REPORT FROM SENATOR RYAN MCDOUGLE

2006 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

On January 11th, the 2006 Virginia General Assembly convened for another legislative session. I am grateful to have the chance to serve the 4th Senate District and thank you for electing me as your State Senator on January 3rd. I promise to bring the same commonsense conservative leadership and hard work ethic to the Senate that you relied on for four years as I served you in the Virginia House of Delegates. The session will last 60 days this year. During this short period, my colleagues and I will discuss, debate, and vote on over 3,000 bills introduced in the General Assembly.

There are several legislative priorities I will focus on this session. First, I strongly believe that Virginia taxpayers both want and deserve to keep as much of their hard earned money as possible. I am working to decrease the tax burden on all Virginians. One example is my legislation that creates a back to school sales tax holiday, Senate Bill 571, in order to provide much needed relief for thousands of families as they purchase necessary school items for their children. Beginning in 2006, certain school-related items purchased during a specific one-week period during the end of August each year will be exempt from the state sales tax. The exempt items include anything from school supplies, footwear, and clothing to computer systems and hardware.

I am also introducing legislation that will eliminate the estate tax, known also as the “Death Tax.” Our small and family owned businesses and farms need relief from this unnecessary and burdensome tax. Repealing the Death Tax will help grow our economy and make our Commonwealth more attractive for economic development and jobs. Increasing government efficiency, cutting wasteful spending and economic development are important and reachable goals we continue fighting to achieve.

As a former prosecutor, public safety has always been one of my top priorities. Violent criminals need to be kept off the streets and met with harsher penalties. I have introduced several bills this session that will crack down on sex offenders and keep them accountable for their actions. Senate Bill 376 requires a mandatory minimum term of confinement of 25 years for serious sexual offenses with children under that age of 13. Another piece of legislation I am sponsoring would create a presumption against bail for individuals charged with serious sex crimes against children. Our children deserve to be well protected against the crimes of dangerous sexual predators.

Virginia is home to many military families who sacrifice their lives and time from their families to serve our country. Last year, I was approached by a constituent and asked that I carry legislation that would create the Military Tax Relief Fund. The legislation I have introduced would create an income tax refund check-off for individuals who want to contribute part or all of their income tax refund or an additional contribution to the Military Family Relief Fund of Virginia. The fund will be used by the Adjutant General of the National Guard to provide monetary grants to National Guard members and reservists who are called to either state or federal active duty. I would like to give our valuable active service members the opportunity to receive much needed grants.

My colleagues and I will be reviewing the budget that has been presented to the General Assembly by the Governor’s Office. Keeping spending in check and finding ways to run our state government efficiently will remain among my top priorities.

As your representative in the Senate of Virginia, I welcome any advice, suggestions or comments you may like to share with me during this session. I look forward to having more school groups and constituents visit. If you need to contact my office during the General Assembly session, I can be reached at 804-698-7504 or by e-mail at district04@sov.state.va.us. Thank you for your support as we continue working to improve our community and the Commonwealth.

Ryan T. McDougle