February 22, 2010

Annie B.’s Buzz

            Greetings from the General Assembly!  It has been another busy week in Richmond as we passed Crossover and began the second leg of the 2010 Session.  With only three weeks left, things really ramp up as we consider legislation that came through the Senate and put an even greater focus on the budget.  

            This past week, we have had a deluge of budget information pour out of Richmond.  While the abundance of information about what’s happening at the Capitol is a good thing overall, it also presents the chance for confusing and seemingly conflicting information to arise.  There are a few important things to remember when reading or hearing about the budget.   First, during the process, the House, Senate and Governor all have the opportunity to submit budget proposals. 

            Second, we are facing an historic budget shortfall in Virginia.  The national economic downturn has significantly reduced revenues to which the State is accustomed.   Former Governor Tim Kaine proposed closing the budget gap by implementing a $2 billion tax increase on Virginian’s in the middle of a recession.  This tax hike was unanimously rejected by the House of Delegates and not brought up before the full Senate for consideration.  Like the majority of families throughout the State, legislators must write a budget that makes us live within our means.   That task will require many hard decisions and spending reductions across the board.

            Third, from the introduction of budget proposals, the House and Senate have about three weeks to negotiate a budget compromise before it can be sent to Governor McDonnell.  During this time, we will listen to our constituents’ concerns and try to fashion a budget that keeps Virginia on strong fiscal footing.  This week we will vote on the House budget.  That puts it on the table, ready for amendments.  The Senate will also vote on their budget.  This is all part of the process.  Legislators who have been here since the 1960’s and 70’s tell me this is the hardest recession they have ever encountered.  Never the less, in the end we must have a balanced budget.  I will continue to update you with more details as we move forward with the negotiations.

            Often in the news, you hear about hot-button issues, controversial items or even the sometimes silly legislation that comes through the General Assembly.  However, I can assure you that we take our jobs seriously and have produced quality legislation that focuses on Virginia’s needs.  I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some key legislation I sponsored that passed the House this year.  Remember, these bills must still pass the Senate and be signed by Governor McDonnell before they become law.

Economic Development:

- House Bill 1298- I introduced HB 1298, which will help attract data centers to Virginia by expanding the exemption from sales and use tax to smaller data center projects that provide at least 25 good-paying jobs in high unemployment areas or enterprise zones.

- House Bill 555- I co-patroned this legislation with Del. Danny Marshall of Danville.  This bill would make job creation the top priority when awarding economic development grants from the State and will expand the number of jobs eligible for such grants.

- House Bill 624-  Del. Terry Kilgore of Scott County and I chief-patroned HB 624, which changes the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit by providing a tax credit of $2,000 per job created and expands eligibility in high unemployment areas and enterprise zones. All three of these bills will provide valuable incentives to recruit news businesses to the Sixth District.

Local Government:

- House Bill 1090- Corrects a miscalculation in the Communication and Sales Tax reimbursement from the State to Tazewell County.  Tazewell has been receiving less money than it is properly due and this bill rectifies the situation.  An identical bill has already passed the Senate.

 - House Bill 1206- This legislation will allow a locality to withdraw from a Regional Industrial Facilities Authority with mutual agreement from other member localities.  This would allow a locality to refocus its economic development efforts without harming a previously agreed upon regional effort.

Agriculture and Natural Resources:

- HB 1088- This bill will re-establish the Cooperative Coyote Damage Control Program.  This program has helped nearly 200 farmers protect valuable livestock from coyote attacks.  I am speaking on this bill before the Senate this week.

            Despite the hectic pace of Session, it is refreshing to be able to take time to meet with constituents from the district that made the trip to Richmond.  This week Richmond welcomed hundreds of students, faculty and staff from Virginia’s 24 community colleges.  Large contingents from Wytheville, New River and Southwest Virginia Community College represented our district.  It is good to hear the students’ stories and see the positive impact that community colleges have on our area.  We also had Realtors groups from Southwest and the New River Valley that visited to discuss issues in their industry.

            This past week provided a unique opportunity for a couple of high schools students from Bland County.  On Thursday, Alex Wright and Adam Kidd (aka The Hardy Boys), both seniors at Rocky Gap High School, spent the day shadowing me around the Capitol.  Alex and Adam were able to attend committee meetings, the Tourism Caucus and then the House Session.  I think it was an enjoyable day and they learned much about the legislative process.

            As always feel free to call us at 804-698-1006 or e-mail at delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov if you have any issues or concerns.

         
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