Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus
Issues
Statement of Speaker William J. Howell Regarding Governor McDonnell’s Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in Agency Savings and Surplus Revenues
Aug 18th
RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bob McDonnell’s announcement of FY 2011 agency savings:
“Alongside the Governor’s July announcement of $310.7 Million in FY 2011 surplus revenues, today’s announcement of $234.1 million in agency savings and balances adds up to an overall FY 2011 surplus of $544.8 million. Since taking office, the House Republican Caucus has worked with Governor McDonnell to responsibly tend to Virginia’s financial health by controlling costs, eliminating unnecessary expenditures and upholding Virginia’s constitutional balanced budget requirement, all without raising taxes,” said Howell. More >
Speaker William J. Howell Heralds $311 mil. FY 2011 Budget Surplus
Jul 19th
RICHMOND, VA - Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bob McDonnell's announcement of FY 2011 surplus figures. Since taking office, Governor McDonnell and the House Republican Caucus have worked side-by-side to eliminate unnecessary spending and enforce Virginia's constitutional balanced budget requirement without raising taxes.
"Over the last two years, our Caucus has worked together with Governor McDonnell to cut unnecessary government spending, reform duplicative programs and exercise general fiscal prudence. Frugal, common-sense measures, coupled with better than projected revenue collections, led to a budget surplus of $403.2 million for FY 2010 and another surplus of $311 for FY 2011," said Howell. More >
Where the airports authority went off track
Jul 8th
Check out Speaker Howell's . Be sure to spread the word about his call for accountability and sound fiscal stewardship on the "silver line."
Speaker Howell Welcomes $6 million in Legislative Branch Savings
Jun 10th
RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today welcomed legislative actions that return over $6 million in legislative branch savings to the general fund by June 30, 2011. The Joint Rules Committee, which the Speaker chairs, voted this morning to return $5,584,395, including $1.3 million from the Auditor of Public Accounts, $2.3 million from the Virginia Capitol Police, $727,344 from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and $673,266 from the Division of Legislative Automated Services, among other legislative branch agencies. This afternoon, the House Rules Committee voted to return $500,000 to the general fund as agreed to earlier this year in the current Appropriations Act. Since 2003 when Howell became Speaker, the House alone has returned over $6.0 million to the General Fund.
House Republicans Highlight Success of Legislative Agenda at End of 2011 Session
Feb 27th
RICHMOND, VA – Highlighting the legislative achievements of the 60-member strong House Republican Majority Caucus in delivering real reforms and forward-looking investments to address the concerns of the Commonwealth, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today highlighted the positive results of the policy initiatives advanced by House Republicans this year. After cutting fees, reducing authorized debt, investing in core government services and depositing an additional $64 million into the Rainy Day Fund, the House of Delegates today adjourned sine die, bringing an end to the 2011 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly.
“The Republican-led House made real progress during the 2011 Regular Session and on many fronts, especially in passing a fiscally sound and structurally balanced state budget that funds core government services,” said Speaker Howell. “At our insistence, the final budget agreement includes no new fees or higher taxes. It has no earmarks for non-state agencies. There is no funding or debt for a new ‘Taj Mahal’ to replace the General Assembly Building. There is $67 million less in authorized debt. And, the accelerated sales tax is eliminated for 80% of retailers. Yet, there also are prudent investments in economic development, transportation, education, health care and other important services. Overall, we’ve had a very productive legislative session.”
Below is the outcome for a selected list of 100+ measures – grouped by topic – supported by the House Republican Majority. In all, about 1,600 pieces of legislation were approved by the General Assembly this year.
Speaker Howell Welcomes Agreement by House & Senate Conferees to Amend State Budget
Feb 27th
– Structurally Balancing Budget This Year Helps Avoid Calls for Higher Taxes Next Year –
– State Spending Revenues Remain below Fiscal Year 2007 Level –
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement on the agreement by House and Senate negotiators on House Bill 1500, amendments to the state budget:
“Like all Virginians, I am pleased that delegates and senators have reached agreement on differences over how best to amend the existing state budget. Balancing budgets is never easy, especially when the economic recovery is still uncertain and taxpayers, businesses and families continue struggling to live within their means. State finances are no different. Unlike Washington, Virginia has a constitutionally required balanced budget requirement. By setting clear priorities, the General Assembly has produced responsible and fiscally sound budget amendments. Today’s budget conference report funds core government services while also enacting sensible structural reforms in state spending that strengthen the state’s ledger and Virginia’s competitive position for more jobs and prosperity.