Richmond – This week Virginia legislators welcomed March with a hopeful eye towards warmer weather and positive developments on the budget front. Senators and House representatives are working to bridge significant budget gaps between the two houses of the General Assembly. Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) supports provisions passed in both houses that eliminate or reduce programs which were established by previous Administrations when the state enjoyed greater revenue.

“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.

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