Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

Born in New York, New York, June 16, 1969; educated at Hampden-Sydney College (B.S.); Mississippi College School of Law (J.D.); attorney; Member of House of Delegates: 2002-2008; Member of Senate: 2008-.

Contact Information:

Mailing:
P.O. Box 2
Chatham, VA 24531

Phone: (434) 432-4600
Fax: (434) 432-4162

Email:
district19@senate.virginia.gov

Website:

Visit His Website

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Area Legislators Focusing on Jobs – Staunton News Leader – Despite the need to cut billions from the state's budget, local legislators and Gov. Bob McDonnell say they are committed to investing funds to spur job creation.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Job Creation – Augusta Free Press – The first full week of the 2010 General Assembly here in Richmond has now concluded. The week began with the Gov. McDonnell’s first State of the Commonwealth address and the ended with committees getting fully underway in reviewing and taking action on individual legislation. In addition, because of the recent special elections of two new senators, Senate committee assignments were completed. My committee assignments have not changed, and I will continue to serve on the Courts of Justice committee, the General Laws committee, and the Rehabilitation and Social Services committees.
  • Governor Bob McDonnell unveils jobs & opportunities agenda – The Mind of Mike Blog – This is going to be a tough first year for Bob McDonnell. The budget is a complete disaster. Many hard decisions will have to be made, but it's good that jobs and economic development will be the first priority.  It is also good to see that greater emphasis will be placed on Southside Virginia economic development. Great comments by Danny Marshall and Robert Hurt starting at (18:55).

• Senator Steve Newman
  • Closing a Deadly Loophole – OneNewsNow.com – Virginia lawmakers are working on proposals to close a loophole in current law that purportedly let a mother get away with killing her newborn child.

• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Voter ID bill (Obenshain) voted down by state Senate Democrats – SWAC Girl Blog – A simple Voter Identification Bill (SB 134) proposed by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) was voted down in committee by the Democrats.
  • Proposal would privatize state liquor stores – RichmondBizSense.com – It could be last call for Virginia’s state-owned liquor stores if a bill proposed by Sen. Mark Obenshain passes.
  • New VA Gov eyes retail spirits privatization, as NC tackles ABC problems – tradenewsonline.com – New Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is backing a proposal by state Senator Mark Obenshain that would curtail the state’s retail monopoly on spirits. Under Obenshain’s plan, Virginia would auction off licenses to sell spirits to grocery stores and other independent retailers and limit the role of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) department to regulation and enforcement of the beverage alcohol trade.

• Senator Fred Quayle
  • OLF Bill Tabled – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot – Legislation that would require the Navy to get General Assembly approval before it acquires property for a outlying landing field was grounded Tuesday by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee.

• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Power Measure Dies in Committee – Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star – A Senate committee has killed Sen. Richard Stuart's bill to limit the profits power companies can make on energy conservation measures.
  • Sen. Stuart Stands Up for American Patriots – Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star – Sen. Stuart stands up for American patriots.  Hurrah for state Sen. Richard Stuart ["Bill may help flag fliers," Jan. 15].  (LTE)

• Senator William Wampler
  • Wampler, Kilgore Hold Telephone Town Hall – Bristol Herald Courier – Jobs, electric rates and a $4.5 million state budget shortfall were among the issues addressed in a telephone town hall meeting held by two Southwest Virginia legislators Tuesday.
  • BVU Bills Before General Assembly – Bristol Herald Courier – Virtually identical bills designed to establish a Bristol Virginia Utilities authority are moving through the General Assembly, as a lawsuit seeks to invalidate the plan.
  • McDonnell Plans to Shift Cash to Jobs Incentives – Washington Times – Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has written some of the job-creation plans he unveiled in a speech a week ago into legislation that a Republican, a Democrat and an independent will sponsor.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senators Steve Martin, Fred Quayle, and Jill Vogel
  • GOP Senators Target Health Care – pharmcistselink.com - State Senate Republicans fired their first shot against a federal health care overhaul Monday, getting a key committee's support for legislation declaring that Virginia residents cannot be forced to buy health insurance.

• Senator Harry Blevins
  • Seat Belt Bills Passed by Senate – The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot - The passionate advocacy of Chesapeake Republican Sen. Harry Blevins helped propel out of the Senate on Wednesday his bill to make non-use of seat belts a primary offense.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • CCCA’s future uncertain – Staunton News Leader - It's déjà vu for the scores of employees, patients and mental health advocates waiting to learn the fate of the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • NAACP head to meet with officials on inmate transfer issue – Danville Register Bee - The head of the Pittsylvania County branch of the NAACP will meet with officials from the Virginia Department of Corrections in Chatham next week to discuss the transfer of 1,000 prisoners from Pennsylvania to Green Rock Correctional Center outside Chatham.

• Senator Steve Newman
  • Newman Takes New Step to Block Soering Transfer – The Lynchburg News & Advance ­- Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, is asking the General Assembly to pass a resolution opposing the transfer of convicted murderer Jens Soering to a prison in his native Germany.
  • Committees Certify Bedford Judge – The Lynchburg News & Advance - After some consultation with Del. Lacey Putney and Sen. Steve Newman, two General Assembly committees certified Louis Harrison on Wednesday to be judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Bedford.
  • Panel Hears Testimony on Speed Limit Bill – The Roanoke Times - One small piece of Gov. Bob McDonnell's legislative program is advancing through the General Assembly -- one that will appeal to motorists in a hurry.

• Senator Tommy Norment
  • VA Senate passes bill strengthening seat-belt law – Washington Post “Get There” Blog - The Virginia Senate has passed a bill to allow police to pull over and ticket drivers for not wearing a seat belt.

• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Senate Committee Vote Kills Obenshain’s Voter ID Bill – whsv.com - On Wednesday, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) questioned the partisan effort of the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections to act to ensure the continued integrity of the electoral process in Virginia.

• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Virginia may not want OLF, either – This Old State Blog - It's beginning to look as though legislators in the Commonwealth of Virginia may also take action to oppose the Navy's plans to put a practice jet landing field (the much-maligned Outlying Landing Field that many North Carolinians fought so hard in recent years) in the tidewater area of Virginia.
  • Va. Senate backs tougher seat belt law – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Senators also passed a key piece of legislation that could offer an alternative to localities desperate to raise additional revenues amid reduced funding from the state budget.

• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Sheriffs: Restore Cuts in Budget – The Free Lance-Star - Fewer sheriff's deputies in jails and courts, slower emergency response times, elimination of school drug programs, and limited response to traffic accidents could all be a reality under state budget cuts to law enforcement, sheriffs and police chiefs said yesterday.

• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Va. officials upset by report that feds will delay sale of offshore oil leases – The Virginian-Pilot - Some Virginia politicians reacted with dismay Wednesday to reports that the federal Department of the Interior plans to delay drilling off the commonwealth’s coastline for at least a year.

• Senator William Wampler
  • APCo Hit on Rates – Martinsville Bulletin - Some state legislators told the president of Appalachian Power Co. on Wednesday that if the company doesn’t voluntarily reduce the economic hardships caused by its rate increases, “we have no choice but to act,” according to Del. Ward Armstrong, the House minority leader.
  • Delegate Joe Johnson Says BVU Legislation “On Track” – Bristol Herald Courier - Legislation to create an independent Bristol Virginia Utilities authority is “on track” in the General Assembly, Delegate Joe Johnson said Wednesday.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Multiple Members
  • Students go on the “Road to Richmond” – William & Mary News - The day began in the cold, wee hours of a January morning outside the Sadler Center.
  • Chamber of Commerce members support business-friendly proposals – WHSV-TV – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce made its presence known in Richmond Wednesday at the annual Virginia Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Day at the Capitol.”
  • Education secretary discusses charter schools, pre-k – Virginian-Pilot & Ledger-Star – Virginia's new secretary of education, Gerard Robinson, fielded questions from lawmakers Wednesday on pre-kindergarten programs, charter schools, and lengthening the school year, among other topics.
  • Lawmakers look to keep APCo rates in check – Lynchburg News & Advance - State lawmakers are looking into ways to keep Appalachian Power Co. rates in check.
  • Senate clears way for easier absentee voting – WY Daily – It would be easier to vote absentee in Virginia under a bill approved by the Senate.
• Sen. Harry Blevins
  • Seatbelt bill “clicks” with Senate – Gainesville Times – The Senate has passed a bill making failure to wear a seat belt a primary offense in Virginia.
• Sen. Emmett Hanger
  • Senate tax bill targets short-term rentals – Harrisonburg Daily News Record – A bill designed to allow counties to levy a transient occupancy tax on single-family homeowners who rent their homes or rooms for short periods of time passed the Senate on Thursday. Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, introduced the bill, which now goes to the House of Delegates.
• Sen. Robert Hurt
  • Hurt co-sponsors legislation to prevent U.S. government from interfering in state issues – Franklin News-Post - State Sen. Robert Hurt has co-sponsored two bills in the General Assembly that incorporate Tenth Amendment issues and are supported by Tea Party activists in Virginia.
  • Senator Robert Hurt’s weekly update – Martinsville Chronicle - The first full week of the 2010 General Assembly here in Richmond has now concluded.  The week began with the Governor McDonnell’s first State of the Commonwealth address and the ended with committees getting fully underway in reviewing and taking action on individual legislation.  In addition, because of the recent special elections of two new senators, Senate committee assignments were completed. 
• Sen. Ryan McDougle
  • Buckle up for new zero tolerance, zero discretion – Newport News Daily Press – Barry Fletcher had just purchased a '93 Chevy van and was on his way to get it inspected when he hit a routine traffic stop in Saluda in Middlesex County, just up the road from the courthouse.
• Sen. Steve Newman
  • Newman’s speed limit bill again ok’d by committee – Lynchburg News & Advance - Even a second trip through a Senate committee wasn’t enough to slow down a 70 mph speed-limit bill sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg.
  • Measure would oppose Soering transfer to Germany – Roanoke Times – The Virginia Senate could soon join Gov. Bob McDonnell in formally opposing the transfer of convicted double-murderer Jens Soering to a prison in his native Germany.
• Sen. Tommy Norment
  • Students try luck at lobbying – The Flat Hat – While most of the campus slumbered early Tuesday morning, a group of College of William and Mary students braved the cold and headed to Richmond to lobby Virginian politicians.
• Sen. Mark Obenshain
  • VA Conservative Caucus details agenda – Richmond Times-Dispatch – They call themselves the Virginia Conservative Caucus -- they're essentially Republicans in Republican clothing.
  • Conservative Caucus announces 2010 agenda – Rockbridge Weekly & Alleghany Journal – The Virginia Conservative Caucus, a group comprised of conservative legislators from the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, held a press conference this afternoon to announce their legislative agenda for the 2010 General Assembly session.  The Conservative Caucus, co-chaired by Delegate Ben Cline and Senator Mark Obenshain, approved an agenda Tuesday morning that outlines their position on priority legislation introduced this session.
  • Faith and Freedom: “In God We Trust” License Plates – Family Foundation Blog – Last year, pro-life Virginians won a tremendous victory when the General Assembly passed legislation creating “Choose Life” license plates. This year, there is opportunity to create  an “In God We Trust” license plate.
  • Budget rhetoric intensifies – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot – On the subject of Virginia's recession-racked budget, any bipartisan pretense has officially vanished.  Sen. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, was the latest legislator to jump into the fray Thursday with a blistering speech on the Senate floor targeting Gov. Bob McDonnell's approach to reducing state spending.
• Sen. Fred Quayle
  • Hampton Roads lawmakers oppose tolls on 2 bridge-tunnels – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot – Most Hampton Roads lawmakers didn't take too kindly to the proposal from a Northern Virginia colleague to put tolls on two Hampton Roads bridge-tunnels.
  • Richmond’s detour over health care – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot - Congress is clearly capable of mucking up efforts to reform the country's health care system without assistance from state legislators in Virginia.
  • Put all options on the menu – Roanoke Times – Under a bill that passed the Virginia Senate this week, counties would be permitted to levy a meals tax in an amount local leaders think appropriate.
• Sen. Frank Ruff
  • Farmers ask legislators to support property rights, oppose estate tax – Mechanicsville Local – More than 100 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation leaders asked their representatives to oppose reinstating Virginia’s estate tax, to oppose any legislation that would limit property rights and to support animal care that is science-based and allows production agriculture to remain in business.
• Sen. Ralph Smith
  • Smith calls for 72-hour budget review – Bearing Drift Blog – State Senator Ralph Smith (R-Botetourt) has introduced legislation (SB5) that would require the budget to be posted online for 72 hours before a vote could be taken.
• Sen. Jill Vogel
  • Republicans defend health care freedom bill – NBC 29 News - The state Senate could vote as early as Friday to make federally-mandated health insurance illegal. 
  • Bills on guns, seat belts, schools – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot – A bill that would allow school divisions to start classes before the Labor Day holiday squeaked through a Senate committee Thursday on an 8-7 vote.
  • The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing . . . – Loudoun Times-Mirror – OK, let’s get a couple of things straight about Frank Wolf. The GOP Congressman from the 10th Congressional District is a veritable legend. In a time where politics is viewed as a fulcrum for inaction and sclerosis - Wolf delivers, and does so with magnanimity, dignity and respect. Perhaps, the best Virginia Congressman in our lifetime.
• Sen. John Watkins
  • Report: Big job growth needed to reverse recession – Norfolk Virginian-Pilot – Virginia must add nearly 12,800 jobs per month for the next two years to return to pre-recession employment levels, a Richmond think tank projected in a report released Thursday.

We have now concluded the second full week of the Virginia General Assembly here in Richmond.  During this week the legislation that has been approved by the individual Senate committees has begun to make it to the Senate floor - which is where legislation is ultimately approved or defeated by the full Senate.  There have been only a handful of controversial bills; however, there have been an increasing number of floor speeches concerning the bleak budget outlook and the best way for Virginia to navigate through these dire economic straits.  The week was also punctuated by Governor McDonnell's delivery of the response to the President's State of the Union address on Wednesday from the Hall of the House of Delegates at our historic Capitol.

On Tuesday, Governor McDonnell held a press conference at the Capitol and formally unveiled his Jobs and Opportunity legislative agenda.  I was proud to be invited by the Governor to join him at the press conference along with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and Delegate Danny Marshall to talk about the critical importance of this legislative package to the Commonwealth and to the people of Southside Virginia.

In my remarks at the press conference, I spoke about the devastating losses that we in Southside have suffered over the last two decades with unparalleled losses in the textile industry, the furniture industry, and in the tobacco industry.  I reminded those assembled that it was not long ago that the city of Danville was home to manufacturers like Dan River Mills and to a thriving tobacco business - and now these icons of Southside are gone and we face chronic unemployment rates of more than 11%.  I shared with the audience my commitment to working with Governor McDonnell and the members of the General Assembly to be sure we do all we can to promote an environment in which businesses will create new jobs for Virginians and be able to thrive. 

Among the bills I have sponsored as a part of the Governors legislative package are the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit bill, which would create a lower job creation threshold of at least 25 jobs for the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit in those localities that are economically distressed and a bill which would encourage veterans to start small businesses by waiving certain fees that are required when establishing and operating a small business.

On Wednesday, I spoke on the Senate floor and reinforced my support for Governor McDonnell's legislative package, and I made the point that the Governor's commitment to economic development in Virginia is especially important in light of the message that the President and the Congress in Washington have been sending to businesses across the country - the message that businesses are now facing even more taxes and even more regulation with adoption of cap and trade legislation and of a government takeover of healthcare.  Fortunately our Governor understands that such policies are job killers and it will be the small business that will lead this country out of this economic recession - not more government spending, not more government debt, not more government regulation, and not more new taxes.  With Governor McDonnell's leadership, I believe that Virginia and her people will ultimately emerge from this economic downturn stronger than ever.

Once again, I am looking forward to working with Governor McDonnell and our local legislative delegation to promote economic development in Southside Virginia and across the Commonwealth. 

Again, allow me to thank you for the honor of serving you in Richmond and please remember to keep in touch with our office during the General Assembly Session.  Gayle Barts serves as my legislative assistant here in Richmond and we may be reached at Senate of Virginia, General Assembly Building, Post Office Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218.  Our telephone number is 804.698.7519 and our email address is district19@senate.virginia.gov.  In addition, Denise Van Valkenburg serves as my legislative assistant in Chatham and she may be reached at our district office at 10 North Main Street, Post Office Box 2, Chatham, Virginia 24531.  Our district telephone number is 434.432.4600 and our email address is roberthurt@roberthurt.org.  If you would like to receive this newsletter by email, please sign-up on our website at www.roberthurt.org. 

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Senators Ryan McDougle and Walter Stosch
  • Va. technology chief leads VITA talks with Northrop Grumman – The Richmond Times Dispatch - Virginia's new secretary of technology is taking command of negotiations with Northrop Grumman in the latest attempt to salvage relations with the company hired to run the state's computer network.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • APCo may suspend rate increase – The Franklin News Post - Appalachian Power Co. (APCo) would suspend an interim rate increase that it began charging in December if the General Assembly and Gov. Bob McDonnell approve emergency legislation that sets a timetable for the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to rule on APCo's request for a rate increase.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • McDougle applauds approval of Healthcare Freedom bill in Senate – The Mechanicsville Local - The national healthcare debate came to Richmond earlier this week and a key Senate vote on the important issue resulted in victories for the basic freedoms that Virginians currently enjoy.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Many veterans salute Stuart's flag bills (Editorial) – Fredericksburg.com - State Sen. Richard Stuart, I believe, was trying to resolve a specific problem that seems to be cropping up, generated by homeowners associations' rules and regulations ["Bill may help flag fliers," Jan. 15].
• Senator William Wampler, Jr.
  • Virginia House approves BVU authority bill – Bristol Herald Courier - Legislation to establish an independent Bristol Virginia Utilities authority continued hurtling through the General Assembly on Thursday, but questions remain about its possible implementation.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Senators Mark Obenshain and Ralph Smith
  • Family Foundation, GOP lawmakers cry foul over abortion bill – HamptonRoads.com - Legislation that would make it a criminal offense to force an individual to have an abortion sparked a rules fight in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee Wednesday. An interpretation of Senate procedures on which committees have dominion over abortion-related measures was at the center of a dispute over the bill being carried by Sen. Ralph Smith, R-Roanoke.
• Senator Harry Blevins
  • Will the House Finally OK a Seat-Belt Bill? – The News & Advance - In an impassioned plea before the Senate Transportation Committee recently, state Sen. Harry Blevins, R-Chesapeake, said he has attended too many funerals, visited too many hospital rooms and comforted too many grieving parents of young men and women killed because they weren’t wearing seat belts.  
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • McDonnell reopens 19 rest stops – Star-Tribune - When you gotta go, you gotta go. And now, thanks to Gov. Robert McDonnell's decision last week to reopen 19 interstate highway rest stops, Virginia's travelers won't have to hold it. 
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Legislative Update II 2/03/10 – Virginia Bicycling Federation - Those that are interested, and have bookmarked the Legislature’s website http://leg1.state.va.us or the Richmond Sunlight website www.richmondsunlight.com should check out SB103, which is carried by Sen. Ryan McDougle, and is calling for some dramatic and sweeping changes to the State’s Transportation Dept
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Go Bob, Go – LifeofMatthew.com - Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposal to raise the speed limit in Virginia passed the House of Delegates and the State Senate Tuesday. What else is there to say but, Go Bob, Go! 
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Death penalty expansion passes House – NVDaily.com - As it has for the past three years, the House of Delegates has approved a bill sponsored by Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, that would expand the application of the death penalty. On Wednesday, the House voted 74-24 for the bill that would close the so-called "triggerman" loophole, according to a news release from Gilbert. 
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • Senator Smith Introduces Budget Reform – The Roanoke Star-Sentinel - The General Assembly passed Virginia’s last two year budget just 34 minutes after it was distributed to legislators. Senator Ralph K. Smith (R-Botetourt) has announced that he is introducing legislation that would require the budget be posted online for 72 hours before a vote could be taken. 
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Senate panel unanimously passes bill on flying flag – Fredericksburg.com - With no opposition, a Virginia Senate committee yesterday approved Sen. Richard Stuart's bill to allow homeowners to fly the U.S. flag. The bill was prompted by a case in Henrico County last year, in which a homeowners association barred a 90-year-old Medal of Honor recipient from flying the flag on an upright flagpole in his yard.

This past week at the Virginia General Assembly the Senate and the House of Delegates continued their work on thousands of legislative proposals that have been filed during the 2010 Session.  Several bills which I have sponsored were adopted on the Senate floor and now move to the House of Delegates for consideration.

As we struggle to deal with the Virginia budget and the tremendous revenue shortfall this Session, we are constantly reminded of the importance of doing all we can here in Richmond to encourage job growth in Southside and across Virginia.  Last week I wrote about Senate Bill 481, which is a bill that I sponsored that would help attract new jobs to Southside Virginia by lowering the threshold requirements for businesses to qualify for the major business facility tax credit.  I believe that this legislation will lead to more jobs for our people, and I am glad that bill is now moving to the Senate floor.

Another bill that I have cosponsored that I believe will help spur job growth in Southside Virginia is Senate Bill 475, which provides the criteria to be used in awarding grants and loans from the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund.  The criteria include job creation, private capital investment, and anticipated state tax revenue expected to accrue to the state and affected localities as a result of the capital investment and jobs created.  This fund has been an indispensable tool for local and state officials in attracting new business to Southside and I am pleased that this bill was adopted by the Senate this week and now heads to the House of Delegates.

On Monday the Senate adopted Senate Bill 417.  This bill, which I am proud to have cosponsored, sends a strong and clear message to the federal government that Virginians do not want a federal takeover of our healthcare system and, more specifically, Virginians will not be forced by the government to obtain or maintain individual health insurance policies.  There was significant debate on the floor concerning this bill; however, at the end of the day, I was pleased that the bill was adopted with bipartisan support by a vote of 23-17.

Once again, I am looking forward to working with Governor McDonnell and our local legislative delegation to promote economic development in Southside Virginia and across the Commonwealth. 

Again, allow me to thank you for the honor of serving you in Richmond and please remember to keep in touch with our office during the General Assembly Session.  Gayle Barts serves as my legislative assistant here in Richmond and we may be reached at Senate of Virginia, General Assembly Building, Post Office Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218.  Our telephone number is 804.698.7519 and our email address is district19@senate.virginia.gov.  In addition, Denise Van Valkenburg serves as my legislative assistant in Chatham and she may be reached at our district office at 10 North Main Street, Post Office Box 2, Chatham, Virginia 24531.  Our district telephone number is 434.432.4600 and our email address is roberthurt@roberthurt.org.  If you would like to receive this newsletter by email, please sign-up on our website at http://www.roberthurt.org/. 

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Multiple
  • Democrats in Va. Senate vote down two budget-related bills backed by governor – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Senate Democrats are directly challenging Gov. Bob McDonnell over the budget, denying him a bigger say in spending and rejecting as "fantasy" the prospect of reaping cash for roads from offshore drilling.
  • Va. Senate committee approves concealed-guns legislation – The Richmond Times-Dispatch - Virginia's drinking establishments soon may be open for business to a new clientele -- people carrying concealed guns.
  • Lawmakers Green Light Gun Law Bills – NBC29.com - State lawmakers have given the green light for several controversial firearm measures. They are measures that were vetoed in years past. But with a new governor, there is a good chance they will become law.
  • Key Senate committee passes bills to allow concealed guns in Va. Bars – Canadian Business - Gun owners could take concealed guns into more places, including bars, and renew their permits by mail under bills that passed a key Senate committee on Wednesday.
  • State Senate defeats bills on offshore drilling, changing budget timeline – Richmond Times-Dispatch - There were two major setbacks today in the Virginia Senate for Gov. Bob McDonnell, with the Democratic majority defeating legislation endorsing offshore drilling for oil and gas and changing the budget timetable to give McDonnell a freer hand in spending.
• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • State senate passes bill that would require online retailers to charge 5 percent sales tax – wtkr.com - Some Virginia lawmakers want you to pay taxes when you buy online.  They say they want to level the playing field for businesses in Virginia.  With a vote of 14 to 1 the State Senate Finance Committee passed a bill that would require certain online retailers to collect the sales tax on purchases made in the commonwealth.
  • Va. Senate panel OKs move to tax online shopping – The Virginian-Pilot - A Virginia Senate panel clicked "send" on legislation that would require Internet retailers to collect sales tax on in-state transactions by affiliated online merchants.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Hurt Sponsors Jobs Bills – ResistNet.com - Vowing to work with Gov. Bob McDonnell and state legislators to promote economic development in Southside Virginia and across the state, State Sen. Robert Hurt has sponsored a major business facility job tax credit bill that is part of McDonnell's legislative package.
• Senator Jeff McWaters
  • Milestone for McWaters – PilotOnline.com - Freshman Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, got a small thrill and a round of applause Wednesday when he watched fellow senators pass his first bill out of the chamber.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Newman sponsors McDonnell education bills – News & Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell announced legislation Wednesday that would create charter schools and two other new ways to educate children, with Sen. Steve Newman sponsoring them in the Senate.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Bill banning cell phones while driving goes to Virginia House – 7Bends - Every day, you look around and see people driving vehicles while on their cell phones, not paying attention. It’s not just a few drivers here or there, but the rule rather than the exception.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Virginia looking at Obenshain’s proposal to privatize liquor stores – 7Bends - Last year, Virginia celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of its state-run liquor stores, called “ABC stores.”  This week, a bill (SB 443) introduced by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) designed to privatize Virginia’s ABC stores was passed by indefinitely by the Senate Finance Committee to provide more time to work with the Governor to refine the proposal.
  • The slow slog toward school choice – Tertium Quids - Gov. McDonnell and a host of notables gathered yesterday to introduce his package of education reforms. They center on making it somewhat easier to create charter schools in the commonwealth, a remedy for the current, counter-productive, charter law.
  • Bill to Give Voter Rolls to Comm. of Revenue Advances – wsvaonline - A bill introduced by Harrisonburg Senator Mark Obenshain that gives commissioners of the revenue access to voter rolls for determining residency for personal property tax purposes has passed the Senate and will move on to the House of Delegates.
• Senator Frank Ruff, Jr.
  • From the Desk of state Sen. Frank Ruff – The News & Record - As the 2009 session began the news media reported that Chesterfield County Schools would have to layoff about 500 employees if the state didn't give them more money.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Bill to raise fees for suits advances – The Free Lance-Star - The Senate Finance Committee has approved Sen. Richard Stuart's bill to increase court fees to raise revenue for sheriff's departments and commonwealth's attorneys.
  • Wood waste bill dies in Senate – Biofuelswatch.com - On a vote of ten to four, the Agriculture, Conservation & Natural Resources committee of the Senate has declined the bill which was suggested for putting a cap on the total number of wood chips & similar lumber waste which power companies were allowed to burn as fuel and add towards their renewable portfolio standard.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Virginia Senate kills bill on offshore-drilling profits – The Virginian-Pilot - The Democratic majority in Virginia's Senate killed for the year legislation from Virginia Beach Republican Sen. Frank Wagner that would dedicate future offshore drilling royalties to the state general fund, a coastal energy research consortium and to localities for transportation fixes.
  • Senate Dems kill Va. gov's proposal to divert offshore drilling royalties to state services – The Washington Examiner - The Virginia Senate on Wednesday killed Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to allocate royalties from possible offshore oil and gas drilling to pay for Virginia's government services, calling it a "fantasy."
  • Va. Senate Kills “Royalties for Roads” Legislation – Bearing Drift - Yesterday, there was a heated debate in the Virginia State Senate about legislation that would decide how the Commonwealth would spend the royalties from drilling offshore for oil. SB 601, patroned by Sen. Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach), was killed by the Senate in a party line vote and was referred back to committee until next year.
• Senator William Wampler, Jr.
  • Bills would ban discounts on noncovered dental work – The Virginian-Pilot - If you're at the dentist and your insurance won't cover a procedure, you might not get a discount, either.
  • Creative Budgeteer Boosts Va Spaceflight – Spaceports blog - Virginia State Senator William C. Wampler, Jr. (R-Bristol) has offered a state budget amendment to dedicate prospective sales and or corporate income tax revenues that may result from the sale of human spaceflights or commercial spaceflight training in the state to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA) for operations and educational space flight simulation activities.
  • Bill advances to curb forced dental discounts – The Roanoke Times - Legislation prohibiting dental insurance companies from demanding discounts for procedures not covered by a patient's policy passed in the General Assembly on Wednesday with broad support.

Article Content

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Multiple Senators
  • Road money eyed in bill – fredericksburg.com - Faced with dwindling money for transportation, state senators again are trying a plan to boost revenues by applying an indexing formula to the per-gallon gas tax.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Senate backs bill to index Va. gas tax – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Virginia Senate this morning approved a bill that would index the state's per-gallon tax on gasoline with federal fuel efficiency standards. Senators voted 31-9 for Senate Bill 343. It now heads to the House of Delegates.
  • Virginia Senate weighs indexing gas tax to fuel efficiency – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Gov. Bob McDonnell may oppose any tax increase to balance Virginia's struggling two-year budget, but the idea of implementing an adjusted increase in the gas tax to keep from losing existing transportation revenue is gaining bipartisan traction in the Virginia Senate.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Jobs bill approved by Senate – The Franklin News Post - State Sen. Robert Hurt's major business tax credit jobs bill has been incorporated into another bill and passed by the Virginia Senate by a 40-0 vote.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • 70 mph speed limit still on fast track – News & Advance - The 70 mph speed limit for selected highways cruised through another legislative committee Thursday.
  • Letters shed light on opposition to Soering transfer – News & Advance - Richard Haysom said this of the brutal 1985 slayings of his parents, Nancy and Derek Haysom: “That ignominious day was for our family, our ‘Sept. 11’ — it never goes away.”
  • Virtual School Programs get Governor’s Approval – Appomattox News - Governor Bob McDonnell met with students of the Virginia Virtual Academy Thursday afternoon at the Executive Mansion.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Va Senate OKs betting on old horse races – The Associated Press - The Senate has again passed a measure to allow pari-mutuel style betting on past horse races with some of the proceeds dedicated to transportation.
• Senator Frederick Quayle
  • Virginia seafood processors face $600 fee for annual license – The Daily Press - Attention seafood processors: If you want to stay in business, grab your checkbook.
• Senator John Watkins
  • 2 tobacco giants in Va. clash over excise tax – Richmond Times-Dispatch - It's one of the most old-fashioned taxes of all, but the question of what you measure to levy it is emerging as the latest skirmish in the never-ending battle for space on stores' tobacco shelves.

Article Content

Richmond Report

February 16, 2010

          As the crossover weekend approached this past week at the Virginia General Assembly, most of the bills I have introduced have passed the Senate and are now headed to the House of Delegates.  I am glad to report that the economic development measures that I have sponsored as a part of Governor McDonnell's legislative agenda have fared well.  While most Senate bills have been dealt with, the Senate Finance Committee continues to work on putting together a Senate budget before its February 21, 2010 deadline.  As I have reported in the past, we face a very bleak budget situation, and the task of balancing a budget with such a revenue shortfall will be very difficult.

In addition to the economic development measures I have sponsored, I have also offered two measures that have been met with success and that I believe will help our veterans and our men and women serving in our military.  The first bill is Senate Bill 455 which would encourage veterans to establish small businesses by waiving certain fees that are required to be paid when forming a new business.  Many of our soldiers returning from a tour of duty are eager to start a business and this bill will encourage them to do so.  I believe that this bill will promote economic development and properly expresses the gratitude of the people of Virginia to our military veterans.  This bill is also a part of Governor McDonnell's legislative agenda. 

          The second bill is Senate Bill 482 which overhauls the Virginia law as it relates to the casting of absentee ballots by the men and women serving in our military and will ensure that our soldiers receive absentee ballots well in advance of an election and will ensure that those ballots will be counted.  In the 2008 General Election thousands of military absentee ballots were not properly counted, and the purpose of this bill is to ensure that this never happens again.  It seems to me that we have no higher obligation here in Richmond than to ensure the right to vote to those who are currently on the battlefield protecting our freedoms and the right of each of us to vote.  This bill is a part of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's legislative agenda and I have been proud to work with him on this important measure.

One bill I have supported that was defeated this week is Senate Bill 601 which allocated any revenues and royalties paid to the Commonwealth as a result of offshore natural gas and oil drilling and exploration.  This bill was a part of Governor McDonnell's legislative agenda and was a bill I was proud to cosponsor.  Governor McDonnell has aggressively pushed the federal government to authorize offshore oil and gas leases and this bill clearly informed Washington that the General Assembly of Virginia fully supports the authorization of these leases and fully expects to share in any revenue from offshore drilling.  This bill was an important step toward lowering the cost of energy in this country and ultimately achieving energy independence.  Because of the importance of this measure, I was particularly disappointed that Senate Bill 601 was killed by Senate Democrats on a party line vote.

Once again, I am looking forward to working with Governor McDonnell and our local legislative delegation to promote economic development in Southside Virginia and across the Commonwealth. 

Again, allow me to thank you for the honor of serving you in Richmond and please remember to keep in touch with our office during the General Assembly Session.  Gayle Barts serves as my legislative assistant here in Richmond and we may be reached at Senate of Virginia, General Assembly Building, Post Office Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218.  Our telephone number is 804.698.7519 and our email address is district19@senate.virginia.gov.  In addition, Denise Van Valkenburg serves as my legislative assistant in Chatham and she may be reached at our district office at 10 North Main Street, Post Office Box 2, Chatham, Virginia 24531.  Our district telephone number is 434.432.4600 and our email address is roberthurt@roberthurt.org.  If you would like to receive this newsletter by email, please sign-up on our website at http://www.roberthurt.org/. 

Richmond Report

February 23, 2010

Senator Robert Hurt

          On Tuesday of this past week in Richmond, the General Assembly reached what has become known as Crossover.  Crossover simply means the deadline by which the Senate and the House of Delegates each completes action on the bills introduced in the respective chambers.  It also represents the traditional half-way mark of the General Assembly Session.

During the 2010 General Assembly Session, it is interesting to note that there have been a total of 2,697 bills and resolutions introduced.  At this stage in the 60-day Session, only 403 of the bills have passed both houses and will be headed to the Governor and 843 of the bills have failed.  I believe this reflects the fact that our legislative process was well-designed by our Founders to ensure a rigorous path to the passage of any legislation and that the General Assembly generally does a good job in weeding out bad bills. 

In addition to the crush of work that comes with rushing to finish the work of each respective house, the hard work of developing a state budget has also begun.  The Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee have been working since the beginning of the Session to arrive at each house's version of the state budget, and these budget bills will be considered and adopted by the respective bodies next week.

Last week, I reported that legislation that I have introduced that would promote economic development in Virginia and secure the voting rights of our soldiers here and abroad have been met with success this Session.  In addition to these bills, I have also introduced several public safety measures that have passed the Senate and are now being considered in the House of Delegates.  

As we have seen in recent years, gang crime has risen across the nation and even in places like Southside Virginia.  A critical element in fighting gang crime is providing to law enforcement officers as much information as possible about gang membership and gang activity.  Senate Bill 486 is a bill that would assist in this effort by requiring juvenile probation officers to provide information to law enforcement officers concerning gang activity that has been derived from interviews with juvenile offenders.  Governor McDonnell has made this an initiative for his administration and I have been proud to work with him in getting this legislation adopted.   

In addition, I have introduced a series of bills that would assist law enforcement in obtaining information concerning computer crimes committed here in Virginia.  With advances in technology, it is as important as ever that law enforcement be able to keep up with increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises.  Three bills I have introduced, Senate Bill 492, Senate Bill 493; and Senate Bill 494 would make it easier for local law enforcement to obtain and use computer records from out of state in local criminal prosecutions.  Likewise, these bills would make it easier for out of state law enforcement agencies to obtain computer records from Virginia in criminal prosecutions in other states. 

Finally, I have also introduced Senate Bill 495, which would allow prior drunk driving convictions from out of state to be used in prosecutions in Virginia.  Under current law, prosecutors have found that prior convictions from other states often cannot be used in prosecuting a drunk driver, and this has led to cases where a person who has been previously convicted numerous times of drunk driving cannot be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  It is my hope that for the safety of all persons on and along our highways that this legislation will be made law.

Again, allow me to thank you for the honor of serving you in Richmond and please remember to keep in touch with our office during the General Assembly Session.  Gayle Barts serves as my legislative assistant here in Richmond and we may be reached at Senate of Virginia, General Assembly Building, Post Office Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218.  Our telephone number is 804.698.7519 and our email address is district19@senate.virginia.gov.  In addition, Denise Van Valkenburg serves as my legislative assistant in Chatham and she may be reached at our district office at 10 North Main Street, Post Office Box 2, Chatham, Virginia 24531.  Our district telephone number is 434.432.4600 and our email address is roberthurt@roberthurt.org

Article Content

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Multiple Senators
  • House, Senate approve budgets, now comes hard part – GoDanRiver.com - The House of Delegates and Virginia Senate easily approved budget bills yesterday, but the hard part, trying to reach agreement on widely different bills, lies ahead.
  • Each house passes its own budget – fredericksburg.com - The House of Delegates and Senate yesterday approved their respective budget proposals, making few changes to plans that reduce spending on education and health services to help make $4 billion in budget cuts.
  • Virginia House, Senate now must reconcile budget bills – Associated Press - The House of Delegates and Virginia Senate easily approved budget bills yesterday, but the hard part, trying to reach agreement on widely different bills, lies ahead.
  • Virginia House, Senate now must reconcile budget bills – The Richmond Times-Dispatch - The House of Delegates and Virginia Senate easily approved budget bills yesterday, but the hard part, trying to reach agreement on widely different bills, lies ahead.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Va. House Panel Kills Bill Indexing Gas Tax – The Free Lance-Star - A House subcommittee has killed a bill to index the gas tax, but delegates said they believe it's a good idea and they hope for a special transportation session this year to work on it.
  • Virginia Amazon Tax Dies, Supporters Promise Another Try (Right Now, It Turns Out) – The Tax Foundation - The effort to impose an "Amazon tax" in Virginia died this week in a House of Delegates subcommittee, after SB 660 had passed the Senate earlier this month.
  • Retailers rally for online tax bill – Richmond BizSense - Packed into Senate Room 2 were brick-and-mortar retailers wearing campaign style buttons with slogans like, “Stop Internet Tax Evasion;” absent was Amazon, or any other major target of the bill, which according to Nancy Thomas, president and CEO of the Retail Merchants Association, is precisely the reason for the bill’s necessity.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Gov. signs APCo legislation – The Franklin News-Post - Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed emergency legislation that calls for Appalachian Power Co. (APCo) to suspend an interim rate increase that took effect in December.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • House, Senate pass budgets, talks heat up – The News Leader - The House and Senate on Thursday gave final approval to their own versions of an austere state budget.
  • Va. House, Senate OK competing budget plans – The Virginian-Pilot - The House and Senate approved versions of a two-year state budget Thursday that carve money out of core government services to address a $4.2 billion shortfall.
  • Panel OKs delays to accreditation rules – The Virginian-Pilot - With expected budget cuts, a bill that would delay some accreditation standards but not graduation is heading for approval.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Retiring judge might not be replaced – Suffolk News-Herald - State budget woes could leave Virginia’s Fifth Judicial Circuit a judge short later this year.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • $500,000 Grant A Boost To Growers – The Gazette-Virginian - A portion of a half million dollars in Specialty Crop Grants is headed to the Southside in an effort to keep farming profitable for local producers.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Virginia Employment Commission chief warns extended jobless benefits could end soon – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The hardship of being out of work in Virginia could get a lot worse in March if the federal government does not provide additional money to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits.
  • VEC, Watkins warn about ebbing jobless benefits – GoDanRiver.com - The hardship of being out of work in Virginia could get a lot worse in March if the federal government does not provide additional funds to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits.

Richmond Report

March 2, 2010

Senator Robert Hurt

          During this past week in Richmond, the General Assembly continued its march toward the end of the 2010 General Assembly.  The Senate continued to deal with House Bills that have been sent over for action, and the House of Delegates continued its work on Senate Bills.  I have already had several bills that have been reviewed favorably by House committees, and I look forward to their final passage.

In addition to the continued work on legislation, the Senate and the House of Delegates each considered amendments to Governor Kaine's introduced budget and on Thursday adopted their own versions of the state budget for the next two years.     

I should begin by commending the hard work of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee in developing the respective budget proposals that were ultimately adopted this past week.  There is no question that this has been one of the most difficult budget sessions we as a Commonwealth have ever faced as we have sought to close a more than $4 billion revenue shortfall.

I also commend Governor McDonnell for his leadership on this issue.  He has stated from the beginning that, as individuals and businesses are reducing spending during these difficult economic times, the state government should follow this example.  The Governor has made it clear that we must balance our budget without raising taxes.  I agree.

However, as for the Senate budget that was adopted on Thursday, there are several areas that concern me.  First, I am very concerned that the Senate has taken approximately $500 million over the next two years from the Virginia Retirement System to balance the budget.  This one-time "savings" will be used to fund ongoing state programs for the next two years.  In my opinion, I believe that this action may threaten the future stability of our state retirement system, and I also believe it is unwise to use one-time money to pay for ongoing funding for state programs.

In addition, I am concerned about the tremendous number of unnecessary fee increases that are a part of the Senate budget, and I am concerned about the budget language that seeks to reverse important criminal justice reforms.  I do not believe that this budget should be balanced by looking for ways to release criminals from incarceration before they have served the sentences imposed upon them by our Virginia judges and juries.

Finally, I am concerned that the Senate budget does not make funding for economic development a greater priority.  Governor McDonnell has made it clear that we need to encourage job growth here in Virginia so that Virginia businesses can lead us out of our economic recession, and I hope that the Senate budget conferees will ultimately see the wisdom of this approach.

As we head into the final two weeks of the General Assembly Session, the Senate and House budget conferees will work to reconcile the separate budget plans laid out by each house.  While there are aspects of the House budget that are appealing to me, I am most concerned about the proposal to use Tobacco Commission funds for the purposes of funding Route 58 and funding our Southside higher education centers.  Tobacco Commission funds have been indispensable in promoting economic development in Southside and must be protected from being raided by the legislature for other purposes when times get tight.

I am grateful for the hundreds of letters and emails we have received this Session concerning the state budget.  I look forward to working with our budget conferees in the next two weeks to ensure that we have a balanced budget that properly funds our state's core priorities without raising taxes.  If the final budget proposal does not meet that objective, I will not support it.

Again, allow me to thank you for the honor of serving you in Richmond and please remember to keep in touch with our office during the General Assembly Session.  Gayle Barts serves as my legislative assistant here in Richmond and we may be reached at Senate of Virginia, General Assembly Building, Post Office Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218.  Our telephone number is 804.698.7519 and our email address is district19@senate.virginia.gov.  In addition, Denise Van Valkenburg serves as my legislative assistant in Chatham and she may be reached at our district office at 10 North Main Street, Post Office Box 2, Chatham, Virginia 24531.  Our district telephone number is 434.432.4600 and our email address is roberthurt@roberthurt.org.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr. 
  • A meritorious gas tax index to pay for roads – The News & Advance - At least one member of the General Assembly agrees that the state needs to increase its gasoline tax to keep the highway trust fund from going broke.
  • PERSPECTIVE: Restorative justice fell through the cracks – Culpeper Star-Exponent - Amid anguish over education, taxes, guns and other high-profile issues in Richmond, one topic failed to get the attention it deserved.
  • Reform option goes unnoticed – The Daily Progress - Amid anguish over education, taxes, guns and other high-profile issues in Richmond, one topic failed to get the attention it deserved.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Senate budget concerns Hurt – The Franklin News-Post - The future economic stability of the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) could be jeopardized by the Senate budget proposal to take $500 million from the VRS to fund ongoing state programs for the next two years, State Sen. Robert Hurt said.
  • Local legislators uneasy about Tobacco funds – Danville News - The House of Delegates’ version of the state budget proposed using more than $100 million from the Tobacco Commission to fund road projects and higher education centers Southside — a line item that’s leaving local legislators uneasy.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Charter school bill advances in House – The Associated Press - The House of Delegates has approved legislation that would expand the state's role in the charter-school approval process, a measure backed by Gov. Bob McDonnell.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Effort To Revive Va Gun Bills Fails – The Associated Press - Republicans have lost an attempt to revive pro-gun bills that failed last week in a special subcommittee set up to shoot down the proposals.
  • Republicans fail to revive pro-gun bills in Virginia committee – The Virginian-Pilot - It now seems apparent that state law will change to allow concealed handguns to be carried in bars and stored in lockboxes inside cars.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Va. health bill could foil Obama proposal – The Boston Globe - Here in the former capital of the Old Confederacy, where resistance to the supremacy of federal law has a long and tortuous history, a new battle is being waged over a question that could undercut a key part of President Obama’s health care proposal: whether Washington can require that most Americans have health insurance.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Salvage yards getting scrutiny – The Free Lance-Star - Over the past year, Stafford County sheriff's deputies have found 10 stolen cars at a salvage yard in the county.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Vogel’s ‘high marks’ – The Winchester Star - In assessing Gov. McDonnell’s first two months in office, a common lament has been that the state’s new Republican chief executive has not exercised visible leadership, that he has not stepped, chest out, to the front of the parade and strutted his stuff.
  • Virginia first state to challenge federal health insurance mandate – The Washington Examiner - Congress hasn’t even passed Obamacare yet, but if and when it does, Virginia’s General Assembly has already fired the first round in what could be a major legal showdown with Washington over the limits of federal power.
• Senator William Wampler, Jr.
  • Gov. McDonnell expected to sign bill allowing creation of BVU authority – Bristol Herald - To the delight of supporters and dismay of opponents, Gov. Bob McDonnell is today expected to sign legislation allowing the creation of a Bristol Virginia Utilities authority.
  • IT'S HORSE-TRADING TIME – The FreeLance-Star - As the General Assembly session winds down into its last week, the dozen lawmakers charged with negotiating a budget compromise are getting to work.
  • State lawmakers approve insurance mandate for telemedicine – FierceHealthIT - The Virginia State Legislature last week unanimously approved legislation that would make the state the 12th in the nation to mandate insurance coverage for telemedicine services.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Bill takes aim at cigarette smugglers – Star-Tribune - A new law targeting cigarette smugglers has cleared both houses of the General Assembly and now goes to the governor for his signature.
  • Unemployment extension bill axed in subcommittee – The Hampton Roads Business Journal - Virginia's business lobby has prevailed again.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Report: CCCA Findings Suppressed – WHSV.com - According to an article in the "Richmond Times-Dispatch" Thursday, former Gov. Tim Kaine's office "was involved in discussions that led to the suppression of findings" related to a team's report on the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Legislators unsure about close of session – Danville News - With the end of the 2010 General Assembly session, or “sine die,” tomorrow, local legislators are unsure if they will reach a budget agreement by the deadline — or whether they will go into overtime.
  • General Assembly honors Lacy – Danville News - The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate agreed on resolutions Wednesday to celebrate the life of former Danville City Manager Lyle Lacy.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Senate strips anti-bias language from bill – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Virginia Senate this morning yanked anti-bias protections for gay workers from a deal-sweetening bill aimed at luring to Virginia a defense-and-systems giant with gay-friendly employment policies.
  • BRIEF: Senate OKs economic incentives to lure businesses – The Virginian-Pilot - After striking language that would have placed protections for gay and lesbian workers into law, Virginia's Senate today unanimously approved an economic incentive bill requested by Gov. Bob McDonnell.
• Senator Frederick Quayle
  • Amended life jacket bill goes to House – SmithMountainLake.com - A bill that would require children to wear life preservers is on the House floor. SB93 passed the full Senate Jan. 21 with a 30-10 vote and moved to the House.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Pregnancy Resource Centers: A Winning Reversal Of Fortune At The General Assembly – The Family Foundation - At the beginning of this year’s General Assembly session, pregnancy resource centers were in the crosshairs of the abortion industry.
  • Senate approves controversial gun bills – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Virginia Senate today approved two controversial House of Delegates gun bills that will allow permit holders to carry concealed handguns into bars and non-permit holders to conceal their firearms in cars.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Va. gov McDonnell signs offshore energy bills – World News - Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law Wednesday offshore drilling legislation intended to realize his goal of making Virginia the East Coast's energy superpower.
• Senator William Wampler, Jr. 
  • McDonnell visits legislators on their turf, encourages budget deal – The Washington Post - As negotations over Virginia's budget proceed, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) made an unannounced appearance in the General Assembly Building to encourage the House and Senate to come to terms.
  • State budget deadline nears – The Free Lance-Star - Budget negotiators worked late into last night, trying to resolve differences by today to adjourn the legislature on time tomorrow.
    
    

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Ground broken on county ag complex – Danville News - The first step toward construction of what officials say will be a marketplace for Pittsylvania County and regional agriculture took place Thursday.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • US, Germany discuss fate of prisoner – Associated Press - The U.S. Justice Department is now involved in the tug-of-war over a German diplomat's son imprisoned in Virginia for a double murder.
  • Department of Justice Responds to Soering Transfer Request – WSET.com - The Department of Justice has officially responded to Senator Steve Newman about the Jens Soering case.
  • German officials petition DOJ to transfer Soering – The Roanoke Times - The German Embassy is petitioning the U.S. Department of Justice to transfer convicted killer Jens Soering from a Virginia prison to Germany, despite Gov. Bob McDonnell’s revocation of permission to let him return to his native country, according to excerpts of a justice department letter released Friday.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • We Do Have A Budget – DNRonline.com - A day late and, in our view, some $620 million short. But Virginia, facing a $4.2 billion shortfall, managed to close the budgetary gap. And the General Assembly achieved said balance without having to raise taxes statewide — something for which all residents should be happy during this time of economic uncertainty and, for many, woe.

Article Content

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. 

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Chamber sponsors legislative reception – Star-Tribune - Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a legislative reception with Sen. Robert Hurt, Del. Danny Marshall, Del. Don Merricks and Del. Charles Poindexter Thursday, April 15.
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • General Assembly session's over, but disagreement lingers – WDBJ7.com - As State lawmakers return from Richmond disagreements linger after a difficult session in the General Assembly.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Vogel Weighs in on Offshore Drilling – tv3Winchester.com - Local law makers say they are thrilled with president Obama's decision to explore offshore drilling on the east coast. Virginia state senator Jill Vogel says law makers in the commonwealth have been working to make Virginia the first on the east coast to produce oil.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • President Obama Raises Hopes and Questions for Virginia’s Offshore Drilling Dreams  -- Old Dominion Watchdog - President Barack Obama’s push for offshore drilling along the mid-Atlantic coast is welcome news in Virginia, where elected officials have called on Congress to open up federal waters off state shores to drilling for oil and natural gas.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Kent: Governor won't lose focus on rural Virginia – Altavista Journal - Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is focused on this part of the state, his top aide told local government leaders last week.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Umbilical Cord Loophole Closed Immediately – WSET - Not only did local lawmakers help pass legislation that will protect newborn babies, the bill is already law.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell Limits Funding of Abortions – The State Column - Virginia is joining other states in a push to limit and restrict state funding for abortions.
  • Governor to sign ethics bill, minus his 2 changes – The Virginian-Pilot - Legislation that will redefine how investigations of wrongdoing by Virginia lawmakers are conducted has survived the General Assembly obstacle course and will make it past Gov. Bob McDonnell's veto pen, too.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Governor Marks 40th Anniversary of Virginia’s Scenic River Program – Appomattox News - At a press event on the banks of the James River today, Governor Bob McDonnell celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Virginia Scenic River Program.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Bolling holds roundtable broadband discussion in Danville – GoDanRiver.com - Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling joined local government and business leaders Wednesday in Danville for a roundtable discussion about what works and what doesn’t with Virginia’s broadband coverage.
• Senator Stephen Martin
  • Pew Applauds Virginia for Leading Military and Overseas Voting Improvements – The Pew Center on the States - Answering a call first issued by President Harry Truman nearly 60 years ago, Virginia today took a significant step forward in addressing the disenfranchisement of military and overseas voters.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Veto session a mixed bag – Roanoke Times - Gov. Bob McDonnell won legislative approval Wednesday for a proposal designed to clarify restrictions on funding for abortions, but lawmakers defeated budget amendments that would affect community-based mental health services and phase out state funding for public broadcasting.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Bolling: Grants will help rural Virginia attract jobs – The News & Advance - Virginia’s rural areas are getting lots of economic-development help from the state, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling told a meeting of rural leaders in Lynchburg on Wednesday.
  • BIT gets 18.9 M grant – South Hill Enterprise - Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative (BIT) General Manager Mickey Sims has been waiting for months on a decision on the application for an $18.9 million grant to help BIT to build, operate and maintain a wireless rural broadband and voice network across Southside Virginia.

Article Content

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Highlights From Today’s Virginia Forum on Job Creation – Broadband for America - Today, Broadband for America (BfA) hosted its Virginia Forum event at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research in Danville. The event featured a number of state officials and local leaders including Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and BfA board member Dave McClure.
• Senator Jeff McWaters
  • McDonnell signs 17 troop-friendly bills – The Virginian-Pilot - New laws to ease absentee voting for military members stationed outside Virginia and allow uniformed active-duty personnel to drive in local high-occupancy-vehicle lanes were among the 17 bills signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell during a ceremony at the state Capitol on Thursday.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Obenshain Given New Task – Daily News Record - On Thursday, Gov. Bob McDonnell named Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, to serve on the Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Tobacco Commission OKs funds for uranium study – Danville News - The Virginia Tobacco Commission approved up to $200,000 for a socioeconomic study of uranium mining and milling during its meeting Thursday at the Hotel Roanoke.
  • Riverstone Project In Line For $471,000 – The Gazette-Virginian - The Halifax County Industrial Development Authority is in line to receive 21 percent of the $2.25 million in grant funding it sought from the Virginia Tobacco Commission after the Commission’s Southside Economic Development Committee met Thursday in Roanoke.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Group focusing on county's top cultural tourism assets – The Franklin News-Post - What are the top cultural tourism destinations in Franklin County?
  • Tobacco commission funds study on uranium mining – WDBJ7.com - The prospect of uranium mining in Pittsylvania County is the subject of another study. 

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senators Stephen Newman, Walter Stosch and William Wampler
  • Dominion chief heads McDonnell's higher-ed panel – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Dominion Resources President Thomas Farrell, a former rector of the University of Virginia, will lead Gov. Bob McDonnell's commission tasked with keeping college tuition costs down and boosting the number of students attending college and attaining degrees.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Post 52 will hold ceremony honoring veterans on Saturday – WPVCA.com - The American Legion Post 52 of Brookneal will hold its 5th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 29, 11 a.m., at Brookneal Community Building, Main Street, Brookneal. This year's guest speaker will be State Senator Robert Hurt.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Falwell named to higher-education reform commission – Lynchburg News & Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. to serve on his Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment, according to an announcement made Friday.
  • Oil Spill Fears Here at Home – WSET.com - President Obama spoke out Thursday about just how dire the situation in the Gulf of Mexico is.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • The Complex is open – VaNcNews.com - Five years ago a group of forward thinking Clarksville residents dared to dream of the future.
• Senator William Wampler
  • City leaders approve loan for school office building – Bristol Herald Courier - City leaders Tuesday unanimously agreed to seek a $3 million interest-free loan to pay for a school administration building.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Law To Require Localities To Pay For Buried Transmission Lines – Leesburg Today - Starting July 1, residents and local governments will find it more difficult to lobby the State Corporation Commission to force power companies to place new transmission lines underground.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • 81: Wait and see – August Free Press - You might remember all the hubbub over what they were planning to do with Interstate 81.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Dozens speak out on uranium mining – Danville News - The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee met at Chatham High School on Tuesday night, where residents filled the auditorium, and about 70 people spoke out on the scope of a proposed study to examine the socioeconomic impacts of uranium mining and milling.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Governor signs Newman’s charter school bill – Lynchburg News Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation Tuesday intended to increase the number of charter schools in Virginia.
  • Ceremonial Signing of Bill to Facilitate Expansion of Charter School – Synavista News - Nine days before Virginia’s new laws take effect, Governor Bob McDonnell today ceremonially signed legislation that will facilitate the expansion of high-quality charter schools in the Commonwealth.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • ESSAY: Beware a hotel bailout – The Virginia Gazette - During this age of corporate welfare and federal bailouts, it is refreshing when businesses engage in self-help.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Rescue child life preserver law – HamptonRoads.com Blog - I AM THE riverkeeper for the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program in Virginia. This past year, I tried to get a child PFD (personal flotation device, or life preserver) law passed for Virginia's inland waters with the help of Sen. Fred Quayle.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • State Employees Could Receive “Bonus” – Virginia Statehouse News - Virginia state employees are inching closer to getting a one-time bonus check before the end of the year.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • BOS, state lawmakers tackle transportation – The Journal - The Westmoreland Supervisors met last week with Virginia Senator Richard Stuart and Delegate Albert Pollard for the purpose of soliciting creation of a revenue stream dedicated to road im-provement needs.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Corrections to explore uses for Powhatan-Goochland land, facilities – GoDanRiver.com - The Virginia Department of Corrections is exploring major changes for the 4,051 pastoral acres it owns on both sides of the James River in Goochland and Powhatan counties and the facilities it operates there.

                On July 1, 2010, nearly 900 new laws passed during this year’s General Assembly session will take effect.  Among that legislation are dozens of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Republican Caucus.

                 “While the focus of this year’s session was rightfully on the budget, the General Assembly managed to pass many positive bills focused on an array of policy areas,” commented Senate Republican Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (James City).  “Members of the Senate Republican Caucus carried bills this session focused on job creation, economic development, education, transportation, public safety, and many other policy areas.  In fact, the legislation that is the basis for Virginia’s lawsuit against the federal healthcare bill was first passed as a policy proposed by Senate Republicans.”

                 Below are some highlights of key bills patroned by each member of the Senate Republican Caucus that will take effect on Thursday.

• Senator Harry Blevins (Chesapeake)
  • SB 8 – Sets up certification program for pyrotechnicians and firework operators and requires a certified person be present when fireworks displays are conducted.
  • SB 201 – Requires the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC) to conduct an operational and performance audit of Virginia’s transportation programs.
• Senator Emmett Hanger (Augusta)
  • SB 334 – Allows persons with concealed handgun permits to carry concealed weapons into restaurants or bars so long as they do not consume alcohol.
  • SB 623 – Allows tax credits for the creation of “green” jobs.
• Senator Robert Hurt (Pittsylvania)
  • SB 455 – Exempts veterans from the handling fee charged by the Department of Business Assistance when establishing a small business through the one-stop small business permitting program. 
  • SB 486 – Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide information to law-enforcement relating to involvement in or investigations of criminal street gangs. 
• Senator Steve Martin (Chesterfield)
  • SB 55 – Allows voters entitled to vote absentee due to active duty military service, service in the merchant marines, or temporary residence outside of the United States and the dependents of such voters to use the federal write-in absentee ballot to voce in state and local elections, as well as federal elections.
  • SB 311 – Provides that no resident of the Commonwealth shall be required to maintain an insurance policy.
• Senator Ryan McDougle (Hanover)
  • SB 128 – Allows for trading of NOx and SO2 credits and prohibits the Air Pollution Control Board from preventing businesses in certain regions of the state from purchasing such credits from other facilities.
  • SB 670 – Requires prisoners who owe fines, court costs, and other penalties to contribute part of their pay from work programs to relieving this obligation.
• Senator Jeff McWaters (Virginia Beach)
  • SB 696 – Allows active-duty military personnel in uniform to use HOV lanes in Hampton Roads regardless of the number of passengers.
• Senator Steve Newman (Lynchburg)
  • SB 537 – Allows for increases in the speed limit to 70 mph on highways that currently have 65 mph speed limits. 
  • SB 602 – The fact that an umbilical cord has not been cut or that the placenta remains attached should not be considered when determining if an infant has achieved an independent and separate existence
  • SB 736 – Allows for the establishment of college partnership laboratory schools by any public college that operates a teacher education program.  Schools will be public schools established by contract between the college’s board and the Board of Education.  Teachers shall be employees of the college and licensed by the Board of Education. 
  • SB 737 – Requires charter school applicant to submit charter application to state Board of Education for review based on Board’s criteria before being submitted to local school board.  If application is denied, the applicant may seek technical assistance from the Superintendent of Public Instruction and petition for reconsideration of the decision. 
  • SB  738 – Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop and the Board of Education to approve criteria for approving multi-division providers of online courses and virtual school programs.  Allows local school boards to enter into contracts with approved private or non-profit organizations to provide such courses and programs. 
• Senator Tommy Norment (James City)
  • SB 512 – Requires legislators to disclose on their Statement of Economic Interest any salary they or members of their immediate families earn from state or local governments or advisory agencies.
  • SB 520 – Adds murder of auxiliary police officers or auxiliary deputy sheriffs to the capital murder statute
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • SB 352 – Allows for delayed implementation of statutes and regulations for school accreditation that were not already in effect as of June 30, 2008.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • SB 283 – Provides that no resident of the Commonwealth shall be required to maintain an insurance policy.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • SB 656 – Adds personal property and real property improvements used primarily to manufacture a product from renewable energy as a separate classification of property for local property tax purposes.
• Senator Ralph Smith (Botetourt)
  • SB 506 – Prohibits the Governor, his PAC, or any pertinent Secretaries from knowingly soliciting or accepting contributions, gifts, or other items worth more than $50 from any bidders or offerors, their controlling persons, or persons acting on their behalf, who have submitted bids or proposals for public contracts worth $5 million.
• Senator Walter Stosch (Henrico)
  • SB 739 – Expands the use of grants from the Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund to allow such grants to be used for the construction or build-out of privately owned buildings to allow Virginia to more aggressively pursue companies looking to construct headquarters and operations centers in Virginia.  
• Senator Richard Stuart (Westmoreland)
  • SB 151 – Prevents home owners’ associations from prohibiting the display of American flags on private property.
• Senator Jill Vogel (Fauquier)
  • SB 408 – Allows persons who may lawfully own a firearm to carry a handgun in a private motor vehicle if it is locked in a container or compartment.
  • SB 417 – Provides that no resident of the Commonwealth shall be required to maintain an insurance policy.
• Senator Frank Wagner (Virginia Beach)
  • SB 394 – Sets the Commonwealth’s policy to support exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas resources 50 miles or more off Virginia’s coast.
• Senator William Wampler (Bristol)  
  • SB 613 – Allows members of the Virginia National Guard called to state active duty by the Governor to continue their health care coverage, at the member’s expense.
  • SB 622 – Prohibits dental insurance plans from establishing a rate that a dentist or oral surgeon is required to accept for services unless the services are covered under the dental plan.
• Senator John Watkins (Powhatan)
  • SB 243 – Exempts active duty military personnel who are residents and on leave from having to obtain a basic fishing license.
  • SB 472 – Reduces the number of full-time jobs needed to qualify for the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit from 100 to 50, or from 50 to 25 in enterprise zones. 
  • SB 475 – Provides that grants and loans from the Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund be awarded based on job creation, private capital investment, and additional tax revenue expected to accrue to the state or localities. 

To learn about more of the laws taking effect on July 1, you may read the Session Highlights publication prepared by the Division of Legislative Services or visit the Legislative Information System website.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Senate Finance Subcommittee visits CHKD – Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters - The Virginia Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Resources held a meeting at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters on Monday, June 21.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Hurt criticizes Perriello, Congress on budget – GoDanRiver.com - GOP 5th District candidate Robert Hurt criticized Democrat incumbent Tom Perriello and his fellow congressional Democrats on Wednesday after news the House won’t pass a budget for the 2011 fiscal year, given the national deficit.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Our Health celebrates building's reopening – Northern Virginia Daily - The city’s neediest people once stood in line waiting for food stamps and other help at the Winchester Department of Social Services.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Gohl says Southwest Virginia ‘incredibly beautiful’ – TriCities.com - On a three-day tour of Southwest Virginia, the recently appointed co-director of the Appalachian Regional Commission said he has a good first impression of the region – and of a project being billed as a focal point of a new creative economy.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Corrections department to explore new use for Powhatan-Goochland land, facilities – The Goochland Gazette - The Virginia Department of Corrections is exploring major changes for the 4,051 pastoral acres it owns on both sides of the James River in Goochland and Powhatan counties and the facilities it operates there. 

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Bill takes aim at uncollected Internet sales tax – Fredericksburg.com - There is an estimated $23 billion in uncollected state sales taxes out there, lost to online purchases from retailers who don't collect it and buyers who don't voluntarily pay it to the state.
  • Praising Commission on Centennial of Wilson Presidency – WHSV.com - On Thursday, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum praised the Virginia General Assembly for establishing the Virginia Commission on the Centennial of the Woodrow Wilson Presidency.
• Senator Robert Hurt
  • SCC approves 5.6% APCo rate increase – The Franklin News-Post - The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved a 5.6-percent rate increase for Appalachian Power Co. (APCo) that will take effect Aug. 1.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Virginians voice concerns to state reform commission – TriCities.com - A three-dollar timer from Walmart and a plethora of suggestions for government reform, such as opposing the recent plans for elk restoration in Southwest Virginia, were offered during Wednesday’s town hall meeting, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
• Senator Thomas Norment
  • Electric utility commission to hold public meeting – WPCVA.com - The Commission on Electric Utility Regulation will meet on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Roanoke Higher Education Center at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Rm 212, Roanoke.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Governor's Commission Stops In Valley – NBC29.com - The Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring brought its statewide road tour to the Shenandoah Valley Wednesday.
  • Dozens offer ways to better manage government – The News Leader - Scores of ideas to create a better state government — from amending liquor laws to protecting localities from budget cuts — were suggested during a town hall meeting in Verona on Wednesday.
  • Area officials decry state disconnect – Waynesboro News-Virginian - Gov. Bob McDonnell's government reform commission rolled into town Wednesday night seeking public input and getting an earful.
  • Valley Residents Voice Ideas to Governor's Commission – WHSV.com - Budget cuts and economic struggles are nothing new to the Commonwealth.
  • Gilbert worked to change law – Northern Virginia Daily - The multi-jurisdictional gang grand jury used to bring indictments last week against five men accused of raping two Central High School students was the brainchild of a former Shenandoah County prosecutor.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • R/gitex USA takes over Brodnax Mills – South Hill Enterprise - A subsidiary of a Canadian based textile company R/gitex Inc. will be taking over and upgrading the Brodnax Mills facility in Brodnax saving 45 local jobs and opening the door to the creation of up to 15 new jobs.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • State agencies work toward wind farms – WAVY.com - Twenty years down the road when wind farms are operating in the Mid-Atlantic, they could bring an estimated $80 billion to Virginia, and more than 5,000 long-term jobs.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Arizona's immigration law isn't the only one – The Los Angeles Times - Many states have their own regulations governing illegal immigrants. And five states have introduced bills similar to Arizona's SB 1070, which is the target of a federal lawsuit.
  • Watkins On Surplus- "It's Not Extra Money Left Over" – WTVR.com - Many Virginians who have lost state jobs in recent months might have had a hard time watching Governor Bob McDonnell discuss a 2010 surplus.
  • What Will Medicaid Expansion Cost You? – WTVR.com - In 2014, up to 425- thousand Virginians could gain health insurance under the federal expansion of Medicaid. According to a recent study by the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, that's good news for a state where it's currently difficult to qualify for Medicaid.

The following are articles from newspapers, blogs, and other news sources throughout the Commonwealth and the country featuring members of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus.

• Senator Robert Hurt
  • Poll: Hurt enjoys 23-point lead over Perriello – Charlottesville Daily Progress - Republican challenger Robert Hurt holds a 23-point advantage over 5th District incumbent Tom Perriello, D-Ivy, a new poll suggests.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Changing Va. liquor sales has broad implications – The Washington Post - For months, aides to Gov. Bob McDonnell have been meeting behind closed doors with alcohol retailers and wholesalers, public safety officials and faith-based groups to come up with a way to fulfill one of the governor's most notable campaign promises: privatizing Virginia's liquor stores.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Local leaders voice needs to state – VaNcNews.com - Leaders from across Southside Virginia gathered Friday afternoon to voice their thoughts to Governor Bob McDonnell’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Latest on Push for Rail Service in Southwest Virginia – WCYB.com - RAIL Solution continues to find ways to establish passenger service from Bristol to Richmond and Washington, D.C.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Gun range details remain murky – Powhatan Today - The state police are seeking a final decision on a proposal to build a shooting range and training facility in Powhatan County.