Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

• Wednesday, August 18, 2010
• 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Capital Ale House
• 623 East Main Street, Richmond, VA
• Contact Carli Mugford at 804.398.8928 or carli.mugford@senators4va.com
• 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.

• 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.

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 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 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.

Virginia FREE (Foundation for Research and Economic Education) has just released its annual legislator ratings, and I am pleased to announce that I, along with fellow Senate colleagues Frank Wagner and John Watkins, have received the highest business rating out of the 140 legislators in the Commonwealth! As you all know, one of the cornerstones of my campaign was to work to attract new jobs to Virginia. I am pleased that Virginia FREE has confirmed my ongoing commitment to ensure that our state continues to be business-friendly. For the full report on all of the General Assembly Members, please click here. 

In order for Virginia to prosper economically, retain businesses, and attract new ones, steps must be taken. Government regulations must be kept to a minimum, taxes must remain low, and our transportation network must remain effective. I firmly believe that we must provide strong economic-development programs to assist businesses with attracting jobs, and I will continue to fight for these programs both in Richmond and here in Virginia Beach.

Virginia FREE was created in 1988 by a small group of business leaders who recognized the need for the business community to be more involved in state politics. These leaders believed that having non-partisan information was essential to making sound decisions. Today, Virginia FREE takes great pride in providing the most accurate non-partisan information available to businesses throughout the Commonwealth.

If you support my efforts in the Virginia Senate to help our commonwealth continue to be business-friendly, please consider supporting my campaign financially. Funds are needed to pay off campaign loans and continue to maintain an efficient district office that is available to assist you. For your convenience, you can  click here to make an online donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity.  

Also, to see the invitation for our fundraiser with Governor Bob McDonnell on July 29th, click here.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. McWaters

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

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • Stones' 'Sweet Virginia' would be a sweet state song – Roanoke Times - It's time to put an end to one of this commonwealth's glaring lapses, one that has existed for more than a decade, and one that's been debated back and forth without effective resolution.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney Summarizes New Laws – Hanover County News Flash - Most likely, due to budget constraints, the General Assembly passed limited legislation affecting criminal law or criminal procedure in the Commonwealth. 
• Senator Steven Newman
  • McDonnell administration to convene meeting to break U.S. 29 impasse – Charlottesville Tomorrow - Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton has directed Lynchburg and Charlottesville officials to meet in early August to hammer out disagreements over the future of U.S. 29 through Albemarle County.
  • Lead investigator reacts to Jens Soering decision – WDBJ7.com - We're hearing reaction to the U.S. Attorney General's decision to keep a convicted murderer in Virginia.
  • Haysom relatives on Soering decision: 'It's about time' – The Lynchburg News & Advance - The U.S. Department of Justice decision this week, after six months of thinking it over, to leave convicted murderer Jens Soering in a Virginia prison came as a relief to the family of his victims.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Competition, recession have hurt Va. horse-racing industry – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Virginia's legacy of horse racing is in jeopardy.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Is the stimulus stimulating things in Hampton Roads? – The Virginian-Pilot - The antiquated repair shop where mechanics once worked on Norfolk's street cars is gone.

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 Steven Newman
  • Double-murderer Soering to stay in Virginia – Richmond Times-Dispatch - The U.S. Justice Department is leaving double-murderer Jens Soering in a Virginia prison to serve out his punishment.
  • Update: Jens Soering to Stay in Virginia – WSET.com - The Department of Justice has decided prisoner Jens Soering will not be leaving Virginia.
  • Convicted murderer Soering to remain in Virginia prisons – Lynchburg News & Advance - Heavy opposition from Virginia officials, including Gov. Bob McDonnell, legislators and law enforcement, persuaded the U.S. Department of Justice to leave convicted murderer Jens Soering in a state prison.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Governor Announces Funding Plans for Rest Areas – WHSV.com - Barricades no longer block the entrances to some of the Valley's rest areas, but there's still a lot of attention being paid to the issue of funding them.
  • Catholic involvement ‘critical’ in Virginia abortion funding victory, advocate says – Catholic News Agency - “Countless hours” of behind-the-scenes advocacy helped add significant restrictions on abortion funding to the Virginia budget, the director of the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) has explained.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Ground broken for regional jail – VaNcNews.com - The weather was lovely on Thursday, July 1, for the ground breaking ceremony for the Meherrin River Regional Jail located at the intersection of Boydton Plank Road and Liberty Road.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Menhaden working group misled – Northumberland Echo - It will be interesting to see who shows up at State Sen. Ralph Northern's menhaden management working group meetings when they start later this month.
  • New laws take effect across Commonwealth – Northern Neck News - A number of new Virginia laws went into effect July 1, some of which have much bearing locally, according to state lawmakers.

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.

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our Independence, the Fourth of July." Although I am sure many of you, like me, commemorate a few more birthdays, Jefferson's words are an important reminder of our Independence Day. Today, we celebrate the 234th year since Mr. Jefferson drafted and the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.

I hope you will join me in taking a moment to thank all members of the armed forces for their service to this great Nation. Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.

God Bless you, your family, and the United States of America. 

Sincerely,

Jeff McWaters

Please say a prayer for all the great things about this nation.  May that which our forefathers created continue to receive the blessings of our heavenly father.  Also, take a moment this holiday weekend to remember all of those that have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for our nation’s freedom.  Let us all set aside our differences this weekend and celebrate together.  Thank you so much for your support and I wish you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July.

Around the District

All across the state and nation there are celebrations of the 4th. Last evening South Hill had fireworks.  Today Clarksville, Scottsburg and Scottsville all had parades.  It would be great to be able to attend all.  That, however, is impossible.  I do hope each of you takes the time to celebrate our founding and for what it stands.  There were fireworks in South Hill tonight and there will be fireworks in Meherrin and Gasburg this weekend as well as many other places throughout the district.  Please celebrate responsibly!

A Little History Lesson

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?  Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.  Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed, and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.  What kind of men were they?  Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well-educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

So, let's take a few moments while enjoying our 4th of July holiday and silently appreciate these patriots and thank the God who moved them. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Again, I wish you and your family a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday. 
If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to call me at 434 374 5129 or email me at sen.ruff@verizon.net

Sincerely,

Frank Ruff
15th Senate District

– Focus on New Laws to Take Effect July 1, 2010 including McDougle’s Key Legislation –

Richmond, Virginia:   Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) recognizes citizens are often not aware of new changes to the state Code.  He stresses the importance of several new laws taking effect today, July 1, 2010 as a result of legislation passed earlier in the year at the 2010 General Assembly session.

            The speed limit in certain rural areas will increase and drivers in Virginia may drive a little faster. The statute change increases the general highway speed limit on highways from 65 mph to 70 mph where indicated by lawfully placed signs.  Traffic engineering studies and analysis of available and appropriate accident law-enforcement data will determine which highways in mainly rural will have the increased speed limit.  

            A new law to protect law enforcement and highway workers also takes affect and requires drivers on four-lane highways to “move-over” and yield the right-of-way when approaching vehicles displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights by moving to a lane not adjacent to the vehicle displaying these lights if possible.  The offense is punished as a traffic infraction, formerly a Class 1 misdemeanor.  A second or subsequent offense is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.  The Code now also includes tow trucks or any roadside rescue vehicle with the lights described above.  The provisions do not apply in highway work zones. 

            Turning to subject of insurance, this year a hot issue in the General Assembly was the Health Care Freedom Act, which passed as a result of the new federal health care legislation adopted earlier this year in Congress and signed by the President.  The new law provides that a resident of the Commonwealth will not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance coverage.  The measure also states that no provision of Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia renders a resident liable for any penalty, assessment, fee or fine as a result of the failure to procure or obtain health insurance coverage. 

            On to the area of education, a new law making changes to the approval process for establishing a charter school takes affect July 1st.  Currently, local school boards have the final say in approving charter school applications.  Under the new law, local school boards will still have the final say, but any time they deny an application they will have to put their reasons for doing so in writing.  Also, the new law requires charter school applicants to first submit their applications to the State Board of Education to make sure they meet the minimum criteria. 

            In an expansion of the absentee voting law, as of July 1st general registrars are required, once printed ballots are available, to send an absentee ballot within three business days of receiving a properly completed application.  Failure to do so through willful neglect of duty and with malicious intent is a Class 1 misdemeanor.  Another new law requires that absentee ballots be available 45 days before most elections.  Military and other voters outside the country entitled to vote absentee can use a write-in absentee ballot for all elections, not just federal elections.  The ballot may also serve as a voter registration application for state and local elections.  Absentee ballots cast by such voters received after the polls close but at least two business days before the State Board of Elections ascertains the results of the elections may now be counted. 

            Relating to concealed handguns, several new laws take effect on July 1st.  Of note is a new law which allows a valid concealed weapons permit holder to carry a concealed handgun on into a restaurant or club but prohibits that person from consuming alcoholic beverages.  A person who does consume alcohol in violation of the provisions of the law is guilty of a misdemeanor. 

            Several of the bills Senator McDougle sponsored this year will also become law on July 1, 2010.  A bill Senator McDougle worked closely with the business community to successfully pass through the legislature aims to protect Virginia residents and businesses from potentially significant electricity rate increases due to newly-proposed federal regulations. As a result of the new law, Virginia electricity generators will be able to meet current and future demand despite the enactment of new, more stringent ozone standards proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA).

            A public safety initiative Senator McDougle sponsored which will newly become law this week requires Virginia’s prisoners to utilize income from correctional work programs to be used towards debt owed to the state for court imposed fines, costs, forfeitures, restitution or penalties. The new law encourages positive use of the inmates’ time and supports a quicker assimilation into society.

            Senator McDougle urges citizens to contact him with any questions or comments about new laws taking effect July 1, 2010.  He may be reached at district04@senate.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-730-1026.  Please have a safe and happy Fourth of July week as we celebrate and remember the founding of our great Nation. 

"Independence Day - A Time of Reflection"

Independence Day, which we celebrate on July 4th,

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

it is a day of reflection. 

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

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

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

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

It is a beautiful day when families and friends across the country gather for the fireworks, hot dogs and baseball associated with July Fourth.  As much as we gather for the fun and festivities, we also gather to celebrate this great country's independence.  On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence.  It was not until two days later that they had finally approved their statement describing why they supported Independence.  This document, the Declaration of Independence, was principally authored by Thomas Jefferson and is the most amazing piece of writing in American history.  It is a living document, one that has shaped and guided the decisions of this country from the outset.  At times our government needs to get back to the core principles of the Declaration of Independence and be reminded that statements such as, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all mend are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are just as poignant and applicable today as they were over 200 years ago.

Although John Adams was two days off in predicting the completion of the Declaration of Independence, he wrote, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

So while we now celebrate our day of independence on the Fourth of July with the pomp and parade requested by our forefathers, let us do so while remembering those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom and independence that we hold dear.  From the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 to the Normandy Invasion of 1944 to the ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, brave men and women have made incredible sacrifices so that the freedoms fought for by our forefathers would be protected.

Wherever you might be this weekend, take the time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in such a great country and take the time to thank a veteran for their service.

Regardless of our politics, we can all agree that we truly live in the greatest nation in the world.

Very truly yours,

Senator Tommy Norment

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.

July: the dog days of summer, the season of cookouts and parades, and, of course, the month when new legislation comes into effect. 

Maybe that one didn't make your calendar, but the new laws going into effect today do merit your attention, as some of them will affect you directly. 

Speed limits, for instance. Senate Bill 537 (Newman) authorizes posting interstate highways at 70 miles per hour (mph), up from 65 mph. But don't hit the accelerator just yet: traffic studies have to be conducted, and until you see the highway posted at 70 mph, you should continue to abide by the old speed limit. 

Of course, job creation is a top priority, and that is reflected in several laws that went into effect today. One bill, HB 943 (Landes), creates a new Small Business Jobs Grant Program and Fund to provide grants to small businesses creating at least five new full-time positions within a twelve month period, while another, SB 472, expands the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit to partner with more businesses in job creation. 

Local freshman Delegate Dickie Bell shepherded through HB 1388, establishing virtual school programs, while HB 139 (Peace) and SB 737 (Newman) allow for the creation of college partnership laboratory schools and help expand Virginia's charter school program, respectively, all part of a parental choice effort designed to ensure that every child receives a high quality education. 

Three identical Senate Bills - 283 (Quayle), 311 (Martin), and 417 (Vogel) - provide that Virginia residents shall not be required to obtain individual health insurance against their will, legislation that helps form the basis for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's legal challenge to the "individual mandate" included in the recently enacted federal health care legislation.  

Several notable bills related to the right to bear arms go into effect today. Until now, in the absence of a concealed carry permit, firearms in vehicles had to be carried openly or in plain sight. Under SB 408 (Vogel), it is now permissible for a person who may lawfully possess a firearm to secure it in a locked container or compartment in the vehicle, allowing greater safety and helping to guard against theft of weapons left in plain sight. 

Another bill, SB 334 (Hanger), allows those with a concealed handgun permit to carry the handgun into restaurants provided that the individual does not consume alcohol. Some have criticized the notion that these individuals will refrain from drinking, but it's worth pointing out that individuals willing to flout the law are already carrying concealed weapons into restaurants. This law merely allows law-abiding citizens to do so as well. And rounding out the guns category, SB 3 (Smith) allows existing concealed handgun permit holders to submit their renewal applications by mail. 

Furthermore, SJ 13 (Puller and Stuart) amends the constitution to exempt veterans with a full service-related disability from property taxation, and two other proposed constitutional amendments go before the voters as ballot referendums this November. Senate Bill 547 (Barker) would allow the General Assembly to authorize localities to establish their own financial worth limitations for the purpose of granting property tax relief to retired and disabled homeowners. Another referendum, created by HB 147 (O'Bannon), would increase the size of the Revenue Stabilization Fund - popularly known as the "Rainy Day Fund" - to provide for additional revenue to be set aside in good years to help the Commonwealth weather future economic downturns. 

The budget was, of course, the item that loomed largest during the past session, and as we begin a new fiscal year under the revised budget, we will all have to tighten our belts a little. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that Virginia has set a course for recovery, and, as a member of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, will work to ensure that state government delivers essential services as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

If you have any suggestions for the reform commission, or legislative proposals for next session, please do not hesitate to email me with your ideas. I look forward to hearing from you!  For a more detailed list of new laws taking effect today, look at the list in the news release issued today by the Governor.

With best regards,

Mark D. Obenshain
Virginia State Senator

Sen. Norment Statement on his Appointment to the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education Reform

In response to his appointment to the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment, Senator Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R- James City) issued the following statement:

“I am honored to serve at the request of the Governor on such an important commission.  Now, more than ever, we need to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all Virginians and ensure that the education they are receiving is on the cutting edge of innovation and technology. 

“Higher education has consistently been an economic driver, and in order to attract businesses and high paying jobs to Virginia, it is critical that we develop and retain a well educated work force.

“I am proud to represent the College of William and Mary, Thomas Nelson Community College and Rappahannock Community College in the General Assembly.  These are pre eminent institutions of higher learning and all are integral aspects of their communities.  Like all public institutions of higher learning, they have seen their state support nearly cut in half on a per student basis.  This has caused an unfair burden on the institutions and the students.

“I am honored to be involved in this critical effort and I look forward to working alongside the Governor, institutions of higher education and my colleagues to develop bold new initiatives to further the quality, affordability and accessibility of our colleges and universities.”

The commission is scheduled to meet for the first time on July 12 and will focus on the following:

• Preserving and enhancing the instructional excellence of Virginia's leading universities and of the higher education system as a whole;
• Increasing significantly the percentage of college-age Virginians enrolling in institutions of higher education and attaining degrees;
• Attracting and preparing young people for the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) areas and other disciplines (e.g., healthcare and advanced manufacturing) where skill shortages now exist and/or unmet demand is anticipated;
• Forging new effective public-private partnerships and regional strategies for business recruitment, workforce preparation, and university-based research;
• Making Virginia a national leader in providing higher education opportunities to military personnel and veterans;
• Crafting a sustainable higher education funding model that will systematically move Virginia toward higher levels of educational attainment and economic competitiveness over the next decade-and-a-half;
• Developing innovative ways to deliver quality instruction, cost-saving reform strategies, and affordable new pathways to degree attainment for capable and motivated Virginians regardless of income or background;
• Evaluating strategies to reduce costs through additional college placement testing and accelerated degree completion; and
• Creating effective workforce development programs through expanded use of the Community College System in coordination with the Commission on Economic Development and Job Creation.

Over 900 new pieces of legislation (too many) that were passed during the 2010 General Assembly Session and signed by the Governor go into effect today. As you know, much of our time in Richmond this session was focused on addressing a $4 billion budget shortfall. However, there are a number of interesting pieces of legislation, which will impact all of us. 

Jobs and Economic Development

SB 475 - Strengthens the criteria used for awarding monies from the $25 million Governor's Opportunity Fund.
SB 472 - Lowers the threshold for the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit to 50 full-time jobs from 100, and in economically distressed areas to 25 jobs from 50.
SB 623 - Creates a Green Jobs tax credit of up to $500 per position for up to 350 new green jobs with an annual salary in excess of $50,000.  

Public Safety

SB 486 - Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide information to law-enforcement relating to involvement in or investigations of criminal street gangs.
SB 520 - Adds murder of auxiliary police officers or auxiliary deputy sheriffs to the capital murder statute.
SB 95 - Extends short-term disability benefits for state police officers injured in the line of duty from 125 work days to up to one calendar year. 

Health and Human Resources

SB 417 - A resident of the Commonwealth shall not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance coverage except as required by a court or the Department of Social Services where the individual is named a party in a judicial or administrative proceeding.
SB 652 - Required the Board of Education to develop and distribute to local school divisions guidelines for dealing with concussions in student-athletes.
Budget Amendment 4-5.04 - Limits state funding of abortions to only cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk.  

Transportation

SB 537 - Increases the speed limit to 70 mph on highways that currently have 65 mph speed limits.
HB 1159 - Requires drivers to move left on a four lane highway when approaching vehicles displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights. This provision does not apply in highway work zones.

Military & Veterans' Affairs

SB 151 - Provides that a property owner's association shall not prohibit or otherwise adopt a policy restricting an owner from displaying the flag of the United States whenever such a display is in compliance with the Federal Flag Code.
HJ 127 - Designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth's emblem of service and sacrifice by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty.
SB 31 - Provides for a referendum at the November 2, 2010, election to approve or reject an amendment requiring the General Assembly to provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a veteran, or his or her surviving spouse, if the veteran has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability.

Ethics Reform

SB 512 - Requires legislators to disclose on their Statement of Economic Interest any salary they or members of their immediate families earn from state of local governments or advisory agencies.

2nd Amendment

SB 334 - Allows persons with a concealed handgun permit to carry a handgun concealed onto the premises of a restaurant or club and prohibits them from consuming alcohol.
SB 408 - Allows persons who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private motor vehicle or vessel if it is in a container or compartment.

Enjoy this beautiful holiday weekend!

If you support my stands in the Virginia Senate, would you please support my campaign financially? We need funds to pay off campaign loans and continue running an efficient district office. Click here to make an online donation, and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. McWaters

2010 Legislation to be Implemented on Thursday 

As July 1 quickly approaches, the Commonwealth will be faced with the implementation of almost 900 new pieces of legislation that passed during the 2010 legislative session and were signed into law by the Governor.  Although during the 61-day session the focus was largely on addressing a budget shortfall in excess of $4 billion, a number of significant pieces of legislation passed that will have a substantial impact on the lives of the citizens of Virginia.

Legislation passed this session focused on a wide array of issues including jobs & economic development, public safety, transportation, military & veterans' affairs, ethics reform, health care and the Second Amendment.

Some of the significant pieces of legislation that will take effect on July 1 include:

Jobs & Economic Development

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.

SB 623 Allows tax credits for the creation of "green" jobs.

Public Safety

SB 486 Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide information to law-enforcement relating to involvement in or investigations of criminal street gangs.

SB 520 Adds murder of auxiliary police officers or auxiliary deputy sheriffs to the capital murder statute. 

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

HB 46 Creates the Virginia Defective Drywall Correction and Restoration Assistance Fund to promote the correction and restoration of residential property affected by the environmental problems attributable to defective drywall.

Transportation

SB 537 Increases the speed limits to 70 mph on highways that currently have 65 mph speed limits.

Military & Veterans' Affairs

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 vote in state and local elections, as well as federal elections.

SJ 13 Constitutional amendment to allow the General Assembly to exempt from property taxes any real property that is the principle residence of a veteran (or their widow or widower) who is determined to have a 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability.

Ethics Reform

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.

Health Care

SB 283, SB 311, SB 417 Provide that no resident of the Commonwealth shall be required to maintain a health insurance policy.

Second Amendment

SB 334,HB 505 Allows persons with a concealed handgun permit to carry a handgun concealed  onto the premises of a restaurant or club and prohibits them from consuming alcohol.

SB  408 Allows persons who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private motor vehicle or vessel if it is in a container or compartment 

Regardless of whether you agree with these new laws or not, they will surely have an impact on all Virginians and it is important that you are aware of them.  For further information on new legislation please visit New Laws

Very truly yours,

Senator Tommy Norment

Ruff to Join Governor on Trade Mission to England

(Clarksville, VA)  In an effort to attract British businesses to Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell has asked State Senator Frank Ruff (15^th Senate District, Mecklenburg County) and Delegate Terry Kilgore (Scott County) to join him on a Trade Mission to England in July.

"This is a great opportunity for us to sell the assets of our part of Virginia. We have hard working people and a good quality of life in the region,” said Ruff. “This gives us a chance to make the case for our region directly with folks who might be interested in having an operation in the United States."

Ruff said this business trip could yield great returns.
"There are no guarantees, particularly during this economic downturn, but we are all committed to doing all we can,” said Ruff. “We have a very busy meeting schedule planned and this will be a great opportunity to attract jobs to our part of the state."

Because much of Southern Virginia and Southwest Virginia have experienced higher rates of unemployment than many parts of the state, Governor McDonnell has committed his administration to assist these regions as they try to replace jobs that were lost since textile, furniture, and other industries have left the Southern regions of the state.

Senator Ruff also said that the group is going to work very hard to make this region more desirable to businesses in the UK that may be looking to expand their productions overseas.

Senator Ruff is the Vice Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Commission and Delegate Kilgore is the chairman of the Commission.
The Trade Mission is scheduled for July.

Contact Robbie McMillan with any questions at 434 374 5129 or email sen.ruff@verizon.net

Article Content

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

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

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

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  • 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.

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.

Earlier this week, Secretary of Finance Richard Brown released Virginia's Tax Revenue thru May. When compared to last year, May's general fund revenue collections decreased 0.2%, which beat this year's budget of a 2.3% decrease. In addition, Sales and Use Tax collections saw their first back-to-back months of positive growth since November-December 2008. Those increases, paired with March and April's consecutive growth in general fund revenue, bode well for a positive conclusion to the fiscal year 2010 ending in July. 

All of these numbers are an early but good sign for Virginia. We have budgeted within our means so far and, as we move towards the close of the 2010 fiscal year, have the potential to see a slight budget surplus. However, we are by no means out of this recession. There are still a lot of Virginians and Americans without jobs and losing their homes.

These revenue numbers are a good sign that we are slowly moving in the right direction, but we must reduce the size and cost of government, and create an environment for attracting jobs to an "open for business" Virginia.

Have a great Summer!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. McWaters

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

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

Article Content

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

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

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.

• 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.

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

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

• Senators 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.

For many, Memorial Day is just another three-day weekend and the message of the day can easily be drowned out by the unofficial beginning of summer.  It is important that in the midst of the holiday we take the time to remember the true meaning and importance behind this day.  From the days of our founding fathers to today, our men and women in uniform have marched to the front lines, leaving family and friends to defend this great country.  More than 650,000 American men and women have died in combat since the Revolutionary War and each and every one of them has left a legacy that we will never forget.

On this Memorial Day, we honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to live in freedom.  We must also remember that the pains of war live on in the families that have lost loved ones.  It is our duty to care for the widows, widowers and orphans of those who have fallen and console anyone who is going through the trauma of losing a loved one.

Among the countless heroes we honor this Memorial Day are two young men from our Third District who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the War on Terror.  U.S. Army Sergeant Paul E. Dumont Jr. of Williamsburg passed away on August 19, 2009 while serving at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.  U.S. Army Sergeant Mason Lee Lewis of Gloucester died on November 16, 2007 in Baghdad Iraq.  This Memorial Day, we honor and remember Sergeant Dumont and Sergeant Lewis and their families among the many brave men and women who gave their lives for their country.

Poem of Remembrance

Memorial

© 2007 Dean C. Broome, MD JD.

Here's to those who paid the price

And stood atop the wall,

Who didn't call it sacrifice,

But duty to a call.

Beyond our power to add, detract,

Or honor with parade,

Or praise with words all copper-plaqued,

In public squares displayed,

They held the line, they took the brunt

Directed at our flank.

From general to lowly grunt

Now "hero" is their rank.

For some - unknown - the laurel wreaths

Must rest on unnamed graves.

For others still, their God bequeaths

No slabs or architraves.

For other heroes, living hearts

Still speak aloud their name.

Their daughters, sons, and better-parts -

To memories lay claim.

Some met the foe with angry eye;

Some trembled at the fray;

Some grieved for wife and family;

Some paused to kneel and pray.

Yet, as their hour approached its mark

And minutes became rare,

All gazed into the dreaded dark,

And stood - where we weren't - there.

We praise with words their bravery,

Their steadfast soldiers' hands,

That shielded us from slavery

And wrack from foreign lands.

Now pause awhile, and think on them.

Let recollection stir

To memory, through this artless hymn,

Of those and who they were.

It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia General Assembly.  If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.  With kindest regards, I remain

 Very truly yours,

Senator Tommy Norment

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.

• 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
  • 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.

Greetings!

Over the years I have spoken to many groups, but the group I addressed yesterday was particularly special.  I had the great honor of speaking at a naturalization ceremony to a group of twenty-eight new citizens moments after they had taken the Oath of Allegiance.

Hailing from nineteen countries on four continents, these twenty-eight joined in one voice to swear their allegiance to the United States, declaring that they "support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and "will bear true faith and allegiance to the same."

It was a powerful moment, but only one of several during the ceremony. After local patriotic and service organizations had extended welcome to our newest citizens, Judge Welsh of the U.S. District Court for Harrisonburg opened up the floor to the new citizens, and a number of them took the opportunity to share why they sought citizenship, and what this country means to them.

The first to speak was an Iranian immigrant who said, "My husband fell in love with this country's capitalism, and I fell in love with this country's people." Another immigrant contrasted the poverty of his home country with the opportunities he has found here. One after another, they cited America's freedom, opportunity, and welcoming people, and in case it wasn't already sufficiently apparent, the miniature flags clutched by their friends and relatives, and the enthusiasm with which these new citizens and their friends and family said the Pledge of Allegiance, testified to the patriotism and love of country already present in these twenty-eight.

This was the first naturalization ceremony I've ever attended, and I just wanted to share some of that experience with you. If you know any of the twenty-eight who became American citizens yesterday, I hope you'll seek them out and congratulate them. And even if you don't, I hope you'll take a moment to reflect upon what citizenship means to you.

As I told these twenty-eight, citizenship is a powerful thing, and in this country, there is no higher title than that of citizen. Those of us who have known nothing else tend to take its privileges for granted - but I can assure you that these twenty-eight do not. We can all learn something from them, and maybe capture a measure of their enthusiasm.

The debate rages on about illegal immigration and its social and economic costs, and the issue returned to the forefront of public consciousness with the passage of controversial legislation in Arizona. It seems worthwhile, therefore, to take a moment to pay tribute to those who pursue citizenship through the naturalization process. We are, after all, nations of immigrants - as well as a nation of laws - and those who go through the process are to be commended - and welcomed.

One of my favorite Presidents, Ronald Reagan, once spoke of receiving a letter that stuck with him. You can go live in Turkey, the letter said, but you can't become a Turk. You can go to live in Japan, but you cannot become Japanese - or German, or French. But, he concluded, "Anyone from any corner of the world can come to America and be an American."

Yesterday, these twenty-eight did just that, and it was moving to behold.

During the ceremony, I could not help but think that this really is what America is all about. This really is a country based on a shared idea, not a shared history, and this diverse group of immigrants, from many nations and just as many walks of life, came together because they share the core convictions that shape our nation; because they believe that America is a great country, and that they wanted it to be their country.

Yesterday, they realized that dream. The rest of us, meanwhile, would do well to reflect, from time to time, on what these immigrants clearly understand: what a great privilege it is to be a citizen of the United States of America.

Thank you for granting me the opportunity to share this experience with you.

With best regards,

Mark D. Obenshain
Virginia State Senator

Last week I attended a  meeting with people from fourteen states from Maryland to Texas.We discussed and planned a better course for those rural communities.  Each state has experienced growth in the metropolitan parts of the state, while the rural sections have not kept pace.  This trend must be reversed.  Below is the media release.

Rural leaders meet to map out future regional policies

      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.
     A fourteen State convening of over one hundred local, regional, state, and federal representatives of the rural South met May 11 and 12, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Sponsored by Partners for Rural America, a national association of State Rural Development Council's and Rural Centers.  This was one of four regional gatherings across the United States.  The focus was to determine if the challenges faced in rural America can better be addressed regional, looking beyond state borders. Public policies and programs that preserve and enhance the quality of rural living in each Southern State were identified. 
    The event was chaired by Glen Sink, Executive Director of the  Center and Council for Rural Virginia.  State Senator Frank Ruff (Mecklenburg), Chairman of the Center for Rural Virginia, welcomed participants on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia and  Governor, Bob McDonnell.
    According to Ruff, the purpose of the event was to strengthen the relationship between those from the various states working in the realm improving the economy and the opportunities in the rural regions.  This includes those that are in the public sector as well as those involved with non-profit organizations, and private entities  that serve the people of the Southern region of the United States. 
      Presentations focused on comparing  changes that have occurred over the last decade in the rural regions of the South in comparison to the more  urban centers.  Those presentations compared both economic and demographic changes.
     Participants began developing innovative policy changes that could be implemented to enhance the rural economy and its workforce. Among the issues discussed was how better to be involved in alternative energy development and how to better use broadband accessibility for those who choose to live and work in rural sectors of the America.      
     Ruff, Sink, and past Rural Virginia Council Chairman Oliver McBride agreed with Weldon Cooper's Randy Arno when he said  "Each state needs one organization for the rural areas of that State to turn to as as a one stop resource to provide the most up to date information regarding best practices available to better serve their communities.  This organization would work on behalf of rural areas to collect and distribute examples of innovative programs that improve rural opportunity, gather workforce data and improve coordination, deploy broadband for business and home use, and develop sustainable energy alternatives.  Hopefully, the needs of each unique rural place will influence the design and the delivery of local, state, and federal programs."
   Glen is the Executive Director  of both the Federally sanctioned Council  for Rural Va and the  Center for Rural Virginia a public-private  partnership between the private sector and state government chaired by State Senator Frank Ruff (Mecklenburg)

Any time that you have a question or comment you can reach my office at 434-374-5129 or email me at sen.ruff@verizon.net or write me at P.O. Box 332,  Clarksville, Va 23927

Sincerely,

Frank Ruff
15th Senate District

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 Stephen Newman
  • Lynchburg leaders ask for state help to break U.S. 29 bypass impasse – Lynchburg News & Advance - The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and state Sen. Steve Newman are asking the governor and attorney general to help break “a 20-year impasse on the proposed Charlottesville bypass of U.S. 29.”
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • First, prove mining can be safe – The Virginian-Pilot - If there are 119 million pounds of uranium beneath Pittsylvania County, and the state legislature lifts the current mining moratorium, lots of people are going to get jobs.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Alpha Natural Resources holds groundbreaking for new headquarters – TriCities.com - From drawing board to Tuesday’s groundbreaking, Alpha Natural Resources’ new $21 million corporate headquarters already has grown by more than 20 percent.

Senator McDougle Appointed to Governor’s

Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring 

Richmond, Virginia:  On Friday, Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring.  This Commission was created moments after Governor McDonnell took office by Executive Order Number Two.  The purpose of the Commission is to examine ways to make state government more efficient and effective and streamline areas of inefficient and unnecessary services, focusing on the core functions of government.   

“I’m honored and excited to start working with the other members of the Commission to find ways to save our taxpayer dollars and restructure areas of waste and duplication in state government.  The Commonwealth should be using the most efficient methods to carry out everyday government services.  Especially in this challenging economic time, families and individuals have cut spending and I feel strongly that state government must do the same,” said Senator McDougle.    

In the a press release Governor McDonnell issued on May 7, 2010, the Governor remarked, "We must make government simpler and easier to use, more efficient and more effective. That is the work of this Commission. The Commission members will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s agencies, programs, and services to find out how we can make our state government work better for its owners, the people of Virginia. I look forward to working with these reform-minded leaders to examine how Virginia can better serve the taxpayers. Our state and local government employees have made Virginia one of the best managed states in the nation and just like them, I will always seek to make us even better." 

The Commission will be meeting soon during the next month and will complete its first report to the Governor by July 16, 2010.  A final report will recommendations of the Commission will be made by December 1, 2010.   

The core responsibilities of the Commission are as follows:  

1. Identify opportunities for creating efficiencies in state government, including streamlining, consolidating, or eliminating redundant and unnecessary agency services, governing bodies, regulations and programs 
2. Explore innovative ways to deliver state services at the lowest cost and best value to Virginia taxpayers 
3. Seek out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core state functions, including potential privatization of government operations where appropriate, and restore focus on core mission oriented service 
4. Examine ways for state government to be more transparent, user friendly and accountable 

Senator McDougle represents the Fourth Senate district which includes the counties of Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King William, King and Queen, Middlesex and part of Spotsylvania County. 

Alert!
Good people are needed to serve on boards and commissions of state government.  Governor McDonnell must appoint citizen members to serve in various positions.  If you believe you would like to serve in this way and your background and interests are compatible for one of these appointments, let me know right away.

There’s Oil in Them There Shells

There has been a lot of talk about the recent oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the impact that it would have if off shore drilling rigs set up off the coast of the Virginia.   I am waiting to read the official report of the accident and hope to find out why this happened and what will be done to prevent this from happening in the future.

Some use this as an argument against drilling off the coast of Virginia; however, before we make hard decisions about that there are three things to look at and consider.  First, note how many drilling sites, both Mexican and American, are located in the Gulf of Mexico, and remember this is the first of such spills.  Second, if you look at the maps that show where the oil slick might move, and consider current drilling stations to our south, either from the gulf or between Cuba and Florida, this slick could affect the waters of Virginia.   Lastly, remember that currently Cuba is under contract to drill off the coast of Florida, as well as other contracts that have been or will be awarded.  Should we be more concerned about their drilling precautions and regulation or those of ours that we control?  The question is not will the drilling occur, but rather, who will do the drilling and under what standards of safety. 

Immigration – whose job is it anyway?

Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of discussion about the new immigration laws in Arizona.  Some are claiming that they are unconstitutional and that they violate the rights of illegal immigrants.   The real issue, however, is not what is happening in Arizona.  The issue is what is not happening in Washington D.C.  It is extremely unfortunate that the leaders in Washington refuse to do anything about illegal immigrants. 

With unemployment levels hovering at 10% and a broken economy crippling our nation, Washington needs to get stricter on controlling our borders.  Furthermore, in addition to over burdening our schools, prisons and hospitals, illegals send billions of dollars out of the country every year.  That is money that could be spent in our localities and our country.  If, however, the Federal government continues to ignore the problem, other states will be forced to start taking matters into their own hands to protect their citizens.

Again, thank you for helping me know what your concerns are.  If you have any concerns email me at sen.ruff@verizon.net or call my office at 434 374 5129.

Sincerely,

 Frank Ruff
15th Senate District

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

• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Protesters oppose offshore drilling – Daily Press – Less than 24 hours after the federal government put the skids on new offshore drilling projects, environmental activists staged a mock oil spill on Virginia Beach's boardwalk.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Local pharmaceutical hopes to develop, market new drugs – TriCities.com - Hundreds of new jobs could be on their way to Southwest Virginia, said Keith Latham, president and chief scientist of Innovative Technologies, a drug development company operating in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park.

Obenshain Appointed to Governor's
Commission on Government Reform

Appointment Provides an Opportunity to Promote
Smaller, More Efficient, Streamlined Government

HARRISONBURG -- Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Governor McDonnell for granting him the opportunity to serve on the new Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, created by Executive Order No. 2 moments after McDonnell took office on January 16.
"It is an honor to be appointed to serve on the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring," said Obenshain. "A serious examination governmental priorities and the manner in which state government provides services is long overdue. Governor McDonnell recognizes that 'we've always done it this way' is not a reason in and of itself, and that especially now, while revenues are low, it is essential that we prioritize and find more efficient and effective ways to provide key services. Streamlining government will not solve all our problems, but it is a vital step in the right direction."
The commission, to be chaired by Fred Malek, the founder and chairman of Thayer Capital Partners, consists of a bipartisan group of current and former legislators, local government officials, businesspeople, administration officials, and policy analysts from across the Commonwealth. Senator Obenshain is one of four senators tapped to serve, alongside Senators Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington), Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover), and Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).
The Commission is charged with identifying opportunities for creating efficiencies in state government, exploring innovative ways to deliver state services at a better value to Virginia taxpayers, seeking out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core state functions, and examine ways for state government to be more transparent and accountable.
"Anyone who has ever interacted with state government knows how frustrating the process can be," said Obenshain. "Our responsibility is to scrutinize both what and how government delivers, and to ask whether services can be delivered more effectively and efficiently - and even, sometimes, whether government should be delivering it at all."
A leading proponent of auditing the Virginia Department of Transportation, a proposal adopted by the Governor, and of exploring opportunities to privatize Virginia's ABC stores, Senator Obenshain has long made government reform a top priority. "Serving on the Commission affords me an opportunity to push for much-needed changes in the way Virginia does business," said Obenshain.
"Governor McDonnell and I are both strong advocates of government reform, and I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues on the new reform commission," said Obenshain.
The Commission will hold its first meeting within the next month and will complete its initial report to the Governor by July 16, with a final report with recommendations to be issued by December 1.
Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Virginia Senate. The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock and Rockingham (part).
ON THE WEB:
Mark's website: http://www.markobenshain.com
Mark's Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/markobenshainI look forward to serving you in this new capacity. If you have any ideas or suggestions for government reform, moreover, I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me by telephone at (540) 437-1451 or via email at mark@markobenshain.com. Many of the best ideas come from those "on the ground" dealing with government, so if you have ideas that should be brought before the Commission, I want to hear from you!

Article Content

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Anne F
College of William and Mary                                                   


 Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Walter Stosch

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

• 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 Ralph Smith
  • GOP sees lessons to learn from loss – The Roanoke Times - Roanoke Republicans ran a full slate of candidates in Tuesday's city council election for the first time in eight years.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Va. governor keeps eye on drilling prize – The Daily Press - Gov. Bob McDonnell remains committed to making Virginia the first East Coast state to explore offshore oil and gas resources, despite the ever-worsening Gulf Coast oil spill and wilting political support for new drilling.

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 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 Tommy Norment
  • TNCC to Recognize Local, State Leaders During May 15 Commencement – Thomas Nelson Community College - Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) will recognize several government officials and community members for their contributions in education and public service during its 41st commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hampton University Convocation Center.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Gulf Disaster Changes (Some) Va. Pols’ Plans – NBCWashington.com – What may have seemed like easy money -- environmentalists’ objections notwithstanding -- no longer seems like a safe bet for some politicians who support drilling for oil and natural gas off Virginia’s coastline.
  • Virginia backers of offshore drilling still in favor but urge study – Richmond Times-Dispatch - Supporters of drilling for oil and natural gas off the Virginia coast still want to "drill, baby, drill" -- but not so fast.

Now that we have completed the regular 2010 session, I am focused on the additional responsibilities that I have as a legislator.  This includes the various commissions that I serve on such as the Tobacco Commission, the Center for Rural Virginia, the King Commission, and the Small Business Commission.   As a legislator, I am also invited to and honored to join various groups such as the regional Rescue Squad Competition Awards ceremony as I did Saturday evening.

 Virginia’s Rural Center

The Center for Rural Virginia had its spring meeting in Lynchburg last week.  Legislation passed during the session added the Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce and Trade to the Center's Board.  It has been my honor to serve as the chairman of the Center since its creation several years ago.  Over the course of this time we have tried to help other parts of the state better understand the challenges and opportunities in rural Virginia.  This year we were selected as the lead organization along with USDA Rural Development in putting together a rural forum for the 14 Southern states.  This will be held on the 11th and 12th of May.  Additionally we will be setting up regional meetings of legislators, local government, and business leaders to discuss how better to address the issues we in rural Virginia face.

 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

All things that are made, regardless if by individuals or government have impacts.  We must always consider not only the direct effect of those decisions but also the secondary effects.  When Congress passed the National Healthcare legislation, it set up a series of decisions that states, businesses, and families will have to make.
   States  The additional funds to pay for the state portion of Medicaid are expected to be close to $2 billion.  This will take effect in a couple of years as we try to come out of the depth of the recession. Just when teachers and state employees were expecting restored funding, we will be forced to find $2 billion new tax revenue.  If the economy is growing, this will eat up projected growth.
   Businesses will face increased premium rates because of federal policy that will drive rates.  Some businesses will chose to shift a greater portion of the monthly premiums to the employees.  Others will opt to get out of the health insurance benefit completely, choosing instead to simply pay the $2000 penalty for each employee.  Some of those will pass the difference to the employees to buy insurance on their own, others will not.
   Families will fall into two categories - those that had a preexisting condition that made health insurance impossible to obtain, will be better served by the federal legislation.  Those that had insurance will be faced with higher premiums for several reasons.  First, group policies must factor in the preexisting conditions of others.  Second, the employer may have to reduce the company's portion of that bill - shifting more to the employees.  Still others may have their employer simply drop the insurance benefit.
     Some families will pay the higher rates. Others, however, will choose to drop their insurance and simply pass the federal penalty until they have health problems.  This of course will leave groups with smaller, less healthy groups.  This too will increase premiums of those who stay in the group.

I have been trying to stay in closer contact with folks either through these emails, speaking with civic organizations, or the tele-town hall we held last month.  I hope to continue to improve our relationship. If I can be of assistance, please call me. If you have legislation that you want me to consider, thoughts on recent legislation, or would like for me to speak at your civic groups next meeting, please email me at  sen.ruff@verizon.net  or call me at 434 374 5129.

Sincerely,

 Frank Ruff
15th Senatorial District

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
  • Cash-strapped states go online, hoping to tax sales – The Washington Post - For years, consumers have counted a legal quirk that allows many Internet retailers to forgo charging sales tax as one of the perks of shopping online.
  • Riverstone Funding Approved – The Gazette-Virginian - The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission has approved $471,000 for a power upgrade project at Riverstone Technology Park.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Leaf Comm. funding okayed – South Hill Enterprise - The full Virginia Tobacco Commission (VTC) met Thursday to approve a variety of grants for the Southside Virginia region including a $1,250,000 grant to the Mecklenburg County Industrial Development Authority to be used to purchase and refurbish the Harden Manufacturing Facility at the Airport Industrial Complex in La Crosse.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Va. coast wind farm wouldn't harm Navy operations – Winston-Salem Journal - A new report says a wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach wouldn't affect Navy or NASA operations in the area.
  • Offshore wind could supply 10% of Virginia's power demands – The Daily Press - An offshore wind farm could provide 10 percent of Virginia's electricity demands without interfering with Defense Department operations, a new report states.

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

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

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

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

Article Content

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

• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Lawmaker: Spending more for uranium socioeconomic study ‘not wise’ – Danville News - If a Virginia Beach study finds uranium mining and milling detrimental to Lake Gaston, then a socioeconomic study of the industry would be pointless, said a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission’s executive committee.
  • Reseeding Virginia’s tobacco region – Virginia Business - When Paul Farrar walked into a hotel banquet room in Martinsville a few years ago for the 10-year reunion of his high school class, he did what anyone would do.
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • General Assembly adopts gun-safety program for children – Loudoun Times – A new law recently adopted by the General Assembly will require the state’s education department to draft a gun-safety program for elementary school children.

Article Content

Last week my colleagues and I returned to Richmond for the one day Reconvened Session. This day gave us an opportunity to act on the Governor's recommendations to the bills passed during the legislative session. We also voted on the Governor's amendments to the 2011-2012 biennial budget. 

There were just under 100 amendments to the budget. I would like to highlight a few that will have a strong impact right here in Virginia Beach. First, we approved $1.8 million to restore funding to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. This hospital provides a critical service to our community. I have heard from many constituents on how this has personally affected their lives. Second, we approved $1.9 million for the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Program, which is based right here in Virginia Beach at Camp Pendleton. This program provides an invaluable service by intervening in the lives of at-risk youth by teaching the values, skills, education, and self-discipline needed to produce responsible and productive citizens. I worked hard, along with Delegate Knight, to advocate for the ChalleNGe Program and was very pleased to see the Governor agree with our recommendation. Third, we approved amendments to equalize the state's public employee retirement system to ensure local and state employees are treated the same regarding payment of retirement benefits. 

Additionally there were a few approved amendments that give the Governor more tools to help attract jobs and businesses to the Commonwealth. We approved an amendment to restore $6 million to the Governor's Opportunity Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide grants or loans to localities to assist in the creation of new jobs and investment. Earlier this week, the Governor announced that Northrop Grumman chose Virginia as the home of its new corporate headquarters. The move will bring 300 new jobs to the Commonwealth and is a great example of how the Governor's Opportunity Fund is used. Finally, we reinstated a critical tax deduction for Virginia's manufacturers to help foster job growth across the state.

Not only did this past Sunday mark Governor McDonnell's 100th day in office, but it marked my 103rd day of legislative service. Although we are back from Session, things have not slowed down around the district. Our second TeleTown Hall was a huge success with over 2,000 people participating from the comfort of their own home. Once again, we asked a number of survey questions to gauge your position on various issues. 

From this survey, we learned that 80% of respondents were pleased in some way with our final budget. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they would oppose a tax increase to fund transportation, leaving 46% supportive of an increase. Once again an overwhelming majority, 63% of respondents, felt that no one should be required to purchase health insurance. Lastly, 84% were pleased with my job performance during this year's session. If you did not participate in the survey, I hope that you were pleased as well.

Looking toward next year, my staff and I are beginning to research legislation for the 2011 Session. If you have an idea for a bill please email Ross Grogg (ross@jeffmcwaters.com) with your suggestion.

I look forward to seeing you and your family around the district. If there is anything my office can ever do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone (757-965-3700) or by email (info@jeffmcwaters.com).

If you support my stance in the Virginia Senate, would you please consider supporting my campaign financially? We need funds to pay off campaign loans and continue running an efficient district office. Click here to make an online donation, and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Jeff

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 Stephen Newman
  • Virginia Infanticide Amendment Becomes Law – Associated Content - An amendment that was created to correct a troubling loophole in Virginia state law that did not criminalize mothers who killed their newborn babies, has been passed by both houses of legislature and deemed immediately effective.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Groups To Honor Beloved Forester Alex Williamson – The Gazette-Virginian - Halifax County Supervisors along with members of the Halifax and South Boston Town Councils are expected to approve and present a resolution tonight honoring well-known forester William Alexander “Alex” Williamson of Alton.

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

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

• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Va. lawmakers say EPA’s runoff rules use inaccurate data – Charlottesville Daily Progress - A federal agency has cited inaccurate statistics in building a case for tougher stormwater regulations, two Virginia lawmakers said Tuesday.
  • Veteran state legislators cite faulty EPA stormwater claims – The Mechanicsville Local - Two veteran members of the Virginia General Assembly, Del. Tim Hugo of Clifton and Sena. Ryan McDougle of Mechanicsville, announced the release of a letter Wednesday to Gov. Bob McDonnell, which noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Chesapeake Bay Program has been using faulty data in their efforts to encourage the six Bay states and the District of Columbia to strengthen their stormwater management regulations.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Measure allows murder charge in infant death cases – Lynchburg News Advance - Legislation will take effect immediately that allows authorities to charge a woman with murder if she kills her newly born infant while the umbilical cord is still attached.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Virginia legislature restricts abortion funding – The Washington Post - The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday accepted proposals from Gov. Robert F. McDonnell to restrict state funding for abortions, expand spending on economic development and raise fines for speeders, but lawmakers resisted some cuts he had sought for social services.
• Senator Ralph Smith
  • Republicans Hold Mass Meeting and Women’s Convention – Roanoke Star-Sentinel - On Thursday evening, the Roanoke County Administration Building was packed to capacity for the Roanoke County Republican Mass Meeting. 
  • Bills sink and swim   – OldDominionWatchdog.org - Gov. Bob McDonnell had already signed nearly 800 bills into law when he brought more than one hundred amendments to bills for legislators to approve or reject on Wednesday.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Efforts Fail to Change Virginia’s Worker Compensation Death Presumption Law – Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers - Virginia has a rather peculiar workers compensation law. If the worker is found dead at the scene of his/her accident, the worker's accident is "presumed" to have arisen out of his work.
• Senator William Wampler
  • House preserves funding for public radio, child services – Richmond Times Dispatch - The House of Delegates today rejected Gov. Bob McDonnell’s amendments to reduce funding for public radio and television and for the Comprehensive Services Act, which provides services for needy children.

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
  • 2 Va. lawmakers say stormwater statistics are faulted – Richmond Times Dispatch - A federal agency has cited inaccurate statistics in building a case for tougher stormwater regulations, two Virginia lawmakers said yesterday.
  • Legislators call EPA runoff statistic inaccurate – The Richmond Times Dispatch - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited an inaccurate statistic in calling for tougher storm-water regulations, two state lawmakers said today.

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
  • Center of promise – The News Virginian - State and local government officials and site developers gathered Saturday in a former Waynesboro industrial plant to discuss how the property might be turned into an economic driver.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Sen. McDougle & Del. Hugo Host Press Conference on Faulty EPA Stormwater Claims – RyanMcDougle.com - Two veteran members of the Virginia General Assembly and co-chairs of the Joint Republican Business Caucus, Delegate Tim Hugo of Clifton, Virginia and Senator Ryan McDougle of Mechanicsville, Virginia announced the release of a letter today to Governor Bob McDonnell, which noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Chesapeake Bay Program has been using faulty data in their efforts to encourage the six (6) Bay states and the District of Columbia to strengthen their stormwater management regulations. 
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • VDOT studies highway speed limit increases – The Northern Virginia Daily - Studies are underway to determine what sections of Virginia's highways could have an increased speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph beginning this summer.
• Senator Richard Stuart
  • Virginia governor praises Norfolk District's exceptional environmental stewardship – www.army.mil - Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell recently awarded the 2010 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, for demonstrated commitment to land stewardship in Virginia through the protection of Crow's Nest peninsula.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • McDonnell names 64 to jobs-creation commission – Richmond Times Dispatch – Gov. Bob McDonnell pulled from a cross-section of prominent state business leaders and legislators to fill the job-creation commission he established with his first executive order.

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
  • Fly fishing festival features proposal – The News Virginian - An event growing in attendance over the past decade, the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival in Waynesboro this weekend will feature the unveiling of an innovative economic development plan to state officials.
  • Center of promise – Waynesboro News - State and local government officials and site developers gathered Saturday in a former Waynesboro industrial plant to discuss how the property might be turned into an economic driver.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • York-Poquoson court officials bracing for funding-related strains – The Daily Press - Come July, there may be no more pay for substitute judges in 19 Virginia courts with vacancies on the bench. That could potentially create a caseload logjam in the already-stressed York-Poquoson Circuit Court system.
• Senator Mark Obenshain
  • Officials react to proposed jail funds – Northern Virginia Daily - Reaction among regional jail proponents to Gov. Bob McDonnell's apparent last-minute save of the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail has been cautiously optimistic.
  • Hundreds Gather for Tea Party – Harrisonburg Times – On Tax Day, Thursday April 15th, hundreds of citizens congregated on the lawn at Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg.
  • Scenes from The Tea Party – The Virginia Conservative - I’m pleased to announce that the Tea Party gathering in downtown Harrisonburg on Tax Day went quite well.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Leaf Committee recommends local funding – South Hill Enterprise - The Virginia Tobacco Commission (VTC) Southside Economic Development Committee decided Thursday to recommend a $1,250,000 grant to the Mecklenburg County Industrial Development Authority to be used to purchase and refurbish the Harden Manufacturing Facility at the Airport Industrial Complex in La Crosse.

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.

Having finished the regular session, we now go back for what is known as the reconvened or veto session on Wednesday, April 21, 2010.  During that time, we will be taking up a considerable amount of amendments proposed by the Governor on legislation that passed the General Assembly in the 2010 session.

There were a couple of amendments that were brought to my attention which I believe are worth noting to you as we enter this veto session.  As you are aware, I voted against this biennial budget for multiple reasons.  Two of the problems that I saw with the budget the Governor is now proposing to fix.

First, the budget allowed localities to require local government employees and teachers to pay their 5% employee retirement contributions.  The problem that I saw with this is that this was not something that was being required of state employees or anyone else, and they were changing the rules on these employees in midstream.  In other words, this was a benefit that the employees had bargained for when they took their position.  I supported the bill to make some revisions for new employees with regard to the retirement system, but I believe it is patently unfair to change the rules in midstream for employees.  I would like to praise the Governor for proposing this amendment.  At the end of the day, this means that the rules will not be changed for existing employees and they will get what they bargained for when they took the position.  Also, everyone will be treated equally across the state.

Secondly, one of my great concerns with the budget was the fact that it eliminated what is commonly referred to as the manufacturer’s deduction or the Virginia Domestic Production Activity deduction.  What happened was the federal internal revenue code deleted this deduction and then the state sought to align their code with the feds.  But the loss of that deduction was a disincentive to manufacturers in Virginia.  As you know, you can’t buy anything today without looking at the label and seeing “made in China.”  That, I believe, will be prove to be the greatest stumbling block to our economic recovery because the only way we will have a real and meaningful economic recovery is if we get back to manufacturing and stop buying everything from overseas, which in turn means that the jobs go overseas and we send all of our money overseas.  The Governor has proposed to fix this, which, again, I praise his efforts on this.  It is incredibly important for job creation and job retention and is one of the most important things we can do to incentivize manufacturing, which helps us all.

There are many other amendments proposed.  These two are probably the most significant that I am advised of.  However, I will report further as to other amendments that I believe are of interest to you as we go forward.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to serve you in the State Senate.  If I can be of any service, I can be reached at my senate office, 804-698-7528, P. O. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218 or my district office, 804-493-8892, P. O. Box 1146, Montross, Virginia 22520, or by email at richard@stuartforsenate.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 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 Emmett Hanger
  • Local Legislators Talk State Budget Cuts – WHSV.com - State budget cuts may mean harsh consequences for valley businesses.  Local legislators gathered in Harrisonburg to explain exactly how these cuts could affect the community. Specifically, they say it's simply a trickle down effect for business owners.
  • Funding situation focus of meeting – Waynesboro News - Augusta County Supervisor Nancy Sorrells thinks of new road projects differently than most people and that makes VDOT’s shrinking revenue stream for new roads a problem.
  • Governor Bob McDonnell Signs VA Restaurant Carry into Law! – National Rifle Association - Governor Bob McDonnell has signed into law a NRA-backed measure allowing right-to-carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants, providing they do not consume alcohol.  State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) and Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) were the principal sponsors of Senate Bill 334/House Bill 505.
• Senator Ryan McDougle
  • Session’s impact on businesses addressed – The Mechanicsville Local - Hanover County’s legislative delegation told members of the business community how recent legislation could affect their operations in the county.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • State to end free online tax-filing service – GoDanRiver.com - For the past 10 years, Virginia has offered an online service that allows nearly every taxpayer in the commonwealth to file their state income-tax return for free.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • Governor’s office on brewery case – The Virginia Gazette - A representative of Gov. Bob McDonnell said Tuesday that his office is well aware of the importance of the Anheuser-Busch InBev brewery locally and statewide.

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

• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Leaders discuss reform's impact on free clinics – The Northern Virginia Daily - Even health care reform can't end the need for free clinics, say some experts and at least one local Virginia legislator.

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
  • Museum Displays Frontier Spirit Despite Cuts – WHSV.com - They have had their budget slashed like many other museums, but Executive Director of the Frontier Culture Museum John Avoli is handling the budget cuts with the same frontier spirit his museum represents.
• Senator Steve Newman
  • Lynchburg lawmakers post strong showing in Assembly – The News & Advance - If getting bills passed is a reasonable way to measure a legislator's success, the five delegates and one senator who represent the Lynchburg region in the General Assembly had a good year in Richmond.
• Senator Tommy Norment
  • How long will York's Circuit Court seat go unfilled? – The Daily Press - A key York County and Poquoson judgeship that has gone unfilled since the sudden death of a sitting judge in 2008 could stay vacant a lot longer.

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

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

We are just two weeks away from the Governor's Veto session (April 21st).  It is in this session that any changes that the Governor proposes to veto or make changes to bills including the budget are presented to the General Assembly.   We will vote to either accept or reject those amendments or vetoes. A veto can be overridden only with a super majority.  The Governor's amendments to legislation are agreed to by a simple majority.

More Legislation and how it affects you

Many proposals that lack merit are killed by the committees in the respective bodies.  Others that may have some merit are successful in either the House or the Senate before folks start to realize that they may have undesired side effects such as having a cost when the state cannot afford more expense. Others get caught up in the politics between the affluent parts of the state and the less affluent parts, between the rural parts and the urban parts, between the political parties, or between personalities.

A proposal to sell off the state's alcohol sales at ABC stores went nowhere this year. This has been discussed for years without a real plan of how to do it successfully. Possibly next year there will be a plan that will work.

 Another proposal that has been heard before would allow the death penalty for those who direct murder not just the individual who pulls the trigger in such situations. Often, with gangs, the job of committing the actual murder is passed down to a newer member as a rite of passage into the gang. Why should the one who orders the murder get a lesser sentence? I voted for this bill last year when it passed both bodies but was vetoed by Governor Kaine. This year it never made it out of the Senate Courts committee. 

Tele Town Hall

On Wednesday night I hosted my very first Tele-Town Hall Meeting. This was a chance for me speak directly with folks over the telephone.   As with anything new, there were lessons learned. However most believed it worked reasonably well.  It gave me greater respect for those radio shows that receive call-ins.  When folks had a question, they went into a line to ask in order as received. Everyone got to hear the conversation.  During the conference I was able to speak to over 2,500 people. I gave three poll questions during the session.

66% of those polled consider jobs and the economy the most important issue that is before us in Richmond.  13% said healthcare was most important and  22% felt education was the most important.

 97% of those polled felt like the tele-townhall is a good way to talk about the issues.

Finally 91% of those polled felt that the recently passed federal healthcare legislation will make healthcare less available and/or more expensive to far more than it will help.

Overall I was encouraged by the response from the Tele-town Hall.  If you have concerns that you would like to share with me, please do not hesitate to email me or call my office.
 sen.ruff@verizon.net or 434-374-5129.

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
  • Governor signs online learning bill at Brookville – Lynchburg News & Advance - Gov. Bob McDonnell visited Brookville High School on Wednesday to sign legislation that makes online learning at home easier for students who don’t attend schools.
  • Cuccinelli Keeps Promise to Challenge “Overreaching” Government – The Roanoke Star-Sentinel - Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli preferred to sit rather then stand at an 8 a.m. coffee with members of the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce this past Tuesday.
• Senator Frank Ruff
  • Tobacco cash eyed for uranium study – The News & Record - Kilgore asks Tobacco Commission to fund study on socio-economic impact of Coles Hill mine

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

• Senator Emmett Hanger
  •  Va. "Confederate History Month" Draws Criticism – The Washington Post - Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, reviving a controversy that had been dormant for eight years, has declared that April will be Confederate History Month in Virginia, a move that angered civil rights leaders Tuesday but that political observers said would strengthen his position with his conservative base.
• Senator William Wampler
  • Va. governor signs bill mandating coverage for telemedicine services – Insurance & Financial Advisor - Health insurers, health care subscription plans and health maintenance organizations operating in Virginia will be required to cover the cost of telemedicine services starting next year under a new mandate signed into law by Gov. Bob McDonnell.
  • Virginia Gov. Signs Bill Requiring Insurers To Cover Telemedicine – iHealthbeat - On Monday, Virginia became the 12th state to require health insurers to cover telemedicine services the same way they cover face-to-face consultations, the Bristol Herald Courier reports. 
• Senator Jill Vogel
  • The approaching silver tsunami - headed ashore – The Loudoun Times - One of the unfortunate paradigms of policy making in 2010 is the fact that lawmakers often spend an inordinate amount of time fixing the errant ways of last year’s legislative faux pas. Little time is left to devote to adequately preparing for the here and now, let alone the future.
• Senator John Watkins
  • Gun Groups Took Wrong Side on Fee – Lynchburg News & Advance - A pro-gun group, which goes by the name of Virginia Citizens Defense League, can take a share of the blame for delays in background checks required for firearms purchases. But don’t hold your breath waiting for them to do so.

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 William Wampler
  • Virginia governor signs bill requiring insurers to cover telemedicine – Kingsport Times News - In the virtual world, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell penned the longest signature to legislation in the history of the commonwealth on Monday.
  • McDonnell signs bill expanding telemedicine coverage – Richmond Times Dispatch - Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law yesterday a bill expanding telemedicine coverage in Virginia.
  • Governor signs bill requiring insurance companies to cover long-distance doctor visits – TriCities.com - Standing behind a podium at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Gov. Bob McDonnell talked about the value of telemedicine before signing a bill into law Monday that requires private insurance companies to cover its use.
  • McDonnell signs bill expanding telemedicine coverage – Augusta Fr ee Press - Gov. Bob McDonnell visited Virginia Commonwealth University’s Minimally Invasive Surgery Center today to sign into law legislation dramatically expanding telemedicine coverage for Virginians.
  • Virginia Expands Health Insurance Telemedicine Coverage – theGovMonitor.com - Bill Signing Held at VCU Minimally Invasive Surgery Center in Richmond; Southwest Virginia Legislators Join Event via Teleconference from Lee County Regional Medical Center in Pennington Gap.
  • 'Telemedicine' law expands coverage – The Roanoke Times - Health insurers in Virginia will be required to offer coverage for "telemedicine" services under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Bob McDonnell, who said the law will expand access to the medical expertise in a cost-efficient manner.

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. 

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

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

First let me start this newsletter by saying Happy Easter.  I hope that you are honoring our Savior with family and friends.
   Again, thank you for taking the time to read this weekly newsletter.   I enjoy the response that many give.
    If you enjoy what I have to say and feel that your friends would too, please don't hesitate to forward this email. 

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

• Senator Jill Vogel
  • Judge replacements on hold – Rappahannock News - Former General District Court Judge Charles B. Foley’s position may not be filled for at least two years as a result of a budget amendment included in the spending plan recently approved by the General Assembly.
• Senator Frank Wagner
  • Offshore drilling concerns NASA, Navy, and environmentalists – The Daily Press - President Barack Obama reversed a ban on most offshore drilling, a move that could put Virginia at the forefront of East Coast oil and natural gas exploration.

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

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

Article Content

General Assembly #10 Wrap-Up 

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Jeff

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.

Article Content