Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

As the General Assembly ended its first full work week of 2010, some patterns have emerged.  A flood of legislation has been submitted, but that   is nothing new.  Partisan maneuvering has gone on; but that, too, is expected.  And we have heard from our newly elected  Governor.  That, however, only happens once every four years.

Governor McDonnell laid out in broad terms what he hopes we can accomplish together in the tough economic times and I applaud him for it.  His vision of a "Commonwealth of Opportunity" fits snugly within the primary agenda I have always pursued in the legislature - encouraging an economic climate in which we all prosper so that our individual and collective needs are met.

If you review the legislation I have introduced you will see a pattern there too.  I continue to focus on practical matters that can improve our quality of life.  In January of 2010 that means doing whatever we can to spur employment and put our unemployed friends and neighbors back to work.

To that end I will expend a good deal of vigor in promoting my jobs creating legislation including a "Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant Program.  The bills, SB129 along with SB181 provide economic incentive grants to businesses which first employ workers and make investments in their venture.  In other words, people are put to work, investments are made and taxes are paid before the business recieves any state money, an approach in stark contrast to what has gone on at the federal level in recent months. 

SB129 has another purpose - to expand our domestic clean energy production.  It applies to new, start up businesses that manufacture or assemble equipment, systems, or products used to produce renewable or nuclear energy, or products used for energy conservation.  Public utilities are not eligible.

Virginia has led our nation in so many ways at so many times in our history.  Leading the way in energy independence is a highly laudable goal I share with our new Governor.  This bill can help.

Expanding opportunities for Virginia families can take many forms.  I am looking to do so with respect to community college students and families with students with disabilities, issues I will address more fully in the coming weeks.

And while we look to expand opportunities, at times we also have to combat those who would limit freedom and opportunity by expanding government and making it more intrusive.  There will be measures before us that will challenge recent federal actions and I look forward to finding ways we can do just that.  For example, I will serve as a co-patron on SB417 (the Senate campanion bill to HB10), regarding an individual's right to participate in a health care system or plan.   Yesterday SB417 passed in the Committee of Commerce and Labor with a vote of 8 yeas and 7 nays.  SB417 will now go to the floor of the Senate.

This will not be an easy session for anyone.  The state budget deficit will force major cuts in the state budget, even for programs previously thought of as sacred.  And the loss of a state Senate seat by my party in Northern Virginia caused a shuffling of committee assignments that significantly alters the legislative playing field. 

On the other hand, you are part of the process and that is a very good thing.  The suggestions that citizens with a fresh perspective pass on are invaluable.  I encourage you to keep them coming.  There are roughly 174,000 citizens in our Senate district.  Representing the best interests of all is a daunting task.  But together, I believe, we are up to the task.

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia