Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, August 18, 1936; educated at University of Richmond (B.S. Accounting, M.B.A.); Certified Public Accountant/Consultant; Principal, Stosch, Dacey & George, P.C.; member: Monument Heights Baptist Church; Senate Majority Leader, 1998-. Member of House of Delegates: 1983-92. Member of Senate: 1992-.

Contact Information:

Mailing:
Innsbrook Centre
4551 Cox Road, Suite 110
Glen Allen, VA 23060-6740

Phone: (804) 527-7780
Fax: (804) 527-7740

Email:
senator@walterstosch.com

Website:

Visit His Website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia

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. 

• Sen. Ralph Smith
  • Ralph Smith proposes more time to read budget – WDBJ 7 TV - As state lawmakers prepare to debate the budget, Senator Ralph Smith wants to make sure they have enough time to read it.
• Sen. Walter Stosch
  • Bill would force VA health plans to cover autism – WV Gazette – It's not that Ryan Shank-Rowe couldn't tell his mother or father when he's in pain, not even when he broke his leg.  It's not even the constant care the autistic boy of 7 requires, making time alone rare for Donna Shank and Greg Rowe and forcing them more than once to discuss divorce after 17 years of marriage.
• Sen. Jill Vogel
  • VA Lawmakers lock horns on healthcare – TV3 Winchester - Tomorrow the full Virginia state senate will vote on legislation that is commonly known as the health care freedom bill.
• Sen. William Wampler
  • Virginia legislators might double cuts in effort to balance state budget – Bristol Herald Courier – Republican Will Morefield, now the youngest member of the Virginia General Assembly, thought he’d been through a tough challenge when he ran in the 3rd District against a Democratic incumbent twice his age – and won.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia

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 Emmett Hanger, Jr. and Jill Vogel
  • Bills Pass to Ease Restrictions on Concealed Weapons – The Pocomoke Public Eye - Two bills that would allow handgun owners to lock weapons in their cars and permit those with concealed carry permits to bring firearms into restaurants were approved in Virginia's Senate on Tuesday.
• Senators Ryan McDougle and Walter Stosch
  • IT authority for governor approved – The Richmond Times-Dispatch - The state Senate is falling in line behind a measure giving the governor a direct say in the state's computer bureaucracy and its stormy relationship with contractor Northrop Grumman.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • State legislation changes houses – fredericksburg.com - The legislative session marked its halfway point yesterday, with legislators holding floor sessions for hours to handle hundreds of bills before a midnight "crossover" deadline by which each house was to finish its own bills.
  • Virginia Senate approves collecting taxes on online sales – The Virginian-Pilot - A bill that would require global online shopping giants such as Amazon to start collecting and paying Virginia sales taxes won easy Senate passage Tuesday.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Legislation seeks to help students succeed – The Daily Times - Gov. Bob McDonnell says charter schools, online educational programs and college partnerships can boost the performance of Virginia's public school students -- especially those at risk or in underperforming districts.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Valley Legislators Applaud Rest Area's Re-Opening – WHSV.com - Dels. Matt Lohr (R-Broadway), Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), Steve Landes (R-Weyers Cave), Dickie Bell (R-Staunton), Ben Cline (R-Rockbridge) and Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) all joined in commending Gov. Bob McDonnell for keeping his promise to re-open rest areas throughout the Commonwealth.
  • High Stakes For Higher Ed – Daily News-Record - As a tuition-paying parent of a James Madison University student, state Sen. Mark Obenshain said he's worried that money raised through student fees could soon be deposited into the state's general fund.
  • Planned Parenthood license plates bill clears Va. Senate – The Washington Post - The Virginia Senate, controlled by Democrats, has passed a measure that would create a specialty state license plate with the message "Trust Women/Respect Choice."
  • Most Virginia death penalty expansion bills rejected – The Virginian-Pilot - With a governor supportive of expanding capital punishment finally in office, this was going to be the year a perennial effort to repeal the state’s so-called  triggerman  law finally found success.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Autism Bill Passes Senate – Leesburg Today - News some Loudoun families have been waiting for came today. A bill that would mandate insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder passed the Senate by a 27-13 vote. Both of Loudoun's representatives, Sen. Mark Herring (D-33) and Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-27), voted in favor of the bill.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Governors to come together over wind energy – The Virginian-Pilot - Gov. Bob McDonnell and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar don't have much in common when it comes to offshore drilling, but wind energy may be another story.
• Senator William Wampler, Jr.
  • In private, Virginia governor pushes deep budget cuts – The Washington Post - Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) has privately recommended cutting $730 million from K-12 education and $300 million from health programs, as well as changing the state retirement system and requiring 10 days of furloughs for state employees, all to help offset a $2.2 billion budget shortfall over two years, according to sources familiar with the plan.

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
  • Senate votes for speed limit, handgun bills – The Virginian-Pilot - Bills that would boost speed limits on some Virginia highways, allow handgun owners to lock weapons in their cars and permit those with concealed carry permits to bring firearms into restaurants each gained approval in Virginia's Senate on Tuesday.
• Senators Ryan McDougle and Senator Stephen Martin
  • Panel delays anti-gang bill – Star-Tribune - of a bill to increase the penalty for the use of e-mail, text messages or other electronic transmissions by criminal street gangs.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • More school cuts loom – NewsVirginian.com - Area schools superintendents were digesting news Wednesday of Gov. Robert F. McDonnell’s proposed $731 million in additional cuts to K-12 education for the next two years, but said the news from McDonnell can’t be positive.
  • ‘Amazon’ bill headed to the House – Richmond BizSense - Amazon has a history of avoiding state sales taxes, and Virginia’s online
    sales tax bill is something they’ve seen before.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Senate OK’s bill against infanticide – Gainesville Times - In December, a Campbell County woman ended the life of her newborn baby by suffocation. Because the baby’s umbilical cord had not yet been cut or the placenta detached, the woman has not faced any criminal charges or other legal consequences.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Dealing with Guns and Drugs – Richmond.com - This year’s General Assembly session, convened on Jan. 13, is a budget year session. Meaning that, according to schedule, it will run two months. A total of 2,640 bills have been presented for consideration this year.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Lawmakers divided on furlough proposal for state workers – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Lawmakers are divided over Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to save state jobs by forcing those who have them to take 10 days of unpaid vacation over the next two years.

Article Content

In a few days the Senate Finance Committee will unveil its version of the next two-year budget.  All that I can report to you today is that it will please almost no one.  We are all aware of the dire economic straits in which we find the Commonwealth.  Ironically, when resources are most scarce, the need for services is most acute and the prospects for new funding the most remote.

The appeal to "do more with less" is heard more often in times such as these and that is not a bad thing.  Many of our friends and neighbors have lost jobs, state tax revenues are down, and any budget sacrifice will be shared.  Difficulties such as these force state and local governments to rethink their priorities.  Naturally, we should always be examining and reexamining what we do and how we are doing it.  This approach is how successful private sector ventures work and it is how the public sector ought to operate.

The cuts in public education funding will surely alarm many.  Nothing draws a more sympathetic ear than appeals to take care of our children in the classroom, and rightfully so.  By the same token, nothing should keep us from looking with an open mind at any reform measures that might improve the education our children receive.

You may find instructive what the Senate has considered so far regarding K-12 education.  Schools will continue to be required to purchase new textbooks while class sizes grow.  School calendars will continue to delay school opening until after Labor Day.  And much to my regret, families of children with autism were denied the choice of a private specialized school should a parent find an educational setting they believe more appropriate for their child.

Bills have passed which will result in maintaining records of pesticide applications at schools, make sure Driver Education includes instruction on how to drive fuel efficiently, and spend $210,000 to regulate the nutritional value of foods sold at school.

In addition, it is my fervent hope that the three educational reform measures proposed by Governor McDonnell last week get a full and fair hearing in the Senate and House.  One measure would have the State Board of Education pre-certify charter school applications.  In addition to being sound policy, this would enable Virginia to tap into $350 million in federal funds.  Another would establish on-line virtual schools enabling students who struggle in a traditional classroom environment to engage in distance learning that suits their needs.  The third would establish laboratory schools connected to our colleges and universities that would provide expanded innovation and flexibility with the results being shared with parents and educators.

In my constituent survey, equally high marks were given to funding public schools and making it easier to establish charter schools.  Residents of the 12th District understand that the goals of supporting the current system while looking for reforms and improvements are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, compatible.

One spokesman for the educational establishment has been quoted as saying, "We support parents making good educational choices for their children, but we're opposed to having a public policy device that would allow that to happen."

On the contrary, if this session ends up expanding educational opportunities for our children and setting us on a course of innovation and improvement, it will have a lasting, positive legacy. 

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
  • Senate backs gas-tax, gambling measures – Richmond Times-Dispatch – Two Republican measures pumping horsepower into the road-building fund are galloping out of the Virginia Senate.
  • Schools may start before Labor Day – Suffolk News-Herald - Momentum is building in the General Assembly to let school districts start classes before Labor Day.
  • Senate Democrats overcome divisions on budget, but Republicans are wary – The Washington Post - With about 48 hours to go before the House and Senate release their proposed budgets, we now hear that Senate Democrats have perhaps patched up some of their divisions.
• Senator Harry Blevins
  • Seat belt law not ‘clicking’ with House – Gainesville Times - A House subcommittee has killed a bill to make failing to wear a seat belt a primary offense in Virginia.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Commonwealth Center again saved from budgetary cuts – The News Virginian - Lawmakers decided Sunday to keep open Staunton’s Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.
  • Equalize Internet sales with tax – The News Leader - The time has come to level the playing field between Internet retailers and those who invest in the bricks and mortar to comprise Main Streets all across Virginia.
  • Legislators likely to restore CCCA funding – The News Leader - For the second consecutive year, it appears lawmakers will be able to restore funding to keep the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents open.
  • House, Senate easing gun control laws – The News Leader - Almost as fast as an AK-47 can spit bullets, gun bills are hurtling through the Virginia General Assembly, including one introduced by Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, that will allow gun owners to bring concealed handguns into restaurants that serve alcohol.
  • Senate OKs Hanger Gas-Tax Legislation – The Daily News Record - A bill introduced by Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, to peg Virginia's gas tax would rise based on increases in federal fuel efficiency standards under a bill that has passed the Senate.
  • Gas-tax indexing bill clears Virginia Senate – The Free Lance-Star - The state Senate yesterday passed a bill that would eventually raise the gas tax by indexing the tax to a federal fuel-efficiency standard.
  • General Assembly takes on gas tax, tax credits – The Roanoke Times - The House of Delegates on Friday approved a series of tax credits touted as job-creating incentives by Gov. Bob McDonnell, while the Senate passed a proposed change to the state's gas tax that the governor opposes.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Va. legislators struggle on how to slash budget – The News Virginian - Virginia’s House and Senate budget-writers are laying out competing hard-times spending plans that slash health care for the poor and increase class sizes but don’t raise taxes.
  • House, Senate budget plans compete for approval – News & Advance - Virginia’s House and Senate budget-writers are laying out competing hard-times spending plans that slash health care for the poor and increase class sizes but don’t raise taxes.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Indian tribes gain favor of General Assembly – Tidewater News - The General Assembly passed legislation this week officially recognizing one Indian tribe in Virginia and advanced similar bills extending recognition to two Southampton County tribes.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Budget for schools, health would be hit by legislators, too – The Virginian Pilot - The General Assembly's budget-writing committees set the stage Sunday for battles over funding of public schools and health care safety- net programs, producing competing plans for addressing a two-year, $4.2 billion state revenue shortfall.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Jett makes case for all sheriffs – fredericksburg.com - These days, Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett is almost as likely to be roaming the halls of the General Assembly in a suit as he is to be in Stafford in his uniform.
  • Power bills killed before crossover – fredericksburg.com - Last week the General Assembly hit its midway point, a deadline called "crossover" by which most bills have to be passed or killed by the house in which they originated.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Assembly Opposes Health Insurance Mandate – The Virginia Gazette - Weighing in on the debate over federal health care reform, state lawmakers have passed legislation declaring that no one can force Virginians to buy health insurance.

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 Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Virginia Weighs Indexing Gas Tax To Fuel Efficiency – Downstream Today - 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 Stephen Newman
  • Virginia on Speed – NBC Washington - A measure to raise speed limits is gaining momentum
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Legislators applaud the Gloucester 40 – The Daily Press - contingent of Gloucester citizens who were among 40 people who filed petitions seeking the removal from office of four county supervisors received standing ovations Monday from the General Assembly for fighting for their First Amendment rights to petition government for a redress of grievances.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Is Va. at risk of phony jurors? Lawmaker says yes – The Virginian-Pilot - Jury tampering made for a John Grisham page-turner and a Hollywood thriller, but could it happen in real life?
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Legislators target K-12 schools in budget cuts – Collegiate Times - Virginia’s proposed budget has met resistance from supporters of K-12 education and health care as state legislators have laid out competing plans that would slash funding.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • What’s the Big Deal About Tax Conformity? – CPA Café - Virginia has employed retroactive fixed date tax conformity for many years now. While not the ideal model due to a part-time legislature that meets from January to March, it has worked out okay for the past few years at least with conformity legislation being among the first few bills to be passed and signed into law.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Budget dance begins – Apria Healthcare - The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate money committees yesterday unveiled competing budget proposals that both restore $950 million in annual car-tax payments to localities and cut Medicaid funding but differ on how much to trim from K-12 education.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Va. Senate OKs bill on using offshore-drilling cash for roads – Richmond Times-Dispatch - A proposal to pay for roads with cash from offshore drilling is headed to Gov. Bob McDonnell, though it may prove a financial dry hole.

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
  • Despite Senate maneuvers, gun bills head to McDonnell – The Roanoke Times - Bills that would ease restrictions on guns in bars and in cars are headed to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell, even as a Senate subcommittee seeks to bottle up similar measures.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • House panel carries over bill to index gas tax – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The House Finance Committee voted today to carry over until next year a bill to increase the gas tax as cars become more fuel-efficient.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • McDougle rounds out GOP Senate leadership – Bearing Drift - State Sen. Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) was unanimously selected by his peers to serve as the Republican Caucus Pro Tempore today, completing the caucus’ leadership team.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Senate Democrats set up panel to quash gun bills – Richmond Times-Dispatch - A number of House of Delegates bills that would make it easier to purchase, carry and use guns have been routed to a newly created Senate subcommittee loaded with legislators opposed to expanding gun rights.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Schools, health would be hit by legislators, too – The Virginian-Pilot - The General Assembly's budget-writing committees set the stage Sunday for battles over funding of public schools and health care safety- net programs, producing competing plans for addressing a two- year, $4.2 billion state revenue shortfall.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • GOP officials push Obama for health care reset – The Roanoke Times - Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and two Republican state legislators said Monday that President Obama should go back to the drawing board in crafting a health care reform plan and include ideas advanced by GOP lawmakers.
  • Bolling, legislators urge Obama, Congress to start over on health-care reform – The Washington Post - http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/03/post_615.html

General Assembly Newsletter

March 3, 2010

This past week the Senate Committee on Finance reported out its version of the budget.  The budget reported was the result of weeks of intense consideration. I can assure you that in Virginia the budget is closely scrutinized and debated again and again in order to provide our citizens with what we believe is the best possible scenario.         

Unlike the U. S. Congress, here in the Virginia General Assembly we are required to pass a balanced budget. This fiscal discipline has served us very well, so much so that we continue to earn a coveted AAA bond rating year after year.

Unfortunately, the conditions under which this year's budget is being fashioned are less than desirable.  The economic downturn that has swept our nation has caused revenues in Virginia to shrink considerably. This is not a matter of a slower growth rate; we simply have fewer actual dollars available.

You may rightly ask how we could be the best state in which to do business and the best managed state yet still face this dilemma. First, we are not immune to the factors that have dampened the national economy.  Furthermore, our state taxation structure is especially vulnerable to economic fluctuations. 

Eighty percent of state revenue comes from just two sources - sales tax and income tax.  When people are out of work they do not pay an income tax.  In addition, they do not purchase as many goods and services, which results in lower revenues from the sales tax.   As a result, our current rate of unemployment negatively affects the largest two sources of state revenue in a serious way.

Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors who are out of work, but they need more than our sympathy. They need a job.

The need for jobs is why my attention this session has been concentrated on economic development issues more than ever.  We can not tax ourselves out of this budget shortfall; we must grow ourselves out of it.

There are sister states that have neglected maintaining a healthy business climate and are currently suffering as a result.  While we should not revel in their misfortune, Virginia should continue to invest in economic development incentives to entice those businesses seeking to relocate or expand.  Every day that a new business opens, people are employed, revenue is generated, and we can better afford the vital state services we need and expect.

My consideration on the budget was guided by the dual concern that we fund essential services to the extent possible while remaining ever cognizant of the effect each action that we take has on our quest to return to economic prosperity.  Programs that promote economic development should be pursued.  Taxes, fees, and regulations that hamper recovery must be avoided.

For the most part, this is a budget I can support. I did vote for the budget in committee and in the full Senate. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to register a dissent.  One action the budget requires is to reduce the state contribution to the Virginia Retirement System for the next two years.  While doing so does not jeopardize the actuarial health of the VRS, it is what I consider a "gimmick" that must be avoided.

The reduction in payments will not be felt in the short run simply because not everyone will retire all at once.  However, the fund must be replenished over time.  It would be equivalent to you or me taking out a ten year loan to pay for our groceries.

Now that the Senate and the House of Delegates have both passed their version of the budget, the business of melding them into one budget begins.  Again this year, I will be one of the members of the conference committee.  The same principles that guided me in helping fashion the Senate version of the budget will guide me in negotiations with the House conferees and I believe we can come to a beneficial agreement.

These are certainly difficult times.  However, just as our cherished quality of life was not established in a day, it will not be permanently eroded by this economic downturn.  As painful as some of the provisions of the budget are, we must stay focused on job creation to generate the revenue needed for our Commonwealth. 

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia

As always I value the views and insights of my constituents.

My website is always available to you.

There you will find my 2010 constituent survey

on the home page and also via this link.

I look forward to hearing from you.

General Assembly Newsletter

 March 10, 2010

This week finds the 2010 Session of the General Assembly grinding to its conclusion.  I say "grinding" because that is just the way it feels for almost everyone involved.  The current economic difficulties of our citizens have had a major impact on our deliberations.

These conditions also guide me as I go about my work on the Budget Conference Committee again this year.  It is never an easy task to choose between worthy but competing items, especially when that choice can have such a significant impact on the families of Virginia. The severe economic downturn and decreased state revenues cause us to be extraordinarily careful in making the best set of choices possible. The fact that so many critical decisions hang in the balance makes it impossible to report now on how the budget will look come Saturday.

Once Saturday comes and goes and we adjourn, I can report to you more fully on the issues I believe matter most to those of us in the 12th District.  I look forward to that time when we can discuss on-line, over the phone and in person the accomplishments of this session.

There is information and there is misinformation.  I do not doubt that you have been exposed to some of both.  In the months following session we will have the time to assess what has taken place with heightened accuracy. 

As always I value the opportunity to represent you and others in the Senate of Virginia.  I was recruited to run for the legislature some 27 years ago by the late Governor John Dalton.  In his Inaugural Address he said, "The only test we apply to any measure is simple: is it good for Virginia?"  If we continue to follow that dictum, Virginia's future will be brighter than the days we have endured this winter.

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of Virginia

Please use my Senate website as a useful resource and to contact me

during the General Assembly and throughout the year.

www.walterstosch.com

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
  • Lt. Gov. Bolling: Anti-gun bill panel creation broke Senate rules – The Washington Post - Yes, Democratic leaders in Virginia's Senate broke the rules when they killed a bunch of gun rights bills in a specially formed subcommittee. And, no, there's not a thing anybody can do about it.
  • Lawmakers reach agreement on infant-life bill – Lynchburg News & Advance - A mother who kills her newborn baby while it is still attached to her by the umbilical cord can be charged with murder under legislation the General Assembly approved Saturday after much thought.
  • Schools, health care, public safety lose millions in Va. Budget – The Washington Post - The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its annual legislative session Sunday evening after adopting a two-year, $82 billion budget that cuts millions from education, health care and public safety -- curtailing state spending more aggressively than any in generations while fulfilling the new Republican governor's promise not to raise taxes.
  • State will dip into pension fund, repay with 7.5% interest – Lynchburg News & Advance - Virginia is taking away more than $620 million that would have been paid toward state employee and teacher pensions, but the state is leaving an IOU.
  • Virginia Stands Up for the Constitution, Media Cries Racism – Tertium Quids - In the 2010 session, four separate bills rejecting proposed federal health insurance individual mandates passed both houses of Virginia’s legislature.
  • Lawmakers approve two-year, $70 billion budget – The Richmond Times-Dispatch - The 2010 General Assembly adjourned yesterday, one day later than scheduled, after speedy approval by weary lawmakers of a $70 billion-plus budget-balancing plan.
• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Officials leery of hopeful state budget projections – NewsVirginian.com - Area legislators say the state budget for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 agreed on Sunday offers less pain for public education and public safety than earlier anticipated, but still worries the lawmakers because of the revenue forecast.
• Senator Jeff McWaters
  • Lawmakers unlikely to write pay cut into state budget – The Roanoke Times - The governor and his senior staff took a pay cut. State employees are facing layoffs and furloughs. But there's one group of people in Richmond whose salaries don't appear to be in danger: state legislators.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Lawmakers Fight to Close the Umbilical Cord Loophole – WSET.com - A bill has made its way to Governor Bob McDonnell's desk for signature that would make it a punishable offense to take the life of a newborn baby if the baby is still attached to the mother by an umbilical cord.
  • Lawmakers close loophole to protect newborn children – WDBJ7.com - Lawmakers Saturday approved legislation they say will close a loophole in state law and protect newborn children in Virginia.
  • Assembly OKs tweak to Amherst County School Board salaries – Lynchburg News & Advance - Amherst County’s school board salaries were officially lowered to $2,200 per year by the General Assembly on Saturday.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • State budget talks hit snag; final vote today in doubt – The Associated Press - Despite substantial agreement on major issues, legislative negotiations toward a new bare-bones state budget hit a snag late Saturday over a variety of lesser issues.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • ABC stores hard sell for McDonnell – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Nine days off-message is enough to drive a governor to drink.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Governor McDonnell Signs Bill Restructuring and Increasing Accountability at VITA – Governor McDonnell Press Release - Governor Bob McDonnell has signed legislation into law that restructures the agency's organization and creates a direct reporting structure between the Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) and the Secretary of Technology, Jim Duffey. 
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • BUDGET DEAL REACHED – The Free Lance-Star - State lawmakers passed a two-year, $70 billion budget yesterday that mitigates cuts to education and law enforcement, making up a $4 billion revenue shortfall by raising fees but without general tax increases.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • McDonnell shows some successes in first legislative sessions – The Washington Post - Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell finished his first legislative session with modest victories in economic development and education -- limited goals set as the state continues to face a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall.
• Senator William Wampler, Jr.
  • Lawmakers likely heading for overtime – Culpeper Star-Exponent- The General Assembly appears headed for overtime tomorrow because of the inability of the House of Delegates and Senate to agree on a budget.
  • General Assembly update: Gov. McDonnell meets with budget negotiators – The Roanoke Times - Gov. Bob McDonnell met privately with General Assembly budget negotiators this morning in an effort to push lawmakers toward an agreement in time for Saturday’s scheduled adjournment of the legislative session.

Article Content

General Assembly Newsletter

 March 16, 2010

Walter Stosch

12th Senatorial District

Commonwealth of 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 Mark Obenshain
  • Working the jury list: Time available for jury research bumped to five days in Va. – Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly - A funny thing happened in the General Assembly to a “modest” bill dealing with the amount of time lawyers have to do research on prospective jurors.
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • Salem welcomes stretch of greenway along Riverside Drive – The Roanoke Times - Bright blades of new grass poked up through fresh straw Friday morning at a greenway dedication ceremony at Salem's Rotary Park.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • McDonnell Signs Job Opportunity Bills – WHSV.com - Flanked by Democratic and Republican lawmakers and Northern Virginia technology and business leaders, Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law Tuesday a number of bills from his successful “Jobs and Opportunity” legislative agenda.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Unanimous Passage of Offshore Wind Legislation in Virginia – Citybiznews - Hampton Roads-based consulting and government affairs firm, Principle Advantage, LTD, had its efforts in representing the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition (VOW) recognized by Governor Robert F. McDonnell and members of the Virginia legislature in a bill signing ceremony late last week.
  • Federal lease holds promise but faces uncertain future – Virginia Business - The prospect of offshore drilling in Virginia’s coastal waters can be summed up in four words: Hurry up and wait. 
  • Governor Signs Bills Promoting Virginia's Energy Options – Old Dominion University - Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell came to the Old Dominion University campus on Friday, April 2, to sign bills promoting energy production and conservation in the state, and to reflect on his campaign promise - unveiled at ODU a year ago - to make Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast.
  • Governor McDonnell Signs Green Energy Legislation at Old Dominion University – Governor Bob McDonnell - Governor Bob McDonnell visited the campus of Old Dominion University today to sign into law a number of green energy bills passed by the General Assembly this session.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Longer delays spur gun debate – Waynesboro News Virginian - Prospective gun buyers in Virginia are waiting longer for background checks to clear their firearms purchases.
  • Enthusiasm counts in race for rail – The Virginian-Pilot - When federal and state officials were trying to lock down the best corridor for a high-speed rail line from Washington, D.C., through Virginia to Charlotte back in 2001, they scheduled 18 public hearings to collect ideas and address concerns. 

• Monday, August 23, 2010
• The Dominion Club
• 600 Dominion Club Drive, Glen Allen 
• Sponsorship information will be forthcoming. 
• Contact Karla Boughey at 804.527.7780 or kboughey@stosch.com

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
• Elected officials weigh in on mental health issue – The Greene County Record - In previous articles on mental health care in Virginia, the Greene County Record traced the evolution of the state’s mental health system since 2002, when focus was shifted from institutional placements to community-based services.
  • Senator Walter Stosch
  • States Skip Pension Payments, Delay Day of Reckoning  – The Wall Street Journal - State governments from New Jersey to California that are struggling to close budget deficits are skipping or deferring payments to already underfunded public-employee pension plans.

Recently, one of my legislative interns sent the following research memo to me which I thought was worthwhile sharing with you to demonstrate the insight of some of our young people today.  

Memo to Senator Walter Stosch
          This Thursday, May 6, the people of our nation will once again observe our official National Day of Prayer.   A number of activities  are  available to us in the Richmond area including a 1:00pm program at the Capitol Bell Tower.


          Despite one recent court ruling declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, the National Day of Prayer Task Force continues to promote the power of prayer as a source of comfort, strength, healing and guidance.  The resolution passed by Congress in 1952 still stands as does the President's proclamation this year.  No court can stop you or me from engaging in these planned events.


           Prayer has been a powerful tradition in American life since the founding of our great nation.  Since the English colonists in Jamestown and Plymouth, prayer has been used for guidance, strength and wisdom to seek solutions in desperate times.  In 1775, the Continental Congress proclaimed  'a day for publick humiliation, fasting and prayer'  to inspire God to find a speedy end of the discord between Great Britain and the American Colonies.  A National Day of Prayer was proclaimed later by John Adams in 1798 and again by Abraham Lincoln in April 1863.  Our leaders have called upon the American people to reflect and pray for guidance in times of change and uncertainty.


            In 1952, President Truman signed a House and Senate joint resolution creating a National Day of Prayer.  President Regan amended the resolution by creating a recurring date for the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.  President Regan called 'upon every citizen of this great Nation to gather together on that day in homes and places of worship to pray, each after his or her own manner, for unity of the hearts of all mankind.'  


            In uncertain times, prayer is a source of comfort and guidance.  Prayer has been woven into our political tradition since the Revolutionary Era.  Prayers that open legislative sessions as well as simple phrases such as 'In God We Trust' and 'May God bless America' exemplify how religion has been woven into our government as a source of almighty authority.  Constituents and lawmakers use prayer to find the strength and guidance to make the right decisions that will ensure the continuance of our most basic freedoms. 


          As our nation faces a complex array of economic, social and political troubles, the National Day of Prayer offers us a collective moment to reflect on our lives, our communities and our nation and to pray as a country.  Let us celebrate our religious freedom by offering prayers for guidance and strength for each other and for our nation.  


              From the National Day of Prayer website  you can find more information including the Richmond events.  I trust you find this information helpful as this important day approaches.


Anne F
College of William and Mary                                                   


 Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Walter Stosch

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.

• Monday, August 23, 2010
• The Dominion Club
• 600 Dominion Club Drive, Glen Allen 
• Sponsorship information will be forthcoming. 
• Contact Karla Boughey at 804.527.7780 or kboughey@stosch.com

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.
  • Teaching in the trenches – The News Virginian - As 21st Century foot traffic descended into the scuffed and rugged tunnel, Don Wilson boomed his voice over infantry calls and gunfire.
• 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.
  • ‘Those who gave all’ honored – VaNcNews.com - The men and women who have given their lives defending America were honored throughout the county this weekend with services in South Hill, Chase City and Clarksville.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Help for Autistic Students – Henrico Citizen - A new regional collaboration, spearheaded by the public school systems of Henrico and Hanover counties, began – officially – last month with little fanfare.
  • Goochland honors its veterans – The Goochland Gazette - State Senator Walter Stosch, above right, gestures toward the marker that was the theme of the Memorial Day Ceremony - “All gave some, some gave all.”
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Battle Lines Drawn ... – The Daily News Record - Virginia has drawn a legislative line with the General Assembly’s passage of the Virginia Health Care Freedom Act last session, which says the federal government cannot compel Virginians to buy health insurance, as dictated by ObamaCare.
  • Legislatures in Florida and Virginia Move to Protect Foundations from Overreaching Influence from Pressure Groups and Government – PhilanthropyRoundtable.org - On Thursday, May 27, Governor Charlie Crist of Florida signed into law legislation that will protect the freedom and independence of foundations to carry out their charitable goals and missions.
  • State Senator Vogel Visits Sherando – TV3Winchester.com - A high school in our area is opening its doors to a local law maker.
  • Senator's visit highlights evolving FFA – Northern Virginia Daily - Agriculture goes beyond sowing seeds and milking cows, according to education officials and students in the curriculum.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Officials exploring changes in protective orders – Richmond Times Dispatch - In the wake of the death of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love, there's a move under way in Virginia to expand the issuance of "family-abuse" protective orders to include dating couples who do not live together or have a child.
  • Graves increase at state’s military cemeteries, not funding – Richmond Times Dispatch - For many, Memorial Day brings to mind images of the rows of pristine, white headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

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 Frank Wagner and John Watkins
  • Coal and energy commission members to visit reclaimed uranium mine in France – Star-Tribune - Three members of the Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy are scheduled to visit a reclaimed uranium mine and mill in Bessines, France, later this week.
• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Tax and spend: Streamlining effort could raise revenues, but at the cost of jobs – Augusta Free Press - The state of Virginia is losing as much as $400 million a year to uncollected taxes from Internet retailers.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • State resists dipping into tobacco fund  -- Old Dominion Watchdog - Safe from Virginia’s budget woes and relatively sheltered from the recession, a cushy tobacco fund in southern Virginia is fueling diverse projects like cordless electric cars and broadband expansion.
• 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
  • Alpha Breaks Ground in Bristol – The Business Journal of Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia - Goodbye, Abingdon. No thanks, Maryland. Too bad, Tennessee. The bidding to host the new corporate headquarters of Alpha Natural Resources ended with the company moving just a few miles from its current Abingdon location to Bristol, 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 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.

"Independence Day - A Time of Reflection"

Independence Day, which we celebrate on July 4th,

is more than a holiday or a day off from work;

it is a day of reflection. 

On days of patriotic celebration like July 4th, three symbols of our nation will   abound - Old Glory, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Star Spangled Banner. I invite you to reflect on those three symbols as a way to celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy as the result of the many sacrifices leading up to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The Grand Old Flag proudly bears the colors red, white and blue.  How fitting that our nation's anthem, penned in 1812, recognizes that it was the red blood of sacrifice that won and preserved the white of freedom and blue of justice.  That is as true today as it was in 1812.  Some of our brightest and best women and men still volunteer to put themselves in harm's way around the globe for "liberty and justice for all."

One of my all time favorite comedians, Red Skelton, tells a story of how one of his teachers explained the meaning of our flag.  Click on the film clip here and I think you will agree with me that he ably captures the spirit of being an American and receiving the blessings of our Independence.

 I hope you and your family enjoy a fun and safe holiday.   

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 Emmett Hanger and Ralph Smith
  • Pro-Gun Bills go into Effect in Virginia Today! – NRA-ILA - After another successful legislative session in Richmond, law-abiding Virginian’s will see many important advances in their Second Amendment rights. 
• Senators Tommy Norment and John Watkins
  • Sexually Violent Predator program needs more funds – Sex Offender Research - As to those released in Virginia they talk about recidivism and trip wires, but there is no mention of the therapy programs which are obviously failing if recidivism exists.
• Multiple Senators
  • Highlighting More New Measures in Virginia – WHSV.com - Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell highlighted Wednesday several pieces of Health and Human Resources and Technology legislation that will take effect July 1.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Law Could Bring More Guns into Virginia Restaurants – WHSV.com - Among almost 900 new laws going into effect Thursday in Virginia is one that will allow people to carry concealed weapons into restaurants.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Quayle rated highest when it comes to supporting businesses – Tidewater News - Out of four lawmakers representing Western Tidewater, Sen. Fred Quayle was the highest-rated. . .
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • Metro columnist Dan Casey: Star City shined in tollbooth project – The Roanoke Times - Can a public-private partnership ever succeed?  The answer is, yes, at least for tightly focused projects, when a handful of people commit themselves to the project's success.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • State worker retirement system changes cause concern – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Virginia's retirement system for state and local government employees has become a train on two tracks, with everyone hoping the engine has enough fuel for the long ride.
• Senator John Watkins
  • New Virginia Law Effective July 1 Highlights Importance of Trailer Safety – The Auto Channel - Summer begins this week, and many families are towing their boats and campers to their favorite lake or campsite. Unfortunately, this fun, carefree scenario can become dangerous when folks are not aware of the basics of trailer safety.
  • Memorial to Green dedicated – Powhatan Today - Youth league ball fields aren’t usually the kind of place you’d expect to be pin-drop quiet, particularly on a beautiful Friday afternoon in June.

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 Steve Newman
  • Senator Newman Considers Plan For Private Liquor Sales – WSET.com - Governor McDonnell continues to push for a plan to privatize liquor sales in the commonwealth. It could generate up to half-a-billion dollars a year, which the governor's office says would be used to improve transportation.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Pay-for-judge requirement for disputed divorces – Daily Press - Looking to divorce in York County or Poquoson? If contested, it's going to cost $250 an hour just for the judge.
  • York Notebook: Deputy prosecutor in mix for judge's seat – WTVR.com - A new name — and potential impasse breaker — has emerged in the ongoing stalemate between two state lawmakers regarding an appointment to fill the York-Poquoson Circuit Court judge's seat vacant since N. Prentis Smiley died in late 2008.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • McDonnell to return from overseas trip tomorrow – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Gov. Bob McDonnell hopes to return from his first foreign trade mission with jobs for central Virginia.
• Senator Walter Stosch
  • Virginia Tax: Income tax burden shifts to higher-income Virginians – Taxrates.cc - While high-income Virginians are paying proportionally more income tax than a decade ago, analysts warn income tax alone gives an incomplete picture of how the state's tax burden is spread out.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Winchester looks to "go green" – TV3Winchester.com - When you think about "going green", it may be hard to imagine what we could do to have an impact, but Thursday leaders took the first step to move our community in that direction.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Going Solar in Virginia Isn't All That Easy – SolarTown - Thanks to severe home improvement regulations from homeowners associations (HOAs), as well as lack of state-funded incentives, residents and business owners in Virginia are waging an uphill battle to go solar.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Many support high-speed rail plan, but some worry about overpasses – The Progress-Index - The comments rolled in as folks shared their concerns and hopes for proposed high speed rail service connecting Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, N.C., through the Tri-Cities.