Legislative Update: May 12, 2006
I am glad to report that some progress is being made in regards to the budget. The House passed the “caboose” budget bill on Wednesday, May 10th. At the end of each budget year final adjustments have to be made to the budget. These adjustments are made based upon the funds that come into the state treasury either above or below the amount that was estimated in the previously passed budget. These adjustments have come to be known as the “caboose” budget because they come at the end of the budget cycle. Just as we all make adjustments to our household budget as our incomes and expenses rise or fall so does the State. The “caboose” budget bill makes those adjustments so that we can close out this fiscal year ending June 30 with the amount of money we have spent equaling the amount of money we have taken in. The Senate also passed the “caboose” budget bill so the current fiscal year is officially taken care of.
Work still needs to be done in order to adopt a budget for the coming biennium of 2007 through 2008. There have been some discussions among members of both bodies but no formal meeting took place this week. After adopting the caboose budget I feel that the wheels of progress are beginning to turn and hope that this will lead to the adoption of a biennium budget. I have heard from a number of folks in the district about the budget and transportation and have passed those thoughts on to the leadership.
This past week I had the opportunity to attend a number of great functions in the district. On Saturday, May 6th, I got the chance to see Ralph Stanley perform at the Menokin Bluegrass Festival. I also attended the Westmoreland Relay for Life Walk where volunteers raised a lot of money for the American Cancer Society. Both events were a great opportunity to talk and listen to folks about what is going on with the budget and how it is impacting them personally.
On Sunday, May 7th, I started the day by presenting a commending certificate to Jonathan Frith at his Eagle Scout Ceremony. He has worked very hard to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout and for that should be applauded. Later that same day I found myself in Reedville at the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony marking the beginning of the menhaden season. This is where churches, fishermen, and community members come together to pray for a safe fishing season.
On Monday, May 8th, I met with the King George, Colonial Beach and Westmoreland Chambers of Commerce at their joint meeting. Then on Thursday, May 11th, I went to the NSWC Naval Base in Dahlgren to meet with the Potomac Gateway Alliance for breakfast and then got a tour of the base. I have been on the base many times before, but learned much from having a formal tour. The Dahlgren Naval Base is an unbelievable asset to our region, the state and the nation. I will be working with all involved to assure that the base continues to prosper into the future.
The coming week appears to be equally as busy. I look forward to telling you all about it next week. If you are interested in what is going on in our office please visit my blog. I try to post information quickly that I feel may be of interest to constituents. I can be reached by email, robwittman@verizon.net, or telephone, 804-493-0508.
Work still needs to be done in order to adopt a budget for the coming biennium of 2007 through 2008. There have been some discussions among members of both bodies but no formal meeting took place this week. After adopting the caboose budget I feel that the wheels of progress are beginning to turn and hope that this will lead to the adoption of a biennium budget. I have heard from a number of folks in the district about the budget and transportation and have passed those thoughts on to the leadership.
This past week I had the opportunity to attend a number of great functions in the district. On Saturday, May 6th, I got the chance to see Ralph Stanley perform at the Menokin Bluegrass Festival. I also attended the Westmoreland Relay for Life Walk where volunteers raised a lot of money for the American Cancer Society. Both events were a great opportunity to talk and listen to folks about what is going on with the budget and how it is impacting them personally.
On Sunday, May 7th, I started the day by presenting a commending certificate to Jonathan Frith at his Eagle Scout Ceremony. He has worked very hard to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout and for that should be applauded. Later that same day I found myself in Reedville at the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony marking the beginning of the menhaden season. This is where churches, fishermen, and community members come together to pray for a safe fishing season.
On Monday, May 8th, I met with the King George, Colonial Beach and Westmoreland Chambers of Commerce at their joint meeting. Then on Thursday, May 11th, I went to the NSWC Naval Base in Dahlgren to meet with the Potomac Gateway Alliance for breakfast and then got a tour of the base. I have been on the base many times before, but learned much from having a formal tour. The Dahlgren Naval Base is an unbelievable asset to our region, the state and the nation. I will be working with all involved to assure that the base continues to prosper into the future.
The coming week appears to be equally as busy. I look forward to telling you all about it next week. If you are interested in what is going on in our office please visit my blog. I try to post information quickly that I feel may be of interest to constituents. I can be reached by email, robwittman@verizon.net, or telephone, 804-493-0508.
posted by Blake Hite at 2:00 PM
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