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General Assembly Update
March 7, 2010
Dear Friends:
As
we enter the last week of the 2010 session, the budget takes
center stage. All legislation must be acted upon by
midnight on Monday, March 8th. Then the first conference
on the budget bills must complete its work by midnight on
Tuesday, March 9th. I am most concerned about cuts that
will affect our city and the citizens of the 7th District.
Thus, I have been working with other area legislators to
restore the $15 million in BRAC funding that was cut from the
biennial budget. This funding is very important in
ensuring that we retain the Oceana Master Jet Base and are in
a posture to recruit the Joint Strike Fighter. It also
represents a commitment to the BRAC Commission, which we
should not renege on even in tough financial times. At
this point it appears that we may have secured the $7.5
million for BRAC in the first year of the budget.
Certainly
as important is funding for K-12 education. With the
differences in the original House and Senate budgets, there is
much work to be done in maintaining a funding level so that
our schools remain competitive academically. Currently,
the Senate budget has more money allocated for every local
school district than the House. The major difference in
education funding between the two budgets seems to be that the
Senate cuts are temporary and the House cuts are permanent.
At least one school system has offered an early retirement
package to its teachers to save both money and jobs for the
more recently hired and more may cut costs in this manner.
We are fortunate to have a great school system in our city and
I will do all I can to see that we continue to offer the best
education possible to our students.
As
to health care, it is my understanding that in addition to
180-plus new intellectual disability waivers, there will be
federal Medicaid stimulus money coming from Washington.
I know there is concern that the House budget diverts that
stimulus money to the tobacco revitalization program, but it
is my feeling that the Senate conferees will not agree to this
plan. The conferees will continue to meet and nothing is
final at this juncture. Rest assured that I am working
with the budget conferees to advocate for schools, public
safety, and health care for our most vulnerable citizens.
By
choosing to cut expenses in the budget rather than raising
taxes, we hope to create jobs and retain Virginia’s
reputation as the best-managed state, the best state in which
to do business and the best state in which to raise a child.
At
this point, all of my bills have completed their legislative
journey. Out of 20 bills submitted, two were continued
to the 2011 session and 12 passed the Senate and House and
have been communicated to the Governor for consideration.
Two of those submitted were commending resolutions. One
recognized Jacqueline and Fred Napolitano as recipients of the
Bishop’s Humanitarian Award for their longtime dedication
and service to their fellow citizens. This award was
well-deserved and I was pleased to present the resolution to
the Napolitanos at a Catholic Charities event on March 6,
2010. The other commending resolution recognized the
Virginia Symphony on their 90th year. The Virginia
Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1920 and has been a jewel of
the performing arts in Hampton Roads ever since. The
organization is beloved by our community and its musicians are
part of the fabric of our area. It was a great pleasure
to submit this resolution as well. To review my bills,
or other bills of interest, please click on the legislative
website: http://legis.state.va.us.
Last
week the Virginia Beach City Council liaisons to the General
Assembly, Rosemary Wilson and John Uhrin, hosted a dinner for
the city’s legislators and their staffs. Councilmember
Wilson has been a liaison for several years, but Councilmember
Uhrin made his first trip in this capacity this session.
A great time was had by all, as it was a wonderful opportunity
to interact and discuss the issues of the day in a relaxed
atmosphere.
This
past week I had the pleasure of greeting representatives of
the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation from Virginia Beach, who
have raised funds to build the nation’s first 100%
handicap-accessible park. I also welcomed two ladies
from home, Diane Paradise and Peggy Williams, who stopped by
my office. And, session would not be complete without
Sheriff Ken Stolle’s Annual Chili Cook-off. There were
many varieties of chili to sample and we all appreciated
former Senator Stolle’s decision to continue this tradition.
The
cornerstone of good government is an informed electorate.
I am proud to have constituents who are engaged in the
political process. While we might not always agree, I
can promise that I will always listen to you and examine both
sides of every issue. Constituent input is essential in
a well-represented district. As I go about my
legislative duties, the people of the 7th District are my
first and foremost concern.
As
session moves towards adjournment, I want to take this
opportunity to thank you for sending me to Richmond to
represent you. It is an honor and a privilege to
represent the citizens of the 7th district in the Senate of
Virginia.
I hope you will contact my office
with any concerns you may have. I depend upon you, my
constituents, to keep me informed on the issues of the day.
If you visit the Capitol, please come by Room 312 to say
hello.
Sincerely,
Frank Wagner
Contact
Information Jan. 13, 2010 – Mar. 13, 2010:
804-698-7507-Richmond
Office
District07@senate.virginia.gov
PO
Box 396, Richmond VA 23218
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