Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus
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Delegate Kirk Cox Discusses Federal Stimulus Money to Virginia On WRVA
Feb 17th
Delegate Kirk Cox discussed the money coming to Virginia through the federal stimulus package on the Jimmy Barrett show on WRVA this morning.
Virginia House of Delegates Raises Over $6,400 for Komen Foundation for Cancer Research
Feb 16th
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-fashion “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.”
House Republicans Approve Comprehensive Alternative Energy and Conservation Package
Feb 10th
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 common-sense 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 clean-up, renewable energy research and home energy assistance.
House Democrats Play Political Games with Autistic Children
Feb 9th
Today, in a cynical display of political posturing and partisanship that exploits the tragic situation of Virginians with autism spectrum disorder, the following House Democrats voted against a measure that would have provided tangible financial assistance to children with autism spectrum disorder, allowing them to obtain the special educational services they need:
Amundson
BaCote
Bouchard
Bowling
Brink
Bulova
Caputo
Ebbin
Eisenberg
Englin
Herring
Marsden
Mathieson
Morrissey
Nichols
Phillips
Plum
Shannon
Shuler
Tyler
Vanderhye
Watts
In a display of hypocrisy and blatant partisan posturing, these Democrats voted against House Bill 2104 without offering any justification for their opposition. HB 2104 establishes a tuition assistance grant program that would allow the parents of students with autism to pursue individualized educational programs that best meet the needs of their child. HB 2104 was moved further towards final passage in a bipartisan vote of 58 to 33.
The partisan motive of their no vote on HB 2104 is made patently obvious given their vote earlier in the day in favor of an extraordinary procedural maneuver on a related matter that failed by a bipartisan vote of 63-32.
When these Democrats had the chance to actually help Virginia’s children with developmental disabilities, they cynically voted NO, further clarifying their motive to exploit this important and sensitive issue, and the parents and children who are seeking real help, for purely political purposes.
Please contact these Democrats and tell them to stop playing political games with the lives and hopes of Virginians with autism.
House Republicans Advance Economic-Growth Driven Transportation Funding Plan
Feb 9th
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.
Highlights of the 2009 House Republican Transportation package include:
• 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 Pri
vate 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 jump-start 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-Chairman 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 common-sense 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."
Statement of Chairman Lacey E. Putney on State Budget Amendments Unveiled by House Appropriations Committee
Feb 8th
Statement of Chairman Lacey E. Putney
-- on State Budget Amendments Unveiled by House Appropriations Committee --
RICHMOND, VA – 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 --
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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 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 include 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 serKarlaices 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.
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