Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus
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Republicans Add Another $35K to $1.1M in Leg Branch Savings
May 21st
Speaker Howell announced another $35K in savings in the House of Delegates budget for Fiscal Year 2010. That’s on top of the $1.1 million already eliminated from the House operating budget during Fiscal Year 2010.
During his tenure as Speaker, Howell has led the way in reducing Virginia’s per capita expenditures in the legislature from 40th in the Nation to 46th. And, with Senate Democrats running up a tab on the other side of the Capital, you can’t expect much better than that.
See the full press release at the Speaker’s website.
GOP Line Up for June 15 Special Elections Set
May 11th
With House District 27 Republicans’ selection of Roxann Robinson as their nominee, the GOP line up for the two June 15 special elections is set.
Robinson, who will run in Chesterfield’s HD 27, joins Tony Wilt, nominee in HD 26, as the Republican ticket for June 15. The special elections were called to fill vacancies caused by the resignation of two valuable members of the Caucus to join the McDonnell Administration—Sam Nixon to become Virginia’s CIO and Matt Lohr to become commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Speaker, Delegates Ware and Oder appointed to Governor’s Reform Commission
May 7th
Today, Governor Bob McDonnell announced the members of his Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring (see press release).
Speaker Howell and Delegates G. Glenn Oder (Newport News) and Lee Ware (Powhatan) will serve on the Commission, chaired by Fred Malek, founder and chairman of Thayer Capital Partners in executing the charge the Governor has set for the Commission, “We must make government simpler and easier to use, more efficient and more effective. That is the work of this Commission. The Commission members will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s agencies, programs, and services to find out how we can make our state government work better for its owners, the people of Virginia. I look forward to working with these reform-minded leaders to examine how Virginia can better serve the taxpayers. Our state and local government employees have made Virginia one of the best managed states in the nation and just like them, I will always seek to make us even better.”
The Speaker has a long history of seeking these kinds of reform solutions, promoting new ideas and market-based reforms to improve the delivery of government services, maximize the return on investment of limited taxpayer dollars, and minimize the costs of government wherever possible.
The Speaker and Delegates Oder and Ware look forward to pursuing the many opportunities for reform in Virginia’s government with the Governor, Commission Chairman Malek, and the other member’s of the Commission.
McDonnell releases $500M in Transportation Bonds Authorized by Speaker’s 07 Bill
Apr 30th
Speaker Howell led the way in passing bond authority in 2007 to enhance Virginia’s transportation infrastructure. Today, Governor McDonnell authorized the sale of $500 million in bonds this May as the first part of a six-year, $2.2 billion program to support projects throughout the Commonwealth.
Check out details in the Governor’s press release.
26th District Republicans Nominate Tony Wilt
Apr 21st
Last night, Tony Wilt won the Republican nomination to from for Delegate in the 26th District Special Election on June 15. Be sure to visit Tony’s Facebook Page to learn more about him and how you can support his campaign.
In six weeks, Tony will be one of two new members of the House Republican Caucus. Republicans in the 27th District (Chesterfield) will nominate their Special Election candidate in the coming weeks.
The 26th District includes the City of Harrisonburg and part of Rockingham County. Former Del. Matt Lohr represented the district before resigning to become Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Hugo Elected Caucus Chair
Apr 21st
Richmond, VA (April 21, 2010)–Today, the Virginia House Republican Caucus voted unanimously to elect Delegate Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax) to serve as the Republican Caucus Chairman. The position, previously held by former Delegate Sam Nixon, was left vacant when Nixon resigned to become Chief Information Officer of the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA).
“As recognized leader within the Caucus, Tim understands the duties required of this position and has the right temperament and experiences to be very successful in his important new capacity,” stated Speaker William J. Howell. “During these tough economic times and need to reform state government to make it smarter and simpler, it is imperative that we have an energetic, dedicated and knowledgeable member like Tim joining our leadership team. Like so many, I am looking forward to working with him and our Majority Caucus will be better off because of his leadership.”
The position of Caucus Chairman is one of four leadership roles within the House Republican Caucus. Others serving in leadership positions include Speaker William Howell, Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, and Majority Whip Kirk Cox.
“I humbly accept the responsibility that has been entrusted to me today,” Delegate Hugo said in accepting the position. “Since being elected, I have watched the Republican Caucus expand on its majority under our current leadership. I am thrilled to broaden my responsibilities within the caucus and relish the opportunity to serve the citizens of Virginia.”
Delegate Hugo was first elected to the House of Delegates in a special election in December 2002, filling a vacancy left by former Delegate Jay O’Brien. Delegate Hugo garnered over 67% of the vote in his first election. Now serving in his eighth year as a member, Delegate Hugo is a member of the Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Elections Committees. He represents parts of Fairfax, Centreville, Clifton, and Fairfax Station.