– Individuals and families continue to save on needed school supplies —

Richmond, Virginia – Virginia’s back-to-school sales tax holiday kicks off again for its fifth year beginning Friday, August 6 and running through Sunday, August 8, 2009.  With families facing such challenging economic times during this past year, many people who buy supplies before going back to school are looking forward to this weekend’s sales tax holiday.   

In 2006 Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) sponsored the back-to-school sales tax holiday legislation and worked hard to successfully pass his bill through the General Assembly.  Examples of items that continue to result in 5% savings include school supplies valued at $20 or less per item and footwear and clothing valued at $100 or less per item/pair. A list of the exempt items and guidelines for the sales tax holiday can be found at www.tax.virginia.gov. 

All Virginia taxpayers can take advantage of the sales tax holiday, in addition to families with school aged children who need supplies.  Retailers may also choose to absorb the sales tax on “non-exempt” merchandise.  Stores that do not sell school-related items may voluntarily participate in this program. As a result of the sales tax holiday this year, it is estimated that Virginia taxpayers will save $4 million in sales tax.

“Most families are really watching their budgets and looking for ways to save in every area.  The upcoming sales tax holiday is just another way for families to take advantage of a great way to save!” said McDougle.

####

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 1^st.  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 1^st 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 1^st.  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. 

####

Richmond

 Senator McDougle’s legislation aims to assist prisoners who are working to pay off their court costs.  If a prisoner is enrolled in a work program while incarcerated, he or she will be able to contribute some of their earnings towards their court costs.  When the inmate finishes his or her sentence, he or she will be less burdened re-entering into society as a resulting of being able to pay down some mandatory court costs. Under current law, if fines and cost are not paid in full or a plan established, an individual’s driver’s license will be suspended within 15 days of court. 

“This idea stemmed from a successful pilot program at Lunenburg Correction Center where inmates contribute part of their pay from work programs to satisfy their court fines and costs.  Currently, the statute requires inmates on work release, electronic monitoring or nonconsecutive day programs (weekenders) to contribute part of their earnings to satisfy court costs.  This legislation when implemented will be an effective change for inmates to assist in their re-entry once his or her sentence has been served,” said Senator McDougle. 

This legislation goes hand in hand with Governor McDonnell’s newly announced Prisoner & Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council which will work to create new policies and plans for each inmate for his or her reentry back into the community. 

Last week at the press conference the Governor remarked, “This Council established today is a state-wide effort.  We must recognize the efforts of non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as local governments, who have been integral in this cause, and find ways to support them as they continue to provide opportunities to offenders to facilitate successful community re-integration.  By implementing a comprehensive re-entry strategy, this Council will take the necessary steps to ensure that we are doing all we can do to assist offenders who have accepted responsibility for their actions and want to become productive members of society.”  

Senator McDougle’s legislation can be viewed at http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=101&typ=bil&val=sb670 and the Governor’s Executive Order is found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Issues/ExecutiveOrders/2010/EO-11.cfm.

####

“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. 

####

Sen. McDougle, Del. Hugo & Mike Rolband at today's press conference

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. 

Delegate Hugo and Senator McDougle stated their strong support for a clean Chesapeake Bay and cited their Patronage of legislation during the 2010 session of the Virginia General Assembly to require Virginian’s stormwater regulations to be updated not later than December 1, 2010. 

Both state legislators, however, called on the EPA to use sound science and accurate data, research and analysis in the development 5.3 Chesapeake Bay model. 

The basis for much of the encouragement of the Bay states, including Virginia and the District of Columbia by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency – Chesapeake Bay Program has been a widely cited and widely published sound-bite as follows: “From 1990 to 2000, impervious surfaces increased by 41% -a rate of 5 times greater than the 8% of population growth during that time.”  

The 5 to 1 ratio sound bite was presented in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure by J. Charles Fox, Senior Advisor to the EPA on September 22, 2009.  The 5 to 1 ratio was also presented to a joint meeting of the Virginia House of Delegates Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources during the 2010 General Assembly session. 

NOW, a private firm based in Prince William County, Virginia, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI), one of the region’s most respected environmental consulting firms, has analyzed the EPA’s Phase 5.2 watershed model and reached a very different conclusion.  WSSI’s lengthy analysis determined that, between 1990 and 2000, population increased by 10.3% and impervious surface increased by 14.2%, not by a 5-to-1 ratio claimed by the EPA, and only by a 1.1-to-1 ratio in Virginia during that period.  Delegate Hugo and Senator McDougle noted that the WSSI analysis has been shared with the EPA and was not refuted by the federal agency.

Hugo and McDougle stated, “The accuracy of this data is very important.  It will be a major factor in the development of future state stormwater management requirements”. 

Both Veteran State Legislators encouraged Governor McDonnell to ask the EPA how long they have known about the inaccuracy of the 5 to 1 ratio, especially since the EPA website indicates the population had been recalculated in February, 2009.  They also ask the governor to ask about the purpose of the EPA in continuing to promote the 5 to 1 ratio in the Stormwater debate.  And finally Hugo and McDougle urged the governor to insist that all state agencies and the EPA use sound science in the 5.3 Chesapeake Bay model and state stormwater regulations that will follow.    

####

“I’m very pleased to have successfully sponsored legislation which will benefit Virginia’s citizens and businesses,” said Senator McDougle. “This year the citizens of Virginia’s 4^th Senatorial District provided me thousands of e-mails, letters, and phone calls with their feedback on important legislation and issues.  Many of their ideas support policies that pursue responsible and efficient government management, sound public safety initiatives, and measures which will work to create and maintain Virginia jobs,” he said.

This year Senator McDougle also sponsored legislation for Governor McDonnell’s Jobs and Opportunity Agenda in the area of public safety.  Focusing on better synchronization of education policy, Senator McDougle sponsored a study resolution which concentrates on improving coordination of education policy between all levels from K-12 public education to Virginia’s community colleges and four-year higher education institutions.  As a member of Virginia’s Code Commission which carefully reviews and revises Virginia’s Code, Senator McDougle carried two bills which update key financial titles in the Virginia Code.  Additional legislation he sponsored this year for industries in the private sector will enable projects to move forward more efficiently and in turn aid the Commonwealth’s economic revival.

Public Safety Initiatives 

Senate Bill 532 – This measure came to Senator McDougle as a request of the Governor’s office and is a legislative fix in response to the flu pandemic precautions during 2009.  As a result of this legislation, it will be legal for citizens to wear protective masks in certain sensitive places that existing law precluded. This legislation awaits the Governor’s signature, having passed both the House and Senate.

Senate Bill 670 – This legislation would require 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 bill encourages positive use of the inmates’ time and supports a quicker assimilation into society. The bill passed both houses of the legislature unanimously. 

Senate Bill 533 – This bill will give Virginia citizens the right to request an in-person court hearing in the event that a concealed handgun permit is denied. The bill passed in the Senate with bipartisan support and passed the House unanimously.

Senate Bill 530 – Governor McDonnell requested Senator McDougle sponsor this legislation, which was a public safety initiative on his Jobs and Opportunities Agenda.   The bill would have made it a Class 6 felony to knowingly encourage participation in a criminal street gang via telephone or by any electronically transmitted message. With the rise of gang activity in Virginia, this is much needed legislation which will give our law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe.  The bill was carried over until next year and Senator McDougle will likely sponsor it again in the 2011 session. 

Education

Senate Joint Resolution 32 – Senator McDougle introduced this study resolution as a result of meetings with business leaders across the state who attended meetings of the Joint Republican Business Caucus.  Senator McDougle and Delegate Tim Hugo chair this new Caucus, which brings together Senators and Delegates in an effort to work collaboratively with Virginia’s business community. Many of Virginia’s major employers and businesses suggested and welcomed the legislative idea of a more coordinated effort between all levels of public education.  The purpose of this study is to determine the impediments to better education policy coordination and options that may be available to make sure our institutions of higher learning and K-12 education are working in-sync.   In today’s global and competitive economy, students should possess the educational tools required to enter fields which will help to meet the workforce needs of Virginia’s businesses. SJ-32 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the role of the Secretary of Education in improving education coordination and to explore new approaches towards developing such cooperation between K-12, Virginia’s community colleges, and Virginia’s four-year institutions of higher education. The bill passed both chambers unanimously. 

Private Sector

Senator McDougle was approached late last year by Virginia industries that were in need of numerous clarifying and cost-savings measures.  The following pieces of legislation are a result of those requests. 

Senate Bill 104 – This legislation clarifies that architects, engineers and surveyors have the ability to limit their liability through contract so that projects can move forward quicker and at less cost. Limitation of liability clauses are an essential tool to allocate risk, allowing design professionals to keep costs down and projects moving forward.  Earlier this week, this bill passed the House and will now need to be signed by the Governor. 

Senate Bill 105 – A Mechanic’s Lien is a security interest in the title to property for contractors who have supplied labor. The Lien Agent’s identity is issued concurrent with the building permit; however, often the “lien agent” provided by the owner is not initially known or changes during a project. This measure provides clarity and would enable activity to continue on the property during this lien agent transition. This bill awaits the Governor’s approval after passing both the House and Senate. 

Senate Bill 128- This legislation aims to protect Virginia residents and businesses from potentially significant electricity rate increases due to newly-proposed federal regulations. Senate Bill 128 will ensure that 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). This legislation has now passed both the House and Senate and awaits the Governor’s signature.   

Virginia Code Commission Legislation

Senate Bill 294 – This bill clarifies and technically changes the definition of who is considered a “principal” under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act. The Code Commission studied this issue and determined this legislative fix was needed.   It passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously. 

Senate Bill 295 revises the financial institutions and services title in the Virginia Code to ensure it is worded with more precision and clarity.  It also passed both houses unanimously.

Both the House and Senate will vote on the final version of the state budget in the coming days.  Budget conferees are still working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget in order to produce a final budget.  Budget talks have been ongoing for nearly two weeks and while it was the goal to end on Saturday, March 13, budget conferees have not produced a final budget product which needs to be printed and placed on legislators’ desks for review for the final vote.  Next week, an update on the budget will follow this release.  Senator McDougle once again thanks his constituents for keeping in touch on the many issues of importance to them throughout this year’s session.

“I have spoken at great lengths to my colleagues in the Senate about the need to proceed responsibly as the custodians of our taxpayer’s dollars,” said Senator McDougle. “As the budget conferees from the Senate and House meet, I will continue to encourage them to act in the best interest of all Virginians, avoiding tax increases and other financial burdens by prioritizing only the critical needs of our state government. I applaud Governor McDonnell for his jobs creation legislation, which creates incentives for businesses to move to and expand in Virginia.”

Over 80% of the state’s General Fund revenues come from state income and sales taxes, which given the economic realities we currently face, are significantly reduced. The budget bill is now being negotiated by House and Senate budget conferees. The Senate conferees led by Democrat Senator Colgan include Democrat Senators Saslaw, Houck, Howell, and also include Republican Senators Stosch and Wampler. The House Conferees are led by Delegate Putney and include Republican Delegates K. Cox, Sherwood, Landes, S.C. Jones and include Democrat Delegate Joannou.

Legislation Passed in Recent Weeks Await Executive Action

As the Virginia General Assembly entered the last two weeks of this year’s session, legislators are working to complete bills to be sent to the Governor’s desk and signed into law. Legislation that has passed both houses and is currently pending action by the Governor McDonnell includes SB128, which was introduced by Senator McDougle. The bill will enable electric generators within the Commonwealth to continue participation in an emissions trading program despite more stringent benchmarks that could be established by the US-Environmental Protection Agency.  This program is Virginia’s most cost effective method to achieve maximum environmental benefits while continuing to satisfy the states energy needs. Had this legislation not passed, regulations established by the Federal Governor’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA) could have hindered the ability of utilities to generate power, sharply increasing energy costs for Virginia residents. The Commonwealth would have been the only state to be so encumbered.

Another bill that has passed through the General Assembly and is expected to be signed into law is SB236, which will improve oversight and efficiencies in the Virginia Information Technology Technologies Agency (VITA). The adjustments have been based on the recommendations of a two year study of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) following many delays and questionable expenditures within Virginia’s large IT system improvement program. The new law will replace the current supervision process of the Information Technology Investment Board with a Chief Information Officer Appointed by the Governor.

“The JLARC findings demonstrate the need for executive management of our largest private contract,” said Senator McDougle. “When important decisions must be made that influence progress in this area, infighting amongst committees or boards only serves to obstruct what should be an efficient process. I am pleased to see that this legislation is now ready to be signed by Governor McDonnell,” he said.

Senator McDougle would like to thank the thousands of constituents who have contacted him thus far during the 2010 General Assembly to express their views and feedback about the budget and specific legislation.  He encourages his constituents to continue to offer their ideas and thoughts to him by e-mail at district04@senate.virginia.gov or through his website at www.ryanmcdougle.com.  He may also be reached by phone at 804-698-7504.

####

Richmond, VA: The Virginia Senate Republican Caucus today voted unanimously to elect Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R – Hanover) to serve as the Caucus’ Republican Leader Pro Tempore. The position, previously held by former Senator Kenneth W. Stolle, was left vacant when Stolle resigned his seat to become Sheriff of Virginia Beach. “Though he has only been in the Senate four years, Ryan has shown himself to be one of our most energetic and engaged members,” commented Senate Republican Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R – James City), who placed McDougle’s name in nomination for the position. “We have a tremendous number of opportunities ahead of us in the coming months with elections and redistricting fast approaching. It is important that we have a full leadership slate as we approach these challenges. And it is beneficial for the Caucus to engage someone with Ryan’s enthusiasm in this role.”

The position of Leader Pro Tempore is established in the by-laws of the Senate Republican Caucus to work on projects assigned by the Republican Leader. The Leader Pro Tempore serves in the place of the Republican Leader in the absence of the Leader. In this role, McDougle joins the Caucus’ leadership team that currently includes Norment as Republican Leader, Senator Stephen D. Newman (R – Lynchburg) as Caucus Chair, Senators Mark D. Obenshain (R – Harrisonburg) and Frank W. Wagner (R – Virginia Beach) as Whips, and Senator Walter A. Stosch (R – Henrico) as Leader Emeritus.

“Ryan has a unique capacity to serve in this position,” said Senator Newman, who seconded McDougle’s nomination. “He has strong political instincts, executes effective grassroots operations in his district, and has an ability to raise funds that is not matched by members of far greater seniority. By placing Ryan in a position of leadership, we anticipate him being able to use the talents that have helped him individually for the benefit of the Caucus as a whole. In so doing, we have immediately strengthened our Caucus.”

McDougle was first elected to the Senate in a special election in January, 2006 to fill the unexpired term left by the election of former Senator Bill Bolling as Lieutenant Governor. In that election, McDougle garnered over 80% of the vote. He was re-elected without opposition in 2007. Prior to his election to the Senate, McDougle represented the 97th District in the House of Delegates for two terms. He currently represents all of Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King and Queen, King William, and Middlesex Counties; and part of Spotsylvania County. He serves on the Committees for Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources; Courts of Justice; Rehabilitation and Social Services; and Transportation. In 2008, McDougle was appointed a Deputy Whip within the Republican Caucus.

“I humbly accept the responsibility that has been placed on me today,” McDougle said in accepting the position. “I have watched the Republican Caucus evolve over the past two years under the current leadership team. In that time, we have articulated a positive vision for Virginia, become more cohesive as a group, and begun unprecedented efforts to prepare to be competitive in future elections. The Caucus is moving in the right direction and I am honored to be asked to serve as part of the leadership team that will continue to move the Caucus forward.”

Senator McDougle concedes that the Senate’s budget bill as passed made significant strides towards a balanced budget, but not enough. In particular, certain programs initiated during the past two administrations remain funded at levels commensurate with the higher revenue levels from those periods. “Obviously it is extremely difficult to reduce government programs so dramatically, however just as most Virginians have personally faced tough budget decisions, it is our responsibility to do the same,” said Senator McDougle. “The fact remains we simply cannot spend money that we don’t have. It’s a bad government habit that represents a long, slippery slope if we become accustomed to asking our citizens for more, especially when so many of them are earning less. It just doesn’t add up.”

The Senator is also deeply concerned about measures within the Senate budget amendments that challenge great gains made in public safety in past years by former Governor George Allen.  According to a report written in 2001 called Truth-In-Sentencing in Virginia, “Truth-in-sentencing (TIS) is the most prominent sentencing reform movement of the 1990’s.  The primary objective of TIS is to more closely align the sentence imposed by the judge with the actual amount of time served in prison by restricting or eliminating parole eligibility and good time.  In many instances, these reforms are accompanied by significant increases in the penalties for violent offenders.”

The Senate budget language erodes Virginia’s truth-in-sentencing no parole reform policy and authorizes the use of alternative sentencing regardless of what was ordered by the Judge or Jury and expands early release provisions for certain inmates.  

“Cuts to education, social and healthcare programs are problematic for all Virginians; however, safety must come first,” said Senator McDougle. “Law enforcement history is laden with tragic results of bad public safety policies established for the sake of misguided budget decisions.”

Senator McDougle Supports Fiscal Responsibility, Tax Incentive Legislation

In order to encourage more responsible state spending moving forward, the Senate passed Senate Bill 431, a bill that mandates certain reporting and absolute transparency in state agencies. The bill, which passed the Senate without opposition and now is working its way through the House, will require state agencies to maintain a transaction register including a complete record of all expenditures made with details such as the vendor’s name, date of payment and amount and description of the expense. It also requires posting of credit card reports for all state employees that have been issued one. “In keeping with our fresh approach of implementing best practices in our financial management for our state, this legislation provides for more accountability within our state agencies, making it clear what is being spent with our taxpayer’s valuable dollars,” Senator McDougle said. 

Continuing its trend towards improving the environment for sound economic recovery, the Generally Assembly continues to pass meaningful legislation meant to provide tax relief to Virginia residents and businesses. Senate Bill 428, which recently passed through the Senate unanimously, is now swiftly moving in the House. The law would provide tax exemptions for capital gains for the amount taxed under federal income tax standards. “Anything the Virginia legislature can reasonably do to encourage private investment in Virginia right now is good government,” according to Senator McDougle.

Senate, House Pass Offshore Royalties Bill
On Monday the Senate approved a bipartisan bill, House Bill 756, meant to ensure that revenues received from future offshore oil exploration will be earmarked to two crucial areas: alternative energy research and Virginia’s transportation needs. Introduced in the House by Del. Chris Stolle (R-Virginia Beach), the bill directs 70% of those revenues and royalties to the Transportation Trust Fund, the state’s road and rail fund; 10% to local transportation projects; and 20% to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium. Although critics claim the measure is largely symbolic because any benefits are likely years away, Senator McDougle says the groundwork must be established early to ensure the state receives and allocates the future oil exploration revenues to critical areas.  This action marks a shift of opinion from Democrat members, who less than a month ago voted on a purely party line vote to kill the Senate companion to this bill.    

“While Virginia and nearly every other state in the country are plagued by budget problems, North Dakota is flush with a $600 million surplus due to their newfound oil development industry,” noted Senator McDougle. “Although their discovery was obviously under dry ground and easier to reach than offshore deposits, their story provides an excellent example of the dramatic benefits to states engaged in environmentally responsible oil exploration.”

Following Crossover, House Considers Common Sense Legislation Passed by Senate

Senator McDougle is pleased to see the House acting quickly on bi-partisan legislation already passed through the Senate:

Senate Bill 467 – Safeguards Virginia residents by requiring court officials to work directly with counter-part officials in other states to ensure that protective orders of the Commonwealth are executed elsewhere.

Senate Bill 55 – Extends the period to 45 days before an election for absentee ballots to be available and accepted, making it easier for temporarily out-of-state residents to vote. This law will support citizens away due to active duty military service, membership in the merchant marines, or in temporary residence outside of the country. Spouses are also included.

####

This was “crossover” week in the Virginia General Assembly, a busy period when all Senate bills had to be considered and voted on by the Senate before being transferred to the House of Delegates and vice-versa.  From this time forward the Senate will be voting on House bills, which have passed successfully through the House committee process and full House chamber.  �

Senator McDougle Acts to Prevent Proposed Federal Emissions Standards from Crippling State’s Energy Infrastructure 

A bill sponsored by Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) aimed at protecting Virginia residents and businesses from potentially significant electricity rate increases due to newly-proposed federal regulations passed the Senate on Monday with wide bipartisan support. Senate Bill 128 will ensure that 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). 

The Commonwealth participates in the US-EPA’s emissions trading program whereby electricity generators must have sufficient “emissions allocations” in order to generate electricity. This is considered to be the most cost effective method to achieve maximum environmental benefits. Specifically, the existing system limits the discharge of nitrogen and sulfur air emissions. However, based on regulations promulgated by the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board, electricity generators are prohibited from purchasing these important emissions allocations if they do not meet a federally-established benchmark known as the 8-hour ozone standard.

Currently all but one area in Virginia satisfies this standard.  However, the newly-proposed US-EPA changes to the standard, which would take effect early next year, would render nearly every developed area in the state as “nonattainment” for exceeding the new, stricter standard. Without the passage of the legislation sponsored by Senator McDougle, virtually all electricity generators in the Commonwealth could be prohibited from purchasing the required emissions allocations, severely limiting the state’s electricity infrastructure. Coal-fired generation currently accounts for approximately 50 percent of the states generating capabilities. Thus, without this new law, major price increases would result from switching from coal-based to much more expensive fuel sources and imported power. 

“Virginia is the only state in the country with regulations that restrict the purchase of emissions allocations, which are legally required for electricity generators to operate,” said Senator McDougle. “Our citizens and businesses cannot afford the change that this represents. If these generators can’t purchase sufficient allocations, electricity shortages and price increases are almost a certain result.  After careful review, both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have voted for my bill, agreeing that this is the best way to meet electricity needs and to stay economically viable.” 

Looking to next week, the Senate must produce amendments to former Governor Kaine’s introduced budget on Sunday, February 21^st after Senate Finance Committee members meet and decide which budget items to amend from former Governor Kaine’s proposed budget.  The full Senate intends to vote on the budget and amendments on Thursday, February 25th.  As the General Assembly moves towards the half way mark, the major focus will continue to be balancing the state budget.  Senator McDougle is carefully considering which cuts must be made in the state’s biennial budget and is reviewing the Senate Finance Committee’s recommendations.  He appreciates the hearing the views and feedback of thousands of his constituents.  To express views on legislation or a budget matter, constituents are encouraged to continue to contact Senator McDougle at district04@senate.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-698-7504.  For weekly news updates, please visit www.ryanmcdougle.com.