Budget Update

Our budget conferees comprised of Delegates Putney, Kirk Cox, Sherwood, Landes, Jones, and Joannou and Senators Colgan, Houck, Howell, Wampler, Stosch, Saslaw, and Norment have spent this week negotiating amendments to the current biennial budget that can be agreed upon by both the Republican-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate.  

The House budget proposal attempts to ensure that our state budget is structurally balanced. Our plan reduces the state's debt, puts surpluses toward one-time, non-recurring expenditures, and invests more money for our retirement system. The voters last November clearly sent the message that budgeting based on the assumption that the recent growth in revenue will continue is foolish. In light of the recent turmoil in the Middle East and rising gas prices, we cannot take for granted any potential growth in this fledgling economic recovery.

The Senate proposal does exactly the opposite. According to the Secretary of Finance, the Senate's budget would anticipate state revenue growing by over 8% next year just to reach a balanced budget. When you add in the potential required increases in Medicaid and education spending, revenue would have to grow by over 10%. If we did not have 10% growth, then we would be forced to either cut spending or raise taxes. The House takes a more prudent course.

As of this writing, the House and Senate budget conferees have yet to come to an agreement on the budget. I remain hopeful that we will reach an agreement without having to extend the Session beyond the weekend. If there is no agreement on an amended budget, Virginia will simply operate under the second year of the previously approved biennial budget.

Tougher Regulations for Abortion Clinics Passes State Senate

An historic bill regulating abortion clinics passed the General Assembly and is now before Governor Bob McDonnell. When Senate Bill 924 becomes law, the Board of Health would be able to create tougher abortion center safety regulations. The bill passed the Senate on a 20-20 vote with Hanover's own Lt. Governor Bill Bolling casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill. The legislation is a victory for all those who have pushed for tougher regulations to ensure the health and welfare of the mother. With recent horror stories from abortion clinics in New Jersey and Philadelphia, this bill will put in place the regulations needed to prevent that from occurring in Virginia.

Greater Protection for Property Owners

A proposed constitutional amendment, which I co-patroned to strengthen private property rights passed both chambers this week. The passage of the proposed amendment this year is only the first step. The amendment must pass the General Assembly again next year without any changes to be placed on the ballot for voters to accept or reject. Only after approval by the voters would this proposed constitutional amendment be put into our constitution. Despite the long road ahead, passage this year is an encouraging sign that the amendment could ultimately be written into our state constitution.

Visitors

Monday was RPV grassroots day, I was honored to be visited by Jane Ladd of New Kent, Marie Quinn, State Central Committee member, Rudy Burgess and Nancy Russell of Hanover, Carol Dawson a 1st District State Central Committee member and many others from across the Commonwealth.  I also had the opportunity to welcome Herb and Marian White to a day at the Capitol.  They enjoyed a tour of the Capitol, the Governor's Mansion and sitting in on floor session.  Jacqui Collins of King William and a student at Rappahannock Community College stopped by accompanied by Sissy Crowther and other students. 

My final visitors of the week were a group of home school students, the Keith Ober family and Sean Davis family from Hanover. 

Hanover students, the Ober and Davis families visit with Delegate Peace