Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, March 1, 1947; educated at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (B.S., Horticulture); President, Watkins Nurseries, Inc.; Military Service (USA, 1970-71); member: Christ the King Lutheran Church; Member of House of Delegates: 1982-98. Member of Senate: 1998-.

Contact Information:

Mailing:
P.O. Box 159
Midlothian, VA 23113-0159

Phone: (804) 379-2063
Fax: (804) 794-7238

Email:
jnwatkins@aol.com

Website:

Visit His Website

The largest attended Capitol news conference of the 2010 Session highlighted what I consider the most important task our state government faces, namely getting our people back to work.   Unemployment in Virginia is much, much more than a statistic.  It is neighbors, friends or family members who are denied the opportunity to provide for themselves or their families.

At first glance it might seem odd that we would consider additional spending in one section of the budget while cutting spending in all others.  However, as a lifelong businessman I know that there are times we have to spend money to make money.  Likewise, to create new jobs in Virginia we have to make smart, strategic investments.

When Governor McDonnell faced a room full of reporters and guests to lay out his jobs and opportunities plan, the first bill he cited was my Senate Bill 475.  This measure will target the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to projects that are known to create jobs, involve private capital investment, and result in additional state and local tax revenue.  Three more of my bills are in the plan as well.

By itself this bill would have limited impact.  But when coupled with the other 29 bills in the package, it will build a framework for accelerated economic recovery for Virginia.  Under the McDonnell plan, funding for the Opportunity Fund will double; and this bill will state unequivocally that the businesses it attracts must boost employment and tax revenue.

Estimates are that the overall plan will spur the creation of 29,000 new jobs in the upcoming budget cycle and produce $311 million in new revenue over the next five years.  Estimates are not guarantees.  But I am confident that these figures from our state government were made employing the highest degree of professionalism.  

The Virginia General Assembly is not the U.S. Congress.  At the news conference were members of both political parties, from all across the state, of diverse ideological persuasion, and ranging from the most senior member to several newly elected freshmen.  This is an Administration and legislature seeking what is best for all Virginians, especially those hurt by our weak economy.

Over the years Virginia built a reputation as the Best State for Business.  But that reputation does not put bread on the table for the 250 neighbors of ours who just lost their jobs at the J.C. Penney Call Center in Chesterfield, or others like them.  We can use our reputation to attract the attention of potential businesses.  But it will take sharpened tools in our toolbox to turn attention and interest into jobs.

The Governor’s plan does more than attract new “big business.”  It helps small and medium sized firms expand, targets new business with only 25 employees in areas of economic distress, and offers help for military veterans starting a new business.  I am pleased to carry Senate Bill 472 that will accomplish the first two of these goals.

Tourism and film production garner particular attention in the Governor’s plan and rightfully so.  The return on investments in tourism is more immediate than almost any other sector of the economy.  And the 5:1 ratio of return on investment is as high as we can expect from any state spending.

Over the years I have championed greater investment in our film industry.   We need more movies such as “John Adams” filmed in Virginia.  As for tourism, my Senate Bill 237 will designate the portion of wine liter tax ─ those taxes already being collected that are attributable to the sale of wine produced by a farm winery ─ shall be used to promote Virginia wine and wine tourism.        As severe as our budget constraints are, Virginia cannot stand idly by and be at the mercy of federal economic policy.  Virginia has been the leader in so many ways over the years.  It is my hope and goal that 2010 be the year we lead the nation in developing a plan to put our willing workers back on the payroll.

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

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

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 Revolt – newsblarg.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 Senate – nvdaily.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 fund – The 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.

It is February 4^th, and this will be my fourth update about legislation and developments at the General Assembly.  I want to take a few moments to talk about a piece of legislation I have introduced that I know will be of significant interest to the business community in particular.

Virginia is the twelfth largest state in the nation according to population.  We also rank in the top ten with regard to per capita income in the nation.  We are also fortunate in that we have the lowest unemployment rate of the large states in the nation.  At 6.9 percent, however, that rate is more than double what the unemployment rate was last year at this time. In the Richmond area for the first time we have seen unemployment that is higher than the state average, which is extremely unusual.  There is a unique element as well to the demographics of the unemployed due to an abundance of individuals who are in foreman, management and middle management levels in this unemployed category for the first time.  

I have introduced Senate Bill 239 that deals with some of the issues surrounding unemployment and a couple of mechanisms by which individuals can improve their ability to remain employed.  This legislation changes some of the eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits.  It provides that certain individuals who have exhausted eligibility for unemployment benefits and who are enrolled in training programs are eligible for up to 26 weeks of additional benefits.  The measure also provides that an individual who voluntarily separates from employment is not disqualified from receiving unemployment compensation benefits if the separation is for a compelling family reason, which is defined as domestic violence, the illness or disability of a member of the individual’s immediate family; or the need for the individual to accompany such individual’s spouse to a place from which it is impractical for such individual to commute and due to a change in location of the spouse’s employment.  

It also requires that bills enhancing unemployment compensation benefits payable to a claimant contain a statement reflecting the projected impact on the solvency level of the unemployment trust fund and the average increase in state unemployment tax liability of employers.  Several of the changes dealing with compelling family reasons have already been found by Virginia courts to not be a bar to the receipt of unemployment benefits.  The court has found these reasons are, in fact, for good cause, which is the standard that currently exists for leaving employment and receiving benefits.  

This legislation does not remove the current requirement that a beneficiary continue seeking work. Secondarily, if this legislation passes, the unemployment trust fund, which is funded by employers only, will receive an additional $125 Million from the federal unemployment trust fund.  This will offset a significant part of the current negative balance that exists with the state unemployment trust fund.  It further will reduce the amount of interest required to be paid back to the federal government, which must come out of the General Fund of the budget and cannot be paid from unemployment taxes.  

It is a fact that the tax bill per employee per year in 2009 was approximately $95.  The tax for 2010 is already anticipated to be in excess of $160 per employee per year.  In 2011 the tax will be $210 per year per employee, and in 2012, over $235 per employee per year.  These increases are a result of the already existing law and are not a result of this legislation.  The additional criteria for eligibility for unemployment that this bill contains will add $2.44 per year per employee to the tax rate for unemployment.  This will be insignificant by comparison to the additional taxes that will be paid over the next six years as a result of the insolvency of the trust fund.

Virginia, for several years, has been noted by several publications to be the best state in the nation to do business.  I feel this legislation, in that it provides benefits for retraining and provides benefits for people who are inadvertently displaced by business closures, adds to the importance of Virginia being the best place to do business. In our state the priority goes on the people and keeping them in a position to be employed.

Because I am a small business person, I recognize some of the adverse effects of legislation like this.  But long term it is in the best interest of all of our businesses that we focus on two things─retraining and the flexibility of the work force.

Over the last several years, I have had the benefit of chairing the Commission that oversees the Unemployment Trust Fund.  I feel making these changes now will hasten the return to solvency of that fund and hasten the re-employment of people who have found themselves without a job.  At the same time, the benefits paid go immediately to provide the basics of life for the adversely affected families.  The dollars get spent back into Virginia’s economy.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

John C. Watkins
Senate of Virginia
District 10
(804) 698-7510
www.senatorjohnwatkins.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 Thomas K. Norment, Jr.
  • Virginia Senate approves ban on drivers talking on cell phone unless using handsfree device – Associated Press - The Virginia Senate has passed a bill to ban talking on a cell phone while driving unless using a hands-free device.  Sen. Thomas Norment's bill passed the Senate 25-15 Monday. It would phase in penalties for drivers who take their hands off the wheel to hold a cell phone.
  • State Senate passes bill that would ban cell phone use while driving – wtkr.com - The Senate has passed a bill banning talking on a cell phone unless you have a hands free device.  Unlike the texting ban, this ban is very enforceable.  It is not unusual to see people talking on their cell phone while driving.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Sale Of ABC Stores Won't Happen This Session – The Associated Press - Legislation to sell state-owned liquor stores and devote the proceeds to transportation won't pass this session.  Sen. Mark Obenshain effectively withdrew his measure Tuesday to divest the state of its Alcoholic Beverage Control stores.
  • States Look to the Bottle; Some Lawmakers Seek to Privatize Liquor Stores, Distribution to Lift Budgets – The Wall Street Journal - States suffering through tough times are reaching for a tonic.  Lawmakers in several states with tight control of liquor sales are considering legislation that would shift the job to private industry, saving money and raising revenue.
  • Senate backs placing gays under anti-bias policy – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Virginia Senate today passed an anti-discrimination bill that would add sexual orientation to existing anti-discrimination policies in state hiring.
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • General Assembly notebook: Bill on Explore Park advances – The Roanoke Times - The authority that oversees Explore Park would have six months to come up with a plan for using the site under legislation that cleared a state Senate committee Monday.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Stuart's wood waste energy bill killed – Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star - A Senate committee has killed Sen. Richard Stuart's bill related to using wood byproducts to create electricity.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Bills to divert funds from offshore drilling to transportation, other sources advance in Va. – The Associated Press - Efforts to divert funds received from possible offshore drilling for oil and gas off Virginia's coast are moving forward in the General Assembly.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Senate advances measure on federal unemployment money – The Virginian-Pilot - Legislation that would make Virginia eligible for $125 million in federal unemployment stimulus dollars advanced out of the Senate on Monday, nearly a year after the legislature rejected a similar proposal.
  • Senate reopens unemployment benefits debate with bill to access stimulus dollars – The Washington Post - It was one of the hottest political topics in Virginia last spring -- and now it's back.  The Virginia Senate today approved a bill that make changes to the commonwealth's unemployment insurance program which would allow the state to access $125 million in federal stimulus money for unemployment benefits.

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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
  • Committee backs bill that would require Internet retailers to collect Va. sales tax – Richmond Times Dispatch - Legislation forcing Internet retailers — including such giants as Amazon—to collect Virginia sales taxes is headed to the state Senate.
  • Va. panel OKs bill to collect tax for online sales – Associated Press - A bill that would force online retailers to pay the same Virginia sales taxes as traditional stores advanced Wednesday from a Senate committee.
• Senator Steve Martin
  • Proposal for bipartisan redistricting panel advances – The Virginian Pilot - Bills that would establish a bipartisan commission to draw boundaries during next year's redistricting and relax the rules for military members voting by absentee ballot advanced out of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee Tuesday.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Bill would keep a physician on duty at CVTC – The News & Advance - A bill that would require a physician to be on duty at all times at Central Virginia Training Center won approval in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.  Sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, the bill meets a concern expressed by parents of residents at the training center, along with some staff members, who were worried that state spending cuts could eliminate a full-time doctor.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Look Ma, no hands – The Publishers Notebook Blog - …on the cell phone anyway, if the Virginia Senate gets its way.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Plans to sell state liquor stores pulled – Virginia Business - A bill to privatize ABC stores was dropped Tuesday by its sponor, Sen. Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg.
  • Bill to sell ABC stores is withdrawn – fredericksburg.com - One of Gov. Bob McDonnell's signature campaign promises, the privatization of the state-owned liquor stores, appears dead for this session.  Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, was carrying a bill to privatize the ABC stores, but told the Senate Finance committee yesterday that he didn't expect them to pass it.
  • General Assembly notebook: Privatized liquor? Not this time – The Roanoke Times - Legislation that would privatize Virginia's state-run liquor stores won't pass during this General Assembly session, but the bill's sponsor and Gov. Bob McDonnell remain committed to a concept that is critical to the new governor's transportation funding strategy.
• Senator Frederick Quayle
  • Quayle champions children’s safety – Suffolk News-Herald - With summer rapidly approaching, it comes to mind that many children once again will be spending those long, hot days with their families out on the Nansemond or the James rivers, or on any one of Suffolk’s treasured lakes.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Va. Senate favors accepting stimulus jobless funds – Richmond Times Dispatch - Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates will have a second chance to grab the $125 million in federal stimulus funds for unemployment insurance they left on the table last year.

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When we think about it, the snow storms that have buffeted our region in recent weeks can remind us of something or perhaps even teach us a lesson.  Almost everything in our lives has a cost, Mother Nature included.

VDOT’s snow removal budget for the year is spent.  As they continue to do their best to keep our roadways safe this winter, the department will be forced to take money budgeted for other maintenance.  

Here at the General Assembly we must remind ourselves that the vast majority of the bills we consider bear a financial cost.  Sometimes that cost is born by the government, but often it is the private sector that pays for whatever policy we enact.

Of the 28 bills  introduced this year, a case can be made that virtually every one has some sort of financial impact.  My primary guiding principal is that such legislation, in the end, must enhance our quality of life in the most cost efficient manner possible.   I will highlight three to make my point.

SB232 would align the retirement age for future state employees with that of Social Security recipients.  Private sector and public sector workers would then be on an even footing when it comes to retirement.  With increasing life expectancies we are working longer.  Some of our most productive years are in the later part of our careers.
 
This bill would not affect current state workers, only those hired after July 1 of this year.  The effect on the Virginia Retirement System would not be felt for many years.  But in the long run, it will help keep the fund solvent.  These changes will not affect early retirement criteria for our first responders (specifically, state and local police and fire and rescue.)

SB245, which would delay the effective date of changes in our stormwater management regulations for one year, has been incorporated into another bill, SB395.  The regulations set to go into effect this summer are based on ten-year-old data that has recently been proven wrong.  

As much as we all want to see the Chesapeake Bay restored to health, it makes no sense to put in place regulations based on false data.  Furthermore, we would need to change them once EPA issues new guidelines based on the new, correct data.  It is far better to do it right once, so that potential investors bringing new jobs to Virginia can be sure what their costs will be.

Finally SB647 would have the State Corporation Commission or the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission review the effect on consumers and utilities of any law or mandate we place on utilities.  The furious debate over Cap and Trade legislation on the national level underscores how we need real cost benefit analysis when we deal with energy policy.

Whenever legislation is introduced, someone in the executive branch analyzes its cost to state government.  Its impact on the state budget is calculated, not the impact on family budgets or businesses’ bottom lines.  Further, changes in the tax code are done by static analysis.  That is, it does not take into effect changes in taxpayer behavior.  By their thinking, raising or cutting taxes does not promote more economic activity, and tax or fee increases do not dampen the economy.  Clearly, that is not the case.

Whoever first coined the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” got it right.  As my fellow senators and I consider some 735 bills, we must be ever cognizant of how they will impact all Virginians, not just the state budget.

Sincerely,

John C. Watkins
Senate of Virginia
District 10
(804) 698-7510
www.senatorjohnwatkins.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.

• Senators Emmett Hanger, Jr., and Stephen Martin
  • Virginia Greenlights Tax Credits For Environmental Jobs – ipolitics.com - The Virginia Senate just passed Senate Bill 623, providing a $500 tax credit to businesses that create green jobs. Businesses will be eligible to claim the credit for the next 5 years for up to 350 new green jobs.
  • Virginia Senate OKs tax credit to create green jobs – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Virginia senators unanimously approved a bill yesterday that would provide a tax credit to businesses that create green jobs.
• Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr.
  • Online sales in Virginia could face sales tax – Daily Press - The state Senate Finance Committee agreed that the state should get a piece of the online shopping pie.
  • Concealed Weapons Bill Jumps Major Hurdle – WTVR.com - Gun rights advocates have long fought for the right to carry concealed weapons into bars and restaurants. Governor Kaine single-handedly stuffed the measure in the past, rejecting the bill twice.
• Senator Jeffrey McWaters
  • The states go marching in – Pesky 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 succeed – Gainesville 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 ahead – GoDanRiver.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 Year – Daily Press - A constitutional right is the muscle of democracy — stronger, healthier for being exercised.
  • OUR VIEW: Cell phone ban: Now hear this – SWVAToday.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 expansion – The 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 ABC – The 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
  • Legislators, advocates rally for child safety online –The Commonwealth Times - Legislators and child safety advocates rallied at the Capitol Wednesday seeking funding for programs that protect children from online predators.
• Senator Frank Ruff, Jr.
  • Senate committee OKs recognition of tribes – fredericksburg.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
  • Bill to help Roanoke Co. Police with Regional Jail killed in State Senate – WSLS - A State Senate committee killed a bill sponsored by Roanoke County State Senator Ralph Smith (R-22nd) on Friday, that would have allowed jail officers with the same training as sheriff deputies to perform some of the same legal functions.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • OBAMACARE NULLIFICATION: VIRGINIA HEALTHCARE FREEDOM ACT – The 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 Richmond – Times 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
  • Bills would shift fee collection to retailers – The Free Lance-Star - If you use prepaid cell phones, you may soon see a change in the fee charged for E-911 services.

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

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

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Crossover

The latter part of this week at the General Assembly might be compared to the lull before the storm as the Senate and House money committees will reveal their versions of the budget this Sunday.  This comes on the heels of the lengthy “Crossover Day,” the deadline for bills originating in each house to pass or fail.  Those bills that pass then “crossover” to the other body for consideration.

Two of my bills that passed are related insofar as both deal with technology, better delivery of government services and improvement in our fiscal house.  SB241 would enable Virginia educators to contribute their latest findings and expertise to curriculum materials in cooperation with textbook publishers.  This online collaboration can make the latest and best materials available to our students and teachers in an increasingly cost efficient manner.

Somewhat similarly, SB242 would enable the research and intellectual property developed by our bright and talented state employees to be shared with other governments and entities.  The financial rewards would then accrue to the benefit of both the workers and the Commonwealth.

The economic challenges we face discourage us more than ever from business as usual.  We must be open to new ways of delivering government services more efficiently and effectively.  While technology is no silver bullet, it can be a very useful tool.

Often citizens understandably question why we need so many bills and whether legislators have the time to give adequate attention to each one.  Those of us who are engaged in the process see first hand how it works better than you might expect.

Close, sometimes tedious, scrutiny is given to each bill at either the sub-committee or committee level initially.  With tens of thousands of eyes following legislation via the Internet, plenty of outside attention and examination is paid to each bill as well.  As legislation moves through the system, increasingly we rely on the judgment of colleagues who have already looked closely at the measures, a practice that serves us well.

As to the number of bills, identical bills are often introduced in both the Senate and House.  Another source is the departments and agencies of government which detect often relatively minor flaws in the code that deters them from doing their job properly.  Correcting them may require, yes, a new law.

More significantly, improving whole sectors of our society may require a number of individual steps.  The effort by Governor McDonnell to improve employment prospects this year, for instance, includes 20 measures, some introduced in both the Senate and House.  All but two passed either the Senate or House, including all those I introduced.

A number of issues of particular interest to citizens either advanced or failed.  One bill would require all occupants, passengers included, to be harnessed.  Another would allow law enforcement offices to issue a ticket regardless of whether there is another infraction observed.

A driving related bill that passed the Senate would require drivers to use hands free devices for any phone calls while driving.  Also, out-of-state DUI convictions would factor into penalties assessed for a DUI in Virginia.

The Senate also passed measures making it easier for active duty military personnel to vote in local and state elections, allow uniformed military personnel to use HOV lanes in Hampton Roads regardless of the number of passengers, and put to the ballot a constitutional amendment permitting localities to provide property tax relief for veterans with a 100 percent disability.

Not every good idea ought, or needs, to be made into a new law.  It is our task to discern between the two.  With your help, I will continue to strive to do just that.

Sincerely,

John C. Watkins
Senate of Virginia
District 10
(804) 698-7510
www.senatorjohnwatkins.com

February 25, 2010

Overall Budget

Beginning with its release by the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees this past Sunday, the state budget has dominated the news this week and rightfully so.  It is the single most important matter we must deal with this year.  The economic downturn that has affected so many Virginia families has affected our state finances as well.  But that is just the beginning of the story.

 The truth be told, we have limited flexibility in crafting the state budget.  On the spending side, K-12 education represents 35 percent of state spending.  Our Virginia Constitution demands that we provide "free public elementary and secondary schools for all children" which provide "an educational program of high quality." In recent decades and the last few years in particular, the partnership of parents, students and teachers, supported by increased state expenditures, have produced impressive gains in scholastic achievement by every objective standard.

Accordingly, the cuts in education funding you read about need to be put in perspective.  If cuts are to be made in the budget, it is simply impossible to exclude the largest single item.  On the Senate side we have sought to mitigate those cuts as much as possible.

For example, with legislation I authored, we will adjust the retirement benefits of future hires.  Hence, we can justify to a degree a smaller contribution to the Virginia Retirement System for the next two years without jeopardizing benefits due retirees.  This frees up funds not otherwise available for education today.  

You may have heard of additional cuts to school systems in our area due to a change in the funding formula.  I am pleased to report the Senate budget restores those funds.

The fastest growing item in the state budget is Medicaid.  Several factors need to be considered here.  The federal government mandates many coverages.  If we are to participate at all, we must meet their requirements.  Until there is meaningful national health care reform that focuses on controlling costs, our budgetary options on the state level are limited.  But, we have made significant progress in recent years in bringing reimbursement rates to physicians, hospitals and nursing homes closer to that paid by the private sector. Even with the regrettable reductions in this budget, we still are in a better position than in the not-too-distant past.

Turning to the revenue side, again our choices must take into account both economic and political realities.  The lion's share of our tax revenue comes from income and sales taxes.  The economic downturn hits us especially hard in these areas.  What we are facing is not just a reduction in the rate of growth.  For the first time in over a decade, collections are down in real dollars.  Put in the perspective of a family budget: there were no raises, there was no Christmas bonus, and nearly everyone took a cut in pay.

Frankly, Governor Kaine's departing budget included revenue sources doomed never to materialize.  His income tax increase failed to get a single vote in the House of Delegates.  A package of tax increases presented to the Senate Finance Committee failed to get a single vote.  And a roll back of car tax relief was a non-starter all along.

If we are to work ourselves out of this budgetary quandary, it will not be by taxing ourselves more.  It will be by rejuvenating our economy, putting our friends and neighbors back to work, and seeing the resulting tax revenue stream begin to flow again.

No legislator wants to communicate a litany of shared woes to constituents, myself included.  However, I will not sugarcoat our situation.  This budget picture is not pretty.  However, with patience and sound decisions made today, we can plant the seeds of a better tomorrow.

Virginia is rated the best state for both raising a child and conducting business.  We have a AAA bond rating.  This good fortune did not come overnight or without making a host of good choices.  In 2010 we have an obligation to our heritage and our future to continue to make good choices.  Aided by your guidance, I will continue to strive to do just that.

Sincerely,

John C. Watkins

Senate of Virginia

District 10

(804) 698-7510

www.senatorjohnwatkins.com

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

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

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
  • Va. General Assembly approves bill allowing handguns in bars – The Washington Post - Gun-rights supporters had reason to cheer Tuesday after the Virginia General Assembly gave final approval to a bill allowing concealed weapons permit holders to enter restaurants that serve alcohol. Two other bills friendly to gun owners also won final approval.
• Senator Frederick Quayle
  • House, Senate begin negotiations – Suffolk News-Herald - The Virginia General Assembly begins working out the kinks in the state budget this week.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Red Oak lumber company receives 3 grants for expansion – The Union Star - Charlotte County will gain an extra 25 jobs with a new $4.2 million dry kiln technological advancement at Morgan's Lumber Company in Red Oak. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.
• Senator William Wampler
  • McDonnell lists his House and Senate budget concerns – The Virginian-Pilot - Among the “issues” Gov. Bob McDonnell has with the House and Senate budget bills are the differing approaches on economic development.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Localities fight state over communications funds – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Four years ago, local governments agreed reluctantly to give up their power to impose taxes on telephone services in exchange for guaranteed revenue from a new tax on all communication services.
  • Riding Program Honored by General Assembly – Powhatan Today – Powhatan resident Clint Arrington likes to build things—and he’s good at it.

Process

If you are finding the daily news accounts of the General Assembly somewhat confusing, that is understandable. Each day it seems that some bill seemingly cruising to passage somehow abruptly runs aground.  In the latter part of every session, this often happens.  It may be puzzling but there are explanations.

Once a bill crosses over from the house of origin to the other body, the patrons must deal with a new cast of characters, if you will.  Legislators present their bills before committees filled with members with whom they have less of a working relationship.  You can imagine how that makes more difficult the "sales job."  For bills that pass the committee and go on to the floor, the patrons are not present for floor debate.  They must depend on surrogates to plead their case, who, at times, may be less effective.

Sometimes new information becomes available after crossover.  Sometimes interested parties just discover the implications of a bill. New proponents and opponents spring up attempting to persuade the legislators.

Then there is the simple political arithmetic.  I think it is fair to describe the Republican majority in the House of Delegates as a center-right coalition and the Democratic majority in the Senate, a center-left coalition. They often pass legislation with a decided ideological slant.  What may pass in the House by a lopsided margin may be doomed in the Senate and vice-versa.

Finally, there is our sometimes complicated process.  Our founding fathers employed nothing less than genius in devising our democratic republic with checks and balances and separation of powers.  It is not designed to pass new laws easily.  That may be frustrating from time to time, but is in our best long-term interest.

The process is complicated enough without anyone needlessly tampering with it as was done in the Senate this week.  You may have read of a new sub-committee of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee that will consider gun legislation.  I use the word "consider" loosely.  It is stacked with four Democrats and one Republican.  Only one of the Democrats is a lawyer.  While that is not a prerequisite to possessing sound judgment, when changing the criminal code it certainly helps.

Fully 25 bills have been dumped into this sub-committee in the next to last week of the session.  Sub-committees play a valuable role when used properly.  With a balance of members, they can go into detail on bills, hear extensive testimony by citizens, and make recommendations to the full committee that bear weight.  I fear this may not be the product of this last minute committee.

Balancing fundamental rights and responsibilities regarding firearms is serious business.  All sides deserve a fair hearing and all the implications of every bill should be fully vetted.  Anything less is a disservice to our citizens.

So the closing 10 days of this 2010 Session will be full of activity.  We can only hope it will be filled with progress as well.  I will continue to report to you my views and comments and trust you will find them helpful in sorting out the sometimes conflicting reports.

Sincerely,

John C. Watkins

Senate of Virginia

District 10

(804) 698-7510

www.senatorjohnwatkins.com

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

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

The End is Near

With the end of the regular session of the 2010 General Assembly only days away, let me take this opportunity first to thank you for taking time to read these weekly newsletters.    I also appreciate the feedback we have received from many of you.  

What I have sought to do is both inform you and clear up some confusion that naturally arises during the course of events here at the General Assembly.   My focus has been primarily on the actions of the Senate where I serve.  Some have written asking why I have not been critical of actions, or lack thereof, in the House, such as the failure of non-partisan redistricting.   While I have supported non-partisan redistricting throughout my legislative career, commenting on the House is outside the scope of these weekly reports.

Speaking of confusion, there was some stirred up when an email message went out that the Senate had passed a "24 percent tax increase on every phone in Virginia."  In actuality, it is an increase of 18 cents, or only $2.16 per phone line per year on the E 911 fee.

The money raised will help pay for an increase in the cost of the death and health insurance premiums for first responders injured in the line of duty.   I believe most Virginians would approve of that action when it is accurately described.  

Anyone who has ever needed the services of these brave men and women knows how they put their own personal safety, and indeed their lives, on the line every day to help others who are at their most vulnerable point and are in dire need of assistance.  

In the last couple of days, most of the significant action takes place in conference committees.  Made up of groups of six legislators, or 12 for the budget, committees seek to hammer out the differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill.    It is a job that both senators and delegates take very seriously, because if a compromise cannot be reached, the bill dies.  Then it is up to each body to approve the agreed upon version.      

As of the writing of this newsletter, negotiations are ongoing with regard to the budget.  But, once the budget conference report is voted on, our work for the 2010 session will largely be done.   I trust that will occur by Saturday so that we can adjourn on time.  

It is my hope you have found these weekly reports credible and a reliable source of information, not just about ongoing issues, but also about the legislative process itself.  In the coming weeks I will communicate with you again with a wrap-up of this year’s General Assembly session.    I look forward to communicating further as the year progresses.

In closing, please accept my thanks for your opinions, suggestions, and input on issues affecting our Commonwealth.    If I, or my staff, can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to call us at the Capital Office through March 12^th, or after session, at my office at 101 Dry Bridge Road in Midlothian.  

Sincerely,
John C. Watkins
Senate of Virginia
District 10
(804) 698-7510
www.senatorjohnwatkins.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
  • Localities dodge worst of budget cuts – The News Leader - Although the final state budget figures impacting localities are not as bad as many feared, area officials say it is not the silver bullet that will solve their problems.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Sparring continues over Va. air quality control bills – The Virginian-Pilot - Environmentalists have described it as "the Virginia dirty air bill" - a measure that would limit the authority of the State Air Pollution Board and could increase smog problems in Hampton Roads, Richmond and other regions.
  • McDonnell signs emergency legislation overhauling VITA – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Gov. Bob McDonnell now is directly responsible for fixing a problem he inherited: Virginia's troubled information-technology bureaucracy and its fractious dealings with contractor Northrop Grumman.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • McDonnell to Sign Legislation at UVa – Newsplex.com - Gov. Bob McDonnell will sign two bills into law at the University of Virginia on Wednesday that establish college partnership laboratory schools.
• Senator Frank Ruff, Jr.
  • $82 billion state budget passes – South Hill Enterprise - After much deliberation, the General Assembly has passed a two-year $82 billion budget that cuts spending on education, health care and public safety to bridge a $4 billion shortfall.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Area legislators had ups, downs – The Free Lance-Star - The just-ended 2010 legislative session saw lawmakers deal with nearly 3,000 bills and resolutions, of which about 1,600 passed and more than 1,000 failed.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Va. expands booze business in budget­­ – The Washington Examiner - Virginia is slated to open 20 new state-run liquor stores and mark up spirit prices by 2 percent under the state's new budget, signaling lawmakers' increased reliance on alcohol revenues and a potentially deeper resistance to Gov. Bob McDonnell's privatization plan.

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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 Thomas Norment
  • Virginia's First Lady To Dedicate Trailhead At Entrance To The Virginia Capital Trail – Insider’s Passport - Virginia's First Lady Maureen McDonnell will be among dignitaries to dedicate the eastern trailhead of the Virginia Capital Trail. The trailhead includes a shelter and an electronic, interactive kiosk with information on public accommodations, historical sites, wildlife and natural resources along the trail.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Loudoun legislators grade 2010 General Assembly session – Loudoun Times - Members of Virginia’s General Assembly were facing a tough session when they started deliberations in January.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Budget cuts nix new judge for now – Powhatan Today - As it turns out, even the halls of justice aren’t immune to the economy’s sting.

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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
  • Ken Cuccinelli says Virginia won’t release Jens Soering without court order – Lynchburg News & Advance - Virginia won’t release convicted murderer Jens Soering to federal custody for any reason short of a court order, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said Monday.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Noose brings felony charge in the city – The Free Lance-Star - A local man was charged with a felony after he menacingly displayed a noose to a teenager in Fredericksburg, police said.
• Senator John Watkins
  • VEA opposes requiring local employees to begin paying share of pension costs – Richmond Times Dispatch - Virginia is proposing to give local governments an option that many teachers don't want them to have -- requiring local employees to begin paying a share of their annual pension costs.

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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. 

• Wednesday, May 26, 2010
• Independence Golf Club
• 600 Founders Bridge Boulevard, Midlothian, VA
• Registration: 11:30 am - 11:45 am 
• Shotgun Start: 12 noon
• Contact Sally Antonelli at 804.379.2063
• Click Here to View Invitation

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 Mark Obenshain
  • Local Legislators Talk State Budget Cuts – WHSV.com - State budget cuts may mean harsh consequences for Valley businesses.
• Senator John Watkins
  • UPDATE: Supervisors adopt balanced budget; point to grim future – Powhatan Today - The Powhatan Board of Supervisors on Monday adopted a balanced county budget for next fiscal year and set the real estate tax rate at 77 cents, 3 cents below the revenue neutral level; but leaders warned that harder times likely lie ahead. 

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 Harry Blevins
  • McDonnell Signs Bills to Save Taxpayer Money – WHSV.com - On tax day, Gov. Bob McDonnell signed four bills centered on instituting government reform in Virginia and saving taxpayer dollars.
  • Governor signs audit bill – InsideNova.com - Gov. Robert F. “Bob” McDonnell on Thursday signed into law a bill requiring audits of several state agencies.
• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Mental health evaluation needs better definitions – Greene County Record - We have found that as hospital beds were closed, community services boards were not adequately funded.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Action on 460? – Suffolk News-Herald - With word circulating that Gov. Bob McDonnell plans to kick start the Route 460 project after years of it being nearly stalled, Suffolk’s General Assembly representatives are surprised but pleased.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Process begins for socioeconomic study of uranium mining – GoDanRiver.com - The process has begun for the second part of a study focusing on the socioeconomic impacts of uranium mining and milling in Virginia.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Free insurance costs a ton – The Virginian-Pilot - If a tiny reptile with a cute accent advertised car insurance with no premiums until customers have an accident, there's a good chance that the bill would also be hand-delivered to the crash scene by a fire-breathing dragon.

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
  • Jail funding cheered by area officials – The Northern Virginia Daily - State legislators' vote to uphold Gov. Bob McDonnell's budget amendment restoring state funding to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail project was met with relief by those backing the plan.
  • Thanking Our Pro-Life Allies For The Abortion Funding Ban Victory! – The Family Foundation - We hope you are still celebrating with us over the passage of the budget amendment that  significantly reduces taxpayer funding for elective abortions in Virginia (Amendment #91)!
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • It’s official: Blackwater is scenic river – TidewaterNews.com - Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed legislation that adds 56 miles of the Blackwater River to the state’s scenic river program.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Christina Nuckols column – The Virginian-Pilot - Imagine what might happen if state legislators gave the responsibility of setting transportation tax rates to three judges.

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 Fred Quayle
  • Defense contractor starts up – Suffolk News-Herald - Local, state and federal officials joined a major defense-industry manufacturer on Monday to celebrate a cooperative effort that they expect will result in a $9.2 million investment in Suffolk and at least 200 new jobs.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Officials seeks water deal by state – News & Record - The economic development committee of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors on Monday agreed that Virginia and North Carolina should negotiate an agreement to buy the remaining water allocation in John H. Kerr Reservoir.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Park entrance: a risky gamble? – Powhatan Today - Development of a state park in Powhatan is scheduled to begin in earnest this summer, but officials still don’t know when the Commonwealth will be able to afford the road improvements it’s going to take to make the entrance to the park- the intersection of Route 522 and Old River Trail- safe for drivers.

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
  • A new take on tourism – Waynesboro News - Outside the Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center set on a broken-down parking lot atop Afton Mountain, portable toilets stand watch.
• Senator John Watkins
  • States Continue to Grapple With Immigration – National Conference of State Legislatures - As the national debate intensifies around Arizona’s new immigration law, every state in session has been addressing immigrant issues in their legislatures, according to a new report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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
  • Celebrating Virginians’ Sacrifices – The Richmond Times-Dispatch - Virginia's General Assembly has earned the gratitude of all citizens for acting in its most recent session to preserve the vanishing memories of a unique and glorious piece of the state's history.
  • Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Breaks Ground on New Facility – WHSV.com - The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind cut the ribbon on a newly renovated building and broke ground on another facility Wednesday.
  • Progress marked for VSDB-Staunton – Waynesboro News Virginian - For years, the Staunton community feared the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind would be consolidated elsewhere in the state, ending a tradition of service that started in the 1830s and includes a period when the Staunton campus housed wounded Civil War soldiers.
  • Landes: Health reform has many hidden costs – Charlottesville Daily Progress - Federal health care could cost Virginia $1.5 billion over the next year or so, a local delegate said Wednesday.
  • Legislators review GA session, upcoming challenges – The News Leader - Two months after signing off on a state budget that resulted in cutting $4 billion for the biennium, area legislators offered mixed outlooks on the financial future for Virginia.
  • Legislators Speak to Community Members About 2010 General Assembly – WHSV.com - Sen. Emmett Hanger and several other local legislators were in Augusta County Wednesday to talk to community members about the impact of this year's General Assembly.
  • Local Legislators Appointed to Commission for Wilson's Centennial – WHSV.com - Dels. Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) and R. Steven Landes (R-Weyers Cave) and Sen. Emmett Hanger, Jr. (R- Augusta County) announced Tuesday they have been appointed to the Virginia Commission on the Centennial of the Woodrow Wilson Presidency.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Governor signs McDougle’s public safety legislation – The Mechanicsville Local - Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, R-Hanover, joined Gov. McDonnell and members of the law enforcement community for the unveiling of the Governor’s Executive Order No. 11 highlighting his prisoner re-entry initiative and for the bill signing of the senator’s Senate Bill 670 from this year’s General Assembly session.
• Senator Stephen Newman
  • Rep. Bob Goodlatte questions Attorney General on Soering transfer – Lynchburg News & Advance - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder cast some doubt Thursday on the possibility that convicted murderer Jens Soering might be transferred to a prison in his native Germany, where he could be paroled in two years.
  • Mr. Holder’s Inexplicable Behavior – Lynchburg News & Advance - No doubt, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is a smart man: a former federal judge, U.S. attorney, Columbia University graduate, the first black American to serve as attorney general.
  • Virginia Passes Higher Speed Limit Despite Safety Risk – 24-7pressrelease.com - In February, the Virginia General Assembly voted to increase the speed limit on some of the state's rural highways from 65 to 70 miles per hour. The measure was proposed by Republican Gov. Bill McDonnell and sponsored by two Republican state representatives, Del. Bill Carrico (R-Galax) and Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg).
  • The U.S. 29 Speedbump That Is Charlottesville – The News & Advance - For more than two decades, Charlottesville and Albemarle County have been a thorn in the side of communities up and down the U.S. 29 corridor.
  • McDonnell reinforces state’s stance on Soering transfer – The News & Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell reminded the U.S. attorney general Monday that Virginia opposes a proposed transfer of convicted Bedford County murderer Jens Soering to a prison in his native Germany.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Four targets of Gloucester supervisors' subpoenas fight back – The Daily Press - Four members of the "Gloucester 40" who were targets of subpoenas by three county supervisors and an ex-supervisors have hired Sen. Tommy Norment to quash them.
  • Shipyard exec gives tips to TNCC graduates – The Daily Press - Thomasina Wright once sat in the seats at her own graduation from Thomas Nelson Community College, so she explained that she had a unique perspective on giving a commencement address for the college.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • BOYD: Set Virginia booze free – The Washington Times - Being honored as the country's No. 1 business state should make all Virginians proud. To continue in that role, however, Virginia must set a national example, applying innovative, pro-business policies that, in return, generate revenues to the Commonwealth.
•  Senator Frank Ruff
  • Rural leaders meet to map out future regional policies – The News & Record - Confronted by continuing economic challenges exasperated by the current economy and continuing changing industrial and agriculture markets, rural leaders from the Southern United States came together to plan for the regions future.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • LifeCare unveils ‘awareness’ ambulance – Stafford County Sun - LifeCare Medical Transports unveiled a unique, new ambulance at a breast-cancer awareness event held May 12 at its Fredericksburg building.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • On second thought ... Poll shows support for oil drilling way down – Inside Business - PUBLIC SUPPORT for offshore drilling in Virginia has dropped significantly in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster, an Inside Business poll has found
  • Uranium Mining Subcommittee to meet in Chatham June 22 – Star-Tribune - The Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy's Uranium Mining Subcommittee will meet in Chatham Tuesday, June 22.
  • Oil off our coast not money in the bank – istockanalyst - While planning his run for governor, Bob McDonnell faced a conundrum: Virginians want better roads, but they don't want to pay for them.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Long-distance health care now covered by insurance – Virginia Lawyers Weekly - Legislation to mandate insurance coverage for telemedicine services in Virginia won unanimous approval in the 2010 General Assembly.
  • Alpha Natural Resources breaks ground on new headquarters in Bristol – Blue Ridge Business Journal - Alpha Natural Resources broke ground last week on a new headquarters in Bristol. The company will seek LEED certification on the building.

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 Rails – The 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 Park – Northern 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 Drilling – TV3Winchester.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 Session – TV3Winchester.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 jobs – The 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
  • Proposed police gun range in Powhatan meets opposition – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Powhatan County residents and officials weren’t the only ones surprised recently by plans for a proposed state law-enforcement training facility and gun range off Old River Trail.

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
  • Plans Finalized for Rappahannock Nutrient Cooperative Business Advisory Council Kickoff June 10 – Conserv - Today, Conserv, working with the Rappahannock River Basin Commission, sent out Invitations to attend the Kickoff of the Rappahannock Nutrient Cooperative Business Advisory Council at the University of Mary Washington Jebson Business Center on Thursday, June 10 from  10-1 p.m. The invitation from Virginia State Senator Emmett Hanger is below.
• Senator Fred Quayle
  • Healthy debate for breakfast – Tidewater News - State elected officials met with local leaders and citizens to discuss legislative matters over eggs and bacon during the Eggs & Issues breakfast at Franklin Baptist Church on Tuesday.
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • Metro columnist Dan Casey: Tax raises for college 'users' should apply to gas – The Roanoke Times - Unless you're a state university student or the parent of one, you may not have noticed a tax increase that will soon go into effect across Virginia, the land of no state tax increases.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Westmoreland supervisors have special meeting – Fredericksburg.com - Needs for more highway funding and more court space are topics of a special meeting of the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the A.T. Johnson Alumni Museum Auditorium in Montross.
• Senator William Wampler
  • City leaders approve loan for school office building – TriCities.com - City leaders Tuesday unanimously agreed to seek a $3 million interest-free loan to pay for a school administration building.
• Senator John Watkins
  • New law hampers ‘undergrounding’ of power lines – Loudoun Times - Beginning July 1, localities in Virginia will have a tougher time negotiating with power companies to put proposed electrical lines underground due to a recent bill that passed the General Assembly this session.
  • Powhatan says 2008 e-mail on shooting range insufficient – Richmond Times-Dispatch - An e-mail from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shows that Powhatan County officials were informed in early 2008 that a law-enforcement training facility and firing range was being planned.

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

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

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

• Senator Emmett Hanger, 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.

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Virginia Guard commemorates 66th anniversary of D-Day this weekend – National Guard - The Virginia National Guard will participate in two events June 5 and 6 to recognize Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division and the 116th Infantry Regiment for their role in the D-Day landings at Normandy during World War II.
• Senator Jeff McWaters
  • Feds reject HOV privileges for active-duty military – The 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 delay – The 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
  • VA State Police "Line of Duty Act" provides better benefits – SWAC Girl - Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) has signed legislation extending short-term disability benefits for Virginia's State Troopers who are injured in the line of duty.
  • 'Line of Duty Act' provides better benefits for Va. State Police – The Washington Examiner - Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) has signed legislation extending short-term disability benefits for Virginia's State Troopers who are injured in the line of duty.
  • McDonnell signs bill benefitting injured troopers – The Virginia Pilot - Virginia State Police troopers seriously injured in the line of duty will have up to a year to recover and return to their duties as a result of a new law sponsored by a state Sen. Fred Quayle, R-Suffolk.
  • Governor McDonnell Signs Legislation Extending Disability Benefits for State Police Officers – On the Right - Governor Bob McDonnell today signed legislation which will extend short term disability benefits for Virginia State Police officers injured in the line of duty. SB95, sponsored by Senator Fred Quayle (R-Suffolk), extends the length of time that a state police officer subject to a work-related injury in the line of duty will receive supplemental short-term disability coverage equal to 100% of their compensation.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • From dream to reality – The 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
  • ProJet Aviation Celebrates Leesburg Airport Opening – Leesburg Today - ProJet Aviation was welcomed into the county with open arms Wednesday night, as local elected officials and dignitaries celebrated its arrival at Leesburg Executive Airport.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Virginia offshore drilling faces obstacles, but still offers economic promise – Virginia Energy Independence Alliance - Just one month ago, Virginia was poised to become the first Atlantic state to be cleared to develop its offshore oil and natural gas reserves.  
• Senator William Wampler
  • Economic officials tour Southwest Virginia – Kingsport 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 tour – The 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 church – The 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 site – Danville 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.

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 Ralph Smith and John Watkins
  • New law will impact trailer hitches – The Roanoke Times - Virginia will have a new trailer towing law July 1 with implications for those of us who tow boats, ATV trailers and camping trailers.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Congressman Eric Cantor attends Ashland Strawberry Faire – The Norfolk Examiner - The Annual Ashland Strawberry Faire took place today in the town of Ashland, Virginia. The booths, food vendors, Arts and Crafts, Animal Rescue and live music combined to make the event a "fun for all ages" affair.
• Senator Jeffrey McWaters
  • Virginia Beach celebrates newest campus – Inside SouthUniversity - On June 4, University dedicated its seventh campus, located  in 32,600 square feet of space in the attractive and convenient Convergence Center in Virginia Beach’s popular Central Business District off Interstate 264.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Stricter laws put the skids on eminent domain for RRHA – Roanoke Free Press - The South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan is being amended effective June 30, 2010. The amendment is a reworked 5-year plan that will accommodate Virginia’s newer property rights laws. Council will vote on the amendment at its June 21 meeting.
• Senator William Wampler
  • 'Topping Out' Ceremony for Heartwood – A! Magazine for the Arts - Virginia Sen. William Wampler stood next to an American flag he placed on the final piece of steel put into place on the Southwest Virginia Artisan Gateway during a "topping out" ceremony on Friday, April 30, 2010.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Powhatan residents take aim at gun range – Richmond Times-Dispatch - A law-enforcement shooting range planned in Powhatan County came under heavy fire from dozens of speakers last night at a meeting that drew more than 350 people.

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 Tommy Norment
  • Norment assails new tourist center – The Virginia Gazette - If the Williamsburg Hotel-Motel Association hoped Sen. Tommy Norment (R-3rd) was going to cool the simmering disagreement over its storefront Tourist Information Center, that failed.
  • More tuition hikes likely – The Free Lance-Star - Within two years, 66 percent of state college funding will come from student tuition, rather than the state government.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Northam announces working group on menhanden policies – The Daily Times - Sen. Ralph S. Northam has announced the creation of a 26-member informal working group composed of legislators and stakeholders to review policies related to management of menhaden in Virginia waters.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Proposed Changes to Immigration Law in Virginia – WCYB.com - Some lawmakers in Virginia are proposing a law to crack down on illegal immigration.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Corrections to explore uses for Powhatan-Goochland land, facilities – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The Virginia Department of Corrections is exploring major changes for the 4,051 pastoral acres it owns on both sides of the James River in Goochland and Powhatan counties and the facilities it operates there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Multiple Senators
  • Virginia FREE 2010 legislator rankings – NVDaily.com - Ratings by the pro-business advocacy organization Virginia FREE for members of the Virginia General Assembly based on votes taken on business legislation before the 2010 session. Members are grouped by cumulative score by chamber, name and party.
  • Business, conservation groups rate Va. Lawmakers – Richmond Times Dispatch - Republicans lead in one closely watched legislative report card. Democrats do better in another. Both grading systems are about green -- campaign cash and the environment.
  • Virginia Free evaluates legislators – Inside Business - The Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education, or Virginia Free, has evaluated Virginia lawmakers for their views on business issues. Jeffrey McWaters and Frank Wagner earned the highest marks.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Lawmakers- High Court Decision on Guns Shouldn't Affect VA – WTVR.com - A Supreme Court decision declaring a handgun ban in Chicago "unconstitutional" could impact many states, but probably not Virginia.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Scholarship program lauded – The News Record - The Virginia Tobacco Commission’s Scholarship/Forgivable Loan program was recognized by the Southern Growth Policy Board at the 2010 Innovator Awards ceremony held Monday, June 7.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • NEW STATE LAWS ON THE BOOKS – Fredericksburg.com - Tomorrow, 877 new laws will go into effect in Virginia. The laws, passed by the General Assembly during its session at the beginning of the year, cover everything from a locality's ability to cut grass to concealed weapons in bars.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Gulf spill gives Va. lawmakers second thoughts on new policy – The Virginian-Pilot - The record oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing many Virginia lawmakers to rethink their position on a new state policy, signed into law just before the disaster began, that supports oil drilling off the Virginia coast.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Lt. Gov. Bolling: There is light at the end of the tunnel – TriCities.com - Virginia’s chief economic development officer, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, said Tuesday that he can see the light at the end of the recession’s tunnel – and Southwest Virginia is well positioned to take advantage of the economic growth to come.
  • Dreaming big dreams – Southwest Virginia Today - It looks a lot like tourism, but it’s not, at least not entirely, Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission Executive Director Todd Christensen said.
• Senator John Watkins
  • NEW TOW LAW'S GOAL IS SAFETY – Fredericksburg.com - If you are towing an improperly secured trailer on Virginia roads, Ron Melancon is looking for you.

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 Ryan McDougle
  • Sexually Violent Predator Program Strapped for Cash – WTVR.com - A program meant to provide treatment and oversight for violent sex offenders has grown in scope over the last few years- now lawmakers have to figure out how to pay for it.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Groundbreaking held for Scott water project – TimesNews.net - Heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits of local, state and federal officials who gathered in Hiltons Monday morning to help break ground on the Scott County Public Service Authority’s stimulus-funded Otterhouse water project.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Rail Compact holds first meeting – Augusta Free Press - The newly formed Virginia-North Carolina Interstate High Speed Rail Compact held its inaugural meeting Monday at the NCDOT Transportation Building in Raleigh.
  • Virginia senator will chair new two-state oversight board for fast trains – The News & Observer - Determined to dodge extra chores that could get in the way of their re-election priorities this year, two North Carolina politicians deftly engineered the election of a Virginia legislator today as the first chairman of the Virginia-North Carolina Interstate High-Speed Rail Compact.

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

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

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

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

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.