With Crossover today, the pace at the General Assembly reached a sprint late last week and yesterday, as we worked to complete action on all House Bills. Crossover is the last day that the House of Delegates can act on a House Bill.
As of midnight tonight, all bills that have passed the House will be sent to the Senate for their consideration, and we will begin to consider all Senate Bills that have passed the Senate on Wednesday. If a bill hasn't passed the House by today, then that particular bill will not pass the General Assembly this year.
In this Crossover message, I am reporting on a few of the Governor's bills we have advanced. I am proud ot have been the chief patron of a bill to reduce the size of government and save the taxpayer close to a few hundred thousand dollars. The other items of note in this correspondence are the Governor's transportation plan and the "Top Jobs" higher education reform bill.
Government Reform and Restructuring Legislation
At the request of the Governor, I am carrying House Bill 2520, a measure which eliminates certain advisory boards, councils, and other advisory collegial bodies. The bill contains numerous technical amendments. This bill is a recommendation of Governor McDonnell's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring which is tasked with working to put forth bold and innovative ideas to ensure that duplicative, outdated, unnecessary and ineffective services and service delivery methods are eliminated and that state revenues are dedicated to the core functions of government.
The Commonwealth of Virginia currently has 360 boards, commissions, and authorities to which the Governor makes appointments. These are the advisory, regulatory, and policy-making boards of Virginia. T here are approximately 4,250 total citizens who are appointed by the Governor to serve on these boards and commissions. This number does not include the General Assembly seats on joint boards that have seat appointments from both the Governor and the General Assembly. The majority of boards and commissions hold quarterly meetings. Some boards and commissions will meet more or less frequently based on the issues, hearings, or other matters which they handle. 360 board meetings at an average of four times per year equate to 1,440 board meetings per year in the Commonwealth.
This bill eliminates 12 advisory boards and commission which will create a cost savings for taxpayers. I am working with my House colleagues and the Governor to make government simpler and easier to use, more efficient and more effective.
"Top Jobs" higher education reform bill passes House unanimously
Another of Governor McDonnell's major reform initiatives was his higher education bill, House Bill 2510 (http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+sum+HB2510). The "Top Jobs of the 21st Century" higher education reform bill unanimously passed the House of Delegates last Wednesday. The twenty-six page bill puts the recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education, Reform, Innovation, and Investment into Virginia law. The Commission, which brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, focused on advancing reforms that will increase access for Virginia students at our colleges and universities at an affordable price and ensure that our students are receiving a top-class education that prepares them for the jobs of the future.
Governor's Transportation bill passes House
Arguably the biggest issue before the House last week was the Governor's transportation plan. House Bill 2527, which contained major components of the Governor's transportation plan, passed on a 65-33 vote last Friday.
The biggest components of the bill accelerate previously approved transportation bonds and deposit those funds into a transportation infrastructure bank. Let me be clear - this bill does not create new debt for the state. The debt that is being accelerated has already been incorporated into our budget. By accelerating the bonds, we will be able to take advantage of near record low interest rates and low construction costs. This acceleration will ultimately save the state in both construction and interest rate costs.
This means we'll be able to build projects in our area for much less and much faster than we otherwise would have. Some of the projects in our area may include:
HANOVER COUNTY
RTE 360 - WIDENING FROM 4 TO 6 & 8 LANES
RTE 271 - RECONSTRUCTION
RTE 656 - REALIGNMENT,RTL AT ROUTE 643
RTE 643 - TURN LANES & MODIFY SIGNALS
RT 651 (Georgetown Rd) - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
RTE 656 - INSTALL LEFT TURN LANE ONTO RTE 813
RTE 689 TAYLORSVILLE RD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER LITTLE RIVER
RT 625 GREENWOOD RD. BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER CHICKAHOMINY RIVER
ROUTE 360 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
RT 627 POLE GREEN ROAD/WALNUT GROVE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
HENRICO COUNTY
RT 64 - PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
NEW KENT COUNTY
Rt. 613 - Reconstruct Dispatch Road and surface treatment
The acceleration is more likened to refinancing a home loan to improve the house. Majority Leader Kirk Cox said "We've looked at the budget, we know we can afford it, and we'll be improving the quality of our home - the Commonwealth of Virginia. The infrastructure bank and accelerated bonds will go a long way to make roads better in our area and throughout the Commonwealth."
Here is a link to my Times Dispatch Sunday Commentary where I talk about the Governor's transportation plan: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/commentary/2011/feb/06/tdcomm03-a-prudent-transportation-transfusion-ar-822011/
As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there's anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1097 or via the Internet at Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 527.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.
Chris Peace
