Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

-- Incentives for Private Business, Government Efficiencies Head Agenda --

Richmond – Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) reiterated this week that the top priority during this session of the Virginia General Assembly is creating jobs for Virginians. As state legislators transitioned from a long period of preparation to the vital early stages of governing, Senator McDougle hailed the progress made in Richmond by state representatives and Governor McDonnell. By voting down any consideration of an income tax increase, the House affirmed the important message that legislators cannot look to the people to fix budget problems created by undisciplined stewardship during past years.

“The proposed income tax increase would have created the exact opposite of what this state needs, which is definitive solutions that lead to tangible economic development,” said the Senator. “The atmosphere in Richmond took another positive step this week when Governor McDonnell introduced critical budget proposals that incentivize businesses, improve the quality of the state’s workforce and reduce government spending.”

Senator McDougle will support legislation that improves the quality of the state’s workforce, fosters growth in the small business arena, expedites the establishment of businesses-in-good-standing in the state (via improved permitting processes) and encourages the expansion of promising business sectors, as exemplified by the states burgeoning science and technology industry. The Senator feels strongly that momentum towards a robust economy can be fostered wherever possible by encouraging private investment in the state through tax relief and the elimination of red tape.

As much of the business in Richmond is focused on job creation and economic stimulus, Senator McDougle and his colleagues continue to work on balancing the state’s budget by streamlining government practices and removing unnecessary and wasteful programs; and, if necessary, even considering the elimination of entire agencies.

For example, the Senator has introduced SB103 which reorganizes the executive management of VDOT. The bill eliminates the office of Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner, replacing that position with a Chief Executive Officer for Transportation. Management responsibilities of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner, the Director of the Department of Aviation and the Director of the Department of Rail and Public will all fall under the responsibility of the executive. Consolidating these roles under one individual will eliminate some duplicative efforts and generally provide a clearer perspective for efficiently managing the many transportation needs of the Commonwealth.

This week, as with every week during the General Assembly session, many citizen groups made their way to Senator McDougle’s office.  Input of the people of Virginia, whom the legislators represent, is a fundamental element of the legislative process. Groups who stopped by to share their ideas included doctors, bankers, girls scouts, representatives from the Hanover ARC, Hanover Habitat for Humanity, Germanna Community College students, pharmacists, credit union members, dentists and local commissioners of revenue and treasurers. The legislature continues to review critical issues like the bill Senator Jill Vogel and Senator McDougle, as a co-patron, have proposed to ensure Virginians can exercise their constitutional rights to refuse to purchase a government health care plan.  Senator McDougle continues to seek feedback and encourages his constituents to express their views by e-mail at district04@senate.virginia.gov, by phone at 804-698-7504 or through his website at www.ryanmcdougle.com.  He will host a live Tele-Town hall phone call to many of the citizens in his district next week on February 2, 2010.  This live call offers an opportunity for his constituents to share their views with Senator McDougle and hear an overview of the legislative session and state budget.  

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