By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
6th Congressional District
This last week President Barack Obama came to Capitol Hill to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress. The President articulated to the American people in very frank terms the challenges that our nation is currently facing but reminded us all that with hard work and determination Americans can overcome these challenges and create a brighter future.
President Obama laid out his agenda from addressing the economic crisis to health care reform to America’s energy policy. I particularly welcomed the President’s call for fiscal discipline. In these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending. The federal government must work to both eliminate every cent of waste and squeeze every cent of value out of each dollar our citizens entrust to it. American families and small businesses across this country are making sacrifices and cutting expenses and it is time the federal government did the same.
In stark contrast to President Obama’s call for fiscal responsibility, Democrats in Congress rushed through another massive spending bill, sinking us further into debt. Just one day after the President came to Congress to stress the importance of putting Washington’s fiscal house in order, the House of Representatives passed, without my support, the $410 billion omnibus spending bill which represents the largest increase in nonemergency federal spending since the 1970s. It includes an 8% increase in federal government spending and this is on top of the massive $1.1 trillion so-called economic stimulus bill that Congress passed just weeks ago.
More pork barrel spending is not what we need to get our economy back on track. The American taxpayer should not be forced to shoulder the burden of more wasteful government spending. Instead Congress must be willing to make the necessary and hard choices to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington. That’s why I strongly support freezing federal government discretionary spending at their current levels. Upholding the principles of fiscal responsibility and ensuring that the hard-earned dollars of taxpayers are spent responsibly are the only ways to strengthen our workforce, grow our economy and keep America competitive.
There are many differences between Republicans and Democrats but we can all agree that despite the challenging road ahead, Americans are more than equal to the task before us. I remain committed to working with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to enact legislation which empowers American families and small businesses without expanding the government with increased taxes. This is the best way to promote jobs and strengthen our economy.
Bill Bolling's remarks on new Attorney General
RICHMOND - Earlier today, the State Senate and House of Delegates unanimously elected William J. Mims to succeed Bob McDonnell as Attorney General of Virginia. In response to this action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:
“I commend the members of the Senate and House of Delegates for choosing wisely and selecting William J. Mims to serve as Attorney General of Virginia. I had the privilege of serving in the State Senate with Bill Mims for several years, and I always found him to be one of the smartest and most effective members of the General Assembly. In addition, Bill has served with distinction as the Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia for the past three years. I have every confidence that Bill will do an outstanding job filling the unexpired portion of Bob McDonnell’s term, and I can think of no one who is more qualified and better prepared to assume these important duties than Bill. I look forward to working with him in the coming months.”
“I commend the members of the Senate and House of Delegates for choosing wisely and selecting William J. Mims to serve as Attorney General of Virginia. I had the privilege of serving in the State Senate with Bill Mims for several years, and I always found him to be one of the smartest and most effective members of the General Assembly. In addition, Bill has served with distinction as the Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia for the past three years. I have every confidence that Bill will do an outstanding job filling the unexpired portion of Bob McDonnell’s term, and I can think of no one who is more qualified and better prepared to assume these important duties than Bill. I look forward to working with him in the coming months.”
Bob McDonnell welcomes new Attorney General
Richmond- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Attorney General of Virginia, issued the following statement today on the unanimous confirmation of Bill Mims as Attorney General of Virginia.
"Bill Mims has dedicated his career to serving the people of Virginia. Today's unanimous confirmation vote demonstrates the high regard in which Bill is held by leaders from both political parties. As my Chief Deputy Attorney General over the last three years Bill ran the day to day operations of the office with extraordinary management skill. He is beloved by the staff at the office, widely respected in the Virginia legal and political communities, and well suited to serve as the next Attorney General of Virginia. I have great confidence in Bill. He is a leader of great character and intellect, and he will run the Commonwealth's law firm with honor. I congratulate Bill on his confirmation as Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia."
"Bill Mims has dedicated his career to serving the people of Virginia. Today's unanimous confirmation vote demonstrates the high regard in which Bill is held by leaders from both political parties. As my Chief Deputy Attorney General over the last three years Bill ran the day to day operations of the office with extraordinary management skill. He is beloved by the staff at the office, widely respected in the Virginia legal and political communities, and well suited to serve as the next Attorney General of Virginia. I have great confidence in Bill. He is a leader of great character and intellect, and he will run the Commonwealth's law firm with honor. I congratulate Bill on his confirmation as Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Bill Bolling live-blogs at Family Foundation March 4
Received an email from Victoria Cobb at the Family Foundation announcing that Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will be live-blogging with them next Wednesday, March 4, from 5-6 pm. She wrote:
I’m thrilled to announce that on Wednesday, March 4 – one week from today – Lt. Governor Bill Bolling will participate in a live interview on our blog, where he will answer your questions about the 2009 General Assembly. For one hour, beginning at 5:00 p.m., he will answer questions posted by our readers, and you can watch his answers posted live or read them at your leisure. We are very grateful to Lt. Governor Bolling for taking time out of his busy schedule to appear on our blog.Thanks to Victoria and everyone at the Family Foundation for all you do to protect family values.
Please leave your question for him here.
Speaking of our blog, we are excited so many have visited during the General Assembly to see our unique coverage, which includes interviews, twitter updates, first person accounts, reporting from committee hearings, analysis, commentary, breaking news on priority bills, and quotes and bills of the day, among other things, all found in our Capitol Square Diary.
But among all the features we’ve added to the blog, our video capability has brought us the most attention. If you don’t think so, read how our intern was treated during some committee meetings – some lawmakers and interest groups just don’t want the public to know their true record. Speaking of getting the treatment, read how one senator rewarded one of our lobbyists when he did that senator a favor.
It would have been fantasy just a few years ago, but now grassroots conservatives can see the news the Mainstream Media will not provide, cannot provide, or provides with a liberal bias. We urge you to see the General Assembly for yourself, unfiltered, concerning “controversial” issues such as the Chaplain’s Prayer bill, where we put the video online for you to see how some Senators sank such a commonsense bill to protect religious liberty.
You can also see the dramatic moments on the Senate floor when the Choose Life License Plate amendment was adopted. But it’s not all about the General Assembly. Life goes on, even if it’s unseemly, as with these two Virginia colleges.
Our work is getting noticed by national and state media alike; even the lawmakers themselves. If they acknowledge the job we’re doing, we’re doing something right.
So, join the online party. Ask the LG a question or post your comments on any of the numerous subjects we cover and let the Commonwealth know what you think. Whether it’s in a meeting hall or online, numbers matter. Let Virginia know we’re out to make a difference.
Time Magazine: Eric Cantor working to regain GOP majority
"I feel that my obligation is to be a prudent guardian of taxpayer money."
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA 7th Congressional District)
Rep. Eric Cantor has a giant mounted photo propped like a canvas on the arms of a chair in the corner of his office in the Capitol. The image seems an innocently iconic one — a shot of the National Mall from Congress — until a staffer explains to you that it's the view from the Virginia Republican's old office when the GOP controlled the House, and it's there to serve as a daily reminder of what he's working toward: regaining the majority.So begins Time Magazine's new article about Republican Whip Eric Cantor, a popular servant of the people who hopes to bring the majority back to DC and the GOP. Capturing the mover-and-shaker of the forty-something set, Time reported:
Taking on the relatively unpopular congressional Democrats is one thing, but flagrantly opposing a wildly popular new President is risky, especially when the payoff could take years, if at all. But the move energized the GOP for the first time in a long while, inspiring six Republican governors — all rumored 2012 wannabes like Cantor himself — to threaten to decline some of the stimulus money.Read the entire article here.
The opposition also heightened Cantor's profile as the Newt Gingrich of his generation, a wonky, partisan bomb thrower who can rake in well over $300,000 in a single fundraiser, as he did last week. The Richmond, Va., Republican, who likes to remind folks he holds James Madison's seat in Congress, is one of the few rising stars in a party struggling to reinvent itself. But at 45, the baby-faced Cantor is hardly new to the scene. A player in House leadership for seven years, he has raised more than $16.5 million for himself and his colleagues in the last three election cycles — the carrot to his ideological stick when he's keeping his conference in line.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Let the race begin ... Bob McDonnell for Governor!
Attorney General Bob McDonnell officially steps down today from his job as Virginia's top cop to run as the Republican candidate for Governor of the Commonwealth.
Many are noting his excellent public service:
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Many are noting his excellent public service:
Richmond- As Attorney General Bob McDonnell officially steps down today as the 44th Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a number of prominent state and national leaders who have worked with him over the past three years issued statements in recognition of his service.Bob McDonnell for Governor 2009.
William (Bill) H. Leighty, Former Chief of Staff to Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine ..."It has been a distinct pleasure to have served at a time that Bob McDonnell was Attorney General. As a career state employee, I have worked with a number of Attorneys General. General McDonnell distinguished himself in his treatment of the professionals at the Attorney General’s Office and with his attention to the improvement of management efficiencies in the operation of the office.”Congressman Eric Cantor ..."For three years Bob has run the Commonwealth's law firm with intelligence, efficiency and skill. He has been a partner in Richmond that our Congressional delegation could always depend upon for honest legal analysis. Bob McDonnell has served Virginia's citizens well as our Attorney General."Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. ...“I appreciate Bob McDonnell’s leadership in working with me and the Cal Ripken Sr., Foundation to bring our ‘Badges for Baseball’ program to young people throughout Virginia. Badges for Baseball, which brings together law enforcement mentors and coaches with young people at Boys & Girls Clubs, is entering its third year in the Commonwealth, and Bob and his staff at the Attorney General’s Office have been wonderful partners. Bob has not only been instrumental in the success of Badges for Baseball in Virginia, he has been a strong advocate for the program on a national level. He has spoken with fellow Attorneys General about the value of the program that combines baseball and the ‘Ripken Way’ with life lessons about character, responsibility and sportsmanship. I thank Bob McDonnell for his public service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and his unwavering interest in providing children with the tools to make good choices in life.”City of Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring ...“We often talk about the goal of bipartisan collaboration on important public safety issues, such as gangs. As Attorney General, Bob McDonnell actually did it by partnering with us in the City of Richmond.”Steve Rosenthal, Former Attorney General of Virginia ...“The Office of the Attorney General is the Commonwealth's law firm. The Office is consulted on nearly every significant issue facing Virginia, and it is relied upon to provide accurate and timely legal advice and direction. Bob has ensured this has been the case during his time in Office, and his leadership has greatly benefited the government and the people of Virginia. Bob was an effective Attorney General and he will be missed.”Chuck Rosenberg, Former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia ...“Bob was a great partner, a great leader, and a great friend to law enforcement throughout Virginia.”Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director, Federation of Virginia Food Banks ...“Thousands of Virginians have benefited from the leadership and vision of Attorney General Bob McDonnell as chair of the statewide Legal Food Frenzy – a campaign involving law firms through the state. This campaign has provided over 2 million pounds of food and grocery products in its first two years to the seven Food Banks in the Virginia/DC area and as a result, has put food on the table of many individuals in need. Attorney General McDonnell has been a strong advocate on behalf of Food Banks throughout the state and we are extremely grateful for the support and leadership of Attorney General Bob McDonnell and his staff.”Chuck Curran, Chief Counsel, AOL ...“Bob McDonnell has been an innovator in cybercrime investigation and prosecution. He was one of the first Attorneys General in the country to work closely with the tech community to help combat many of the challenges facing the Internet. As a result, General McDonnell’s programs have done a great deal to protect children online, promote general computer safety and stop the proliferation of spam. It has been a pleasure to work with him.”
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
McDonnell announces challenge grant for mental health care
McDonnell Announces $1 Million Challenge Grant for Statewide Mental Health Care
Grant Provided to Virginia Health Care Foundation
-Foundation to Double Grant Amount; Funds Result of Two Settlements-
Grant Provided to Virginia Health Care Foundation
-Foundation to Double Grant Amount; Funds Result of Two Settlements-
Richmond- Attorney General Bob McDonnell today formally announced a $1 million challenge grant for the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) to provide mental health care in the Commonwealth. The grant is the result of two successful multi-state settlements secured by the Office of Attorney General Bob McDonnell, and Attorneys General from other states, with two national pharmacy benefits management companies. The settlements occurred in 2008.
McDonnell was joined at this morning’s press conference by Debbie Oswalt, Executive Director of the VHCF; Mary Ann Bergeron, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards; Lou Markwith, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Free Clinics; Neil Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association; Gil Minor, Chairman of Owens and Minor, and Chairman of the VHCF Fund Development Committee; Chief Deputy Attorney General Bill Mims, and other statewide leaders in the public health arena.
Speaking about today’s announcement Attorney General McDonnell noted, “Our office has worked with the Governor, leaders in the General Assembly, mental health advocates and other stakeholders to make mental health reform a top priority. Mental illness is treatable, and we must do all we can to help those who suffer from it. This grant will assist in that effort. The Virginia Health Care Foundation will use these initial funds to raise an additional $1 million, and then use all those funds to augment community mental health care resources. Today’s announcement means treatment for uninsured Virginians in need of mental health care. This doesn’t just benefit these individuals, it benefits our entire Commonwealth.”
Debbie Oswalt, executive director of the VHCF remarked, “The Attorney General’s innovative approach of using the settlement funds as a challenge grant will double the amount of funding available to treat uninsured Virginians with basic medical or mental health needs. This creative leveraging has produced a financial incentive for collaboration among local community services boards and health safety net organizations, which should result in substantial long term dividends for uninsured Virginians with mental illness.”
The VHCF will use the $1 million grant for a special Mental Health Leadership Initiative. The full $2 million (the initial $1 million plus the $1 million match to be raised by the VHCF) will be distributed by the VHCF through a competitive grant process to Virginia’s health safety net providers. Approximately 8-10 three-year grants could be made to Virginia communities that want to offer primary health care to the seriously mentally ill or expand basic mental health services. All grants will ensure access to needed prescription medications. For example, those entities interested in providing basic mental health services could use the funds to hire mental health professionals to treat uninsured patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and similar illnesses. Those entities interested in providing basic medical care to seriously mentally ill clients from local Community Services Boards could use the funds to hire necessary medical staff, and underwrite related costs, including prescription medications. The VHCF will be working in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, Inc., the Virginia Association of Free Clinics, and the Virginia Community Healthcare Association.
Today’s grant is the result of two multi-state settlements entered into with Caremark Rx, L.L.C. and Express Scripts, Inc in February and May of 2008. Both settlements involved claims that these pharmacy benefits management (“PBM”) companies engaged in deceptive business practices by encouraging doctors to switch patients to different brand name prescription drugs and representing that the patients and/or health plans would save money. It was alleged that doctors were not adequately informed of the effect certain drug switches would have on costs to patients and health plans. It also was alleged that these PBMs did not clearly disclose to their clients that rebates accrued from the drug switching process would be retained by the PBM and not passed directly to the client plan. From these two settlements Virginia received $1,030,116.94 to be used to benefit low income, disabled, or elderly consumers of prescription medications, to promote lower drug costs for state residents, to educate consumers concerning the cost differences among medications, or for similar purposes.
McDonnell was joined at this morning’s press conference by Debbie Oswalt, Executive Director of the VHCF; Mary Ann Bergeron, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards; Lou Markwith, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Free Clinics; Neil Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association; Gil Minor, Chairman of Owens and Minor, and Chairman of the VHCF Fund Development Committee; Chief Deputy Attorney General Bill Mims, and other statewide leaders in the public health arena.
Speaking about today’s announcement Attorney General McDonnell noted, “Our office has worked with the Governor, leaders in the General Assembly, mental health advocates and other stakeholders to make mental health reform a top priority. Mental illness is treatable, and we must do all we can to help those who suffer from it. This grant will assist in that effort. The Virginia Health Care Foundation will use these initial funds to raise an additional $1 million, and then use all those funds to augment community mental health care resources. Today’s announcement means treatment for uninsured Virginians in need of mental health care. This doesn’t just benefit these individuals, it benefits our entire Commonwealth.”
Debbie Oswalt, executive director of the VHCF remarked, “The Attorney General’s innovative approach of using the settlement funds as a challenge grant will double the amount of funding available to treat uninsured Virginians with basic medical or mental health needs. This creative leveraging has produced a financial incentive for collaboration among local community services boards and health safety net organizations, which should result in substantial long term dividends for uninsured Virginians with mental illness.”
The VHCF will use the $1 million grant for a special Mental Health Leadership Initiative. The full $2 million (the initial $1 million plus the $1 million match to be raised by the VHCF) will be distributed by the VHCF through a competitive grant process to Virginia’s health safety net providers. Approximately 8-10 three-year grants could be made to Virginia communities that want to offer primary health care to the seriously mentally ill or expand basic mental health services. All grants will ensure access to needed prescription medications. For example, those entities interested in providing basic mental health services could use the funds to hire mental health professionals to treat uninsured patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and similar illnesses. Those entities interested in providing basic medical care to seriously mentally ill clients from local Community Services Boards could use the funds to hire necessary medical staff, and underwrite related costs, including prescription medications. The VHCF will be working in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, Inc., the Virginia Association of Free Clinics, and the Virginia Community Healthcare Association.
Today’s grant is the result of two multi-state settlements entered into with Caremark Rx, L.L.C. and Express Scripts, Inc in February and May of 2008. Both settlements involved claims that these pharmacy benefits management (“PBM”) companies engaged in deceptive business practices by encouraging doctors to switch patients to different brand name prescription drugs and representing that the patients and/or health plans would save money. It was alleged that doctors were not adequately informed of the effect certain drug switches would have on costs to patients and health plans. It also was alleged that these PBMs did not clearly disclose to their clients that rebates accrued from the drug switching process would be retained by the PBM and not passed directly to the client plan. From these two settlements Virginia received $1,030,116.94 to be used to benefit low income, disabled, or elderly consumers of prescription medications, to promote lower drug costs for state residents, to educate consumers concerning the cost differences among medications, or for similar purposes.
Conservatives opposed to wasteful spending
By Jim Gilmore
Virginia Patriot Blog
People in Washington like to throw around elegant economic theories while debating the needed economic stimulus. But whether they’re Keynesians or supply-siders, conservatives or socialists, none seem to be focusing on what state governments need and could actually make use of to help them through these tough times.
We conservatives aren’t opposed to a stimulus package. We’re opposed to waste, to further government interference in our economy, and want only to make sure the government takes action that is right, not simply expedient.
Read the complete story at Human Events.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Virginia Patriot Blog
People in Washington like to throw around elegant economic theories while debating the needed economic stimulus. But whether they’re Keynesians or supply-siders, conservatives or socialists, none seem to be focusing on what state governments need and could actually make use of to help them through these tough times.
We conservatives aren’t opposed to a stimulus package. We’re opposed to waste, to further government interference in our economy, and want only to make sure the government takes action that is right, not simply expedient.
Read the complete story at Human Events.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Live now: AFP tele-town hall conference
Going on live now ... over 10,000 Americans across the nation joined Americans For Prosperity president Tim Phillips, Virginia Congressional Whip Eric Cantor (R-7th Cognressional District), and the Wall Street Journal's Steve Moore for a tele-town hall that answered questions about the stimulus bill and other issues of interest to voters. They provided up-to-the-minute intelligence and details on the eve of Congress’s final vote on the Pelosi/Reid/Obama trillion dollar "Stimulus" boondoggle.
Questions asked from throughout the country were answered by the three gentlemen ... everything from why there is no transparency of the stimulus bill, how small business owners will survive, to how bad the economy will get with the passage of this bill, to thanking the Republicans for standing up against the bill, and much more.
One caller said we've lost the battle but not the war, and wanted to know how to get the word out through the grassroots. The answer: call-in radio shows, letters to the editor, talk to 10 people a day about the importance of being engaged, sign the No Stimulus petition, call your representatives.
The House has set their vote for early afternoon tomorrow. The Senate vote appears to be set for late tomorrow afternoon or early evening. That gives us 24 hours to keep up the pressure. We must keep fighting back, and turning up the heat on our elected officials.
This fight has been taken to the center of the national stage, even when nobody thought it could make a difference. AFP's NoStimulus.com campaign is having a big impact, turning public opinion strongly against the Pelosi/Reid/Obama trillion-dollar debt and spending scheme.
Already, the NoStimulus.com petition drive has 418,343 signers and the number is climbing by the hour! That's right -- last Friday at a news conference with Senator DeMint to turn in the initial round of petitions the number was at 69,487 and one week later it's 418,343 petition signers!
Thank you for doing your part in this crucial battle.
Questions asked from throughout the country were answered by the three gentlemen ... everything from why there is no transparency of the stimulus bill, how small business owners will survive, to how bad the economy will get with the passage of this bill, to thanking the Republicans for standing up against the bill, and much more.
One caller said we've lost the battle but not the war, and wanted to know how to get the word out through the grassroots. The answer: call-in radio shows, letters to the editor, talk to 10 people a day about the importance of being engaged, sign the No Stimulus petition, call your representatives.
The House has set their vote for early afternoon tomorrow. The Senate vote appears to be set for late tomorrow afternoon or early evening. That gives us 24 hours to keep up the pressure. We must keep fighting back, and turning up the heat on our elected officials.
This fight has been taken to the center of the national stage, even when nobody thought it could make a difference. AFP's NoStimulus.com campaign is having a big impact, turning public opinion strongly against the Pelosi/Reid/Obama trillion-dollar debt and spending scheme.
Already, the NoStimulus.com petition drive has 418,343 signers and the number is climbing by the hour! That's right -- last Friday at a news conference with Senator DeMint to turn in the initial round of petitions the number was at 69,487 and one week later it's 418,343 petition signers!
Thank you for doing your part in this crucial battle.
Del. Chris Saxman ... notes from Richmond
By Del. Chris Saxman
R-20th House District
Prior to the session, I wrote to tell you about a bill I planned to introduce during this year's legislative session, HJ640, a constitutional amendment protecting Virginia's status as a "right-to-work" state.
I am very pleased to announce that on Tuesday, the House of Delegates approved this amendment, 56-43.
Increasing attacks on Virginia's right-to-work status in recent years influenced my decision to introduce this amendment this year, including two measures introduced in last year's legislative session that would have altered our current policies on right-to-work. The decision by the House Democratic Caucus to take a Caucus position in opposition of HJ640 this year underscores the need for this amendment.
I do not take amending our Constitution lightly, however the right-to-work is so fundamentally important to Virginia's economy, that we must ensure that it is protected for the long-term against the political whims of governments elected to 2 or 4 year terms.
Virginia has been recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, in no small part due to our right-to-work protections. The pro-business policies in place have created thousands of new jobs for Virginians- jobs with good benefits and salaries- as businesses have relocated and grown in the Commonwealth.
But as we have seen, both here in Virginia and on the national level, some interests will actively work to undermine right-to-work laws. By placing our right-to-work laws within the Constitution, we send a strong message that Virginia will remain open for business, and we will continue to create new, good paying jobs for Virginia families.
Both Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell have worked in support to this measure, and I appreciate them standing up on this important issue.
I look forward to continuing to work with them and my other colleagues as we make the case for HJ640 in the Senate.
As always, please let me know your thoughts on this and other issues before the General Assembly this legislative session.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
R-20th House District
Prior to the session, I wrote to tell you about a bill I planned to introduce during this year's legislative session, HJ640, a constitutional amendment protecting Virginia's status as a "right-to-work" state.
I am very pleased to announce that on Tuesday, the House of Delegates approved this amendment, 56-43.
Increasing attacks on Virginia's right-to-work status in recent years influenced my decision to introduce this amendment this year, including two measures introduced in last year's legislative session that would have altered our current policies on right-to-work. The decision by the House Democratic Caucus to take a Caucus position in opposition of HJ640 this year underscores the need for this amendment.
I do not take amending our Constitution lightly, however the right-to-work is so fundamentally important to Virginia's economy, that we must ensure that it is protected for the long-term against the political whims of governments elected to 2 or 4 year terms.
Virginia has been recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, in no small part due to our right-to-work protections. The pro-business policies in place have created thousands of new jobs for Virginians- jobs with good benefits and salaries- as businesses have relocated and grown in the Commonwealth.
But as we have seen, both here in Virginia and on the national level, some interests will actively work to undermine right-to-work laws. By placing our right-to-work laws within the Constitution, we send a strong message that Virginia will remain open for business, and we will continue to create new, good paying jobs for Virginia families.
Both Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell have worked in support to this measure, and I appreciate them standing up on this important issue.
I look forward to continuing to work with them and my other colleagues as we make the case for HJ640 in the Senate.
As always, please let me know your thoughts on this and other issues before the General Assembly this legislative session.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Notes from Richmond ... Saxman off-shore drilling royalties bill passes House
By Del. Chris Saxman
R-20th House District
As I mentioned in my last email, we're just days away from Crossover -- our half-way point for the General Assembly session -- and that means things are happening quickly!
I wanted to share with you some exciting news from today's floor session. With bipartisan support, the House of Delegates approved my HB1633: Offshore Drilling royalties bill, 58-41.
This bill dedicates any royalties that the Commonwealth might receive from offshore drilling for natural gas and oil among the Transportation Trust Fund, the Renewable Electricity Production Grant Fund, the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, the Home Energy Assistance Fund, the Biofuels Production Fund and programs developed by the Secretary of Natural Resources to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.
After Crossover next week, the bill will move to the Senate for their consideration. I appreciate the support this bill has received from my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to the opportunity to share this legislation with the members of the Senate in the coming weeks.
As always, thank you for your calls and emails during the session. Please continue to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
R-20th House District
As I mentioned in my last email, we're just days away from Crossover -- our half-way point for the General Assembly session -- and that means things are happening quickly!
I wanted to share with you some exciting news from today's floor session. With bipartisan support, the House of Delegates approved my HB1633: Offshore Drilling royalties bill, 58-41.
This bill dedicates any royalties that the Commonwealth might receive from offshore drilling for natural gas and oil among the Transportation Trust Fund, the Renewable Electricity Production Grant Fund, the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, the Home Energy Assistance Fund, the Biofuels Production Fund and programs developed by the Secretary of Natural Resources to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.
After Crossover next week, the bill will move to the Senate for their consideration. I appreciate the support this bill has received from my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to the opportunity to share this legislation with the members of the Senate in the coming weeks.
As always, thank you for your calls and emails during the session. Please continue to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
House of Delegates update
By Del. Chris Saxman
R-20th House District
We are almost to “Crossover” here in Richmond- which is essentially our half-way point for the General Assembly session when the bills that have been approved by the House go to the Senate for their consideration, and vice versa.
With so much going on, I wanted to take a quick moment to share some news:
Welcome Michael Steele to the helm of the RNC. He’s a great guy and an awesome pick. I have had the great pleasure of working with Chairman Steele through his leadership at GOPAC, and I know he will bring great energy and dedication to this new role.
Congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers on #6! Great game and sincere kudos to Arizona Cardinals.
The federal government takes up the inaccurately described “stimulus bill”. To quote C.S. Lewis from Mere Christianity “if you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”
In some news from Richmond:
My school choice bill, HB1965, was passed by the House Finance Committee. This legislation is an important first step to ensure that every child in Virginia has the opportunity to succeed and to receive an education that will best meet their unique learning needs. It will also save the state money- Florida recently found that their similar tax credit program saves the state $1.49 for every dollar invested. It’s a win-win program for students, families and taxpayers. The bill is now before the House Appropriations Committee.
HJ640, the constitutional amendment I have introduced to protect Virginia’s Right-to-Work status, passed out of the Privileges and Elections subcommittee on a 5-3 vote. It will be heard by the full committee on Friday.
If you have not yet done so, I hope you will take a moment to complete my 2009 Legislative Survey, which is available on my website. Your feedback is very valuable to me as we consider the many issues before us during the session.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts and feedback already during this year’s legislative session. I always appreciate hearing from you, and hope you will continue to feel free to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Happy Groundhog day and may spring arrive soon!
R-20th House District
We are almost to “Crossover” here in Richmond- which is essentially our half-way point for the General Assembly session when the bills that have been approved by the House go to the Senate for their consideration, and vice versa.
With so much going on, I wanted to take a quick moment to share some news:
Welcome Michael Steele to the helm of the RNC. He’s a great guy and an awesome pick. I have had the great pleasure of working with Chairman Steele through his leadership at GOPAC, and I know he will bring great energy and dedication to this new role.
Congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers on #6! Great game and sincere kudos to Arizona Cardinals.
The federal government takes up the inaccurately described “stimulus bill”. To quote C.S. Lewis from Mere Christianity “if you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”
In some news from Richmond:
My school choice bill, HB1965, was passed by the House Finance Committee. This legislation is an important first step to ensure that every child in Virginia has the opportunity to succeed and to receive an education that will best meet their unique learning needs. It will also save the state money- Florida recently found that their similar tax credit program saves the state $1.49 for every dollar invested. It’s a win-win program for students, families and taxpayers. The bill is now before the House Appropriations Committee.
HJ640, the constitutional amendment I have introduced to protect Virginia’s Right-to-Work status, passed out of the Privileges and Elections subcommittee on a 5-3 vote. It will be heard by the full committee on Friday.
If you have not yet done so, I hope you will take a moment to complete my 2009 Legislative Survey, which is available on my website. Your feedback is very valuable to me as we consider the many issues before us during the session.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts and feedback already during this year’s legislative session. I always appreciate hearing from you, and hope you will continue to feel free to email me any time to share you thoughts on the session, or if there is anything I can do to be of service.
Happy Groundhog day and may spring arrive soon!
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