 | | Week 5 Update |
Crossover week began with international outreach. On Monday, February 9, I hosted officials from the Paraguayan Embassy: Ambassador Igor Pangrazio, Fleming Duarte, and Jorge Ruiz Diaz officials from the Paraguayan Embassy. The day started with the VIPs being introduced on the House floor and receiving a standing ovation. Our office arranged a meeting with the Governor's Office, which was attended by Governor McAuliffe, Secretary Jones, Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and Martin Briley, President of Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Paraguay presents a wonderful opportunity for Virginia to export services and products in the agricultural, machinery, and beverage industries. We must relentlessly pursue diversifying Virginia's economy and help create jobs in a global way. Looking forward, I anticipate a great relationship between Virginia and Paraguay.
Senate Bill 763 which is identical to my House Bill 1360, passed through to the Senate.
All House bills will be heard in Senate committees next week. SB 763 is our crowdfunding legislation that will, no doubt, create jobs in Virginia.
On Wednesday, Richmond witnessed a special reunion. "Spike," a former EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) dog was reunited with his former handler, US Marine Corps Corporal Jered Heine. Spike was paired with CPL Heine in Afghanistan. The two were separated when CPL. Heine was injured by an IED and redeployed to the United States for medical care and recovery. Spike has recently been serving as a bomb dog with the Virginia Capitol Police. News story here & photo below.
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 governor wanted to expand Medicaid and tried to bypass the General Assembly in creating his own new health-care entitlement program. We took a conservative approach, opposing Medicaid expansion and the governor's plan, but also working to strengthen existing safety-net programs for those in the most need.
In the House, we also targeted more money to classrooms and 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.
It's great seeing all our visitors! The embassy of Paraguay, Frank Reid, Mayor Will Sessoms, Bev Sessoms, Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson, The Food Bank, community colleges, Realtors, and Girl Scouts - (thanks for the cookies!) all paid us visits. Contact our office to schedule your own visit. Happy Valentine's Day!
Very Respectfully,
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