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Senate Republicans in the News - February 1

By tjcosgrove on Feb 01, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Smith, Stosch, Vogel, Wampler.

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
  • Sen. Walter Stosch
    • Bill would force VA health plans to cover autismWV 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
  • Sen. William Wampler

A Remarkable Display of Bipartisanship

By tjcosgrove on Jan 25, 2010. Tagged: Martin, Quayle, Vogel, issues.

Today, the Health Care Freedom Act passed by an 8-7 vote in the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee.  The Act was contained in three identical bills: SB 311 (Martin), SB 283 (Quayle), and SB 417 (Vogel).

See the release below issued by RPV:

Three identical bills put forward by Sens. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Upperville, Sen. Stephen Martin, R-Chesterfield , and Sen. Fred Quayle, R-Suffolk were all voted out of the Democrat-controlled Committee on Commerce and Labor with a bi-partisan majority.

The bills, which you can see at this link to Senate Bill 417, hold that no resident of the Commonwealth will be required to purchase health insurance. A personal mandate is a major part of the Democratic plans being negotiated on Capitol Hill right now.

The bills passed on 8-7 votes, with Democratic Sens. Phil Puckett, D-Russell County, and Chuck Colgan, D-Prince William County, voting with the Republicans. Just last week, Democrats increased their majority on that panel to two seats, making it all the more unlikely that any Republican legislation would be voted out to the Senate floor.

Krystal Slivinski over at the Tertium Quids blog has a pretty good blow-by-blow account of what happened.

All three patrons said they were pleased with the remarkable display of bipartisanship.

“This is an important piece of legislation because it demonstrates that Virginia remains committed to individual rights and freedoms,” said Sen. Fred Quayle, R-Suffolk.  “There are limits to what government can force on citizens and requiring them to maintain health insurance crosses that line.  With the bipartisan show of support the bill received today, I am confident that it will succeed going forward.”

"[Republicans and Democrats on the committee] were willing to pass a bill that is responding to the overwhelming tide of people who are filling our offices to talk about not state legislation, but federal legislation," said Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Upperville. "Anyone will concede that health care has issues. Health care is broken. This really comes down to Federalism, and honoring that there are some issues best left to the states."

“Across party lines, the Senate showed today that Virginians will not stand for any federal mandate to purchase health insurance,” said Sen. Steve Martin, R-Chesterfield.  “Voters are sending messages in elections across the country that they do not want these government mandates.  I am pleased to see that Virginia legislators are heeding the message, as today’s vote clearly demonstrates.”

Bottom line:

If an effort to stop the Democratic effort to take over health care can pass out of Majority Leader Dick Saslaw's committee — with enough crossover votes for passage in the full Senate —just how unpopular is this thing with the people back home?

 

Jill Vogel

By Admin on Jan 26, 2010. Tagged: senators, Vogel.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, July 6, 1970; educated at College of William and Mary (B.A.); DePaul University School of Law (J.D.); attorney; Member of Senate: 2008-.

Contact Information:

Mailing:
117 East Picadilly Street
Suite 100-B
Winchester, VA 22601

Phone: (540) 662-4551
Fax: (540) 341-8809

Email:
jillvogel@senate27.com

Website:

Visit Her Website

Vogel's Redistricting Bill Draws Attention

By tjcosgrove on Jan 26, 2010. Tagged: Vogel, 2010Session.

Senator Jill H. Vogel (Fauquier) has introduced SB 626 to create a bipartisan commission to conduct Virginia's redistricting processes.  The legislation would establish a seven-member temporary commission to prepare districts for the House of Delegates, the Senate, and Congress every ten years. 

Sen. Vogel headlined a press conference advocating the legislation on January 25.  The following are media hits from that press conference:

Senate Republicans in the News - January 28

By tjcosgrove on Jan 28, 2010. Tagged: Martin, Quayle, Vogel, Blevins, Hanger, Hurt, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Stuart, Wagner, Wampler, NewsClips.

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 Carepharmcistselink.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 SenateThe 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 uncertainStaunton 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 issueDanville 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 TransferThe 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 JudgeThe 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 BillThe 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 Mark Obenshain
    • Senate Committee Vote Kills Obenshain’s Voter ID Billwhsv.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, eitherThis 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 lawRichmond 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 BudgetThe 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 William Wampler
    • APCo Hit on RatesMartinsville 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.

Senate Republicans in the News - January 29-31

By tjcosgrove on Jan 31, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Blevins, Hanger, Hurt, McDougle, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Ruff, Smith, Vogel, Watkins, Wampler, McWaters.

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
  • Sen. Harry Blevins
  • Sen. Emmett Hanger
    • Senate tax bill targets short-term rentalsHarrisonburg 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 issuesFranklin 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 updateMartinsville 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 discretionNewport 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
  • Sen. Tommy Norment
    • Students try luck at lobbyingThe 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 agendaRichmond Times-Dispatch – They call themselves the Virginia Conservative Caucus -- they're essentially Republicans in Republican clothing.
    • Conservative Caucus announces 2010 agendaRockbridge 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 PlatesFamily 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 intensifiesNorfolk 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 careNorfolk 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 menuRoanoke 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 taxMechanicsville 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 reviewBearing Drift BlogState 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 billNBC 29 News - The state Senate could vote as early as Friday to make federally-mandated health insurance illegal. 
    • Bills on guns, seat belts, schoolsNorfolk 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 recessionNorfolk 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.

Senate Republicans in the News - February 2

By tjcosgrove on Feb 02, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Quayle, Martin, Vogel, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain.

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
    • State senate defies health care reformRoanoke Times - The Virginia Senate took a stand against a key provision of a proposed federal health care overhaul Monday, passing legislation declaring that state residents cannot be forced to buy health insurance.
    • News in Brief: February 2 – The Flat Hat – The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill that would privatize the state’s government-owned liquor stores.
    • How the historic Senate vote on health care freedom happenedFamily Foundation Blog - It’s not hyberbole to say this afternoon’s Senate vote was historic. The legislation it passed in three identically worded bills – SB 283, SB 311 and SB 417 – guarantees Virginians the right to freely choose their health care options irregardless of federal government mandates. It also asserts a notion long ignored but firmly ingrained in the U.S. Constitution. It also shows, from a political perspective, that there are Democrats who understand the small government movement isn’t limited to “swastika-wearing” thugs as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would have us believe.
    • Democrat-controlled VA Senate approves measure opposing federal health care reform mandateAP - Five Democrats broke with their party Monday to endorse measures that would ban government health care mandates like the one being debated in Congress.
    • Five Democrats help pass proposals to outlaw mandated health insuranceRichmond Times-Dispatch - Breaking with their party and president, five Democrats yesterday helped push through the state Senate a Republican measure allowing Virginians to just say no to compulsory health insurance.
    • Five Democrats join Republicans in voting against mandated health insurance purchasesWashington Post Blog – The debate on the Senate floor today over three measures that would each prohibit requiring Virginians to purchase health-care insurance was vigorous. In the end, five Democrats joined 18 Republicans in supporting the measure.
  • Sen. Jeff McWaters
  • Sen. Steve Newman
    • 70 mph speed limit bill gets early OKsNorfolk Virginian-Pilot - Lead-foot drivers can start flexing their muscles. A proposal endorsed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to raise the speed limit on Virginia interstate highways to 70 mph won preliminary approval Monday in the House and Senate.
    • Infant homicide bill OK’d with changesDanville Register & Bee - A bill that would allow infant deaths similar to one in Campbell County to be prosecuted as homicides emerged from its second round in a Senate subcommittee Monday.
  • Sen. Tommy Norment
  • Sen. Mark Obenshain
    • ABC Stores to Vanish?Richmond.com - One of the issues Gov. Bob McDonnell used to woo November’s voters was the privatization of liquor sales in Virginia. A bill that would accomplish that very feat, Senate Bill 443, was offered on Jan. 13, 2010. On Jan. 22 it passed, 15-0, in the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee and was referred to the Finance Committee.
    • Ag changes eyedHarrisonburg Daily News Record - Two Rockingham County legislators are pushing to make Virginia's agriculture department only responsible for farm issues, directing the other needs of consumers to the attorney general. Del. Matt Lohr, R-Broadway, and Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, say their effort not only will simplify state government, but will put the commonwealth in line with most other states.
  • Sen. Fred Quayle
    • Conservative resistance to health reform infects state legislatures simultaneouslyThe Examiner - Conservative Republicans across the nation moved Monday to pass legislation which guarantees citizen's health insurance premiums will continue to skyrocket. In a coordinated move, designed to delay and defeat any federal action, Conservative state legislators in thirty states introduced bills which would exempt their constituents from any future federal mandate requiring all persons buy health insurance.
    • Bill would assist landing-field fightRichmond Times-Dispatch - Lawmakers are considering legislation that could give residents of southeast Virginia a significant boost in their fight against the proposed construction of a Navy outlying landing field.

Senate Republicans in the News - February 3

By tjcosgrove on Feb 03, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Wampler, Watkins, Quayle, Vogel.

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 Frederick Quayle
    • States' Healthcare Revoltnewsblarg.com - On Monday the Virginia State Senate voted 23-17 to approve the Health Care Freedom Act that will prohibit the federal government from requiring individuals to purchase health insurance.
    • VA Senate OKs Nixing Health Mandate -- Washington Examiner - The Virginia Senate passed legislation Monday seeking to exempt the state from national health care mandates, a largely symbolic gesture that the puts the Democratic-led chamber at odds with its party in Congress.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Vogel bill on health care clears Senatenvdaily.com -  A bill from state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel that would make it illegal to force Virginians to purchase health insurance has cleared the Senate.
  • Senator William Wampler, Jr.
    • Will fee increases pass muster with McDonnell? -- The Richmond Times Dispatch - Fee increases of more than $150 million embedded in former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposed budget for 2010-12 are meeting resistance in the General Assembly even as it wrestles with a $4 billion deficit.
  • Senator John Watkins
    • Senate passes bills tied to governor's job-creation fundThe Virginian-Pilot - Gov. Bob McDonnell's push for incentive dollars to recruit employers to Virginia gained ground after two bills passed the state Senate on Tuesday.  One measure, Powhatan County Republican Sen. John Watkins' SB 475, would provide additional criteria that can be used when grants or loans are made from the Governor's Opportunity Fund.

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Senators Debate Health Care Freedom Act

By tjcosgrove on Feb 04, 2010. Tagged: Martin, Quayle, Vogel.

 

Senate Republicans cited preserving individual liberty, maintaining choice, and reinforcing the provisions of the constitution in speeches defending three bills concerning health insurance on Monday afternoon. SB 283, SB 311, and SB 417 all passed by a margin of 23-17, and each gained the support of five Democrats in a cross-partisan vote. Senators Fred Quayle, Stephen Martin, and Jill Vogel patroned these bills in response to health care legislation currently being debated in Congress. Although it does not attempt to solve the health care problem directly, their legislation would ensure that Virginians would not be required to purchase or maintain health care insurance.

If signed into law, residents of the state would “not be forced to purchase a product by virtue of being a citizen of these United States,” as Senator Martin explained. Senator Martin also emphasized that residents of the state would be able to make their own decisions about health insurance, rather than being forced into a contract and suffer a loss of individual liberty, which Senator Vogel asserted would be the case without the legislation in place. Majorities in Virginia and accross the country oppose a national health care mandate, and the passage of state legislation in the Senate has brought Virginians one step closer to maintaining their choice in matters of health insurance.

Senators Debate Healthcare Freedom Act

By tjcosgrove on Feb 04, 2010. Tagged: Martin, Quayle, Vogel.

Senate Republicans cited preserving individual liberty, maintaining choice, and reinforcing the provisions of the constitution in speeches defending three bills concerning health insurance on Monday afternoon. SB 283, SB 311, and SB 417 all passed by a margin of 23-17, and each gained the support of five Democrats in a cross-partisan vote. Senators Fred Quayle, Stephen Martin, and Jill Vogel patroned these bills in response to health care legislation currently being debated in Congress. Although it does not attempt to solve the health care problem directly, their legislation would ensure that Virginians would not be required to purchase or maintain health care insurance.

If signed into law, residents of the state would “not be forced to purchase a product by virtue of being a citizen of these United States,” as Senator Martin explained. Senator Martin also emphasized that residents of the state would be able to make their own decisions about health insurance, rather than being forced into a contract and suffer a loss of individual liberty, which Senator Vogel asserted would be the case without the legislation in place. Majorities in Virginia and accross the country oppose a national health care mandate, and the passage of state legislation in the Senate has brought Virginians one step closer to maintaining their choice in matters of health insurance.

Senate Republicans in the News - February 8

By ajohnston on Feb 08, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Blevins, Hanger, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Ruff, Smith, Vogel.

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 Tommy Norment, Jr., Mark Obenshain, and Ralph Smith
    • UPDATE:  The Sordid Tale of SB504, Courts of Justice, Ed And Health And Re-ReferalThe Family Foundation Blog - Clerical error or not, Senate pro-abortion advocates had their way with SB 504, Senator Ralph Smith’s (R-22, Roanoke) coerced abortion bill in the full Senate Courts of Justice Committee committee this afternoon. Despite a valiant effort by committee member Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26, Harrisonburg) to hear the bill in the full Senate Courts committee, the ultimate result was a 9-6 vote to re-refer SB504 to Senate Education and Health and essentially assure its demise. Also noteworthy, were Senators Tommy Norment (R-3, Williamsburg) and Roscoe Reynolds (D-20, Martinsville) for their vocal support of SB 504.
  • Senator Harry Blevins
    • Law Would Mandate Seat BeltsEmporiaNews.com - Failing to wear a seat belt would be a primary offense in Virginia under a bill being sponsored by Delegate William K. Barlow, D-Smithfield.
  • Senator Emmett Hanger
    • Land of Opportunity? – The Daily News Record - A bill by Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, to make it easier to establish farm-related tourist businesses on farmland is expected to gain final Senate approval today. The amended bill would establish a task force to develop recommendations by Nov. 1 on the best way to allow these businesses to operate on property zoned for agricultural use.
  • Senator Stephen Newman
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
    • Obenshain Road Funding Bill Dieswsvaonline.com - Not much has happened in the General Assembly in the past couple days, but Harrisonburg Senator Mark Obenshain is lamenting the death of one of his bills.
  • Senator Frederick Quayle
    • Funding sought to fight online sexual predatorsGainesville Times - In 2002, 13-year-old Alicia Kozakiewicz was kidnapped by a man she met online. He locked her in a cage in his Virginia townhouse, raped and tortured her, and even webcast images of his captive before police rescued her.
  • Senator Frank Ruff, Jr.
    • Virginia Farm Bureau leaders take ag story to legislatorsSoutheast Farm Press - 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.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • No Health Coverage For Autism In VirginiaCleveland Health Insurance - Health insurance companies in Virginia are not required by law to cover medical care for children with autism. Virginia families have fought hard for a state bill which would require the children to be covered, but recently the bill was killed in the state Senate.

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Senate Republicans in the News - February 13-15

By ajohnston on Feb 15, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Martin, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Ruff, Smith, Vogel, Wampler, Watkins.

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 Stephen Martin
  • Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Senator Jeffrey McWaters
    • The states go marching inPesky Emotional Republican - While health reform switches to the slow track in Washington, states are moving full-steam ahead on the issue, with more than half of them seeking to pre-empt any proposed federal health reform mandates, such as requiring residents to purchase health insurance.
  • Senator Stephen Newman
    • Legislation seeks to help students succeedGainesville 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.
    • Measure opposing Soering transfer moves aheadGoDanRiver.com - A resolution urging the federal government to leave convicted murderer Jens Soering in a Virginia prison instead of transferring him to Germany was approved by a Senate committee Friday, but only after two new items of information were disclosed.
  • Senator Tommy Norment
    • O! Say Can You See?The General Assembly Grapevine - “The most transparent administration in our nation’s history” says it is about to engage in “unprecedented” televised negotiations over health care reform.  Remember how candidate Obama promised C-SPAN would be there for it all? Well, how brightly is the sun shining in Richmond on state government these days?
    • Gloucester '40' stood up for citizen's rights, honored as Daily Press Citizens of the YearDaily Press - A constitutional right is the muscle of democracy — stronger, healthier for being exercised.
    • OUR VIEW: Cell phone ban: Now hear thisSWVAToday.com - Talk is cheap and possibly dangerous – at least so say some Virginia senators who passed a bill on Monday that would keep motorists from using their cell phones unless they had a “hands-free” device.
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
    • Senate panel defeats death penalty expansionThe Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Senate Courts of Justice Committee this morning voted down a bill that sought to expand eligibility for the death penalty.
    • Privatization in VA: Not as easy as ABCThe Business Art - As I wrote back in November at the Objective Standard’s blog (my colleague Ivan Osorio also wrote about the topic here), Virginia’s new governor Bob McDonnell showed a very promising inclination toward free markets and privatization, though his rhetoric on the subject may have left something to be desired. Specifically, he floated the idea of privatizing the 300+ state-run liquor stores in order to pay for his transportation plan.
  • Senator Frederick Quayle
  • Senator Frank Ruff, Jr.
    • Senate committee OKs recognition of tribesfredericksburg.com - A Senate committee yesterday passed three resolutions granting state recognition to Indian tribes, despite protests from members of the Virginia Council on Indians, which said the state was undermining the very process for which it established the council.
  • Senator Ralph Smith
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • OBAMACARE NULLIFICATION: VIRGINIA HEALTHCARE FREEDOM ACTThe PPJ Gazette - The Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act Wins in Both Houses. Twenty-four hundred citizen grassroots activists made their voices heard at the state capitol bell tower on January 18th and the Virginia legislature listened.
  • Senator William Wampler, Jr.
    • Deficit-driven budget battle continues in RichmondTimes News - Legislation that would adversely impact the coal surface mining industry will likely get stripped of any traction in the Virginia General Assembly, utilities may soon have to pay consumers back all of their interim rate increases, and the deficit-driven budget battle continues in Richmond, state Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, reported on Friday.
  • Senator John Watkins

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Senate Republicans in the News - February 16

By ajohnston on Feb 16, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Newman, Norment, Martin, McWaters, Obenshain, Smith, Stuart, Vogel, Wampler.

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 Steve Martin
  • Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
    • Senate OKs 'Amazon' Sales Tax BillThe Associated Press - Virginia's Senate has approved a bill that would require global online shopping giants such as Amazon to start collecting state sales taxes.
    •  ‘Amazon’ sales tax collection bill clears SenateRichmond Times-Dispatch - Legislation requiring online retailers to collect Virginia's 4.5 percent sales tax -- the so-called "Amazon Bill" -- easily cleared the Virginia Senate this morning and is headed to the House of Delegates, where opponents hope it falls prey to that chamber's hostility to taxes.
    • Virginia lawmakers aim to loosen firearm restrictionsThe Washington Post - A little more than a year ago, Virginia gun owners joined millions of Americans who began stockpiling weapons for fear that Barack Obama would win the White House and push for new gun controls.
    • Save the CCCA - for the kidsAugusta Free Press - God forbid, next winter I slip on the ice, bang my head, and sustain major injury. Our rescue squad right away gets me to Stonewall Jackson Hospital which provides immediate initial care. But the damage is too great for SJH to handle.
  • Senator Jeffrey McWaters
    • Bills would move military on HOV lanesWVEC.com - State lawmakers are considering a bill to let active duty military use the HOV lanes to and from the bases, no matter how many people are in their vehicles.
  • Senator Steve Newman
    • Bill to prosecute mothers in infant deaths advancesThe Lynchburg News & Advance - The House of Delegates gave second-reading approval Monday to a bill, sponsored by Del. Kathy Byron, R-Campbell County, that would allow prosecution if someone kills an infant while its umbilical cord and placenta are still attached to the mother.
    • Talk of Charter Schools Raises Questions, CriticismABC 13 - Governor Bob McDonnell's proposal to bring more charter schools to Virginia is drawing criticism from area educators.
  • Senator Tommy Norment
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Senator Ralph Smith
    • Watered-down ethics bill heads to Va. HouseThe Washington Examiner - A significantly watered-down bill to prevent companies from filling campaign coffers while seeking major state contracts passed unanimously in Virginia's Senate on Monday.
  • Senator Richard Stuart
    • Court fee bill to help funding for sheriffsfredericksburg.com - The Senate yesterday passed a bill that significantly raises civil court filing fees, an effort to mitigate the effect of state budget cuts on sheriff's departments.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Editorial: Time for Civil RedistrictingMcLean Connection - The U.S. Census is underway, an every-10-year process that attempts to count every single person in the United States at their home address. From the results of the count come a nearly infinite number of critical decisions.
  • Senator William Wampler, Jr. 

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Senate Republicans in the News - February 17

By ajohnston on Feb 17, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, McDougle, Newman, Obenshain, Stosch, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler.

 

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 WeaponsThe 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 approvedThe 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 housesfredericksburg.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 salesThe 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 succeedThe 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-OpeningWHSV.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 EdDaily 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. SenateThe 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 rejectedThe 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 SenateLeesburg 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 energyThe 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 cutsThe 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.

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Senate Republicans in the News - February 20 - 22

By ajohnston on Feb 22, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Blevins, Hanger, Norment, Ruff, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel.

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
  • Senator Harry Blevins
  • Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
    • Commonwealth Center again saved from budgetary cutsThe News Virginian - Lawmakers decided Sunday to keep open Staunton’s Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.
    • Equalize Internet sales with taxThe 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 fundingThe 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 lawsThe 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 LegislationThe 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 SenateThe 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 creditsThe 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 budgetThe 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 approvalNews & 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 AssemblyTidewater 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, tooThe 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 sheriffsfredericksburg.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 crossoverfredericksburg.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 MandateThe 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.

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 2

By ajohnston on Mar 02, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, McDougle, Obenshain, Stosch, Vogel.

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
  • Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • 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

 

Senate Republicans in the News - March 5

By ajohnston on Mar 05, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Newman, Quayle, Vogel.

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
    • A chili nightHamptonRoads.com - We told you last week about former Sen. Ken Stolle’s chili cookoff/lobbying opportunity for law-enforcement officials.
    • Va. House, Senate start quest to agree on budgetsNews Feed Researcher - The House also lowers for local governing boards the amount of required local retirement spending. Employee Retirement: Former Gov. Kaine's introduced budget mandated that all current state employees would pay 1% of their salary in FY 2011 and 2% in FY 2012 toward their retirement. The Senate budget retained this requirement.
  • Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
    • Bay states poised to take lead in bioenergy fieldChesapeake Bay Journal - The Chesapeake Bay region could lead the nation in developing a biofuels industry that will help wean Americans from dependence on foreign oil and keep farmers in business while also improving water quality.
  • Senator Stephen Newman
    • Senate panel backs McDonnell on charter schoolsGoDanRiver.com - A Senate committee this morning advanced all three of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s education-reform initiatives on charter schools, virtual schools and college partnership lab schools.
    • Committee backs resolution to block Soering transfer to GermanyLynchburg News & Advance - A General Assembly resolution that supports Gov. Bob McDonnell’s request that convicted murderer Jens Soering be kept in a Virginia prison was approved in a House of Delegates committee Thursday.
    • Newman-backed education bills approved in committeeLynchburg News & Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell’s education-reform legislation for charter schools and two other initiatives won a Senate committee’s approval Thursday after going through an extensive makeover.
  • Senator Frederick Quayle
    • Senate subcommittee votes down handgun billThe Roanoke Times - A hastily formed Senate subcommittee voted Thursday to defeat legislation that would repeal Virginia's one-handgun-per-month law, likely killing the proposal for the year.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Redistricting reform dies a familiar deathThe Virginian-Pilot - Anne Sterling of the League of Women Voters gave her usual shout-out to democracy Tuesday morning as she pleaded with state delegates to support modest reforms to the process for drawing legislative districts.

 

Senate Republicans in the News - March 8

By ajohnston on Mar 08, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Hurt, Newman, Obenshain, Quayle, Stuart, Vogel, Wampler, Watkins.

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. 
  • Senator Robert Hurt
    • Senate budget concerns HurtThe 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 fundsDanville 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 HouseThe 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
  • Senator Fred Quayle
    • Va. health bill could foil Obama proposalThe 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 scrutinyThe 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 mandateThe 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.
  • Senator John Watkins

 

 

Senate Republicans in the News - March 12

By ajohnston on Mar 12, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Hurt, Norment, Quayle, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler.

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 SuppressedWHSV.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 sessionDanville 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 LacyDanville 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 billRichmond 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 businessesThe 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 HouseSmithMountainLake.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
  • Senator Frank Wagner
  • Senator William Wampler, Jr. 
    • McDonnell visits legislators on their turf, encourages budget dealThe 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 nearsThe Free Lance-Star - Budget negotiators worked late into last night, trying to resolve differences by today to adjourn the legislature on time tomorrow.

 

Senate Republicans in the News - March 12 - 15

By ajohnston on Mar 15, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wampler.

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 rulesThe 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 billLynchburg 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. BudgetThe 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% interestLynchburg 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 RacismTertium 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 budgetThe 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 projectionsNewsVirginian.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 budgetThe 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
  • Senator Tommy Norment
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Senator Walter Stosch
  • Senator Richard Stuart
    • BUDGET DEAL REACHEDThe 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 sessionsThe 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.

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 18

By ajohnston on Mar 18, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Newman, Obenshain, Vogel.

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
    • Study: Farm Clean Water Practices Create Jobs, Boost EconomyChesapeake Bay Foundation - A new economic study of the farm conservation practices considered critical for cleaning up Virginia rivers and restoring the Chesapeake Bay found that every public dollar spent on implementing the practices will produce $1.56 in new economic activity.
    • VA Senate passes bill to loosen gun lawsCritograph - The Virginia Senate recently approved a bill allowing patrons to carry concealed weapons in bars and restaurants as long as they do not consume any alcohol.
  • Senator Stephen Newman
    • General Assembly passes law protecting newbornsAltavista Journal - New legislation passed by the General Assembly will make it possible for the state to prosecute a mother who takes the life of her newborn child, according to a March 13 news release from Del. Kathy Byron.
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
    • Regional Jail Funding Falls Short In Final Hours Of General AssemblyPage News & Courier - Although a budget amendment pushed through the Senate by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-26th District) would have guaranteed 50 percent funding from the state for a regional jail for Warren, Shenandoah and Rappahannock counties, the amendment was taken out in the waning minutes of the 2010 General Assembly session late Friday night.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Local Legislators Reflect on General AssemblyTV3Winchester.com - It proved to be another tough session for legislators in Richmond who had to make unprecedented cuts to state services and programs. On Sunday the regular session adjourned.

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 20 - 21

By ajohnston on Mar 21, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hurt, Newman, Vogel.

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 complexDanville 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 prisonerAssociated 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 RequestWSET.com - The Department of Justice has officially responded to Senator Steve Newman about the Jens Soering case.
    • German officials petition DOJ to transfer SoeringThe 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 BudgetDNRonline.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.

 

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 23, 2010

By ajohnston on Mar 23, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Obenshain, Quayle, Stuart, Vogel, Wampler.

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
  • Senator Fred Quayle
  • Senator Richard Stuart
    • DRIVERS FACING NEW ROAD LAWSThe Free Lance-Star - On any given day, the flow of traffic on Virginia's interstates reaches an average speed of 70 mph.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Goodlatte expresses outrage at luncheonNVDaily.com - Sixth District Rep. Bob Goodlatte railed against historic health care reform legislation at a luncheon Monday for local business owners and civic leaders.
    • Small Businesses Wait for Health Care LaunchTV3Winchester.com - Historic Health Care legislation is heading to president Obama's desk, but many people in your community still aren't sure what it will mean for them. TV3'explains why some local business owners are on the fence.
  • Senator William Wampler, Jr.
    • Virginia Bill Mandates Telemedicine Coverage; Barriers RemainiHealthbeat.org - On March 2, the Virginia Legislature unanimously approved a bill (SB 675) that would require private health insurers, health care subscriptions plans and HMOs to cover for the cost of health care services provided through telemedicine technology.

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 24

By ajohnston on Mar 24, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Norment, Vogel, Watkins.

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.

 

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Senate Republicans in the News - March 31

By ajohnston on Mar 31, 2010. Tagged: Obenshain, Quayle, Vogel.

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
    • Man’s use of noose results in arrestStafford County Sun - A local man was arrested late last week for assault by intimidation and displaying a noose on private property with intent to intimidate, after an incident involving two teens at a McDonald’s restaurant.
  • Senator Fred Quayle
    • U.S. 460 outlook is bleakSmithfield Times - Local lawmakers have little optimism that widening Route 460 would happen anytime in the near future.
      Although the project is one of the top transportation priorities in Hampton Roads — and high on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s list, “when it will be done is beyond me,” said Sen. Frederick M. Quayle (R-13th) last week during the annual post-legislative breakfast in Windsor.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    •  Statement of Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Upperville, on President Obama's visit to AlexandriaRepublican Party of Virginia - "During today's bill signing, I was surprised to hear President Obama say that  Congress 'responds to the voices that they're hearing in their communities,' while thanking Democrats for passing his massive health care take-over," she said. "I can't think of a better example of the disconnect between Beltway Democrats and the rest of the country."
    • Obama signs bill into law at Northern Virginia Community College -- The Washington Post - At the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College today, President Obama signed into law revisions to his health-care bill that include changes designed to make higher education more affordable.

 

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Senate Republicans in the News - April 1, 2010

By ajohnston on Apr 01, 2010. Tagged: Vogel, Wagner.

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 Jill Vogel
    • Judge replacements on holdRappahannock News - Former General District Court Judge Charles B. Foley’s position may not be filled for at least two years as a result of a budget amendment included in the spending plan recently approved by the General Assembly.
  • Senator Frank Wagner

 

Senate Republicans in the News - April 2, 2010

By ajohnston on Apr 02, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hurt, Smith, Vogel, Wagner.

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 receptionStar-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
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Vogel Weighs in on Offshore Drillingtv3Winchester.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

 

Senator Vogel's Poolside Fundraiser with Governor McDonnell

By cmugford on May 18, 2010. Tagged: event, Vogel.
  • With Special Guests Governor Bob McDonnell and Chris Cooley of the Washington Redskins
  • Tuesday, May 18, 2010
  • The Home of Alex and Jill Vogel
  • 10000 Mt. Airy Road, Upperville, VA
  • Contact Tricia Stiles at 540.662.4551 or triciastiles@senate27.com
  • Click Here to View Invitation

Senate Republicans in the News - April 7, 2010

By ajohnston on Apr 07, 2010. Tagged: Hanger, Wampler, Vogel.

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
    •  Va. "Confederate History Month" Draws CriticismThe Washington Post - Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, reviving a controversy that had been dormant for eight years, has declared that April will be Confederate History Month in Virginia, a move that angered civil rights leaders Tuesday but that political observers said would strengthen his position with his conservative base.
  • Senator William Wampler
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • The approaching silver tsunami - headed ashoreThe Loudoun Times - One of the unfortunate paradigms of policy making in 2010 is the fact that lawmakers often spend an inordinate amount of time fixing the errant ways of last year’s legislative faux pas. Little time is left to devote to adequately preparing for the here and now, let alone the future.
  • Senator John Watkins
    • Gun Groups Took Wrong Side on FeeLynchburg News & Advance - A pro-gun group, which goes by the name of Virginia Citizens Defense League, can take a share of the blame for delays in background checks required for firearms purchases. But don’t hold your breath waiting for them to do so.

 

Senate Republicans in the News - April 13, 2010

By ajohnston on Apr 13, 2010. Tagged: Vogel.

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. 

 

Senate Republicans in the News - April 28, 2010

By ajohnston on Apr 28, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Ruff, Vogel.

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 Frank Ruff
    • Lawmaker: Spending more for uranium socioeconomic study ‘not wise’Danville News - If a Virginia Beach study finds uranium mining and milling detrimental to Lake Gaston, then a socioeconomic study of the industry would be pointless, said a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission’s executive committee.
    • Reseeding Virginia’s tobacco regionVirginia Business - When Paul Farrar walked into a hotel banquet room in Martinsville a few years ago for the 10-year reunion of his high school class, he did what anyone would do.
  • Senator Jill Vogel

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Senate Republicans in the News - May 21-24, 2010

By ajohnston on May 24, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Newman, Obenshain, Vogel, Wagner, Watkins.

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
    • Yet More Good News on the RailsThe News & Advance - The new Amtrak train that runs from Lynchburg to Washington, D.C., has been operating only for eight months, so it’s still a bit early to declare it an unqualified success, but ...
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
    • Not your average Walk in the ParkNorthern Virginia Daily - Between the llamas and the screech owl, people of all ages had something to see Saturday at the Shenandoah River State Park.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Vogel Says Oil Spill Setback for Offshore DrillingTV3Winchester.com - Local law makers say Virginians will have to rethink their approach to offshore drilling in light of the recent tragedy in the gulf. State Senator Jill Vogel, R 27th District, says the gulf oil spill is an enormous set back for offshore drilling in the commonwealth.
    • Vogel Reviews Legislative SessionTV3Winchester.com - State senator Jill Vogel has her priorities set for the next legislative session. Vogel spoke at a Rotary Club luncheon in Winchester this afternoon.
  • Senator Frank Wagner
    • Big risk, big boon: Offshore drilling could create 15,000 jobsThe Virginian Pilot - Drilling for oil and natural gas off the Virginia coast has been touted as a potential economic boon for the state and Hampton Roads that would create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in investment in the region.
  • Senator John Watkins

Senate Republicans in the News - June 1-3, 2010

By ajohnston on Jun 03, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Ruff, Stosch, Vogel, Watkins.

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 trenchesThe 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 openVaNcNews.com - Five years ago a group of forward thinking Clarksville residents dared to dream of the future.
    • ‘Those who gave all’ honoredVaNcNews.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 StudentsHenrico 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 veteransThe 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
  • Senator John Watkins

 

Senate Republicans in the News - June 4-7, 2010

By ajohnston on Jun 07, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, McWaters, Quayle, Ruff, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins.

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
  • Senator Jeff McWaters
    • Feds reject HOV privileges for active-duty militaryThe Virginian-Pilot - Federal transportation officials have rejected Virginia's request that uniformed active-duty military members be allowed to travel in HOV lanes in Hampton Roads even if they're driving alone.
    • McWaters supports drilling delayThe Virginian-Pilot - In the wake of a White House decision to postpone offshore drilling along Virginia's coast as a response to the damaged oil well still spewing crude into the Gulf of Mexico, one GOP state legislator from Virginia Beach has offered public comments seemingly supportive of that stance.
  • Senator Fred Quayle
  • Senator Frank Ruff
    • From dream to realityThe News Record - In just minutes, 200 guests filed from the sunlight-drenched, glass-enclosed lobby of The Clarksville Enrichment Complex into the even brighter afternoon sun, witnessed a ribbon cutting precision-organized by Joe Davidson of the Mecklenburg County Community Services Corporation and Linda Williams of the Chamber of Commerce, and returned inside to cool off and celebrate.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
  • Senator Frank Wagner
  • Senator William Wampler
    • Economic officials tour Southwest VirginiaKingsport Times News - A two-day tour of Southwest Virginia for cabinet-level state economic development officials includes a sightseeing tour of a region in transition as portrayed by regional and local representatives.
    • Cabinet members visit UVa-Wise as part of Southwest Virginia tourThe University of Virginia Wise - Two members of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s cabinet visited The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Wednesday as part of a two-day tour of Southwest Virginia.
  • Senator John Watkins
    • UDC Chesterfield Chapter honors Confederate soldiers buried at Chesterfield churchThe Progress-Index - Members of the Chesterfield Chapter No. 851 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), with the SCV General Robert E. Lee Camp No. 1589 Honor Guard, and the SCV Chester Station Camp No. 1503 Color Guard, Pastor and Mrs. Larry Davis, congregation members and distinguished guests gathered at the Skinquarter Baptist Church, located in the Moseley area, May 1, at 10 a.m., to honor the 12 Confederate soldiers buried in the church's cemetery with an official grave marking ceremony.
    • Key officials won’t tour France’s uranium siteDanville News - Key legislative officials on the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, including the heads of the commission and its Uranium Mining Subcommittee, have said they will not travel to France to visit a reclaimed uranium mine and mill site.

 

 

Senate Republicans in the News - June 11-14, 2010

By ajohnston on Jun 14, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, McDougle, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Vogel, Wampler.

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
    • Loss of Jimmy Dean could revive interest in Virginia state songWashington Post - Virginians looking to honor country music singer, television actor and sausage magnate Jimmy Dean, who died Sunday at 81, could renew a push to adopt a Dean-penned song as Virginia's official state anthem.
    • Opinion divided on speed limit increasesWaynesboro News Virginian - Opinion is divided on the benefits and safety of increasing the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on hundreds of miles of Virginia interstate roads, a change that could take effect on portions of some roads by July 1.
  • Senator Ryan McDougle
    • Strawberry Faire crowds beat the heatThe Herald Progress - The 29th Annual Ashland Strawberry Faire took place Saturday with an estimated 20,000 people, including a few local politicians braving the 95 degree heat. 
  • Senator Tommy Norment
    • Students host first political conference – Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal - Gloucester High School Junior State of America members hosted their first mini-conference at GHS on Saturday to address issues of "political reality."
  • Senator Mark Obenshain
    • CBIC Award Honorees announced at 12th Annual GalaCharlottesville Business Innovation Council - The Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) announced seven new CBIC Award honorees to a banquet audience of more than 200 at the 12th Annual CBIC Awards Gala, June 2 at Farmington Country Club.
  • Senator Fred Quayle
    • Extremist libertarianismTidewater News - I get the libertarian philosophy. I appreciate its core principle. The less that government interferes in the lives of people, the fewer the obstacles to the Declaration of Independence’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
  • Senator Jill Vogel
    • Our Health celebrates building's reopeningThe 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
    • Officials mark South Holston Lake fishing agreementTriCities.com - Stubborn rain failed to dampen the atmosphere Thursday as officials celebrated a new license giving Virginia and Tennessee residents equal access to fishing all of South Holston Lake.

 

Senate Republicans in the News - June 15-17, 2010

By ajohnston on Jun 17, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Stosch, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins.

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
  • Senator Emmett Hanger
  • 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
  • Senator William Wampler
    • Alpha Breaks Ground in BristolThe 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

New Laws Sponsored by GOP Senators Take Effect July 1

By tjcosgrove on Jun 28, 2010. Tagged: 2010Session, Blevins, Hanger, Hurt, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Quayle, Ruff, Smith, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins.

                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.

 

Senate Republicans in the News: June 25-28, 2010

By ajohnston on Jun 28, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Hanger, Hurt, Vogel, Wampler, Watkins.

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 CHKDChildren’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 budgetGoDanRiver.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 reopeningNorthern 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

Senate Republicans in the News - July 23-26, 2010

By ajohnston on Jul 26, 2010. Tagged: NewsClips, Newman, Norment, Ruff, Stosch, Vogel, Wagner, Watkins.

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 SalesWSET.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
  • Senator Frank Ruff
  • Senator Walter Stosch
  • 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 EasySolarTown - 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
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