Survey Results and March Session Update

Thank you for your interest in our State Government.  Thank you as well, for the honor of representing you in Richmond. I want to provide you with the results of my legislative survey and give you an update as we approach the end of our 2016 Session of the General Assembly.

Over half of the survey respondents believe that working to help create jobs and improve the economy should be our top priority. Towards that goal, we passed several measures incentivizing businesses to create new jobs. Also, we have passed “GO Virginia” which will help to encourage cooperation among localities and provide matching grant money for new business development.

On the second question of what issues are most important, the top three areas were almost evenly split between fighting Federal Government overreach, protecting constitutional freedoms and keeping Virginia safe from crime.

Sixty-nine percent of the respondents supported reforming our tax system in order to lower the overall tax rate.  We are embarking on a comprehensive review of our current tax exemptions, credits, deductions and other incentives.  We are also trying to develop an objective cost-benefit formula to assist us in this endeavor.

Half of you believe that we are providing sufficient funds for public education.  In our budget proposal we have increased state funding for our schools for certain program needs and we give local school boards some greater flexibility in using state money.

Over half of you believe that more money for low performing schools will not improve outcomes.  Legislation this year will provide more help to local schools from our State Department of Education and should allow local schools to better focus on special need students and increase overall student success.

In addressing the increasing cost of higher education, there was no majority consensus.  We are giving our colleges and universities some greater flexibilities in reaching new student populations (i.e. partnership with public schools, community colleges and accelerated degrees) and we are trying to ensure that Virginia resident students are given preference in admission policies.

On the question of allowing greater competition in our healthcare facilities, the answers were almost evenly split, reflecting concern about potential impacts on costs and availability.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents oppose expansion of “Obamacare” included in the Governor’s proposed budget, which has been removed by the General Assembly.

Over half of you supported expanding HOT lanes further south, but less than half of those who support new lanes would actually use them.  We have mandated that the VDOT conduct a study of the congestion issues in our area and suggest possible solutions.

On the question of Virginia calling for a “Convention of States” 56 percent supported that action.  The House has passed resolutions supporting this effort in order to force the Federal Government to reign in their spending and reverse their seizure of many State’s rights.

On the two questions about the Governor’s and Attorney General’s actions related to guns, a large majority of you wanted us to reverse those actions.  I’m glad to report that we were able to achieve an agreement to ensure legal gun owners with concealed carry licenses, will continue to have their current freedoms, restrict the ability of the Attorney General to override legislative action, and also providing greater protections for certain victims of domestic violence.

The House has passed a conservative, responsible budget that carefully uses taxpayer dollars while making responsible investments in the core functions of state government.  Our first priority is always to structurally balance our budget without Washington-style gimmicks to mask over spending and to make responsible decisions that keep Virginia on solid financial footing.

Our budget places high emphasis on the Virginia Retirement System to ensure the program remains solvent for our state employees and teachers.  It also provides for a better safety net for those with physical and/or mental challenges.

We are also sending thirty-one percent of lottery funds, an additional $272 million, back to local school divisions.  This gives local schools more flexibility by not requiring matching funds or mandating how the funds must be spent.  This is part of the House’s $897.1 million education package, which is larger than the budgets proposed by Governor McAuliffe and the Senate.  The House budget also funds the state’s share of a two percent teacher pay raise in the second year of the budget.

Of particular interest to our military veterans, a couple of bills dealing with veterans affairs have also passed both Houses.  HB 240 dealing with additional homeless assistance to veterans and HB 477 authorizes the Virginia Public Building Authority to issue bonds to construct veterans care centers in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

My bills, HB 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 325, 340, 557, 558, and 559 have all passed the House and Senate and are now before the Governor.  You may look up these bills at http://virginiageneralassembly.gov .

I would like to thank all of the visitors from the district who came by my office here in Richmond.  It is always a pleasure to see folks from back home.  Session ends on March 12 and my Fredericksburg office will be open again the following week.  The phone number there is: 540-891-1322.  You may still e-mail me at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.  I will send out another update on legislation after Veto Session, on April 20, 2016.

Thank you again for putting your trust in me to serve you in the 54^th District.  It is indeed a great honor. I will continue to work to the best of my ability for you, my constituents, my District and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sincerely,

Robert D. “Bobby” Orrock, Sr.