As the legislature heads back to work this week, allow me a moment to review the week that was and offer you a glimpse of the significant work underway this General Assembly session.

Auditing Virginia's Medicaid Program

Our House Republican Caucus believes that an independent, comprehensive operational and financial audit of Virginia's Medicaid Program is long overdue especially when spending in the existing program has increased 1600% over the last 30 years. Along with the reforms begun with the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission, this audit should produce significant savings. In recent years, similar processes revealed over $1B at VDOT.

Funding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Programs

House Bill 1 introduces a much needed reform process to assist with the delivery of intervention, prevention and counseling services. With the rise of sexual and domestic violence, Virginia must improve access and adequately fund critical intervention and prevention services such as 24 hour hotlines and crisis shelters.

Education Reform with a Strong Start for School and Career

First steps to reducing the number of SOL tests currently administered in grades 3-12 are underway. Educators and parents have long suggested that the system needs to repurpose itself to ensure that learning is taking place not just memorization. Without sacrificing accountability of students or teachers, reducing the number of tests will be a good start.

On the subject of early childhood education, there are appears to be growing bi-partisan support for sound evidence based policy that provides the best opportunities for our children. Scientists tell us early childhood education is important- brain researchers have found that 85-90% of the brain is shaped before we turn 5 year olds. Economists think it is a good idea- Noble prize winner James Heckman estimated that every $1 invested in high quality early childhood interventions results in a return on investment of $7-10. And in Virginia, our business community says that is important for career readiness. Right now, there are 15 bills introduced in the House and Senate to address improving quality in early care and education, maximizing the Virginia Preschool initiative and giving more early learning opportunities our youngest citizens.

Ethics Reform

This week the Courts of Justice Committee will review legislative proposals to create a state ethics commission, and place a $250 limit on gifts received by elected officials, with enhanced reporting requirements of such gifts.

Mental Health

Legislation to improve mental health laws will be presented this week reforming a system badly in need of attention. Among the proposals are ideas on how to clarify when and for how long a person can be committed for a temporary mental health evaluation and treatment. Legislation will also include a better mechanism to for better access services so they are not turned away due to a lack of bed space at a mental health treatment center.