 | | Weekly Address From General Assembly |
This week Governor McAuliffe addressed the Joint Assembly to outline his priorities for the Commonwealth. Several of his priorities including job creation, modernizing our K-12 education system, and improving workforce development programs, are long standing House Republican priorities where we should find common ground. K-12 education reforms lead the common ground list as we build on our initiatives over the last two years. House Republicans are leading on this issue. Legislation has already been introduced by our members to reduce and improve Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, provide more virtual learning opportunities for our students, and support career ladders for our teachers. I have submitted a virtual education bill that will increase choice and availability for students in keeping with my desire for all Virginians to receive a robust education. Inevitable Medicaid discussions have begun. Medicaid expansion could have serious financial implications for the Commonwealth. Without reforms, Virginians could be paying an additional $1 billion each year. That would require the tough choice of cutting spending in other vital areas or raising taxes to pay for the expansion. The Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission has been working to identify cost saving reforms to the way Medicaid is currently administered. Among these reforms are ways to recoup money and punish people who falsely claim Medicaid eligibility. Since many of you are interested in this topic, we will make sure to let you know about any activity on this topic. Committee and subcommittee meetings are now underway and my first bill was successfully introduced and has passed subcommittee. It is an economic development and job creating bill that allows localities to utilize an existing fund to help convert vehicles to alternative fuels such as natural gas. This means reduced fuel cost, cleaner fuel, and more money to use in vital areas like education. Visitors this Week: Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) "Storm the Hill Day;" national, state and local American Legionnaires; the VA Auto Dealers Association; "Dental Day on the Hill." There were numerous individuals from the district that showed up and I look forward to seeing many more. We enjoyed seeing friends from Virginia Beach at the National Guard reception, the Epilepsy Awards, local dentists, Virginia Association of Museums & the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services. Virginia Beach Department of Human Services If there is legislation you would like to discuss, or if you would like to schedule a meeting, please call us at (804) 698-1085, or you can also email me at DelSTaylor@house.virginia.gov. We are happy to set up tours of the Capitol as well. With Respect, Scott Taylor ###
Del. Scott Taylor's office is located on the 4th floor of the General Assembly building in room 418, and constituents are encouraged to come visit during the 60 day session from January to March, please contact his office at (804)698-1085 or by email at DelSTaylor@house.virginia.gov to schedule a meeting. Tours of the Capitol are also available upon request. |
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