The 2016, 60-day session of the Virginia General Assembly gavels in on January 13.
The legislature will craft a two-year budget, which will be Governor McAuliffe’s first chance to put his stamp on the state’s finances. While Virginia’s economy lags behind the national average, revenue is up more than average for the first time since I was elected in 2009 and there are many unmet needs worthy of funding.
Supporting our schools and colleges
Virginia is currently funding secondary education on a per pupil, inflation-adjusted basis at levels below funding in 2007. The Governor has requested a billion dollar increase, new teacher positions, teacher pay raises and full funding for “Cost to Compete,” a program that supplements salaries for Northern Virginia school employees.
We are likely to vote on a state constitutional amendment granting the State Board of Education authority to establish charter schools instead of locally-elected school boards. Bills to opening high school athletics to home-schooled children will be at issue again.
Higher education is also starved. Virginia currently funds higher education at 2006 levels and only funds one-third of actual in-state student cost. Tuition rates have risen over 30 percent in the last four years, financial aid demand has skyrocketed and the average Virginia college graduate now has an average of $20,000 in student loan debt. We must make higher education a higher priority.
Governor McAuliffe has proposed a $2.4 billion bond package for new higher education facilities focused on research and workforce development. The package also includes $250 million in modernizations at the Port of Virginia.
Healthcare
A partisan gulf remains on health care, in the shadow of a near shutdown of the government two years ago because the majority refused to accept $2 billion per year in federal Medicaid funds. Virginia still has over 6,000 families waiting for services for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults also called the ID/DD waiver program. If Virginia does not make significant progress on this backlog, we will be subject to court sanctions.
Transportation
On transportation, we must correct an oversight in our 2013 transportation legislation and place a floor on our regional transportation gas tax dedicated to transit. Due to declining gas prices, millions of dollars have been lost. This shortfall means that Metro maintenance funding is at risk, Prince William County bus service could be cut by 40 percent and Stafford County may drop road-widening projects.
The legislature will also debate tolls on I-66 and changes to fine collection practices in HOT lanes. We will consider many car title lending bills to address the ever-expanding scourge on Route 1. We have targeted several loopholes and will try to restrict the number of lenders in an area and prohibit locating lenders near casinos or military bases.
Social issues
We are likely to see bills raising contentious social issues, such as making it easier to obtain firearms and concealed weapons permits along with bills to restrict firearm purchases.
Legislation has already been introduced to reauthorize the Confederate flag on vehicle license plates. I also expect to see legislation to allow businesses to refuse business to LGBT families, to limit school boards’ ability to accommodate LGBT students, to restricting refugee resettlement and bills to limit reproductive choice.
On energy, the solar industry will make a major push to put Virginia’s energy laws on an equal footing with neighboring states so that Virginia’s solar industry can operate on an equal playing field. We will address coal ash dumps at power plants. Southwest Virginia legislators have already introduced legislation to thwart President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.
Finally, Virginia still has over 20 open judgepositions that need funding. Fairfax County has two vacancies and Prince William County is short one. These vacancies impact Northern Virginians’ ability to have important legal matters heard, such as child support, child custody, personal injuries or contract disputes.
And filling a vacant state Supreme Court position is still in dispute with the majority still vowing to remove the first judge from Fairfax County to sit on an appellate court in over 20 years.
Next week, I will focus on my legislative agenda. I look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].
Virginia State Senator-elect Scott Surovell serves southeastern Fairfax, eastern Prince William, and northern Stafford counties.
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Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
