In the past two weeks, I reviewed action on my legislation and the state budget. This column covers some of the major bills to pass the state legislature. Read More
I am typing these words of good news on the night of Friday, March 11th, on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates in Richmond. We just adjourned the 2016 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly with approval of a bipartisan two-year Virginia state budget. The good news: The budget is balanced, cautious, sensible, and doesn’t increase taxes or fees.
As a member of the 22-member House Appropriations Committee (HAC), I have been engaged since December with crafting the budget, along with two other Prince William County legislators, Del. Scott M. Lingamfelter (R-31st) and Del. Luke M. Torian (D-52nd). I serve on three HAC subcommittee (Public Safety, Transportation, and Higher Education), so I had a hand in developing these three parts of the budget.
Here in bullet fashion are the highlights of the budget we approved Friday night:
– It was passed by large margins in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation in both houses of the General Assembly.
– It was completed early, permitting the General Assembly to adjourn one day early, saving taxpayers $25,000.
– It is balanced, fair, and cautious. Unlike the federal government, we build the budget like you build your family budget, with common sense and without gimmicks.
– It doesn’t increase taxes or fees.
– It represents a spending decrease of 5% over the last 10 years, when adjusted for population and inflation.
– It funds the core functions of state government from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018.
– It eliminates state liabilities, reduces borrowing, and makes one-time investments rather than long-term spending commitments.
– It funds investments in economic development to grow businesses and create jobs.
– It invests $73M more for K-12 public education than Gov. McAuliffe proposed, for a total of $900M.
– It includes $36M for Cost to Compete for school employees in Northern Virginia (a budget amendment that I co-patroned with several of my PWC colleagues).
– It includes $100K for the VaSTAR (Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment Program) computer rehab program administered by PWC Schools (a budget amendment for which I was Chief Patron).
– It invests $78M more for higher education than Gov. McAuliffe proposed.
– It includes $114M for operations and maintenance at colleges and universities and $48M for undergraduate financial aid to hold the line on tuition increases.
– It includes a 2% teacher pay raise, a 2% pay raise for state-supported local employees, and a 3% pay raise for state employees and state police.
– It deposits $605M in the state rainy day fund to raise the balance to $845M in two years as a hedge against the unforeseen.
– It funds the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) at 100% of the Board-certified rate (two years early). It repays VRS $189.5M owed from a funding deferral in 2010 (six years early).
While this is a lot of information, it’s not all-inclusive, so go to the state budget website for details: https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendments/2016/1
No budget is perfect in every respect. This budget is no different in that regard, but the bipartisan, bicameral way in which it was approved says that it is a sound spending plan. We have a second crack at improving it next January when we can offer amendments during the 2017 legislative session of the General Assembly. In the meantime, I sincerely thank our neighbors for the privilege of working on their behalf in crafting the state budget.
I’ll be back home with Ruth and on the job in Prince William County the week of March 14th, and I look forward to getting back to the rigors of community life. Although the General Assembly session has ended, my duty to you has not. If I may assist you or your family in any way, please don’t hesitate to call or email.
I’m easily reached at [email protected] or at our legislative district office (571-264-9983). My legislative aide, Ryan Galloway, is at [email protected]. If your need is urgent and can’t wait until the next business day, please call my Woodbridge home at 703-730-1380. We’re here for you.
Many thanks for the privilege of serving you and your family at home and in Richmond!
Armed Robbery *ARREST – On March 17, detectives from the Street Crimes Unit and members of the U.S. Marshals' Fugitive Task Force located the suspect, Martin MARTINEZ, who was wanted in connection to a robbery which occurred in the 7300 block of Old Centreville Rd in Manassas on January 15. MARTINEZ was arrested without incident leaving a residence in Manassas.Arrested on March 17:Martin Anuar MARTINEZ, 25, of No Fixed AddressCharged with 3 counts of robbery and 3 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felonyCourt Date: April 11, 2016| Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On January 15 at 6:15PM, officers responded to the 7300 block of Old Centreville Rd in Manassas (20111) to investigate a robbery. The victims, a 22 year old man of Woodbridge and two 18 year old men of Maryland, reported to police that they met with the accused, an acquaintance, and an unknown man in the above area to purchase marijuana. During the encounter, the men brandished handguns and took the victim's money and cell phones before fleeing the area in a white Toyota sedan. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, detectives from the Robbery Unit obtained warrants for the arrest of the accused. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful as he may have left the area. The investigation continues.
Fire and rescue crews were dispatched to Spruce Street near Manassas around 1:30 a.m. to extinguish a fire blazing through the roof.
The house was unoccupied upon arrival. According to report, one firefighter acquired a minor burn and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The family of seven will be receiving assistance from the Red Cross due to the Fire Marshal's Office declaring the preliminary damages at a total loss.
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Fatal Crash Investigation – On February 29 at 11:02AM, investigators from the Crash Investigation Unit responded to the area of Wellington Rd and Livingston Rd in Manassas (20109) to investigate a crash involving a motorcycle.The investigation revealed that the operator of a 2003 Harley Davidson Springer Softail motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Wellington Rd near Livingston Rd when the operator, for unknown reasons, lost control and struck a 2005 Ford F150 pickup truck traveling westbound on Wellington Rd. The operator of the motorcycle was transported to an area hospital where he died as a result of his injuries on March 5. The driver of the F150 pickup truck was not injured.Currently, it is unknown if speed and drug use were factors in the collision. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the non-emergency number at 703-792-6500 or email their contact information to [email protected]. To remain anonymous, call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. The investigation continues.Identified:
The operator of the 2003 Harley Davidson Springer Softail motorcycle is identified as Benjamin Spencer CONLEY, 42, of Manassas
The driver of the 2005 Ford F150 was identified as a 51 year old man of StaffordThis article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Residential Burglary | Strangulation | Abduction – On March 6 at 2:30PM, officers responded to investigate an assault which occurred at a residence located in the 13300 block of Pelican Rd in Woodbridge (22193) earlier that afternoon. The victim, a 17 year old female juvenile of Woodbridge, reported to police that the accused, an acquaintance, entered her residence without permission. Once inside, a verbal altercation ensued between the two parties which escalated. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim's cell phone and threw it against a wall damaging it. When the victim attempted to walk away, the accused grabbed her from behind, preventing her from leaving, and began to choke her. At one point while the victim was attempting to get away from the accused, he continued to punch her in the face. The accused eventually left the area and the victim responded to the Garfield Station to report the incident. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained warrants for the arrest of the accused who was located and arrested without incident later that evening.Arrested on March 6:
Qwamell Lydell STRAND, 21, of 8303A Middle Ruddings Dr in Lorton
Charged with burglary, strangulation, abduction, assault & battery and destruction of property
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT BondThis article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
