By Delegate Charles Poindexter
9th DistrictWe concluded the 2017 Session on time on Saturday, February 25, when we passed the Budget Conference Report 97-1 and the last of the conference reports on several controversial but very important bills.
The budget is structurally balanced, meaning we are not funding anything in the 2017-2018 fiscal year that we do not anticipate having the revenue to pay for in future years.Neither does the budget contain any tax or fee increases. Our priorities are reflected in the budget, including raises for the state workforce, teachers, state-supported local employees, and state and local law enforcement staff. We also increased funding for mental health care, the Health Care Safety Net, and victims of domestic violence, while making strategic investments in economic development for jobs growth.The Governor had proposed a tax amnesty program to raise revenue for his proposed budget spending. We agreed to the project but, not having solid data on how much revenue such a program would raise, we set up a Reserve Account for the revenue before we appropriate (spend) it.You may recall controversies from years past regarding using revenue for transportation (gas tax, vehicle sales tax, etc.) for other purposes. On the last day of session, we finally secured enough bipartisan support to pass a ‘lock box’ bill to assure transportation revenue is used for just that.
Virginia has firearms reciprocity with states south of us, except for Georgia. To date, Georgia has refused to honor Virginia permits since we do not currently allow 18-21 year-old military men and women access to CHP. We passed HB1582 to align us with Georgia, as well as to recognize this group in our own law. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed the bill.
We will vote on overriding his veto on April 5. The House vote was 78-19 and the Senate vote was 24-15. It takes 67 votes to over-ride in the House and 27 votes in the Senate. Until this is settled, continue to be vigilant if traveling through Georgia!Another important late passing bill was the restructuring of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Recall, in a previous report, I addressed federal overreach in produce farm inspections. A similar overreach occurred regarding the highly publicized deaths of a couple of children in day care. The Obama Administration set up far-reaching requirements for things like childcare provider registration, background checks, fingerprinting, etc., and they are now to be implemented.
To address the federal regulations, discussions and debates on SB1837/HB1837 went back and forth between both chambers all session until concerns by faith-based day care centers, the Montessori preschools, and similar daycare stakeholders were addressed and the substitute bill passed. The substitute requires registration but not background checks for these groups.On Friday the Governor’s office notified me he was vetoing my HB2002. This bill would require non-identifying data for refugee resettlements to be collected and reported so state and local costs can be ascertained and to provide data required to anticipate and provide resources such as Medicaid, TANF, English instruction, interpreters, housing, job placement services, and more. I think the taxpayer should know the costs as well as the elected officials voting the money. HB2002 will be on the agenda April 5 for override consideration.This week, my HB2000, which simply states that “No locality shall adopt any ordinance, procedure, or policy that restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws” was passed by the Senate and went to the Governor. Despite disappointments in some bills already vetoed by the Governor, we had a productive session. We had a record number of visitors and adjourned the session sine die with a good budget that addresses core needs and services.
Members also began moving their personal items out of their offices in preparation for the move to their new location in the Pocahontas Building, across from the Capitol on Bank Street, while the old General Assembly Building is demolished and a replacement building constructed. This project is long overdue since asbestos, mold, inefficient access, antiquated plumbing, unacceptable wear and tear, and other safety concerns have gone too far to patch or repair. Officials anticipate the General Assembly members and associated staff will be housed in the Pocahontas Building for four years/sessions.Another major change occurred this week in the General Assembly when Speaker William J. “Bill” Howell announced his retirement. This is a truly historic event as he has led the House for the past 15 years with traditional Virginia honesty, integrity, fairness, and with a keen sense of humor, all while keeping members focused on good governance and core governmental services. He will be sorely missed. Janet and I extend best wishes to Bill and Cessie as they begin this next chapter in their lives.I was pleased Blair Powell assisted as an intern in our office this session. Blair hails from Rocky Mount, Franklin County, and is currently a junior at VCU. I was extremely pleased with her work ethic and proud of the professionalism she displayed during Session. Thank you, Blair.
My legislative aide, William Pace, and I will reopen the District Office on Monday, March 6. You may contact me at DelCPoindexter@house.virginia.gov or P.O. Box 117, Glade Hill, VA 24092, phone (540) 576-2600. As always, I invite you to like and follow me on Facebook and to visit my website www.votepoindexter.com for further information and to sign up for my newsletters.
I look forward to continuing to represent everyone in the 9th District. I appreciate your support.
