Saturday, February 28, 2015

2015 General Assembly session update: Early Adjournment

The Pogge Post

2015 General Assembly 

96th District, Virginia House of Delegates     February 28, 2015
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District Office 

(Outside of Session):

1201 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-223-9690

DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov

 

Please send mail to:

P.O. Box 196

Norge, VA 23127
 
Legislative Aide
Amanda Johnston
Amanda@brendapogge.com
For the first time in fifteen years, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned early. Originally scheduled to complete our work today, February 28, we instead adjourned yesterday evening. Early adjournment saves taxpayer dollars, and I am pleased that our Republican-led House and Senate were able to accomplish this goal. 

I am equally proud of much of the legislation we passed this year, including a fiscally sound budget and meaningful reforms to Virginia's ethics, transparency and disclosure laws. These accomplishments stand in stark contrast to the partisan gridlock that characterizes our federal government. Following are updates on the budget and ethics bills that passed during the final days of session.
Ethics Reform
Last year, the House passed legislation significantly strengthening Virginia's disclosure requirements for legislators. This year, we expanded those efforts by creating a $100 hard gift cap, requiring legislators to have travel pre-approved by an independent commission, and prohibiting the Governor from accepting campaign contributions from businesses that are seeking money from the Governor's Opportunity Fund. 

These meaningful steps will improve transparency, hold elected officials more accountable and hopefully restore some of the public's trust in government. As a citizen legislator, I truly desire to ensure that constituents have confidence in our elected government. I believe that this year's ethics legislation is a meaningful step toward that goal. 
A Balanced Budget

Unlike the federal government, Virginia is required to pass a balanced budget. I am pleased that the General Assembly voted on Thursday to support a conservative, responsible budget that does not raise taxes and spends $1 billion less from the general fund than last year's originally-adopted budget. 


The budget also puts money into the rainy day fund, eliminates fees and debt proposed by Governor McAuliffe, and rejects Obamacare's Medicaid expansion. The budget sets aside $129.5 million for the rainy-day fund deposit in 2017, which will bring the fund's balance back to approximately $429 million. Additionally, the budget eliminates $33 million in debt and $11.7 million in fees proposed by Governor McAuliffe. 

 

To view details of the budget, please click HERE.

Around the District
Throughout the year, there are opportunities to remain politically engaged. Following is information about our local Republican committees as well as details about an upcoming event. Your advocacy and engagement on the local level are important, and I hope to see you around the district soon!

Local Republican Committees

James City County Republican Committee

York County Republican Committee

 

Peninsula Lincoln Reagan Gala 

featuring The Honorable Jim Gilmore

When: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 

Where: Fort Magruder Hotel & Conference Center

6945 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Tickets and RSVP information: click HERE 

Stay in touch!
Now that the session has adjourned, I have returned to Williamsburg, where I am available for meetings in my district office. As always, if you need assistance with any state agency, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 757-223-9690 or email at DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov. 
Have a great weekend!
 
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Delegate Brenda Pogge


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Friday, February 27, 2015

Sine Die 2015

02/27/15
Legislative Aide: Brenda Roberts
(804) 698-1085
delstaylor@house.viriginia.gov


 
Delegate Taylor's Final 2015 General Assembly Video
Delegate Taylor's Final 2015 General Assembly Video

 

It is hard to believe the 2015 General Assembly session has just ended. Our office team --in my opinion, the best in the House of Delegates, has worked tirelessly for you in supporting me on the things important to Virginia Beach families. 

 

During the session, we have concentrated on the principal things on which I ran for office: contributing to the creation of well-paying jobs and diversifying our economy, elevating education, and advocating on behalf our military and veterans.  Below are some of my bills from this session and an update on the budget.

 

Jobs/Economy.

HB 1360 Securities Act; Crowdfunding Virginia Exemption.

My signature piece of legislation this year allows crowdfunding into equity in Virginia.  Crowdfunding is the practice of raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, either via a website or a brick-and-mortar platform.  This will give small businesses in Virginia access to capital like never before and allows hardworking Virginians to invest in businesses for equity and with proper protections in place. It allows Virginians to invest in Virginia. There is no doubt this bill will lead to jobs, economic activity, and the American dream for many.

 

 

Education

With the ever-rising costs of education, it is important to make higher education attainable for all Virginians, if they choose to pursue that path. Further, we must consistently review our standards of learning, paying particular attention to our children.

 

HB 1692 is a bill I co-patroned that permits four-year public colleges to offer a flat fee to Virginia freshmen pursuing degree programs in high-demand fields.

 

HB1490 is a bill I co-patroned that would provide an Expedited Retake, which streamlines the state's Standards of Learning retake process for all students at all grade levels. Students who nearly pass a standardized test would be given an additional opportunity to take the test during the same school year.

 

Military / Veterans

HB 1721 is a property-tax exemption for surviving spouses of members of the armed forces killed in action.  

HB 1967 is my bill that provides that the Veterans Services Foundation may accept revenue from all sources, including private-source fundraising, to support its mission.  Donors may request to be anonymous.

HB 2057 is my bill that creates efficiency in the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act, specifically relating to absentee voting.  We must ensure that our military men and women overseas are not disenfranchised from exercising their right to vote.

HB 1275 is the Hampton Roads Veterans Care Center project. It provides for funding of this important project. Not only will this provide a much-needed facility for our veterans, it will also create over 600 new jobs.

        

Taxes:  The Speaker of the House honored me with an appointment to the prestigious Finance Committee. In this position I have been able to effectively stop bills containing millions of dollars in tax increases. I am grateful for that opportunity to assist my constituents and other Virginians in that way.

 

Budget:

We have passed the budget!  We have made some difficult choices in the House of Delegates over the last year to address the budget shortfall caused by President Obama's sequestration and tax increases. The governor proposed in his budget more than $10 million in new fees on Virginia families and $42 million in new government debt.

 

The House of Delegates took a different approach, paying for building projects with existing revenues and eliminating $10.2 million in fees. We put $99.5 million in Virginia's rainy day fund to guard against future tax increases.

 

The House of Delegates took a conservative approach, opposing Medicaid expansion and the governor's plan, but also working to strengthen existing safety-net programs for those with the greatest need.

 

In the House, we also targeted more money for classrooms, and we are making college more affordable and accessible, so it can make the most difference for Virginia families. Overall, the House general fund budget spends $1.1 billion less this year than last year's budget.

 

Our office assists constituents with a variety of needs and requests.  Please do not hesitant to contact us, if we can ever be of service, at DelSTaylor@house.virginia.gov.Please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scotttaylorvirginia. I also encourage you to sign up for my email updates on my website

www.scotttaylorva.com.

 

I am moved by your continued trust in me to represent you. It is truly an honor to act on your behalf, doing the work of the people in this historic chamber.

 

 

  

 

Del. Scott Taylor was elected as delegate for Virginia's 85th District in 2013. He is an entrepreneur, Iraq War veteran, and former Navy SEAL. Taylor is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel discussing foreign policy, national security, and military and veterans' issues. He is also a former member of the Virginia War Memorial Board of Trustees, appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell.  www.scotttaylorva.com 

                                                       
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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Special thanks to our 2015 Gala sponsors!

Lincoln Reagan Gala

The Premier Fundraising & Fellowship Event 

for Virginia Peninsula Republicans

2015 Committee Members

 

Ms. Juanita Bailey

Hampton Roads

Republican Women's Club

 

Ms. Dayle Brittain

Historic Triangle

Republican Women

 

Ms. Kris Butz

York County

Republican Committee

 

Ms. Lou Call

Newport News Republican Committee

 

Mrs. Lynda Fairman

York Republican Women's Club

 

Ms. Lori Goldstein

Williamsburg City

Republican Committee


 
Ms. Amanda Johnston

James City County

Republican Committee

 

Mr. Paul Keddell

Poquoson City

Republican Committee

 

Ms. Lynda Nestor

Jamestown Heritage Republican Women


 
Mr. Matt Scott

Hampton City

Republican Committee

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Tickets now available online at www.valincolnreagangala.com 
 
2015 Lincoln Reagan Gala
  
featuring The Honorable Jim Gilmore
Former Virginia Governor
 
Saturday, March 14, 2015
 
Fort Magruder Inn and Conference Center

6945 Pocahontas Trail

Williamsburg, Virginia 23185


 

6:00 p.m. - Private Sponsor Reception with Hors d 'Oeuvres

6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - General Reception, Silent Auction & Dinner

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It's not too late to sponsor the 2015 Gala


For more information, please call 
757-903-6311 or email LincolnReaganGala@gmail.com
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Special thanks to our 2015 Sponsors

Eagle

Congressman Robert Wittman

Scott Rigell for Congress

Senator Thomas Norment, Jr.

Mr. Norbert & Mrs. Maryellen Smith

 

Liberty

Delegate Gordon Helsel

 

Founder

Delegate Brenda Pogge

York-Poquoson Sheriff Danny Diggs
York-Poquoson Commonwealth's Attorney 

Ben Hahn

Mrs. Robin Bledsoe

Mr. H.J. Coxton

Mr. Cliff Dunn

 

Patriot

Delegate David Yancey
York-Poquoson Circuit Court Clerk Kristen Nelson
Sheila S. Noll, District 2, 

York County Board of Supervisors

Thomas Shepperd, District 5, 

York County Board of Supervisors 

Michael J. Hipple, Sr., Powhatan District, 

James City County Board of Supervisors 

Newport News Councilwoman 

Dr. Patricia Woodbury


 

Newport News Councilman 

Bert Bateman

Heather Cordasco, Roberts District, 

Williamsburg-James City County School Board

The Honorable Tim Beale and 

the Honorable Melanie Rapp Beale

The Honorable & Mrs. Michael B. Watson
Patricia Cowan, 1st District VFRW Representative

York County Republican Committee

York Republican Women's Club 

Mr. K. P. Fair

Mr. W. Chad Green

Mr. William & Mrs. Angela Karaktin

Mrs. Lara Overy

Mrs. Sue Sadler

Mr. Tu Ritter

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