Del. Chris Saxman's report from Richmond ... week 1

By Del. Chris Saxman
R - 20th House District

Greetings from Richmond, where the 2009 legislative session is now underway! Though session didn’t officially begin until noon on Wednesday, most of us have been here all week, busy with pre-session meetings, filing bills, and meeting with constituents.

This year we have our “short” session, which means we have all of 45 days to complete our work. With such a short amount of time to get everything done, we have hit the ground running!

My 2009 Legislative Survey is now up on my website, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to let me know your thoughts on some of the top issues we will be considering this session. Your feedback helps me to better serve our district, and our Commonwealth.

Right after the session began on Wednesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee took up one of my bills, HB1634, for consideration. This bill, which I first introduced 3 years ago, is a measure to further clarify fundraising rules for lawmakers during session. General Assembly members are already prohibited from raising money while we are in session; however, currently political parties can still hold large fundraisers with lobbyists, attended by legislators. I believe this is contrary to the spirit of the law. The intent of my bill is to ensure we draw a hard line between fundraising and legislating. Today, the full House debated this measure, and I am pleased to report that the measure passed by a vote of 78-14. The measure will now be considered by the Senate.

Another important issue for our 20th House District is the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. Governor Tim Kaine has proposed closing the Center, located in Staunton as part of his amendments to the budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2009.

The CCCA serves a critical role for children and families in Virginia, and that is why we are doing everything we can to see that this resource remains open. Providing a safety-net for children is one of the core services of government. In light of Virginia’s budget shortfall this year, there are certain sacrifices that will have to be made, but I do not believe we should sacrifice the safety and care of the children served by the CCCA.

As such, I have announced that I am introducing a budget amendment to restore the $6 million in funding for the Center that Governor Kaine cut. Working with members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Delegate Steve Landes, I am recommending the Commonwealth delay the purchase of new text books in the next fiscal year. This cost-savings measure will save the state approximately $79 million this year, providing the funding to keep the Center open, and help reduce the state’s significant budget shortfall as well.

I’ll be sending our regular updates from Richmond during the session, but as always, please feel free to email me any time if there is anything I can do to be of service.