By Del. Chris Saxman
Republican - 20th House District
Thanks for all of the great input from last week’s email on the environment. I enjoyed reading all of the many varied responses to our question about what you are doing for the environment.
In reading your responses and listening to other constituents in my district, I have discovered that many people are rightly concerned about the environment and want to help; however, there is a wide difference of opinions on what we can or should do. I look forward to continuing this dialogue and again appreciate everyone taking the time to share your thoughts.
As I have spent most of the last month on the baseball, softball and lacrosse sidelines for our children’s many sporting events, I have been listening to folks who are very concerned about the economy. The one question that keeps coming up is not WHEN will it get better but rather WILL it get better.
That is a big difference in the way Americans are thinking. There is significant concern that the actions of our government, which in my opinion created this problem, are not going to actually work.
One of my fears is that the economy will recover despite the extra burden being placed on it by our government and people will credit the government, thus creating a nation of Patty Hearst Stockholm Syndrome captives who depend entirely on government control of their lives.
I do know what does work – freedom. Always has, always will.
Another observation that I have made recently is that people are realizing that they really do not want all the stuff that they previously thought they needed. I think in the future people will realize that with all the cutting back comes a great sense of freedom. It is quite liberating to not want. The real question will then become whether people think they are free because government provides or they themselves provide that freedom.
Remember that our US Constitution was written to protect our freedoms and rights FROM government and that our freedoms and rights come from God and not the government. I hope that does not change.
For this week’s question, I’d like to hear what your recommendation(s) would be to help get America’s economy moving forward again. As always, you can email me directly or answer online. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Chris Saxman
PS- In case you missed it, check out former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week on the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.” Speaker Gingrich mentions work that Senator Frank Wagner and I initiated in Virginia related to exploration for off-shore energy resources back in 2004.
Del. Chris Saxman VSDB press conference today at 10:30 am
Delegate Chris Saxman will hold a press conference on Tuesday, April 14th at 10:30 am at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton. Construction has begun at VSDB-Staunton on the consolidation and renovation work, and Delegate Saxman will be providing updates on the project. He will be joined by several alumni of the VSDB.
Event: Delegate Saxman Press Conference
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time: 10:30 am
Location: VSDB-Staunton, Commerce Road Entrance across from Athletic Fields.
Event: Delegate Saxman Press Conference
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time: 10:30 am
Location: VSDB-Staunton, Commerce Road Entrance across from Athletic Fields.
Chris Saxman on proposed changes to unemployment insurance laws
Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) issued the following statement regarding actions by the General Assembly during yesterday’s Reconvened Session that would have permanently changed Virginia’s unemployment insurance laws in order to receive short-term, temporary federal funding.
“Today there has already been much coverage of yesterday’s Reconvened Session in Richmond, and unfortunately that coverage has contained misinformation about a House of Delegates’ vote regarding unemployment insurance laws in Virginia.Cross-posted on SWAC Girl
“Governor Kaine had proposed permanently amending Virginia’s unemployment insurance laws in order to receive an additional $125 million in temporary federal funding- this in addition to $62 million already being extended to the Commonwealth for unemployment benefits. While this federal money may have seemed to be short-term, quick-fix, it would have been a job-killer, and when those federal funds ran out, Virginia would have been left holding the bill for another federal unfunded mandate.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges Virginians are facing -- challenges I have experienced first-hand through our small family business. This is exactly why the legislature worked together this past session to pass meaningful, comprehensive initiatives that will provide real benefits to Virginians. We extended unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 59 weeks of coverage. We passed legislation to establish a program that allows employees of small businesses to have better access to the federal health insurance premium assistance program. We extended tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs here in the Commonwealth. Additionally, we approved funding for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to Virginia, aide in workforce development and promote tourism.
“The economic challenges we face are real, and Virginians expect comprehensive solutions and a balanced, long-term approach to address these problems. A short-term check from the federal government is no substitute for real, pragmatic solutions that will create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and get Virginians working again in long-term, full-time jobs that provide good pay and good benefits.”
Del. Saxman discusses VDOT
By Del. Chris Saxman
Republican - 20th House District
I'm sure you have heard the news recently surrounding VDOT's challenges in this economic downturn. Here in the Valley -- and throughout the state -- the Governor has suggested shutting down Interstate Rest Areas as a way to save money.
I raised my concerns about this proposal yesterday at a meeting of the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability with Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. I issued a press release on this situation which offers some ways I think we can work together for some better solutions.
With VDOT expressing concerns about not being able to fund maintenance and other projects, it is concerning to read in this morning's Richmond Times Dispatch that "The Virginia Department of Transportation last year paid more than $200,000 in one-time bonuses and more than $300,000 in salary increases to retain some of its top employees.
"The article further notes that, despite shutting 28 facilities in 2008, VDOT has increased its payroll by 70 percent since 2000. We all know that costs go up, and Virginia is recognized as the best managed state, yet "VDOT's payroll this year is $651 million, up from $425 million in 2000."
You can read the full article online here.
I am not opposed to bonuses and salary increases. As a small businessman, I realize that it is important to reward hard work and results in order to retain good employees. I also understand that it is important to pay competitive salaries in order to keep good, highly trained employees.What concerns me is that these bonuses are coming at a time when the Commonwealth and the nation are experiencing a significant economic downturn, and VDOT is considering laying off workers, shutting down rest areas and complaining about funding cuts. It is also concerning that VDOT has been growing its payroll at a rate of nearly 10% annually.
Tough times require us all to prioritize. The legislature just spent this year's legislative session finding ways to tighten our belts for state government, so to speak, to help the Commonwealth weather this economic storm and protect core services.
It is my hope that our state agencies will likewise find ways to ensure that they are operating in a fiscally responsible manner with the hard-earned tax dollars of Virginia citizens.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Republican - 20th House District
I'm sure you have heard the news recently surrounding VDOT's challenges in this economic downturn. Here in the Valley -- and throughout the state -- the Governor has suggested shutting down Interstate Rest Areas as a way to save money.
I raised my concerns about this proposal yesterday at a meeting of the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability with Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. I issued a press release on this situation which offers some ways I think we can work together for some better solutions.
With VDOT expressing concerns about not being able to fund maintenance and other projects, it is concerning to read in this morning's Richmond Times Dispatch that "The Virginia Department of Transportation last year paid more than $200,000 in one-time bonuses and more than $300,000 in salary increases to retain some of its top employees.
"The article further notes that, despite shutting 28 facilities in 2008, VDOT has increased its payroll by 70 percent since 2000. We all know that costs go up, and Virginia is recognized as the best managed state, yet "VDOT's payroll this year is $651 million, up from $425 million in 2000."
You can read the full article online here.
I am not opposed to bonuses and salary increases. As a small businessman, I realize that it is important to reward hard work and results in order to retain good employees. I also understand that it is important to pay competitive salaries in order to keep good, highly trained employees.What concerns me is that these bonuses are coming at a time when the Commonwealth and the nation are experiencing a significant economic downturn, and VDOT is considering laying off workers, shutting down rest areas and complaining about funding cuts. It is also concerning that VDOT has been growing its payroll at a rate of nearly 10% annually.
Tough times require us all to prioritize. The legislature just spent this year's legislative session finding ways to tighten our belts for state government, so to speak, to help the Commonwealth weather this economic storm and protect core services.
It is my hope that our state agencies will likewise find ways to ensure that they are operating in a fiscally responsible manner with the hard-earned tax dollars of Virginia citizens.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
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