Senate Democrats vote against State Budget and send Session into unprecedented territory

 

I have had the honor to serve the citizens of the 97th District for 6 years. In my time in the House, we are currently in uncharted territory because, with less than a week remaining in the 2012 General Assembly Session, Senate Democrats have defeated both budget bills that have come before them, leaving the General Assembly at a standstill on the budget. There have been budget standoffs in years past including 2001, 2004, and 2006; however, those disagreements were over specific items in the budget and those disagreements did not involve one party in one chamber completely blocking progress on the budget.

 

In the House of Delegates, we worked with Democrats to pass a fiscally responsible budget with bipartisan support. During the Floor debate on the House Budget, House Minority Leader David Toscano publicly thanked Republicans for including Democrats in the process and for having the opportunity to give their input. There is a lot to like in the House Budget for both sides of the aisle. The House Budget is a structurally balanced budget that contains targeted funding increases in core areas of government including job growth, education, public safety, and health care, all without raising taxes or fees. Even the House Democrat Caucus Chairman said after the budget vote that many of the Democrats' no votes were not "super hard no" votes against the House Budget and went on to explain the reasons why some ultimately voted against it. In the end, one third of the House Democrats joined with House Republicans in supporting the House Budget that passed on a 79-21 vote.

 

In stark contrast to the actions in the House of Delegates, Senate Democrats have voted twice against the passage of a state budget and brought the budget process to a halt. With Lt. Governor Bolling unable to cast a tie-breaking vote on budget matters, Senate Democrats have used this opportunity to obstruct the budget process. Senate Democrats have openly admitted they are blocking progress on the budget process until they receive better committee assignments. On the first day of Session, Lt. Governor Bolling exercised his constitutional authority to cast a tie-breaking vote to organize Senate Committees. These obstructionist ways are what so many have come to expect from Washington, and it is disappointing to see these Washington-style tactics make their way into the Virginia General Assembly.    

 

Despite the Senate Democrats' best efforts to stop the budget process, all House Democrats joined with House Republicans on Thursday to support Delegate Lacey Putney's motion to introduce new budget bills and keep the budget process moving. This late in Session, any delegate introducing legislation needs unanimous consent of all delegates to introduce the proposed legislation.

 

What would it mean if Virginia did not pass a budget by July 1st? Simply put, funding for most all state employees and agencies would cease and state government would essentially shut down. Each day the Senate Democrats block passage of a state budget, they put at risk funding for our schools, our roads, and more. Virginia colleges, universities, and public schools are in the process of developing their budgets and need to know how much state funding to expect. Each day Senate Democrats refuse to pass a budget, they are adding to the growing uncertainty among our local boards of supervisors, city councils, school boards, and boards of visitors as they try to budget for the next fiscal year. Each day they refuse to pass a budget, they are forcing our state government one step closer to a shutdown.

 

We have less than a week left before we are scheduled to adjourn. We all must work together to fulfill our obligation to all Virginians to pass a state budget. As time dwindles, I hope Senate Democrats will cease their obstructionist ways and move forward in a sensible manner - "The Virginia Way"- to ensure Virginia's government is working to meet its responsibilities to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

 

Bill to Reform State-run Monopoly and Help Small Business Passes

Peace champions legislation to create level field of competition for private sector vendors

NFIB, the leading small business organization, wholeheartedly supported the measure

 

House Bill 263, patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) passed both chambers with bi-partisan support, and is now on the way to the Governor. Implementation of this legislation will expand the list of circumstances by which an exemption from a mandatory purchase requirement may be granted to include instances in which an identical article can be obtained at a verified lower cost from the private sector.

 

"Promoting transparency and cost efficiencies in government is one of our top priorities - particularly when the government is competing against the private sector," said Nicole Riley, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business. "We commend Delegate Peace for his leadership on this matter and look forward to working with him throughout the next year to bring some additional reform to this government program."

 

Under current law, state agencies are required to purchase goods and services produced by inmates in state correctional facilities. The director of the Division of Purchases and Supply (DSP) of the Department of General Services may grant an exemption from the requirement if the item produced by Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE) of the Department of Corrections does not meet the requirements of the agency or if VCE cannot comply with the order of the agency due to a lack of materials or for any other reason.

 

Speaking to the passage Peace asserted, "This is a common sense free market enterprise measure. Small businesses and vendors from the private sector across the Commonwealth have been "shut out" of this process all together. We should not have the State be in direct competition with small businesses in such an economic climate as we see today."

 

John Massad, Jr, a principle of one of the oldest office furniture dealers in Virginia stated, "After a long fight it finally seemed to make sense, but only after Delegate Peace made folks in State government realize what was truly going on. Peace is a true supporter of the small business owner. It took many meetings and attempts to get the correct facts out. Thanks to Delegate Peace for all of his efforts."

 

REMINDER: March 6th is Presidential primary Day in Virginia

 

There is a Republican primary here in Virginia on March 6th. I encourage you all to go to the polls and vote. If you are unable to get to the polls, you can vote absentee in the Registrar's office up thru Saturday March 3. Or the Registrar can mail you a ballot. Here is a link to the State Board of Elections site with details about absentee voting: Virginia SBE Absentee Voting Information

 

Contact Me

 

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) 698-1097or 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.