these extraordinary economic times.

"In health and human resource spending, we have a waiting list of families in need of services through our MR Waiver program. This list grows by 1 family each day. In order to ensure the waiting list does not grow beyond its current level, the committee recommends the restoration of 200 slots eliminated in the Governor’s proposal and an additional 200 slots to restrain this growth.

"In the area of higher education, our recommendations will reduce the proposed cuts, resulting in what I hope will be a smaller increase in tuition charges to Virginia families. Also, we will provide funding for additional seats to meet enrollment growth for in state Virginia students.

"In the area of public safety, while we agree that we need to explore less costly options to the incarceration of individuals in our jails and prisons, I believe we need to approach this cautiously. Therefore, we propose to work with the Senate to examine our long term options for meeting our obligations for local and regional jail construction and operating costs.

"We should not compromise public safety for the sake of saving a few dollars, because the cost of doing so may be greater than the cost savings. As such, we will restore over $9.0 million in funding for our Sheriffs’ Offices and Commonwealth Attorneys.

"In the area of economic development, I recall back during the 1990’s recession there were steep reductions in our economic development efforts. In hindsight this strategy was penny wise and pound foolish. There is no doubt that Virginia is the best state in which to do business. We have a great brand name as evident by the recent announcement of the relocation of the headquarters for Hilton Hotels to Virginia. This announcement builds on our successes in Newport News with regard to Cannon USA, Areva/Northrop Grumman and Continental AG.

"However, we cannot rest on our laurels. Closing down our Visitor Centers, reducing funding for tourism advertising and promotion, and severely reducing business development marketing dollars does not signal that 'Virginia is Open for Business.' Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

"By providing $3.0 million in advertising and promotion dollars for the [Virginia] Tourism Corporation, we can leverage about 5 to 1 with our private partners. Quite simply, tourists generate instant revenue without the need for classroom and other costly services.

"Likewise, by restoring 50 percent of the cuts to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership I believe we can aggressively market Virginia’s strengths as the best place to locate and expand businesses.

"Finally, I want to comment on our state employees. Clearly, with budget cuts and fewer employees, the need to be creative and more productive is paramount to our maintaining the title “the best managed state.” I believe when times get better, we have an obligation to restore pay raises. However, I don’t believe that in a time of no pay raises we should cut employee health care and long term care benefits. I appreciate the hard work of our “newbie” Subcommittee Chairman Clarke Hogan for restoring these benefits.

"Finally, as I indicated at the beginning of my remarks, I am pleased that our budget recommendations includes a reserve fund of $65.0 million that will serve as a 'beachhead' to what I’m afraid will be further adjustments to our general fund revenues.

"In closing, the budget recommendations that follow will clearly and strategically focus our resources on keeping our promises to fund the core services of government. I believe, quite frankly, that the work of the subcommittees has achieved my goal and I thank you all for your efforts. I would also like to thank our outstanding professional staff for their hard work and devotion to sound fiscal management. I also want to express my deep appreciation to all 10 of our subcommittee chairman and chairwomen for their tireless hours each week that now brings us here today.

"Now, I would like to receive the reports of the subcommittees, beginning with Delegate Hamilton, Chairman of the Health and Human Resources Subcommittee.

Speaker of the House Howell on Smoking in Restaurants Compromise

2009-02-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org
February 5, 2009

Statement of House Speaker William J. Howell
-- Bipartisan Compromise on Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants, with Exceptions --

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), joined by Governor Timothy M. Kaine and key Democratic and Republican leaders in the Virginia General Assembly, today announced a reasonable compromise on prohibiting smoking in restaurants with certain key exceptions. The legislation would prohibit smoking in restaurants throughout Virginia, allowing several exceptions. The exceptions include restaurants with a designated smoking room that is physically separated and independently ventilated from non-smoking dining areas, any permanent outdoor patio area of a restaurant, any portion of a restaurant that is used exclusively for private functions, any private club as well as streetside “hotdog” stands and other mobile points of food service.

Today’s announcement comes after Speaker Howell and other House Republican leaders reached out to Governor Kaine because they thought a reasonable compromise on prohibiting smoking in restaurants with certain exceptions was possible.

The bipartisan legislation will be carried by a Democrat in the Senate and a Republican in the House. The compromise bills will be considered this afternoon in the House General Laws Committee.

Speaker Howell’s remarks at today’s bipartisan and bi-cameral news conference follow:

“Good morning. I’m pleased to be here today and join in announcing a reasonable compromise on an issue important to Virginians.

“House Republicans have worked to find common ground with this Governor, whenever and wherever we can, for the good of our Commonwealth and those we represent.

“We are working cooperatively to resolve the current $3 billion budget shortfall in a fiscally responsible manner.

“We have worked across party lines to combat sprawl and meaningfully address land use and transportation issues through House Bill 3202 in 2007.

“We continue putting partisanship aside to safeguard our environment by pledging $500 million to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and expanding innovative financing options for land conservation and preservation.

“We came together to protect private property rights to limit the power of governments using eminent domain authority.

“Of course, there are other examples, too.

“Now, we have a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on smoking in restaurants. It has been a thorny issue for a long time. But by listening to one another, and by reaching out to others with differing views, we have made real progress on this matter.

“When it comes to governing and legislating, timing is everything.

“Several years ago, Governor Kaine initiated efforts to completely ban smoking in restaurants. I know it is an issue that he cares about. And, because I understand how strongly he and others feel about smoking in restaurants, I thank Governor Kaine and his allies for being flexible, which has enabled us to reach today’s compromise.

“In 1990, through the Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act, the Governor and General Assembly prohibited smoking in several public places. That legislation passed the Senate of Virginia on a 33-7 vote and the House passed it 92-5 with my support. We later established designated “no smoking” sections in restaurants.

“The smoking in restaurants compromise we are announcing today is a logical extension of these earlier efforts, while also including a number of important and reasonable exceptions.

“In crafting this legislation, everyone has given something.

“The compromise strikes a fair balance between the rights of smokers who choose to enjoy a legal product and the rights of other individuals who want to enjoy a smoke-free environment when eating at a restaurant.

“This is the kind of balanced approach to resolving a tough issue that Virginians like to see their elected leaders seek to achieve. Also, it is a good example of bipartisan cooperation that people want.

“Of course, the Governor and I – like Democrats and Republicans in both chambers – do not agree on everything.

“But there are some times – on some issues – where opportunities for cooperation and compromise are possible. Where state leaders can find and share such common ground, we should.

“That’s what this compromise on smoking in restaurants is all about. And, that’s why I’m pleased to have played a part in bringing it about and moving legislation forward for a hearing and a vote.

Governor Kaine, Legislators Announce Smoking Ban in Restaurants

2009-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Contact: Gordon Hickey
Phone: (804) 225-4260
www.governor.virginia.gov
Feb. 5, 2009

GOVERNOR KAINE, STATE LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT TO BAN SMOKING IN RESTAURANTS
~ Statewide ban will prohibit smoking in most bars and restaurants~

Governor Timothy M. Kaine and key leaders in the General Assembly today announced a landmark agreement to pass a statewide smoking ban in Virginia’s bars and restaurants. The legislation will ban smoking in nearly all restaurants across the Commonwealth, allowing narrow exceptions for private clubs and restaurants with a designated smoking room that is physically separated and independently ventilated from nonsmoking dining areas.

“The dangers of second-hand smoke are undeniable—that’s why I made a restaurant smoking ban one of my legislative priorities. This legislation will make Virginia’s restaurants safer for both patrons and employees,” Governor Kaine said. “I’m proud to have been able to work with leaders in both parties of the General Assembly to find common ground on this reasonable and necessary public health measure.”

Today’s announcement comes after Governor Kaine worked closely with legislative leaders to craft an agreement acceptable to both parties and both houses.

Virginia House Speaker William Howell also noted the agreement as a step forward for Virginians: “I am pleased to join in announcing a reasonable compromise on an issue important to Virginians,” said Speaker Howell. “The compromise strikes a fair balance between the rights of smokers who choose to enjoy a legal product and the rights of other individuals who want to enjoy a smoke free environment when eating at a restaurant. This legislation is all about finding opportunities for cooperation and compromise where possible. And, where state leaders can find and share such common ground, we should.”

Second-hand smoke is responsible for an estimated 1,700 deaths per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In addition, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids estimates the Commonwealth spends $113 million a year on health care expenditures related to exposure to second-hand smoke.

To improve the health of Virginia’s employees and minimize health risks in the work place, Governor Kaine signed Executive Order 41 banning smoking in all state buildings and vehicles in October 2006.

The agreement makes Virginia part of a growing list of states around the country that are passing legislation curbing smoking in restaurants. Twenty three other states and Puerto Rico have already passed bans on smoking indoors at bars and restaurants. Maryland and the District of Columbia passed similar restrictions on smoking in restaurants in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

VPAP Publishes List of Legislative Gifts/Trips, Lobbyist List and Announces Open House February 24

2009-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Contact: David M. Poole
dpoole@vpap.org
February 5, 2009
www.vpap.org

In the recent February 4 edition of Virginia Public Access Project's (VPAP) findings, you may research what legislators received what gifts in what amount, and who gave them. You may also discover who's been taking trips financed by special interest groups and/or lobbyists. There is also a list of publicly financed trips and conferences the members of Virginia's General Assembly attended.

On February 24, VPAP will honor the Sunshine Caucus at its third annual open house in Richmond. The public is invited to stop by, meet VPAP board members and staff, and share your ideas for making disclosure work. The Sunshine Caucus is made up of General Assembly members and statewide officials who provide financial support for VPAP's work to make campaign finance information more transparent. The open house will be Tuesday, February 24 from 8 to 11 am in the General Assembly Building, 5th Floor West Conference Room.

House of Delegates Mental Health Reforms

2009-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth of Virginia

Virginia House of Delegates
February 4, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org or vahousegop.com

House Republicans Champion
Mental Health Reforms

-- Restoring Kaine’s Cuts of 200 MR Waiver Slots, Further Reducing Waiting List Top Budget Priorities --

-- GOP Bills Strengthen Historic Mental Health Reforms Enacted in 2008 Session --

RICHMOND, VA – Building on the landmark of Virginia’s mental health system enacted by the General Assembly in the 2008 session, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegates M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox (Colonial Heights), Phillip A. Hamilton (R-Newport News), Robert B. “Rob” Bell (R-Albemarle) and Dr. John M. O’Bannon, III (R-Henrico) today announced a package of legislation that:
· Improves the critical safety net for Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens;

· Builds upon previous efforts to reform Virginia’s mental health laws for mandatory outpatient treatment when using this option for children and adolescents; and

· Empowers those with mental illness and their families to obtain the best care possible in a crisis

In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, House Republicans led a bipartisan effort in the 2008 Session of the General Assembly to pass fundamental mental health reforms. Last year, House Republicans also succeeded in having 600 Mental Retardation (MR) Waiver Slots incorporated into the 2008-2010 biennial state budget. Governor Kaine has proposed cutting 200 of those MR Waiver Slots in his proposed budget amendments this year.

“Last year, House Republicans committed to advancing a long-term approach to reforming the delivery and oversight of mental health care in Virginia,” noted Speaker Howell. “The responsible initiatives we are offering today are a logical continuation of that commitment to help those in need. Virginians understand that, even in tough financial times, we cannot afford to neglect our citizens who often do not have a voice. House Republicans remain determined to do everything we can to address the urgent waiting list for our community based waiver program and ensure Virginia’s children and adults with mental illness receive proper treatment.”

As the House Appropriations Committee continues to examine proposed amendments to the biennial budget, key leaders on the budget writing committee have expressed a desire to work to reinstate the 200 MR waiver slots Governor Kaine proposed cutting from the budget. In addition, by redefining funding priorities, House leaders hope to be able to increase the number of MR waivers available in FY 2010. The MR waiver program is a home and community based program that funds services to help individuals with intellectual disabilities remain in the community and avoid institutional care. House Bill 1852, patroned by Delegate Cox, requires the Governor to develop a plan to eliminate the urgent care waiting list for MR waivers and the waiting list for Developmental Disabilities waivers by the 2018-2020 biennium. The Health and Human Resources Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee recommended reporting the substitute version of the bill on February 2.

“Virginia cannot fall further behind in keeping pace with the growing mental health needs of our citizens,” said Delegate Cox, a budget conferee. “Setting out an aggressive goal of eliminating the urgent care waiting list for these valuable mental health services is an important step to improving our services to citizens with intellectual disabilities. Despite our current economic situation, House Republicans know that we cannot afford to fall behind in reducing our urgent care waiting list and will keep working to fix this problem.”

Delegate Hamilton is patroning House Bill 2061 that reforms the process for placing juveniles in outpatient mental health treatment services and monitoring those cases. The bill would allow minors hospitalized, while properly detained by the courts, to enter mandatory outpatient treatment if less restrictive alternatives to involuntary inpatient treatment are deemed appropriate. The process established in this legislation, as well as clarifying changes included in Delegate Hamilton’s House Bill 2060, complements the mental health reforms enacted by the General Assembly in the 2008 session.

“As Virginia continues to grapple with how to better serve those with mental illness, House Republicans understand that policy changes are needed to facilitate better access to critical services in an environment that does not stigmatize those needing assistance,” noted Delegate Hamilton, Chairman of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee and a budget conferee. “The changes we are proposing today furthers the progress that state lawmakers and the Governor accomplished in a bipartisan manner last year.”

House Bill 2396, patroned by Delegate Bell, would allow a person with mental illness to prepare directives to guide one’s care if the person was later incapable of proving such guidance. Allowing the mentally ill to identify preferred medications, facilities and to name an agent to make future decisions for themselves addresses the “Ulysses Question,” where an individual directs that a certain medication be given to him even if he subsequently protests. The bill provides exceptions where the advance directive would require care decisions that are themselves life-threatening.

“This bill is a way to empower the mentally ill to help their doctors determine how to best provide care,” remarked Delegate Bell, Chairman of the Mental Health Subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee. “If someone is capable of making informed decisions about his care, we certainly want to have that input. This continues the most fundamental mental health reforms in the last 35 years we passed last year as a result of the Virginia Tech tragedy.”

Delegate O’Bannon is patroning a series of bills – House Bill 2459, House Bill 2460, and House Bill 2461 – that would provide practical solutions to many of the issues raised in the wake of the comprehensive mental health reforms enacted last year. The bills would allow for a consumer at a mental health facility to choose someone to be notified of his care and location, provide safe transportation for a person under an emergency custody order, and ensure a family member is notified when a person is involved in a commitment process.

“We need to be ever mindful of the concerns of the people impacted directly by emergency mental health care services,” observed Delegate O’Bannon, the only practicing physician in the House of Delegates. “These bills make important changes in order to address those concerns by strengthening protections and facilitating communications with the patient and their family. As Virginia continues to take a comprehensive approach to improving our mental health system, House Republicans will seek to keep the best interests of our mentally ill citizens at the forefront.

General Assembly Calendar Adopted by the Joint Rules Committee for February 5

2009-02-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2009
Committees responsible for correctional impact, appropriation, debt, revenue, and VRS bills to complete work by midnight.

Events at the General Assembly in February 2009

2009-02-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

Look for these gatherings or exhibits in the General Assembly Building on Capitol Square or on Capitol Square grounds.

02/04 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm Virginia Nurses Association (700 expected to attend)
02/04 Aerospace Day
02/05 8 am to 2 pm Virginia Pro Choice Coalition Lobby Day
02/05 Radford University Day
02/05 United Methodist Day
02/08-02/14 8 am to 5 pm Department for the Aging
02/08-02/14 8 am to 5 pm Senior Navigator
02/09-02/13 Richard Bland College Exhibit
02/10 11 am to 12 pm AARP (200 people expected to attend)
02/10 11 am to 12 pm Americans for Prosperity
02/10 1 pm to 2 pm Essex Village Community Church (200 persons expected to attend)
02/10 2:15-3:15 pm Americans for Prosperity- Virginia (75 people expected to attend)
02/10 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day
02/11 Presbyterian Day
02/11 Realtors Day
02/15 02/21 8 am to 5 pm CHIP of Virginia
02/15-02//21 8 am to 5 pm Virginia Transplant Council Exhibit
02/16 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day
02/16 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day
02/16- 02/20 Norfolk State Univeristy Exhibit
02/22-02/28 8 am to 5pm Virginia's Community Colleges
02/23-02/27 Virginia State University

Delegate Kirk Cox Proposes Early Out Retirement for Schools

2009-02-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

Editor's note: both Delegates Cox and Hamilton are employees of public school systems in Virginia - Cox in Chesterfield, and Hamilton in Newport News.

Appropriations Committee
Virginia House of Delegates

January 29, 2009
Contact: Robert P. Vaughn (804) 698-1590

House Budget Conferee Kirk Cox
Outlines Early Out Retirement Program
for Local School Division Employees
-- House Budget will include Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan --
-- Proposal Seeks to Help with Pending Layoffs of Teachers & Support Staff --

RICHMOND, VA – Signaling anew their direction in what has become a major area of contention in Governor Timothy M. Kaine’s proposed budget cuts, House Majority Whip M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox (R-Colonial Heights) – who also will be a member of the conference committee that will hammer out a final agreement on HB 1600, amendments to the 2008-2010 Biennial State Budget – today announced a House budget proposal to help local schools with possible layoffs of any eligible school division employees. By enacting this Session the House’s Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan, it will lessen the possibility of having to layoff younger teachers and other school division employees as well as help Virginia’s schools better manage their budget in these extraordinarily difficult economic times.

The complete text of Delegate Cox’s statement on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates follows:

“Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, my colleagues Delegates Bob Tata (R-Virginia Beach) and Phil Hamilton (R-Newport News) detailed the intent of the House Appropriations Committee on having the General Assembly’s Joint Education Funding Task Force take an expanded look at all funding issues and proposed funding reductions involving public education now and into the future.

“While that effort is prospective, I am reminded of the adage, if you can’t help, then get out of the way.

“Well, Mr. Speaker, I believe we can and must help. In fact, it is incumbent on us all to help our local school divisions by giving them as many tools in their tool box as we possibly can.

“Clearly, school divisions – like state government – are facing some tough financial challenges that may result in a reduction in staff positions in the next academic year. The House Appropriations Committee wants to help. And, by taking the initiative, I believe we’ve come up with a good idea.

“Over the last several weeks, the Appropriations Committee members and staff have been discussing with the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) a proposal that will give our school boards the ability to offer an Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan. This option would provide those school divisions, which voluntarily elect to participate, the ability to better manage their personnel needs and staffing requirements while they balance their budgets.

“The key concept at the heart of this innovative proposal is modeled after a provision in the state’s Workforce Transition Act (WTA), whereby the Commonwealth, on behalf of eligible state employees, can purchase additional retirement service credit, thus allowing them to retire with additional years of service and without penalty.

“Over the last several weeks, Chairman Putney and I have had the Appropriations Committee staff reach out to and work with the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and a group of Superintendents on developing a practical proposal that will work. We have provided the superintendents with data on the number of eligible school employees, along with some cost estimates. All in all, we have been very pleased that this House proposal has been warmly greeted by VASS.

“As a result of this positive reception, and, after reading recent newspaper articles about how Chesterfield County – and many other school divisions throughout the Virginia – are beginning the process of notifying school employees that their positions may be eliminated, I suggested to Chairman Putney that we needed to formally introduce and begin advancing immediately this much-needed proposal.

“So, Mr. Speaker, with Chairman Putney’s concurrence, I will now outline the House’s Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan. Here are the key components –

1) Any School Board may voluntarily elect to participate in this enhanced or early retirement incentive plan (ERIP);

2) Participating School Boards may elect to purchase between 1 and 5 years of retirement service credit for eligible employees, although the number of years they elect to purchase would apply to all eligible employees;

3) Any employee age 50 years old with at least 25 years of creditable service, as of June 30, 2009 is eligible;

4) Participation by each employee who meets the age/service eligibility criteria is completely voluntary and will be subject to approval by their school division;

5) Eligible employees must elect a retirement date between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, or as mutually agreed upon by the school division;

6) Approved participants will not be subject to early retirement penalties;

7) Approved participants also may elect to participate in a school division's official early retirement incentive program;

8) Participating school divisions will be obligated to pay VRS for the cost of its participation at the rate of 20% of the eligible employee’s current salary, for each year of service purchased; and

9) Payment to VRS may be made in either one lump sum or 12 equal monthly payments over a period of five years.

“Mr. Speaker, I truly believe that it is incumbent upon all of us, as leaders, to help solve the real problems that many of our educators, businesses, families and taxpayers are confronting in this time of economic recession and budget shortfalls. This education proposal that will be part of the House budget that will be released in its entirety on February 8, is a constructive one to help meet this vital goal.

“I thank the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and the Virginia Retirement System for their helpful assistance and valuable input in developing this education proposal. I also would like to publicly acknowledge the leadership of Chairman Putney and the creativity of our Appropriations staff in helping to craft this sound and sensible proposal.

“By enacting the House’s Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan this year, it will lessen the possibility of having to layoff younger teachers and other school division employees, as well as help our schools be able to better manage their budget in these extraordinarily economic times.

General Assembly

2009-01-31T13:04:00.001-08:00

For more information, contact Delegate Cox about this House Budget Proposal, at (804) 698-1266. This information is available at both www.williamjhowell.org and www.vahousegop.com

Appropriations Committee
Virginia House of Delegates

January 29, 2009
Contact: Robert P. Vaughn (804) 698-1590