By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R-VA 6th Congressional District
In less than two months, television broadcasters across the country will stop broadcasting their signal in analog format and will broadcast only in digital format. This transition from analog to digital, known as the Digital TV (DTV) transition, will take place on February 17, 2009, and will bring new opportunities and innovative services to all consumers. The potential for more channels, clearer pictures, better sound quality and greater consumer choice is what makes digital television such an exciting technology.
Digital television represents the most significant development in television technology since the advent of color television. In order to receive and view this new television service, consumers must have a digital television set equipped with a digital tuner capable of receiving the digital signal that is provided either over-the-air or via cable or satellite television systems. Analog-only televisions will no longer be able to receive the new broadcast signals. Those televisions must be connected to cable or satellite systems or be equipped with a digital-to-analog converter box.
While I believe that the digital transition must occur, it is also important to help ease the burden on those American households that do not already have digital television sets. For that reason, Congress established a digital-to-analog converter box program that will partially subsidize consumer purchases of converter boxes. Consumers can apply for up to two forty-dollar coupons per household to offset the cost of a digital-to-analog converter box. These converter boxes will not only enable all analog televisions to function, they should also provide better reception and additional features such as closed captioning and parental controls. To learn more about the TV Converter Box program and apply for the coupons, consumers should visit the program’s website at www.dtv2009.gov.
An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable analog spectrum for public safety communications, such as police, fire departments and rescue squads. Additionally, some of the analog spectrum will be auctioned off for more exciting uses like wireless high speed Internet services, which will provide more options for consumers in rural areas. In addition, a portion of the revenue raised in the spectrum auction will be returned to the U.S. Treasury, thereby contributing to federal deficit reduction.
The digital television transition is exciting news for consumers but we don’t want it to be confusing. I am pleased that over the course of the next 2 months, television stations all across the country will be working hard to increase awareness of this upcoming transition. Specifically, they will begin conducting analog shut-off tests to help viewers determine whether their current TV sets are digital-ready. These tests will help consumers prepare for the transition.
Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need more information about the upcoming digital television transition and how it might affect you or visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website.
Goodlatte: "Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season"
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R-VA 6th Congressional District
The holiday season is well underway: there are lights on our neighbors’ window sills, wreaths hanging from city street lights, children are lining up in local shopping centers for a picture with Santa, and there are shopping lists for family and friends. This time of year can seem so hectic and can quickly pass us by as we rush from task to task attempting to pack in so much in a short amount of time. It is often in this hustle and bustle that the true meaning of Christmas is sometimes forgotten or overlooked.
This is a blessed season marked by the company of family, of youthful anticipation, and the hope of waking up to a wintry white wonderland of snow. It is a season so rooted in traditions and celebrations of all kinds. It is difficult to imagine living in a country where you could not freely practice your faith or where you must celebrate religious holidays in private in fear of imprisonment or more severe punishment. We are indeed blessed to live in a nation where we can enjoy so many freedoms, but these liberties do not come without a price.
We continue to enjoy these freedoms on a daily basis thanks to the brave servicemen and women who guard our country and help spread democracy around the world. This Holiday Season many of our military personnel may find themselves far from the comforts of their homes and their families. Whether they are on an aircraft carrier in storm tossed seas, keeping the peace amid hostile resistance, working on our military bases often in remote places around the world, their work is difficult, lonely, and often very dangerous. While they are often under appreciated, and seldom recognized, theirs is a service marked by humility and deep dedication to preserving the ideals of our nation that make the very celebration of this season possible.
It is also important to remember some folks who are too often forgotten - the wives, husbands, parents, children and other relatives of our troops. These family members must carry on while their loved ones are away on duty, which can be especially hard during the holiday season.
As we share the holiday season with our families and friends, let us reflect on the great blessings that God has bestowed upon our nation. We should also pause to remember the sacrifices of all of those who strive to make this nation a better place to live - especially those brave men and women defending our freedoms far from home. I wish them, and all of you, from my family to yours, a joyous Holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
R-VA 6th Congressional District
The holiday season is well underway: there are lights on our neighbors’ window sills, wreaths hanging from city street lights, children are lining up in local shopping centers for a picture with Santa, and there are shopping lists for family and friends. This time of year can seem so hectic and can quickly pass us by as we rush from task to task attempting to pack in so much in a short amount of time. It is often in this hustle and bustle that the true meaning of Christmas is sometimes forgotten or overlooked.
This is a blessed season marked by the company of family, of youthful anticipation, and the hope of waking up to a wintry white wonderland of snow. It is a season so rooted in traditions and celebrations of all kinds. It is difficult to imagine living in a country where you could not freely practice your faith or where you must celebrate religious holidays in private in fear of imprisonment or more severe punishment. We are indeed blessed to live in a nation where we can enjoy so many freedoms, but these liberties do not come without a price.
We continue to enjoy these freedoms on a daily basis thanks to the brave servicemen and women who guard our country and help spread democracy around the world. This Holiday Season many of our military personnel may find themselves far from the comforts of their homes and their families. Whether they are on an aircraft carrier in storm tossed seas, keeping the peace amid hostile resistance, working on our military bases often in remote places around the world, their work is difficult, lonely, and often very dangerous. While they are often under appreciated, and seldom recognized, theirs is a service marked by humility and deep dedication to preserving the ideals of our nation that make the very celebration of this season possible.
It is also important to remember some folks who are too often forgotten - the wives, husbands, parents, children and other relatives of our troops. These family members must carry on while their loved ones are away on duty, which can be especially hard during the holiday season.
As we share the holiday season with our families and friends, let us reflect on the great blessings that God has bestowed upon our nation. We should also pause to remember the sacrifices of all of those who strive to make this nation a better place to live - especially those brave men and women defending our freedoms far from home. I wish them, and all of you, from my family to yours, a joyous Holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sen. Mark Obenshain: Virginia needs to rein in spending
Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) today expressed his disappointment in Governor Tim Kaine's revised state budget calling for increased taxes after saying he would not do so to balance the budget:
This morning, Gov. Tim Kaine issued a revised budget addressing the serious budget shortfall for the current biennium. In this period of economic downturn, the Governor and those of us in the General Assembly face hard choices, and I commend the governor for his proposals to reduce expenditures. I remain concerned, however, that this latest round of cuts may be insufficient, and I am disappointed to see that the Governor has reneged on his promise to balance the budget without raising taxes. Perhaps even more troubling is the Governor's reliance on bond issues, "saving" $350 million this biennium by passing along even greater debt to another year and the next gubernatorial administration.Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
When faced with a revenue shortfall, increasing the tax burden has a certain allure in its seeming simplicity. The reality, however, is that tax hikes penalize economic activity and place recovery itself in jeopardy, and funds raised by taking on new debts are not "savings." To raise taxes and go further into debt is to compound folly; it is an extension of the mistaken policies that led us to this point.
Make no mistake: through new bond issues, deferred payment of principle on existing bonds, and the shifting of payments to non-general fund sources, the Governor seeks to pass the bill on to another biennium and another governor rather than doing what it takes to solve the problem. Accounting tricks and new debt obligations can only deepen the crisis. We need to rein in spending, not hide it, and a government concerned about the Commonwealth's bond rating and invested in economic recovery cannot afford to engage in a high-dollar version of balancing the budget by putting everything on a charge card.
Declining revenues were inevitable in a recession that knows no political boundaries, but the scope of Virginia's shortfall is directly attributable to unrealistically high revenue projections and a budget that increased spending in the face of unmistakable signs of economic decline. Even now, the Governor's latest proposal relies on a presumption of 4% growth in the upcoming fiscal year, and his revenue projections are based upon a constant unemployment rate - even though the governor's own budget office expects the rate of unemployment to climb.
We cannot afford to close the gap incrementally, going back to find more savings each time revenues fail to meet projections, nor can we content ourselves to find "efficiencies." The situation we now face demands a thorough, top-to-bottom review of the entire budget. We should always seek to eliminate inefficiencies, but that is not enough. Any viable, long-term solution requires an assessment of the Commonwealth's priorities and a review of the best, most cost-effective ways to achieve them - an analysis based not on existing programs, but on desired outcomes.
In addition to $167 million in tax increases and $350 million in bonded debt, the Governor seeks permission to tap $490 million from the Commonwealth's Rainy Day Fund. We owe it to the taxpayers of Virginia to ensure that they need not continue to pay for a storm of our own making. To the extent that the Governor's Department of Planning and Budget has identified hundreds of millions in unnecessary administrative costs, I applaud this progress, but am disheartened that wasteful spending was deemed appropriate, or at least unimportant, until we faced a fiscal crisis.
The budget proposal released by the Governor today is a start, but much work remains to be done. We cannot rely, as this proposal does, on unsubstantiated hopes of better days ahead, nor can we afford to delay the deepest cuts until 2010. Such tactics will only exacerbate the problem and necessitate more drastic cuts in the future. In times such as these, we cannot further burden Virginia's taxpayers - and we cannot push the hardest decisions down the road.
The time has come to restore the fiscal integrity of that Commonwealth. The decisions that lie ahead will require careful discretion, and the decisions we must make may at times be unpleasant, but I look forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats to adopt budget amendments that are both responsible and taxpayer-friendly.
Howell, Putney: "Virginians facing daunting economic environment"
By Speaker William Howell (R-Stafford) &
House Appropriations Committee Chair Lacey Putney (I-Bedford)
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Lacey E. Putney (I-Bedford) today commented on Governor Kaine’s budget message to the House Appropriations and Finance Committees and the Senate Finance Committee.
“With today’s proposal, Governor Kaine has informed the General Assembly of where he believes Virginia’s budget should be cut and indicated his spending priorities to balance the $76 billion state budget,” remarked Chairman Putney. “Now, the task falls to the General Assembly to carefully and thoughtfully review his proposals, making adjustments that we believe may be needed and are in the best interests of protecting and creating jobs for the benefit of citizens throughout our Commonwealth.
“With a revenue shortfall likely to exceed $3 billion, Virginia’s families and businesses facing difficult times, and uncertainty as to when the economic recession will end and circumstances will improve, lawmakers are facing a daunting challenge. The Governor has proposed a number of strategies to balance the budget, including embedding tax increases in his proposed amendments to the state budget. Tax proposals are properly under the purview of the Finance Committee and, as such, unless they are passed should not be embedded in the budget. Instead, they should stand alone for consideration on their merits by the Finance Committee. Despite these unfortunate obstacles, it is essential and expected by the people of Virginia that we balance the budget as required by the State Constitution and complete our work in the allotted 46-day 2009 General Assembly session. Working as productively and cooperatively as possible, it is the intent and desire of the House to discharge our duties on time.”
“Virginians are facing the most daunting economic environment since at least the Wilder Administration, and the prospects for a quick economic recovery do not look promising,” noted Speaker Howell. “Right now, Virginia’s families and businesses small and large are having to make difficult and painful decisions regarding their own budgets. It falls to us to do the same. As the people we serve are struggling to live within their means and make do with the incomes they earn, they rightfully expect their government to adhere to the same standard. The House will do so.
“This year, the General Assembly is tasked with making adjustments to Virginia’s existing 2008-2010 budget, which took effect July 1, 2008. The House Appropriations Committee has been working diligently for months now to produce practical and long-term solutions to the current revenue shortfall, and to position the Commonwealth’s budget so that this situation will not repeat itself with the frequency it has during this decade. Now, we begin the hard work of constructively reviewing the Governor’s budget cut recommendations, incorporating our solutions, and ultimately adopting amendments to bring overdue structural balance to Virginia’s spending blueprint. The House will meet this challenge, and is fully prepared to amend the existing 2008-2010 state budget without requiring any Virginians to pay more in job-killing taxes during an economic recession.”
House Appropriations Committee Chair Lacey Putney (I-Bedford)
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Lacey E. Putney (I-Bedford) today commented on Governor Kaine’s budget message to the House Appropriations and Finance Committees and the Senate Finance Committee.
“With today’s proposal, Governor Kaine has informed the General Assembly of where he believes Virginia’s budget should be cut and indicated his spending priorities to balance the $76 billion state budget,” remarked Chairman Putney. “Now, the task falls to the General Assembly to carefully and thoughtfully review his proposals, making adjustments that we believe may be needed and are in the best interests of protecting and creating jobs for the benefit of citizens throughout our Commonwealth.
“With a revenue shortfall likely to exceed $3 billion, Virginia’s families and businesses facing difficult times, and uncertainty as to when the economic recession will end and circumstances will improve, lawmakers are facing a daunting challenge. The Governor has proposed a number of strategies to balance the budget, including embedding tax increases in his proposed amendments to the state budget. Tax proposals are properly under the purview of the Finance Committee and, as such, unless they are passed should not be embedded in the budget. Instead, they should stand alone for consideration on their merits by the Finance Committee. Despite these unfortunate obstacles, it is essential and expected by the people of Virginia that we balance the budget as required by the State Constitution and complete our work in the allotted 46-day 2009 General Assembly session. Working as productively and cooperatively as possible, it is the intent and desire of the House to discharge our duties on time.”
“Virginians are facing the most daunting economic environment since at least the Wilder Administration, and the prospects for a quick economic recovery do not look promising,” noted Speaker Howell. “Right now, Virginia’s families and businesses small and large are having to make difficult and painful decisions regarding their own budgets. It falls to us to do the same. As the people we serve are struggling to live within their means and make do with the incomes they earn, they rightfully expect their government to adhere to the same standard. The House will do so.
“This year, the General Assembly is tasked with making adjustments to Virginia’s existing 2008-2010 budget, which took effect July 1, 2008. The House Appropriations Committee has been working diligently for months now to produce practical and long-term solutions to the current revenue shortfall, and to position the Commonwealth’s budget so that this situation will not repeat itself with the frequency it has during this decade. Now, we begin the hard work of constructively reviewing the Governor’s budget cut recommendations, incorporating our solutions, and ultimately adopting amendments to bring overdue structural balance to Virginia’s spending blueprint. The House will meet this challenge, and is fully prepared to amend the existing 2008-2010 state budget without requiring any Virginians to pay more in job-killing taxes during an economic recession.”
Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell: "We face a very difficult economic climate"
By Attorney General Bob McDonnell
“We face a very difficult economic climate. The stock and real estate markets have contracted, and most businesses are not making new investments. The unemployment rate is rising, and people are hurting. Most citizens of Virginia have been affected. The budget of the Commonwealth has not escaped this downturn. The Commonwealth faces a shortfall of at least $3 billion. This significant deficit requires immediate action. The Governor has outlined a series of proposals. Some are sound and I will support them. Others I do not support.
“Spending in Richmond has increased significantly. The budget has doubled over the past ten years. With this downturn in the economy comes the opportunity to look for efficiencies in government, and find the best ways to deliver quality government services at a reduced cost to taxpayers. We did this in The Office of the Attorney General. We cut our budget by nearly 15% over the past year. While we are only one small part of the overall government, this does show that spending can be reduced, without hurting the quality of our services.
“The Governor has called for some significant reductions in spending. This is the proper course of action to address this shortfall, and I applaud this work. I am disappointed however that the Governor has called for a tax increase. You should not raise taxes in a recession, and you cannot tax your way to prosperity. Another huge increase in the cigarette tax would potentially threaten a Virginia industry at a perilous time, while increasing the tax burden on many Virginia citizens and small businesses when they can least afford it.
“We must work together to guide the Commonwealth through this financial downturn in a responsible manner. By taking the right steps today we can position Virginia to rebound in the economic recovery that will come. This is the time to look at more innovation, prioritization and consolidation to save money. This is the time to revisit every function of government and ask hard questions. Find what works and keep it. Identify what does not and cut it. I urge the Governor and the General Assembly to work together to solve our budgetary deficit in a responsible, and taxpayer friendly, manner.”
“We face a very difficult economic climate. The stock and real estate markets have contracted, and most businesses are not making new investments. The unemployment rate is rising, and people are hurting. Most citizens of Virginia have been affected. The budget of the Commonwealth has not escaped this downturn. The Commonwealth faces a shortfall of at least $3 billion. This significant deficit requires immediate action. The Governor has outlined a series of proposals. Some are sound and I will support them. Others I do not support.
“Spending in Richmond has increased significantly. The budget has doubled over the past ten years. With this downturn in the economy comes the opportunity to look for efficiencies in government, and find the best ways to deliver quality government services at a reduced cost to taxpayers. We did this in The Office of the Attorney General. We cut our budget by nearly 15% over the past year. While we are only one small part of the overall government, this does show that spending can be reduced, without hurting the quality of our services.
“The Governor has called for some significant reductions in spending. This is the proper course of action to address this shortfall, and I applaud this work. I am disappointed however that the Governor has called for a tax increase. You should not raise taxes in a recession, and you cannot tax your way to prosperity. Another huge increase in the cigarette tax would potentially threaten a Virginia industry at a perilous time, while increasing the tax burden on many Virginia citizens and small businesses when they can least afford it.
“We must work together to guide the Commonwealth through this financial downturn in a responsible manner. By taking the right steps today we can position Virginia to rebound in the economic recovery that will come. This is the time to look at more innovation, prioritization and consolidation to save money. This is the time to revisit every function of government and ask hard questions. Find what works and keep it. Identify what does not and cut it. I urge the Governor and the General Assembly to work together to solve our budgetary deficit in a responsible, and taxpayer friendly, manner.”
Lt. Governor Bill Bolling: "We must prioritize spending & live within our means"
By Lt. Governor Bill Bolling (R-Virginia)
Earlier today, Governor Timothy M. Kaine released his proposed amendments to the 2008/2010 state budget. In response to the Governor’s action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:
“These are challenging economic times for Virginia. Because of a slowing economy and the Kaine administration’s failure to include reasonable revenue projections in their 2008 budget recommendations, Virginia faces a financial shortfall of some $3B, if not more. It is important for us to close this budget shortfall and restore fiscal integrity to Virginia’s state government and we are prepared to do that.
“I applaud Governor Kaine for his commitment to reduce state spending. The spending reductions that the Governor has recommended and the spending reductions that the General Assembly must make are not easy. However, when the economy is not growing government must do what families and businesses must do – we must tighten our belts, prioritize spending and live within our means. This is the only responsible way to bring the budget into balance.
“Earlier this year I voluntarily reduced my office budget by 8.8% to help address the budget shortfall. Additionally, I returned 5% of my budget to the state treasury in 2007 to mitigate the effects of the previous budget deficit.
“However, I am very concerned by the Governor’s proposal to increase taxes by $167M. Throughout this process the Governor has repeatedly promised to balance the budget through spending cuts, not tax increases; and it is very disappointing to see him renege on this promise. The people of Virginia expect their leaders to keep their word, not break their promises.
“I am also concerned that the Governor’s tax increases could have a devastating impact on tobacco industry jobs in Southside and the Richmond area. Given the overall economic slow down, these businesses are already suffering enough, and now is not the time to place additional tax burdens on their shoulders.
“I also continue to be concerned that the Governor is basing the budget on overly optimistic revenue projections in the 2009/2010 fiscal year. At a time when the economy is struggling and state tax collections are declining, the Governor continues to estimate that we will see economic growth of 4% in the upcoming fiscal year. If we fail to meet these revenue projections, we could face additional budget shortfalls next year. A more prudent course would be to assume little or no revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year and adjust state spending accordingly.
“To prevent these dramatic shortfalls, provide more accurate revenue projections and solve these problems in the future, we need to pursue real budget reform and increased transparency in the budget process. I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of the General Assembly to address these concerns, restore fiscal integrity to the budgeting process in Richmond and adopt budget amendments that put our state back on a sound fiscal foundation.”
Earlier today, Governor Timothy M. Kaine released his proposed amendments to the 2008/2010 state budget. In response to the Governor’s action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:
“These are challenging economic times for Virginia. Because of a slowing economy and the Kaine administration’s failure to include reasonable revenue projections in their 2008 budget recommendations, Virginia faces a financial shortfall of some $3B, if not more. It is important for us to close this budget shortfall and restore fiscal integrity to Virginia’s state government and we are prepared to do that.
“I applaud Governor Kaine for his commitment to reduce state spending. The spending reductions that the Governor has recommended and the spending reductions that the General Assembly must make are not easy. However, when the economy is not growing government must do what families and businesses must do – we must tighten our belts, prioritize spending and live within our means. This is the only responsible way to bring the budget into balance.
“Earlier this year I voluntarily reduced my office budget by 8.8% to help address the budget shortfall. Additionally, I returned 5% of my budget to the state treasury in 2007 to mitigate the effects of the previous budget deficit.
“However, I am very concerned by the Governor’s proposal to increase taxes by $167M. Throughout this process the Governor has repeatedly promised to balance the budget through spending cuts, not tax increases; and it is very disappointing to see him renege on this promise. The people of Virginia expect their leaders to keep their word, not break their promises.
“I am also concerned that the Governor’s tax increases could have a devastating impact on tobacco industry jobs in Southside and the Richmond area. Given the overall economic slow down, these businesses are already suffering enough, and now is not the time to place additional tax burdens on their shoulders.
“I also continue to be concerned that the Governor is basing the budget on overly optimistic revenue projections in the 2009/2010 fiscal year. At a time when the economy is struggling and state tax collections are declining, the Governor continues to estimate that we will see economic growth of 4% in the upcoming fiscal year. If we fail to meet these revenue projections, we could face additional budget shortfalls next year. A more prudent course would be to assume little or no revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year and adjust state spending accordingly.
“To prevent these dramatic shortfalls, provide more accurate revenue projections and solve these problems in the future, we need to pursue real budget reform and increased transparency in the budget process. I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of the General Assembly to address these concerns, restore fiscal integrity to the budgeting process in Richmond and adopt budget amendments that put our state back on a sound fiscal foundation.”
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