I want to thank all those who participated in my 2014 Legislative Survey. The survey is a vital tool which helps me perform the very important duties entrusted to me as the representative of the 97th District. I value your priorities and thoughts and they help to guide me as I consider legislation that impacts the residents of our district. In this report I would like to share with you some of the themes that emerged from your responses. Setting the right climate for job creation and economic development, opposing the expansion of Obamacare in Virginia, reforming our education establishment, and restoring confidence in our government through stringent ethics reform were your highest priorities and I agree.

Respondents reported that jobs and strengthening the economy should be the General Assembly's first priority. An overwhelming majority supported tax reform coupled with economic development incentives as appropriate vehicles to accomplish this goal. Virginia currently has the lowest unemployment ranking in the southeast. Almost all respondents support keeping the Commonwealth's "right to work" laws which is a key component to keeping us the #1 state to do business. In addition, my constituents oppose tax increases, with 91% saying that current taxes are too high or at appropriate levels. 60% were against additional sales taxes on services currently exempt. This idea has been offered as a part of tax reform in the past.

Expanding Obamacare, through the extension of new Medicaid enrollees, was a big concern, which I share. Many people in our community mistakenly believe that we have already voted to expand Medicaid with a potential cost to the state of close to $1B should the federal government not maintain their proposed rates of reimbursement.  The fact is that the legislature established a Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission to reform the existing system which is already costing the state greatly.  Its other purpose is to prevent our new Governor from unilaterally expanding Medicaid without legislative consent.  I have never voted to expand Medicaid. 75% of respondents said the General Assembly should fight against expanding Obamacare into Virginia.  It is reassuring to know that a majority of people want the General Assembly to find alternative methods increasing medical coverage to the uninsured. This approach might include looking at the safety net services currently offered which includes free clinics.

Constituents are interested in education reform as well, especially reducing the number of SOL required testing. As a co-patron of the legislation to achieve this goal, I join those 82% of respondents who indicated support for reduction of the overall number of tests students take with 73% who want tests to be focused on critical thinking and problem solving. Various innovative education solutions were also supported including virtual schools and charter schools. Specifically, 71% support charter schools and 68% support for incorporation of virtual classrooms. Taking advantage of technology can only help our more rural populations which can use these platforms to offer courses that would be otherwise unavailable or too costly to implement with a full time teacher in the classroom.

Finally, ethics reform was highly supported. Most supported new policies to establish caps on the value of gifts for Members and their spouses as well as fine tuning the required disclosure for gifts. Constituents were extremely interested (86%) in increasing the frequency and specificity of lobbyist and representative donations. Great strides are already advancing on these issues in a bi-partisan proposal introduced this session.

In closing please let me say that this input is not the only input I hope to receive. I encourage you to contact my office with matters of significance to you. My Capitol office phone number is (804) 698-1097 and our email is [email protected].  Please know that I consider it a privilege to serve as your Delegate. God bless.