House Republican Caucus
Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus
Budget-Busting Senate at it Again
Mar 13th
As the General Assembly goes into overtime, extending its 60-day session by a day to complete consideration of the state budget, Frederick Kunkle’s post on the Washington Post’s Virginia Politics Blog makes clear the contrast on fiscal responsibility between the Virginia House and the Virginia Senate.
The House Republican Caucus followed its long-time principle—no reward for missing a deadline—by proposing House Resolution 40, which the House adopted today. The Resolution eliminates the $135per diem payment for delegates during the extension of the 60-day session.
The Senate, which already gives its members a more generous $169 per diem, took no similar action.
This is the same Senate that dragged its feet on negotiating the state budget with the House. Having come up with over-inflated revenue estimates, the Senate conferees would not engage with the House Budget Conferees in serious discussion about revenue last weekend.
Having created a delay by its inaction, the Senators insist on reaping a reward for missing the budget deadline established on December 11 (See House Joint Resolution 9).
Legislators who live outside the Richmond metro area receive per diem payments to cover the expenses of living in Richmond during the legislative session. Under the Federal tax code, per diem in excess of actual costs can be kept as tax-free income.
UPDATE: See what others are saying about the Senate’s action: Too Conservative, Bearing Drift, SwacGirl at Virginia Virtucon
Special Budget Information Page
Mar 9th
We’ve posted a special page at http://www.vahousegop.com/budget/ highlighting House actions and House Conferee perspectives on the 2010-2012 Biennial Budget. It includes YouTube videos, speech transcripts, and other critical information.
Sherwood Details Public Safety Commitment
Mar 4th
Del. Beverly Sherwood (R-Frederick) addressed the House on the strong support for public safety in the House Budget. Del. Sherwood, who chairs both the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee and the Subcommittee on Public Safety of the House Appropriations Committee, notes the restoration of critical funding cut by former Gov. Kaine’s proposed budget–funding for Sheriffs, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, reinstated State Police trooper schools, and key support for local police departments.
Check out Sherwood’s speech on YouTube.
A transcript of Delegate Sherwood’s speech follows:
Landes Explains Senate’s Bad Revenue Estimate
Mar 3rd
Del. Steve Landes (R-Augusta) relays a lesson the Senate has failed to learn–you have to know how much you can spend before you start spending it. The Senate Budget makes promises that responsible revenue figures won’t support. Landes details the flaws in the Senate revenue estimates and their irresponsible decision not to provide for a deposit to begin replenishing the Rainy Day fund.
Check out Landes’ speech on YouTube.
The transcript of his remarks follows:
O’Bannon Details Healthcare Budget
Mar 3rd
Del. John M. O’Bannon, III, MD (R-Henrico), addressed the House to explain the healthcare provisions of the House budget. O’Bannon noted the improvements in home and community-based care over Gov. Kaine’s budget, as well as explaining the prudent use of one-time federal funds for non-recurring items in contrast to the Senate’s approach that will create structural imbalances in future budgets.
Check out O’Bannon’s speech on YouTube.
The transcript of his speech follows:
Cox Responds to VEA’s Bold-Face Lies
Mar 2nd
Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) addresses the dishonest propaganda being spread by the Virginia Education Association about the House-passed budget. The budget holds the line on taxes and responsibly funds core government services, including public education.
Check out Cox’s speech on YouTube.
Cox notes that the House budget decreases K-12 spending by around $100 million, not the $1.8 billion the VEA claims. The transcript of his speech follows: