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** Wiley’s Richmond Roundup
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** Crossover & Budget Update
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** Week 5 (February 3-7)
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Dear Friends,
On Tuesday, February 4th, the House completed considering the House Bills that were set before us and we have now moved on to considering legislation that has passed the Senate. I worked overtime in the House Appropriations Committee to curate a budget that balances the various priorities and needs throughout our Commonwealth. While our Commonwealth’s economic position is currently robust, I have reservations about many of the newly funded programs and priorities that will increase costs to taxpayers. Negotiations continue on the budget, and I am optimistic that we will mitigate these issues as we work through the finer details.
As you know, transportation is a heavy focus of mine. I am disappointed to report that funding for transportation budget amendments is on pause this year while VDOT determines which projects need to take precedent. My two transportation budget requests: Widening the bridge exiting Winchester on Shawnee Drive and reducing traffic congestion around Gainesboro Elementary School will have to wait for a future allocation or be funded by other sources.
I was able to secure $500,000 to support United State Geological Survey monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Shenandoah River. This funding will not only benefit our district, but will support the entire region that relies on the river for tourism, agriculture and so much more.
The next phase of the budget process is that each legislative chamber rejects the other’s proposal, and the budget is sent to a conference committee. The House and Senate appoint “conferees” to work out the difference between the two documents and present a final report for a vote, typically on the last day of the session.
While I wish the budget that left our chamber looked more like the smart, conservative version sent to us by the Governor, I am pleased that it does contain some tax relief for hard working Virginia families. It also contains a great deal of additional money for our schools.
Democrats continue to vote in ways that show that they do not understand why they lost the most recent election. Virginians want economic relief, not to continue funding social priorities. House Democrats voted to remove car tax relief that would have helped lower income Virginia families with $900 over three years. They killed a measure that would have brought transparency to our power bills, telling us all how much we’re paying for the Virginia Clean Economy Act. That law is forcing the construction of solar farms, offshore wind turbines, and more – all paid for by you, the customer. Their one time rebate benefit to taxpayers does nothing to alleviate the long term impact of these other decisions. I will continue to push for a conservative, balanced budget that represents the needs of all Virginians.
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Wonder why your electric bill is so high? It’s not just freezing temps. Minority Leader Gilbert speaks on an amendment would display the amount that each of us is contributing to the Virginia Clean Economy Act on our electric bills. This amendment failed in the House.
** Community Spotlight: Laurel Ridge Community College
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Traffic to my office slowed considerably this week due to the long days in committee and on the House floor. However, I was excited to welcome students from Laurel Ridge Community College who attended the capitol to advocate for the value of community colleges throughout our Commonwealth.
HJ452, A Constitutional Amendment for Food Freedom, failed to report out of committee by a vote of 5 to 3. The community support for this bill was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s likely that it will be brought back again in the future. Many folks from our area made the drive to Richmond to show support for HJ452, and for that, I want to thank you. Legislation is a long game, and this is just the first step toward a more self-reliant homesteading community.
Full Text of HJ452 ([link removed])
** Stay up to date!
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If our office can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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Legislative Aide: Glen Leonard
General Assembly Building 1006
Richmond Phone: 804-698-1032
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