2007 Session Highlights
March 14, 2007
The 2007 session of the General Assembly is complete, and I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished for the citizens of Commonwealth of Virginia. Although the General Assembly met for just 46 days, we passed some significant measures that will benefit the 20th District and all of Virginia.
Finding a comprehensive solution to very complex transportation needs was the top priority for the General Assembly. The Republican comprehensive plan offers the most significant reform to how the Commonwealth delivers transportation services in decades. Though the compromise is not perfect, it does contain substantive reforms, and it does provide for a significant infusion of funding. While most of the media coverage focused on transportation, the General Assembly, in fact, addressed many other areas of public concern. This year, I supported the passage of eminent domain protection, electric utility re-regulation and some important amendments to the 2006-2008 budget – to list a few.
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (HB 3202/Speaker Bill Howell)
1.VDOT Reform Component: 1) General Assembly to select some CTB members; 2) Creates Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability with legislative oversight power; 3) VDOT to competitively bid services the private sector could provide more efficiently.
2. Land-use Reform Component: 1) Establishment of Urban Development Areas to focus growth in certain defined areas; 2) Creates Urban Transportation Service Districts to allow localities to impose impact fees for transportation improvements; 3) Requires localities or neighborhood associations to maintain a certain classification of subdivision streets.
3. Transportation Funding Dollars: 1) statewide revenue stream ($760 million in first year and $530 million in FY 2009); 2) $2.5 Billion bond issue; 3) Northern Virginia Authority Package ($400-420 million a year); 4) Hampton Roads Authority Package ($200 million a year).
Eminent Domain Protection (HB 2954, SB 781, SB 1296)
1. Defines “public use” to limit a localities use of eminent domain to a legitimate public project. Will prevent Kelo v. City of New London-type abuses.
Electric Utility Re-regulation (HB 3068, SB 1416)
1. Ends Virginia ’s 10 year experiment with deregulation and electricity restructuring, which did not produce the desired result of greater utility competition.
2. Restores Virginia to full cost-of-service regulation by the State Corporation Commission
3. Adds consumer protections that place certain restrictions on a utilities’ ability to raise its rates
4. Provides incentives for utilities to build new generation to meet growing demand and find renewable forms of energy
Amendments to 2006-2008 Budget (HB 1650)
1. Additional $3.5 million to VSDB Consolidation project
2. $12 million in incentive payments to SRI – research firm for Shenandoah Valley
In addition, I introduced important measures that will further our economic prosperity and help build Virginia’s future.
A 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling stated that Virginia’s law allowing in-state farm wineries to self-distribute their product was unconstitutional because that same right was not afforded to out-of-state wineries. Virginia’s wine industry has been a growing business, but unfortunately many Virginia wineries have suffered since that ruling. During the 2007 session I introduced legislation that will help the Virginia wineries continue to be an economic engine of the state. It allows the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to act as the wholesaler for Virginia wineries. HB 2540 passed unanimously.
I also introduced successful legislation that provides a uniform statewide statutory classification and taxation for idle machinery and tools. Some localities consider idle machinery and tools to be subject to tax as salvage, scrap or spare parts and have resisted taxpayer requests to classify unused equipment as idle machinery and tools. My bill, HB 2181, addresses this discrepancy and was approved by both chambers of the General Assembly.
Ensuring that every child receives the best education possible has been a key component of my legislative agenda since taking the oath of office. Again this year, I introduced legislation, HB 1843, to afford all Virginia’s families the opportunity to send their child to a school that best fits their individual needs. As a former teacher, I understand that finding the right learning environment can make all the difference in the success of a child. Giving parents the power of choice will make that goal more attainable. For the third time in three years, the House passed the bill only to see the Senate fail to take action on the measure.
While the General Assembly meets every winter in Richmond, I think it is important we focus representing the interests of our constituents and not political campaigns or lobbying interests. Though lawmakers are prohibited from raising money for their own campaigns during the session, I introduced HB 3150, to ban state elected officials from attending political party committee fundraisers during General Assembly sessions. Although the bill passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 64-34, the Senate of Virginia did not pass the legislation.
There are some important amendments to the 2006-2008 budget (HB 1650) that will benefit the 20th House District. We provided $12 million in incentive payments to attract SRI-International, a major research company, to the I-81 corridor. This partnership will create jobs and contribute to Virginia’s growing research industry. We have also added $3.5 million to the budget to assist with the consolidation of VSDB in Staunton that we finally approved in 2006.
Another significant measure approved last year but finally gaining recognition this year was HB1055. I worked with my colleagues in the House to pass this environmental protection bill that will greatly reduce emissions of mercury, SO2 and NOx from the state’s power plants. The final compromise was incorporated into Delegate John Reid’s (R-Henrico) bill and passed unanimously. This compromise will achieve deeper reductions in pollution sooner than the proposed alternatives. In fact, the net result will be cleaner air in the Shenandoah Valley three years ahead of the previous schedule set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Finally, as chairman of the Cost Cutting Caucus, I was excited to organize a comprehensive operational review of 11 areas of state government with the support of the administration. The bi-partisan, bi-cameral teams will explore state spending practices to find ways Virginia government can operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. The legislators from both sides of the aisle will work with executive branch middle management and some private sector people to conduct these reviews.
While my sixth session as a member of the General Assembly was busy, it has been very productive. I appreciate the help of individuals like you who have helped me make a difference for our community. We will continue to reform the way we conduct business in Virginia – making government more accountable and cost-effective. It has certainly been a privilege serving the 20th District. Now that I am back home in the Shenandoah Valley , I hope to see you around the community.
For more information on these or other bills, please visit the General Assembly’s website at http://legis.state.va.us. If you have any questions about any bills brought before the General Assembly this session, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached via email at DelCSaxman@house.state.va.us or by phone in Staunton at 540-886-8284. Thank you for your continued support and suggestions. I look forward to building our future together.
Sincerely,
Chris Saxman