Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

Capturing the headlines and the attention of many this past week were the State of the Union Address by the President and the response from our governor, Bob McDonnell.  Both focused on the economy and the federal budget deficit.  Public opinion polls I have seen detect widespread skepticism over the effectiveness of these federal actions.  I share that skepticism.

However, I would urge Virginians to take a close look at what we are attempting in Richmond.  Doing so will reveal a much different approach being taken here and one I believe will be effective in the long run.

The Governor's formal package of economic development bills includes two of my measures among the 21 proposals.   One, SB455,  would have the state waive administrative fees for permits for small businesses submitted by veterans.  I have taken a keen interest in veterans' affairs and believe the state should do all that is practicable to assist them.  Aiding veterans, should they choose to start up a business in these tough economic times, is certainly appropriate.

Another bill, SB181, would reward businesses that develop public-private partnership projects with grants paid for from a portion of the growth in state taxes and fees attributable to the project.  The best way to speed up our state's economy and get our people back to work is to spur private investments.  This bill will do just that with the private entrepreneur and the state government sharing in the success.

On the budget front, the subcommittees on which I serve have begun to examine our sections of the budget, item by item, as we do each year.  I can assure you there will be cuts, many of which will be painful.  But what we will not do is engage in any budgetary tricks, impose a superficial "freeze" or leave a debt for our children and grandchildren to pay.  That is not the Virginia way.

As we consider each bill we must take into account its impact on state and local spending.  Sometimes a careful and accurate analysis by outside experts confirm expected cost savings or benefits.  Such is the case with SB649.  This bill of mine would provide financial assistance to the parents of students with autism who enroll their children in nonsectarian private schools equipped to meet their special needs.  An analysis by Dr. Susan L. Aud of George Mason University found that the average school division would save roughly $10,000 for each student who takes advantage of such a program.

It was 240 years ago that John Adams coined the now-popular phrase "facts are stubborn things."  As someone who spent his career as a CPA, I can attest to the fact that if we are diligent, we can with precision determine costs and values.  If my fellow legislators look past the slogans of the critics and examine instead the "stubborn facts," we can get the families of autistic children what they need and deserve.

As always I value the views and insights of my constituents.  My website is always available to you.  There you will find my 2010 constituent survey on the home page and also via this link.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia