Delegate Rob Wittman

Wittman Focusing on House of Delegates Re-Election

2007-03-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

"I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for all of the encouragement I have received to run for Senator representing the 28th Senatorial District.

"I sought the guidance of many on this matter and in the end my family and I have decided that it will be best for me to continue my work in the 99th House of Delegates District and focus on my re-election bid."

Wittman Statement on Chichester's Retirement

2007-03-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

“Today Senator Chichester announced that he would be retiring from the Virginia State Senate at the end of this term. As I reach the end of my first term in the Virginia House of Delegates I can say that the Senator has proven to be a great ally to myself and to the Northern Neck.

“Senator Chichester has worked tirelessly to for the citizens of the 28th Senatorial District, which includes the 99th House of Delegates District, and for that I am truly grateful. Over the past two years we have worked together diligently to strengthen the economy and protect the natural resources here on the Northern Neck. We have also worked to bring much needed funding to the area to help build our communities and preserve our rich historical assets.

“I am sincerely appreciative for all that Senator Chichester has given to the district over the past 29 years and hope that I will be able to continue the work he has done for this area.”

Chichester Retires

2007-03-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Below is a copy of Senator Chichester's Press Release announcing his retirement.

News Release – March 12, 2007
Statement of Senator John H. Chichester

As I stand at the beginning of my 29th year in the Virginia Senate, it is time to reflect both on the months ahead and on the years gone by. Those years, each and every one of them, carry unique memories. But collectively, they represent a time in my life of unparalleled honor – honor to represent the citizens of the 28th Senatorial district. I will be forever grateful and humbled by the trust that has been placed in me.

Magnifying that honor has been the chance to serve as a member of the Senate Finance Committee for the past 16 years, to chair the committee for half of those years, and to serve as a co-chairman for another four years. Chairing the Finance Committee brings many things – not the least of which is a respect for the complexity of real life and the need to balance many worthwhile and competing interests, while maintaining the highest fiscal integrity. That balance can’t be achieved without a firm grounding in all aspects of the enterprise that we call state government.

The job of chairman brings a steep learning curve, and the learning never ends. It is a full-time job, and one that is all-consuming. In order to be successful, the Finance Committee chairman must be willing to live and breathe the state budget on a day-to-day basis. He must be willing to trade instant gratification for the state’s long-term prosperity. He must be willing to advance positions that are sometimes unpopular. He must leave behind parochial interests and think ecumenically, because the chairman’s district becomes the entire Commonwealth and her assets.

The rewards are many, but there is a price to pay. That price is exacted both physically and through the yoke of responsibility for Virginia’s financial health, economic prosperity and fiscal structure that accompanies the position, not just for two months that one is in Richmond, but for 365 days of the year.

While serving as chairman, I’ve had enormous support from other members of the Finance Committee, the Senate as a whole, and the dedicated and professional Finance Committee staff. Senate Republicans and Democrats have labored side-by-side to keep Virginia’s financial house in order and to maintain the Triple-A bond rating that only a few states enjoy.

We have worked as a true team on many important and lasting issues. And that teamwork is evidenced by the fact that Virginia has been named the best fiscally managed state in the Union and the one that is most business friendly. Recently, it also was reported that a child growing up in Virginia has a better chance of success than they would have in any other state. We all should take great pride in that particular fact because everything we do is about the future.

I am so grateful that the citizens of the 28th Senatorial District have allowed me to be a part of that future. My time in the Senate has been incredibly rewarding personally, in so many different ways. And I am pleased to see that Virginia now stands at a high point in her long and illustrious history.

However, it is now time for the baton to be passed to another. My wife, Karen, and I have decided that we will not seek re-election for another term. She has been my partner in this endeavor for many years, but there are other things that we would like to do together. I have received the encouragement of so many people in the last three months to seek re-election, and I am eternally grateful to all who have supported me over the last 29 years. Yet, I believe that the end of this term is the right time for me to step down.

In 1978, when I first ran for this office, I said that the seat in the Senate belonged to the people and not to me. I also said that, for as long as I served, I would apply common-sense when making decisions. I have remained true to those statements. My gratitude will be never-ending to the citizens of the 28th Senatorial District for allowing me to represent their interests and to serve the Commonwealth.

I now turn my attention to the remainder of my 29th year in the Senate and to the important business that lies ahead. My last day of service will command as much energy and commitment as the first.

Session Begins

2007-01-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today the General Assembly session began where all the delegates met to propose new bills. The two bills discussed this morning were H.J.R. 577 and H.J.R. 578. The first of the two is one that the rules committee proposed to deal with the schedule of business for the year of 2007. The second bill is very similar to the first one, in that it deals with the same issue, just in the year of 2008. Both bills were referred to the rules committee. The House also voted on which committees the bills should be submitted as a block. In all we were probably in session about 30 minutes.

Legislative Update: November 22nd

2006-11-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

The past week has been one of grave concern. The Mandated Health Benefits Commission met on Monday, November 20th, to vote on whether or not to make it mandatory for insurance companies to cover Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, as given by the Mid Rivers Cancer Center in Montross. In a 9-3 vote they decided to pass a recommendation along to the House Commerce and Labor Committee that insurance reimbursement for this cancer treatment not be made mandatory.

The reasoning behind the decision of the Mandated Health Benefits Commission was flawed in a number of ways. Their main reasoning for not making a recommendation to require insurance payment for this treatment was that they should not mandate new types of treatment and if this is a good treatment insurance companies will eventually provide coverage. This reasoning is flawed in two major areas.

The first major flaw is that when an insurance company arbitrarily denies coverage of a medical treatment that has been documented in peer reviewed journals as being less toxic and therefore a safer treatment for the patient it is the job of the state to hold that company accountable and mandate that the treatment be covered.

The second major flaw in this argument is that if a cancer treatment is not covered by insurance companies it will not be administered to enough patients to provide the level of proof these companies say they need to approve payment.

The insurance companies have been presented with studies and documents that show this radiation treatment to be safer than other types. These studies irrefutably demonstrate that this treatment reduces radiation to non-cancerous cells. It is also documented that shielding these cells is the only way to reduce the toxicity of radiation. Solid Compensator Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy is the best treatment available to shield non cancerous cells. For the insurance companies not to cover this and the Mandated Health Benefits Commission make to recommend against requiring them to pay for this treatment is disturbing.

Their decision is especially concerning when considering the testimony that was provided regarding this treatment. The proponents of the bill were numerous highly credible doctors in the field of radiation oncology. Speaking in opposition to this bill were Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Virginia Association of Health Plans. The only argument that they presented was that there should not be mandates for this radiation treatment.

I believe that we should not have to have mandates, but realistically they are necessary in certain situations such as this one. This legislation will go before the House Commerce and Labor Committee during the 2007 session. I urge all of you who are interested in seeing this legislation pass to contact the members of the committee and let them know why they should vote in favor of mandating that insurance companies cover Solid Compensator Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

The members of this committee are Delegates Harvey Morgan (Chairman), Vincent Callahan, Frank Hargrove, Robert Tata, Harry Purkey, Terry Kilgore, Kathy Byron, Lee Ware, Allen Dudley, Morgan Griffith, Sam Nixon, Terrie Suit, Timothy Hugo, Watkins Abbitt, Kenneth Plum, Joseph Johnson, Dwight Clinton Jones, Johnny Joannou, Kenneth Melvin, Kenneth Alexander, Mark Sickles, and Jennifer McClellan. They can receive mail at the following address: General Assembly Building, P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Virginia 23218.

Additional information on this legislation is available on my website, www.delegatewittman.com. If I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me by phone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net.

More on the Menhaden Cap

2006-08-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Below is an article from Sunday's Washington Post that discusses the Menhaden cap.

Frozen FishingA proposal to cap harvests of a single fish in the Chesapeake Bay is a good compromise -- for now.

Sunday, August 6, 2006; B06

NOBODY REALLY knows what's happening to the Chesapeake Bay's menhaden, a small, bony fish that cleans the bay's water, props up its ecosystem and provides humans with valuable omega-3 fatty acid extract from its oil. Environmentalists say that overfishing might be devastating the bay's stocks. Virginia's commercial menhaden fishers counter that the sparse data on the bay's fish population don't prove any dangerous drop. But thanks to the good efforts of Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) last week, both sides agree that it's time for a real scientific study to determine what's happening to the bay's menhaden.

The governor's plan, which still requires the General Assembly's okay, is to cap menhaden fishing in the bay for five years while area scientists complete research on the local population of the species. The proposed cap is a modest limit of 109,000 metric tons annually -- about the average menhaden catch for the last five years. The idea is to keep harvesting constant while studies are underway, both to measure what effects the current level of fishing is doing to menhaden stocks and to prevent increases in harvesting in case early indications of stock depletion are true.

Critically, the primary menhaden fishing company, Omega Protein Corp., has signed on to the plan along with local environmentalists. Omega helped defeat a slightly lower cap proposed this year by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which oversees fishing on the East Coast. But the company says it supports the new cap, probably in part because the federal government might have shut down all Chesapeake menhaden fishing operations if Virginia failed to act. With the company's support, we hope that the legislature will quickly approve Mr. Kaine's cap. We also trust that the research -- which requires the company's participation in counting bay menhaden -- will proceed smoothly.

As productive as the governor's proposal is, however, it is only a short-term band-aid to what may be a long-term environmental crisis. If studies confirm that depleted menhaden schools are not as able to clean the water as thoroughly they used to, contributing to the bay's environmental decline, Virginia will require something more than a modest harvesting cap to repair the problem.

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Harvest Cap Announced

2006-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

First Landing State Park, VA – Delegate Robert J. Wittman attended a press conference held on Monday, July 31, by Governor Timothy M. Kaine announcing a proposal to set an annual cap on the harvest of menhaden from the Chesapeake Bay.

Delegate Robert J. Wittman offered the following statement on today’s actions by the Governor:

“Today I stood with Governor Kaine as he announced the Virginia proposal to the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) for resolving the menhaden catch limit issue. This proposal is a milestone in the realm of fishery management decisions involving menhaden. Omega Protein, the sport fishing community, the environmental community and other Atlantic coast states fisheries managers have all come together in agreement on this proposal for the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission. It is my sincere hope that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will adopt this proposal in lieu of the proposal from the Atlantic Menhaden Management Board. I believe that this proposal ensures the long term sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay menhaden population and is in the best interest of Omega Protein, the sport fishing community and the Chesapeake Bay. I intend to introduce legislation for the Virginia General Assembly to adopt these measures as soon as I am able and I will work with the House and Senate leadership to ensure that this happens.”

The proposal announced by the Governor today is consistent with goals set in a recent fishery management plan adopted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

This proposal is supported by both the menhaden industry and leaders within the environmental community. The proposed annual cap on menhaden harvested from the Chesapeake Bay for industrial purposes is 109,020 metric tons, which is based upon the average annual harvest from 2001-2005.

This proposal also allows for a one-year “credit” to be granted for the year immediately following a fishing season when catches are below the 109,020 metric-ton cap. The credits are limited so that no harvest shall go above 122,740 metric tons.

The proposal also includes an agreement for the state of Virginia and Omega Protein to work together on menhaden-related research and federal funding for that research.

Legislative Update: August 7, 2006

2006-08-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

As I talk to folks throughout the 99th district I hear a very common question – “Rob what can be done to get high speed or broadband internet access to our area?” County officials throughout the 99th district are working diligently to push high-speed and broadband internet providers to offer services in their counties. Many of these providers are using microwave transmission in addition to the traditional wired internet through phone and cable television lines. These efforts have been moving along well but they must have a backbone system to work from to provide access to all citizens in the 99th district.

During this past General Assembly there was considerable discussion about providing the same opportunity to accelerate high-speed and broadband access for the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Eastern Shore as had been provided for Southwest Virginia. That opportunity was to provide state funding for the preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition for extending the broadband “backbone” into these areas. I had the opportunity to work with the Delegates Harvey Morgan and Lynwood Lewis and others representing interest from their districts to fight to maintain funding for this project.

In the recently adopted budget there was $1.4 million in 2007 fiscal year for preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition for extending broadband "backbone" to the Eastern Shore, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Another $1.0 million was provided to support community and regional planning efforts for identifying "last mile" strategies for the deployment of broadband in communities. These funds will be used to identify and aggregate demand and document the most appropriate technology to deliver broadband service to the end user.

Additionally, I introduced House Bill 400 that proposed to add a provision in the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund to allow grants or loans for the purpose of installing, extending, or increasing the capacity of high-speed or broadband internet access for new businesses locating in rural areas. This bill passed and also requires that the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority review and evaluate existing industrial sites and infrastructure that will provide broadband or high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

So in this session of the General Assembly we provided money to plan the provision of high-speed and broadband internet access to all citizens in the 99th district and to leverage existing dollars to provide this access to businesses that look to locate in our region. This effort will allow high-speed and broadband internet providers to more quickly and efficiently build their networks in our region.

If you would like further information on this subject, or if I can be of assistance in other ways please feel free to contact my district office; by phone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net. Additional information on legislation that I introduced this year is available on my website, www.delegatewittman.com, within the legislation section.

Sales Tax Holiday

2006-08-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

I thought this press release from the Department of Taxation may be something of interest. Please help spread the word.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA Department of Taxation

Tax Department Extends Customer Service Hours to Answer Sales Tax Holiday Questions
~ Virginia’s First Sales Tax-Free ‘Holiday’ Set for Aug. 4-6 ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending its customer service hours to answer questions about Virginia’s first sales tax holiday, which occurs Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6.

Tax Department customer service representatives will be prepared to answer questions about the sales tax holiday until 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The number to call is (804) 367-8037. The Department will be closed on Sunday, Aug. 6. For further details about the “holiday,” check the agency’s special sales tax holiday Web site -- http://www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday.

“We want to make sure people who still have questions about the sales tax holiday get the information they need to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen. A sales tax holiday is a temporary period when the retail sales tax is not collected or payable on exempted items.

Virginia’s General Assembly unanimously approved the state’s first sales tax holiday earlier this year. During Virginia’s “holiday,” retailers will not charge the 5 percent sales tax on selected school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, or on clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per article or pair. An all-inclusive list of school supplies and a representative list of clothing qualifying for the exemption are available on the sales tax holiday Web site. Retailers who sell the exempted items are required to participate in the sales tax holiday.

Anyone who wants to purchase tax-free school supplies, clothing or footwear may do so during the three-day “holiday.” There is no requirement that items purchased be intended for school-related purposes.

Businesses may also voluntarily “absorb” the sales tax for customers on non-exempt items they sell during the three-day period. However, retailers who absorb the sales tax on non-exempt items must pay the sales tax to the Commonwealth. This means that all retailers have the opportunity to participate in the sales tax holiday.

The ”holiday” is expected to save shoppers about $3.6 million in retail sales tax. The three-day “holiday” will take place each year beginning on the first Friday in August and ending at midnight on the following Sunday.

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Legislative Update: July 31, 2006

2006-07-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

As areas along the shoreline of our waterways are developed and as new owners purchase existing properties there are more and more applications to install or expand piers, platforms and boathouses. When there are more and more of these structures being proposed on our rivers and creeks there is more potential for conflict with surrounding property owners concerning the impacts of these structures. The process of permitting for piers, platforms and boathouses includes a variety of public participation opportunities for folks to comment on how these structures may affect them.

In this past General Assembly session there was a bill, Senate Bill 634, which proposed to exempt a number of structures from requiring a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and therefore would not require an opportunity for citizens to comment. Essentially it would have allowed all open-sided shelter roofs or gazebo structures over the water to be permitted without any public input.

Through my years on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors the issues that caused the greatest concern among folks that lived along the water were those related to the permitting of roofed structures over the water. Anything that eliminates the opportunity for the public to comment on these projects potentially allows decisions to be made without consideration of impact on others.

In light of this problem with the elimination of public comment provided in Senate Bill 634 I proposed to change the language to require a permit and thus allow public input on all but the small open-sided shelter roofs or gazebo structures. These additions to the bill passed and now require that any roofed structure of more than 400 square feet as part of a dock or any open-sided roofs designed to shelter a single boat, boat slip or boat lift that exceed 700 square feet obtain a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. These requirements continue to include that any adjoining property owner that objects to a proposed roof structure over the water will require a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and therefore would require an opportunity for citizens to comment. Also, counties may continue to disallow such structures by ordinance.

Last week I attended the Kilmarnock Fireman’s Festival. Over the weekend I attended a fundraiser for the Northumberland Community Center as well as a Picnic for the Caroline County Farm Bureau at the Upper Caroline Fire Station.

As always, if I can be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me by phone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net. Also, please visit my new website; www.delegatewittman.com.

Legislative Update: July 26, 2006

2006-07-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned last week one of the tax breaks that Virginians will see this year is a Sales Tax Holiday. The Sales Tax Holiday is a period of time in which certain purchases are exempt from the sales tax. This was established this year during the General Assembly Session and will take place the first full weekend in August every year. This year the Sales Tax Holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2006 and last until Midnight, Sunday, August 6, 2006.

Merchandise that is exempt from the sales tax during this time includes articles of clothing or footwear with a selling price of $100 or less per article and all school supply items with a selling price of $20 or less per item.

Clothing does not include accessories, sporting equipment or footwear designed primarily for athletic activity or apparel designed primarily for protective use and not usually considered appropriate for everyday wear. School supply items include “school art supplies” and “school instructional materials and music supplies.” School supplies do not include computers or “school computer supplies.”

There is mandatory participation for all retail sellers during this time period. For more information on Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday you may contact my office or visit the Sales Tax Holiday’s website: www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday.

I would also like to announce that we are completing work on our new website, www.delegatewittman.com. On this website you will find useful tools that include archived legislative updates and press releases and information on legislation that I have introduced. As well as links to our blog, the General Assembly Webpage and various other state agencies. There is also a place to sign up for our email list. I encourage everyone to visit the website. It is my hope that this will serve as another communication and educational tool for residents of the 99th District.

This week in the district has been an exciting one. On Saturday, July 15th, I stopped by the Heathsville Market and had the opportunity to speak with a number of folks about issues important to our region. Tuesday, July 18th, I stopped by the Virginia School Board Association meeting in Richmond and I spoke with school superintendents and school board members from throughout the 99th District. On Thursday, July 20th, I attended the Northern Neck Community Criminal Justice Board Meeting and listened to suggestions on legislation and budget amendments that would improve our criminal justice system.

Over the weekend, July 21st-23rd, the First Baptist Church in Heathsville celebrated their 140th Church Anniversary by dedicating their new facilities. I commend this group on the work they do for their community.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. I can be reached by telephone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net.

Legislative Update; July 17, 2006

2006-07-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Of all the bills that pass through the General Assembly, the budget is by far the legislation with the greatest impact on all Virginians. As it was pointed out last week many important aspects of the public health, safety and welfare are affected by the budget. In fact the language in the budget actually is the most far reaching part of Virginia law, which means if there is language in the budget to direct that something be done it holds the force of law and takes precedence over existing laws.

The Virginia budget approved by the General Assembly provides full funding for K-12 education, gives 4% raises to teachers, law enforcement, and all state employees. It also provides an additional $200 million to fund cleanup efforts in the Chesapeake Bay and provides an additional $350 million to improve transportation in the Commonwealth.

There were a number of successful initiatives in the area of agriculture and natural resources. In addition to record funding for Chesapeake Bay cleanup, the budget contains additional funding and positions for Virginia Cooperative Extension, funding for the Office of Farmland Preservation, and additional funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

This budget also provided the opportunity to advocate for arts, cultural, and historic entities in Caroline, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. I am pleased that the budget contains funding for the Colonial Beach Historical Society, Corrottoman Civic Center, Foundation of Christ Church, James Monroe Foundation, Kinsale Foundation, Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library, Morattico Museum, Northern Neck Farm Museum, Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society, Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern, Richmond County Museum, Steamboat Era Museum, Stratford Hall, the Haven, Westmoreland County Museum and the Westmoreland Poor School Society . All of these organizations will benefit from the state’s partnership in their endeavors.

Higher education funding is increased by 15% ($456 million) and includes $39 million in financial aid for undergraduates at public and private institutions. In fact, we were even able to cut taxes in several areas. We provided for a 3-day Back-To-School Tax Holiday starting this August that will mean substantial savings for families. We also provided for a Long-Term Care Insurance Tax Credit for premium payments to help ease this cost burden on our seniors. Tax reduction actions also provided for a tax credit to reduce the tuition at schools for children with disabilities.

To help preserve our family farms and small businesses, after years of effort, there is legislation that is before the House and Senate to eliminate the estate tax in Virginia.

Part of the estate tax bill includes changes to the Land Conservation Tax Credit Program. The Governor has proposed a number of amendments to this bill that remove many of the crippling changes in the program that were part of the original legislation. It is my hope that these amendments will pass. These amendments go a long way to improve the earlier legislation. As with any compromise there are some parts of the bill that were not proposed for amendment that we will have to address in the next legislative session, but overall, the Governor’s amendments make for a much better bill.

Thank you readers for your attention and feedback over the last six months. Thank you also to this newspaper for providing space for these reports through a long and protracted session. I will continue reporting each week on items of interest that have passed the General Assembly, those issues to be considered in the next General Assembly and the transportation deliberations that will start in September.
This week in the district was a great deal slower than last week. On Wednesday, July 12, I visited with the Friends of Lancaster at the county library in Kilmarnock. On Friday, I headed over to Fort A.P. Hill, in Caroline, for their Change of Command Ceremony. The Garrison Commander switched from LTC James M. Mis to LTC Michael S. Graese. I wish both of these fine gentlemen great success in their new commands and military careers.

As always, if I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me; either by telephone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net.

Budget Progress

2006-06-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

If the news has not spread already, yesterday, June 28th, the House of Delegates and the Senate voted a final time to pass the budget. The budget was adopted and government will remain functional.

Budget Progress

2006-06-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

The House voted today at 12:45 p.m. to pass the conference report on the budget.

While this is not the final step, significant progress was made today. With both the Senate and the House approving this version of the budget it now goes to the Governor's office. He will have slightly over a week to review the report and make recommendations before it comes back before the members of the General Assembly to get final approval.

Once the General Assembly approves the budget with the Governor's amendments or vetoes the budget for fiscal year 2006-2008 will take effect.

At this point it is believed that this can be done before the close of the current fiscal year.

Budget Progress

2006-06-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Senate passed the Budget. The House will be meeting today at 12 noon to go over the budget.

I have included an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch highlighting the progress below.

Senate OKs state budget

Two-year plan moves to House as deadline of June 30 looms
BY JEFF E. SCHAPIRO
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Having tarried 159 days, Virginia lawmakers suddenly are in a hurry to pass a budget.
The state Senate yesterday -- the 160th day of the struggle with the House of Delegates over taxes and spending -- needed only 21 minutes to approve a compromise budget that ducks the issue that caused the impasse in the first place: new dollars for transportation.
The two-year, $74 billion plan, approved by the Senate 37-0, is on the House floor today.
The budget includes pay raises for public employees, many of whom live in the Richmond area; additional dollars for public education and social services; about $1 billion for construction, most of it on college campuses; and what may be the Virginia equivalent of controversial congressional earmarks -- almost $40 million for local cultural and tourist attractions.
In a separate vote, senators approved, 24-9 with two abstentions, a long-sought rollback of the estate tax, effective July 2007, as well as a $75 million cap on tax breaks for Virginians who pledge to never develop their open land.
To assure an uninterrupted flow of services to taxpayers, the General Assembly now has 10 days to complete a budget.
Between today and June 30, when the current budget expires, three events must occur beforethis chapter of the 2006 fiscal saga closes: the House vote; vetoes and revisions by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine; and another legislative session, probably June 28, to act on Kaine's recommendations. Only then can Kaine sign the budget into law.
"This has not been an easy exercise, as you know," Senate Finance Committee Chairman John H. Chichester, R-Northumberland, said in brief remarks to the Senate.
The protracted overtime that forced a three-month delay in enacting a budget will continue into summer, if not longer, with legislators attempting to fashion a long-term fix for highways and mass transit.
"It won't get done," predicted Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan. "That pot is going to have to boil for about two more years."
To cobble the 2006-08 budget, the Senate and the House agreed to put off transportation financing until next month or later. But differences endure: The Senate favors about $750 million in new taxes, while the House wants to use a chunk of the $1.4 billion surplus and issue more bonds, which would be repaid with interest.
Sen. Jay O'Brien, R-Fairfax, said the transportation fight will be guided by the 2007 elections to decide continued Republican control of the General Assembly.
"It will be interesting, as we get close to the election, how any single person changes his views," said O'Brien, an opponent of higher taxes who may be vulnerable to a
Democratic challenge in his traffic-clogged Washington suburb.
The compromise budget is outlined in a 379-page report, which many senators -- perhaps out of frustration over the protracted stalemate that dates to the chilly days of January -- only briefly perused.
Chichester depicted the budget as a victory for the Senate because it embraces many of the chamber's priorities, including a cash-only construction program and use of surplus funds for one-time expenses.
Sen. R. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, a budget negotiator, said the plan substantially boosts appropriations for three programs that the House wanted to cut to free dollars for its road-and-transit plan: public schools by $51.7 million, higher education by $25 million and human services by $26 million.
Those increases, said Houck, underscore the Senate's claim that investments in education and social services -- programs on which Virginians depend daily -- are threatened if they have to share dollars for transportation projects that are bankrolled and built over many years.
"Yes, transportation is important, but not at the expense of education, health care and other essential services," Houck said.
Contact staff writer Jeff E. Schapiro at jschapiro@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6814.
This story can be found at: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149188611364&path=%21news&s=1045855934842

Budget Progress from the Senate

2006-06-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

This article from the Daily Press shows that some progress is being made on the budget.

Va. Senate to take vote on spending plan
Budget offers $2.5 million for Staunton school, keeps Hampton school for disabled open
Daily Press
June 19, 2006,
2:31 PM EDT RICHMOND -- -- With a budget compromise finally in hand, the General Assembly today began taking steps to enact a spending plan before the fiscal year begins on July 1.
The Senate was set to convene at 3 p.m. for a floor vote.
The House of Delegates will come in Tuesday at noon.After passage, the legislation goes to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for his review. Then lawmakers must consider his amendments or line-item vetoes.
It's a process that normally takes five to six weeks, but the state will have to act in two weeks to meet its deadline.
Senators spent the morning in a budget briefing. Afterwards, Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, said he was pleased that an issue of importance to Hampton Roads has apparently been solved.
The budget sets aside $2.5 million to begin planning for a consolidated school for deaf, blind and multi-disabled children in Staunton.
Meanwhile, budget language allows the state school for disabled children in Hampton to be run by an existing, as-yet-unamed organization.
The state has debated for years why it needs two schools, or if one should close.
Hanger worked closely with Hampton legislators. On the House side, Del. Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News, compromised when he dropped his insistence that the New Horizons Regional Education Center be involved in running the Hampton school.
"It's exciting," Hanger said. "We still have a lot of work to do to resolve it."
Reporter Hugh Lessig may be reached at 804-225-7345.

Budget Stalemate

2006-06-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

It looks like the budget stalemate may be finally coming to a holt. On Friday evening the Budget Conferees came to an agreement on the budget.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget toady and the House will vote on the budget tomorrow. If all goes well it will be sent to the Governor and he will have about a week to look it over and send back to the House and Senate for final adoption.

I have included an article from the Associated Press on the agreement below.

House, Senate conferees agree on budget draft
By BOB LEWIS
AP Political Writer
June 16 2006
RICHMOND, Va. -- State legislators reached a tentative agreement Friday on a new state budget, ending an unprecedented stalemate just two weeks ahead of what would have been a fiscal and constitutional crisis.
The compromise, 96 days late, sets up a frantic scramble to push the $72 billion, two-year spending plan through the full House and Senate, gubernatorial review and legislative reconsideration of vetoes and amendments by June 30.
After weeks of dickering and bickering, false starts and abrupt halts, the deal fell into place after rival House and Senate negotiators agreed to continue new transportation funding later this year.
The agreement no longer has approval of new, permanent taxes, fees or both for road, rail and transit projects as a condition for the allocation of
$339 million in general funds for transportation projects next year.
The proposal now goes before the full Senate for approval on Monday and before the House on Tuesday. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will have up to seven days to amend or veto line items in the budget.
Looking haggard but relieved, the six House members and five senators announced their agreement at 6:45 p.m.
"We're tired but happy," Sen. John H. Chichester said.
"Once it's all put together and everyone reflects on it, it's a very fine document, one of the best I think we've seen for a long time," said Chichester, R-Stafford.
House Appropriations chairman Vincent F. Callahan Jr. said relations between the House and Senate after their protracted five-month debate were "cordial."
"We respect each other. We fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but we do that internally also," said Callahan, R-Fairax.
The accord ended a clash over efforts by the Senate and Kaine to boost transportation taxes by about $1 billion annually and the unbending resolve against any new taxes by the House's majority Republicans.
"This is what this was all about, who are we kidding," said Del. M.
Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights. "I think this forever discredits the practice of trying to put tax increases in the budget."
House GOP leaders insisted that imbedding taxes into an appropriations bill is unconstitutional. Tax bills have to be separate measures, they argued.
Transportation was the marquee legislative issue of 2006. Kaine successfully campaigned on it in the governor's race last year and held two dozen town hall-style forums across the state to whip up support for it.
Kaine was relieved to see a budget in place, but is not conceding the unlikely possibility of increased fees or taxes for transportation when lawmakers take up the issue, said press secretary Kevin Hall.
"No one is claiming the discussion is over," Hall said. "House leaders have said in recent weeks they wanted to take care of the two-year budget and return to transportation and we take them at their word."
Other key agreements in the new budget include:
-- Fully repealing the estate tax--a posthumous levy on the estates of millionaires--at a cost of $35 million over the next two years, but at an estimated annual revenue reduction approaching $130 million after that.
-- Pay increases of 4 percent over the coming year for all state employees, state-supported local employees and public school teachers; the following year, state workers and state-subsidized local workers would get 3 percent raises with 1.5 percent boosts reserved for teachers.
-- $25 million over two years to help preserve the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, targeted for closure by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission, as a military base.
-- $200 million for Chesapeake Bay cleanup; $17 million to clean up Virginia rivers outside the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; $55 million for the Water Quality Improvement Fund.
This year's impasse marks the third time in five years that the General Assembly, which once prided itself on budgetary punctuality, has failed to finish work on a budget during their regular winter session.
Callahan said this year's delay, the longest ever, does not set a precedent for 11th-hour budgeting and fiscal brinksmanship.
"I think this was an aberration, very frankly," he said. "It's something out of the normal that I don't think we'll be seeing in the next couple of years."

Legislative Update: June 19, 2006

2006-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well as I am writing this update the budget conferees are finishing the final details of the compromise budget to be submitted to the House and Senate hopefully for a vote on Tuesday June 20th. Additionally, the House meets this afternoon – Friday June 16th in a pro forma session to meet the minimum requirements of the state constitution which means that there is no legislation to vote on. This session was scheduled in anticipation of having a budget to vote on by Friday but now instead it will be Tuesday before we get to vote on a budget. This budget adoption process has been a long and eventful effort which has included many highs and lows. It would appear at times as though there was significant progress only to have the next day filled with hesitation and doubt. This process has had the unwanted distinction of being the longest in Virginia’s history.

The budget adoption process begins now for both bodies of the Legislature with the consideration of the conference report from the budget conference committee. This conference report is the compromise budget that has been worked out by the budget conference committee. This committee is made up of six Delegates and five Senators. The House and Senate will vote on the compromise budget on Tuesday June 20th. At this time there will have to be several procedural moves to speed up the adoption process so that both bodies can complete their work. On Tuesday after procedures have been adopted to allow a vote on the budget both Delegates and Senators will only be able to vote yes or no on the budget. There will likely be some comments about the budget but no amendments are allowed only a straight yes or no vote. The budget document is quite complex and will involve a significant amount of time for all legislative members to review.

After the legislature passes the budget it then goes to the Governor. The Governor who usually has five to six weeks to review the budget and make suggested amendments will now only have 7 days to so since it will take until the end of next week to get to the Governor the adopted budget document. This will require a significant amount of effort from the Governor and his staff. After the Governor sends the budget back to the legislature with his proposed changes the Legislature will meet to consider these amendments. At that point the Governor’s amendments will either be agreed to or not. The budget then becomes final.

When the budget becomes final state government agencies and local governments will know with certainty the amount of money they have for the coming year. Depending upon the assumptions local governments used in adopting their budgets they will be faced with making adjustments to coincide with the funds they receive from the state. Under this scenario all government functions continue at both the state and local government level.

I am very happy that all appears as though we will avoid the need for legislation to fund government without a budget. The idea of using this continuing funding resolution that is used by the U.S Congress is one that I do not believe is appropriate for Virginia. Budget decision making is never easy and the use of continuing resolutions just puts off the tough decisions that must be made at some point. The Virginia Legislature has always been up to making these tough decisions. In listening to folks in the 99th district I heard loud and clear that they expect their legislature to do the job for which we were elected and that includes adopting a budget without the use of continuing resolutions or facing potential government shutdowns. I am continuing to communicate with the budget negotiators on a daily basis and will do so until we have passed this budget.

In the district this past week, I started off on Monday, June 12th, speaking to the Westmoreland Ruritan Club. Then the next morning, Tuesday, June 13th, I enjoyed a tour of Fort A.P. Hill. After that tour was completed I headed over to Reedville to meet another Delegate for a tour of the Omega Protein fisheries. With so much attention being placed on this plant I feel that it is important for legislators outside of this region to be able to see the work done to gain a better understanding.

On Thursday, June 15th, I visited with the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at Stratford Hall. This gave me the opportunity to inform them of legislative proceedings as well as an opportunity for me to hear from them how state policies impact their day to day work.

Over the weekend I plan on speaking at an Electoral Board Luncheon and from there stopping by to visit with folks at the Historical Marker Dedication at Westmoreland State Park. Additionally, I will also be visiting with the Little Ark Church congregation for their Juneteenth service and ceremony. The week has been one filled with good times and great opportunities to speak with people from throughout the district.

I would love the opportunity to speak with each of you about how state government could better serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at my district office. I can be reached by telephone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net.

Legislative Update; June 9, 2006

2006-06-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

There have been a number of happenings this week concerning budget matters. First, on Tuesday, June 6th, the House and Senate considered the Governor’s proposed amendments to the caboose budget which is the budget that completes the current fiscal year ending on June 30th. There were some changes to the Governor’s amendments made by the House and Senate. These changes passed and were sent back to the Governor.

Next, on Wednesday, June 7th, the budget negotiators held a meeting as Governor Kaine, Senator Chichester and Delegate Callahan flew to New York to meet with the various financial institutions that determine the state’s credit rating. The folks from these institutions indicated that they were not overly concerned about the state being nearly three months late in completing a budget but they would closely monitor the situation if a budget was not passed before July 1st.

The question now being asked is what will happen to state services if there is not a budget passed by July 1st ? I believe strongly that we need to complete the budget now before the July 1st deadline. I have communicated these thoughts to the budget negotiators in the strongest terms I know how. If the state is faced with no budget on July 1st the Governor will act to continue state services and provide payments to our local governments. While the Attorney General has ruled that the Governor does not have the authority to spend money without a budget from the legislature most folks agree that the Governor has the authority to exercise certain powers to protect public health, safety and welfare of Virginia citizens. It takes money to do that and while the budget that authorizes the spending of that money may not exist I do not believe anyone is going to stop the Governor in exercising his powers.

Both the Senate Finance Chairman – Senator Chichester and House Appropriation Chairman – Delegate Callahan have indicated they are prepared to offer legislation that would continue to fund state government. In fact Delegate Robert Marshall has just submitted a bill that would fund state government and its obligations to local governments if we do not meet the July 1st deadline.

If the legislation to fund government without an adopted budget is passed it will be the first time in the history of Virginia that the legislature has not met its obligation to pass a budget. This also sets the precedent that instead of making the tough decisions needed to pass a budget we will opt for the temporary funding mechanism similar to what is called a continuing resolution that is used by the U.S. Congress. This would be a significant event in the course of Virginia’s legislative history. I have considerable concern about using this mechanism as opposed to upholding our responsibility to adopt a budget through the regular course of the legislative session.

The budget negotiators are meeting as I write and are deciding if they should meet over the weekend. It is my hope they do and that this leads us to a budget to consider at our next legislative session which will occur at 5 p.m. on Tuesday June 13th.

Back in the district this week I had the opportunity to speak at the Woodland Academy’s graduation. I also gave the commencement address for Colonial Beach High School’s graduation on Sunday, June 11th.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the graduates in the district and throughout Virginia. I applaud the hard work you have put forth to accomplish your goals to this point and wish you great success as your journeys continue.

As always, if I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at my district office by phone, 804-493-0508, or email, robwittman@verizon.net.

Legislative Update: June 5, 2006

2006-06-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is week eight of the special session of the General Assembly and budget negotiations continue. The House and Senate budget conferees have been meeting this week and there has been slow but steady progress on creating a compromise budget.

The budget discussions now center upon capital expenditures. Capital expenditures include the money to be spent on construction of state buildings which include college buildings, hospitals, state office buildings and other material items. They say that the devil is always in the details and these discussions are no different. The differences in these discussions are over how these dollars for capital projects are to be spent. Should there be expenditures to plan then wait to build or should the planning and building take place at one time? Then there is the discussion about which building projects should or should not be included in the budget.

The budget negotiations have been testy at times with patience running thin knowing that there is the desire to have a proposed compromise budget done by Tuesday, June 6th. The Governor, Senator Chichester and Delegate Callahan will be meeting next week in New York with the various companies that rate the state’s financial capabilities. These companies want an update as to whether the state will have a budget adopted by July 1st. It is my strong desire that the budget work be completed so that we have a budget to vote on this coming week. I believe that this can happen.

I have passed on my comments to the budget negotiators on a number of budget items that affect our district. They include a request to restore funding taken away from the Northern Neck Regional Jail, next is to restore funding for the Land Conservation Tax Credits and also to restore funding for high speed internet planning in the district. I am hopeful that these items will get back into the budget and remain there. I know that many folks are waiting anxiously for the budget to be adopted including local governments and teachers who have to make decisions on contracts with salaries that are conditioned upon the adoption of a state budget.

I began this past week in the district by speaking at a Memorial Day service at Historic Christ Church in Weems and attended the service at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lively. This was a great opportunity to honor those service men and women who have given so much for our country.

On Tuesday, May 30th, I attended a Lancaster County Volunteer Recognition Ceremony hosted by Bay Aging. Thursday, June 1st, I had the opportunity to give the Commencement Speech for the Northern Neck Technical Center’s graduation. I wish those young men and women who worked so hard to earn their certificates great success.

This past weekend was packed full of great events. On Saturday, June 3rd, I began my day at a community breakfast in Bowling Green. From there I headed to the Northumberland Relay for Life walk. Then later that evening I headed to Upperville where I and other environmentally conscious delegates were honored by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. I also attended two Eagle Scout Ceremonies over the weekend.

I would like to urge you to contact me if I can ever be of assistance. I can be reached by phone at 804-493-0508, or email at robwittman@verizon.net.

Legislative Update: May 26, 2006

2006-05-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well I said last week that I hoped to have some good news to report this week and low and behold I do. On Monday of this past week the Senate passed a modified version of the House budget that funds all elements of government and sets aside 567 million dollars for development of a transportation budget to be finished later this summer or early fall. The Senate provided the condition that a transportation budget be developed no later than November of this year with a dedicated source of revenue for statewide transportation funding or the 567 million dollars set aside would go back to the general fund.

This past Thursday the House set in motion the procedure for the Senate budget proposal to go to the budget conference committee. This committee will meet on Tuesday to begin negotiating the details of the final budget to be presented before both the Senate and the House. It is my hope that this process will take place quickly so that we will soon have a final budget.

While it is important that we are well on the way to adopting a final budget it is imperative that we also do the work of addressing our transportation problems. These problems are not just limiting to funding transportation construction but must also include reform of our transportation planning and construction process so we spend your money more efficiently and are held accountable for results.

The solution also must include not just construction of new roads but other forms of transportation such as rail and transit that move people and goods in a more efficient manner. There is a need to use rail and transit to relieve growing urban congestion and to satisfy growing rural transit needs.

We must also combat increasing transportation problems by giving localities more power to control growth and sprawl. As more families move to suburbs and exurbs their commutes increase, increasing the demands on roads as well as congestion. When localities have the ability to set controls on this they have the ability to keep development to a capacity that roads can handle.

On a different note, I have asked the House budget conferees to not agree to proposed cuts in dollars that go towards the Land Preservation Tax Credit program. The program is a highly successful public-private partnership that works to conserve farmland, natural areas, battlefields, and scenic open spaces throughout Virginia.

This program helps to preserve open spaces, supports family farms, and restores the Chesapeake Bay, and it also is a part of the solution to the traffic crisis that this state is facing. This tax credit is a free market tool against sprawl and for land conservation.

Back in the district I have found myself quite busy. While I started my week on the other side of the state for the House Majority Retreat, I returned Monday evening for a busy Tuesday. On Tuesday I joined with Senator Chichester for the Northern Neck Christian Men’s Group. I then rushed to give a legislative update to the Richmond County Democratic Party.

The next morning, Wednesday, I was up and at it again. I had a great time with the Kilmarnock Kiwanis Club at their Community Service Breakfast. After breakfast I went back to work and it has been work, work, work ever since. Although, today I am planning on attending the Strawberry Festival in Heathsville and the Rivah Fest in Kilmarnock, those two events should be great fun.

As always if I can ever be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me at robwittman@verizon.net or 804-493-0508. I wish you all a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Legislative Update: May 19

2006-05-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself,” artist Andy Warhol once said. When using this quote in reference to the current budget standoff no truer words have been spoken. A large amount of time has been invested in creating a budget; unfortunately time alone can not bring us closer to a budget. I have spoken with a number of folks in the district and the consensus is that it is time for the members of the General Assembly to step up to the plate and produce a budget. There was a meeting of a small group of budget conferees this week. They had some very positive discussions on the education elements of the proposed budget. There were no final agreements reached on this part of the budget but they did agree to meet again this Wednesday as a small group and then for all budget conferees to meet after the small group adjourns. This is one of those small steps that gets us closer to producing a budget. I am anxious for a leap to be taken this in the budget negotiations. I have expressed my desire to quickly pass a budget to other legislators and leadership from both the House of Delegates and the Senate.

On Thursday, May 18th, the House of Delegates held a pro forma session in which no new legislation was discussed. These pro forma sessions take place when there is no new legislation to discuss and they only require the presence of the Speaker and one other Delegate. Hopefully the next legislative update you read will be reporting on changes in this standoff.

Although I have not had to go to Richmond this week for session I have managed to make my way around the district pretty successfully. Last Saturday, May 13th, I had the opportunity to speak at the Colonial Beach Yacht Club Flag Raising Ceremony before joining Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis for a BBQ at her home in Gloucester. Both events were great opportunities to mingle and get feedback on the state of affairs in Virginia.

On Monday, May 15th, I was pleased to attend the King George County Business Celebration. This event was a great opportunity to honor local businesses and all that they do for our communities. The next day, Tuesday, I spent the evening at the Northern Neck Regional Jail dinner and spoke with many fine folks who keep our jail running. Regional jails have a partnership with the state where the state grants them money to operate based upon the number if individuals housed there. This partnership makes it important to keep communication lines open.

On Thursday, May 18th, I attended the 48th Annual Meeting for the Foundation for Historic Christ Church. Once the business of the meeting was completed the Rev. Dr. John W. Turner performed music on instruments from the period in history during which the church was constructed. After the meeting was adjourned everyone gathered for lunch on the church courtyard. Later that day I attended the Opening Ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall at Rappahannock Community College. I will be attending the armed services day ceremony on Saturday, May 20th. I finished my day on Thursday by attending the Westmoreland Schools Employee Recognition Banquet which recognized teachers who had received awards throughout the year and those who were retiring at the close of this year. I was proud to have the opportunity to let these fine ladies and gentlemen know how much I appreciate their contributions.

The week ahead holds many visits and meetings where I will have the opportunity to discuss what is going on in the District and in Richmond with constituents. Until then if you have any concerns or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at robwittman@verizon.net or 804-493-0508.

Fundraiser on Cat Point Creek

2006-05-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, and by that time I mean time to begin fundraising. We have put together a great fundraiser at the Belle Mount Vineyards on Cat Point Creek. We are hoping that it will serve as an opportunity for Rob to meet with constituents, raise some funds for re-election, and have a great time in a lovely setting.

The event is on June 10th in the vineyard section of the Heritage Park Resort. It will run from 11am-3pm. We will be providing lunch and music. We are also encouraging those with canoes and kayaks to bring them along to enjoy the beauty and serenity that Cat Point Creek has to offer.

Individual Adult tickets are $25, children 12 and under are $15. There are also several levels of sponsorship. The first tier of sponsorship will give you recognition on the programs and two tickets to a private luncheon with Rob and other sponsors for $250. The second tier of sponsorship will give you recognition on the programs and table tents and you will receive four tickets to the private luncheon for $500. The top level of sponsorship will receive recognition on the sponsorship board, table tents and programs and will receive six tickets to the private luncheon for $1,000.

If you are interested in attending this event please send your name and address to robwittman@verizon.net or call 804-493-0508 and an invitation will be mailed to you promptly. We are hoping that a large number of people are able to turn out and show their support for Rob's re-election efforts.

Legislative Update: May 12, 2006

2006-05-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekend activities and transportation thoughts

2006-05-09T08:15:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend the Menokin Foundation Bluegrass Festival on Saturday. There were lots of folks from throughout the Northern Neck in attendance. There was lots of great music, fun and fellowship and all of it for a great cause. It does not get any better than that. As I spoke with folks many asked about how the budget negotiations were going. I wish I could say that significant progress is being made but I just see small incremental steps being taken. Not that these small steps aren’t positive they just are not getting us to adopting a budget anytime soon.

If there was one common theme I heard in my conversations with folks it was that we must address the root causes of our transportation problems and that is uncontrolled growth and better transportation planning. The growth that has happened in the urban areas in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and the Richmond area has increased vehicular traffic on our roadways. In many instances the areas where growth is occurring are not the areas that have adequate transportation infrastructure and vice versa where current road construction is planned is not in areas with the greatest need.

In order to make true progress on the issue of transportation we must provide localities the tools they need to control and manage growth in a way that does not encourage sprawl. The continual movement of development farther and farther out of our population centers just continues to increase the demand for roads. As we look at the rates of growth in localities in and around the 99^th district we see that Stafford and Spotsylvania were identified as some of the fastest growing counties in Virginia five years ago, today we see that King George and Caroline counties have been added to the list. With this current trend Westmoreland, Richmond and Essex Counties will soon be courting inclusion on this list.

Since transportation planning in Virginia is centralized there is not the needed coordination between local land use planning and decision making and state transportation planning and decision making. We must do a better job of coordinating land use and transportation planning between localities and the state. As development occurs we must make sure that land use decisions include the impacts upon the roads leading to and from these areas. The idea of having developers share in the pro-rated costs of road improvements needed due to the increase traffic from their developments should also be explored.

I had a great opportunity to speak with a number of cancer survivors at the Westmoreland Relay for Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. There were many volunteers giving of their time to gather pledges and walk on behalf of raising money to find a cure for cancer. There efforts truly make a difference in the lives of others. I was humbled to be a part of this great activity. I urge any of you that have the time to volunteer with your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

I also had the honor of commending an outstanding young man on Sunday for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. I was humbled to honor the truly great accomplishments of Jonathan Frith from Lancaster County. He was joined by many fine folks from the community and his friends and family. When a young man such as Jonathan attains the rank of Eagle Scout it is a testament not just to his hard work but also to that of the scout leaders in the community, the merit badge counselors, his parents, friends, family and many others in the community. I wish Jonathan the best and I know that he will be successful in whatever he does in life because of the lessons he has learned in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The blessing of the menhaden fleet in Reedville took place on Sunday. This is truly a great experience where the churches of the region come together along with fisherman and the community to pray for a safe fishing season. As many of you know the menhaden industry has come under increasing pressures from those outside of our region in recent years. Albert Pollard Jr. spoke very eloquently about the challenges faced by the menhaden industry and that we must listen to those critical of the industry because while most of what they state is not true some of what they say is worthy of consideration. He also spoke of showing patience and restraint in the face the pointed and stinging criticism from those that do not truly understand the crucial role the menhaden fishery plays in the Northern Neck. Albert spoke of the story of Ruby Bridges a young African American girl who in November 1960, walked up the steps of William Frantz Public School in New Orleans, the first black student at the formerly all-white elementary school. She was faced each day as she arrived at school by large mobs angrily protesting integration of the New Orleans school system. Ruby’s mom who accompanied her with U.S. Marshals on the first two days of school told her that she had to go back to work and that the U. S. Marshals would take care of her but that if she got scared that she should pray and that God would protect her. Her teacher Mrs. Henry one morning upon arrival in her classroom indicated her surprise that Ruby was speaking to the mob as she walked up the steps into school. Mrs. Henry stated that she saw Ruby’s lips moving but could not make out what she was saying to the people around her. Ruby told her teacher that she was not talking to the mob but instead was praying that God be with her and with the people in the crowd because they knew not what they were doing. Albert urged those in the menhaden industry who are frustrated with those who protest the purse seining of menhaden practice the same restraint in silent prayer that Ruby Bridges did in facing the angry mob by asking God to look over those who protest for they know not what they do.

The issue of alternative fuels continues to gain momentum. The bill I submitted HB 680 creates a Biofuels Production Fund and Grant Incentive Program. This program will encourage biofuels production in Virginia and will go a long ways to helping our agriculture economy, lessen our dependency on foreign oil and result in cleaner air. The following link highlights an NBC DATELINE news story about the potential of ethanol in addressing our country’s energy challenges - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12676374/

As soon as the state budget is adopted there will hopefully be money in this fund that can be used to attract biofuels producers to Virginia. I have been approached by four different companies all very interested in building biofuels refineries in Virginia. It is my hope they choose to locate in the 99^th district. I will be working actively with local governments to attract these companies.

Legislative Update; May 5, 2006

2006-05-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Again this week I report that the state has yet to adopt a budget for Fiscal Years 2006-2008. The budget deliberations are beginning to remind me of the pink bunny, on the commercials, beating the drum, “they just keep going and going and going…” This week there have been some actions taken towards finalizing the budget.

First the House Finance Committee heard four Senate Bills that addressed regional and statewide transportation funding. SB 5013 – Funding Transportation in the Commonwealth, SB 5014 – Hampton Roads Transportation Authority, SB 5105 – Interstate 81 Transportation Authorities and SB 5016 Supplemental Transportation Funding for Northern Virginia. These bills were tabled until August of this year. The House Finance Committee reasoned in their decision to table that the House budget bill which calls for funding all of the other elements of government except transportation and proposes the General Assembly return in September would be the quicker way to resolve the transportation funding issue .

This would allow local and state government to move forward with budgets and to work out the intricacies of transportation funding in September. Similar action was taken in 1986 when Governor Baliles sought to solve a similar transportation funding issue. So, in order to have their actions coincide with the House budget bill the Finance Committee voted unanimously to table the Senate revenue bills until August.

The Senate and House budget negotiators have made some progress on the “caboose” budget bill. This bill finishes the budget for the remaining portion of fiscal year 05-06, ending June 30, 2006. It appropriates the additional funds that have come into the state budget since the 2005 General Assembly. This bill is critical to make year ending adjustments to state funding for the completion of the current budget year. It is my hope that this negotiation will be successful and that it will lead to productive discussion on the budget for the coming biennium 2007-2008. The House will reconvene Wednesday May 10th to take up this bill if the budget conferees successfully resolve the “caboose” budget and submit their recommendations to the House and Senate.

I have also kept myself busy within the district. Last weekend I found myself out of breath from bouncing from one event to the next. On Saturday, April 29th, I started my morning with Delegates Orrock and Peace and Senator McDougle in Caroline County at a GOP breakfast. From there I joined with Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis and local government officials, Supervisor Woody Hinson and Mayor Pete Bone, at James Monroe’s birthplace for a Celebration of his Birthday.

After that the fun and games really began, literally. I headed to opening day of the Northumberland County Little League. Throwing the first pitch of the season was a thrill that was quickly surpassed by the look of excitement and anticipation in the eyes of all the Little Leaguers.

Afterwards, I headed back to Westmoreland to join with the others from the community to honor the service of Tuskegee Airman Charles Bernard Smith. Smith was a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot in World War II, whose courageousness can only partially be symbolized by the road marker dedicated to him that day.

At the end of the day my wife, Kathryn, and I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser for the Westmoreland/Richmond County branch of Habitat for Humanity. We were happy to do what we could for such a great organization, which provides so much to our communities. While I was there I learned that one of the problems the organization is facing is a lack of volunteers. I would like to urge any individuals who could contribute their time and effort to this organization to contact them at 804-493-1500.

I would also like to urge you to contact me if I can ever be of assistance. I can be reached by phone at 804-493-0508, or email at robwittman@verizon.net.

Legislative Update May 1, 2006

2006-05-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Delegate Robert J. Wittman
Legislative Update: May 1, 2006

Well this week the House and Senate continued to work on a budget. Little work was accomplished on the House side because they were waiting to get a transportation plan from the Senate. The Senate has yet to act upon the House budget that was passed last week. They have continued to work on regional transportation plans and have revamped their proposal for various tax increases for a basic overall state transportation funding plan.

This Senate plan is significantly different than earlier proposals. First the latest proposal from the Senate has created revenue legislation instituting new taxes and fees separate from its version of the budget. The new funds would come from increased titling taxes and registration fees on motor vehicles, higher fines on bad drivers and a 1.5 cent increase in the tax on diesel fuel, raising it to equal the 17.5cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline.

Additionally, the state would impose a 6-cent-per-gallon fee on oil companies, paid on the fuel they store in terminals located in Virginia. The Senate has added a provision to their revenue legislation that would prohibit oil companies from passing the 6-cent per gallon fee onto consumers. There are some who believe that this provision may not stand up in court and petroleum companies say that smaller locally owned terminals may have no choice but to pass these fees onto consumers.

The regional element of the Senate’s transportation proposal allows localities to impose new taxes, tolls or issue bonds to pay for additional transportation projects in their regions. These new taxes would include an additional sales or use tax, grantor’s tax or transient occupancy tax which would have to be approved by local governments but would not be subject to a voter referendum.

All of these proposals were completed by the Senate late on Thursday April 27th. Unfortunately this was too late for the House to consider these proposals this week. The House reconvenes on Wednesday May 3rd to consider the Senate’s transportation proposals.
I have had a number of calls about what is being done in the 99th District to address the potential for the Pandemic Flu. There will be a public presentation on the Avian Flu (H5N1) and its connection to the Pandemic Flu on May 9th at 5 p.m. at the Glenns Campus of RCC. The presentation will also address what the community can do to be prepared for the Pandemic Flu. Dr. Thomas Irungu, from the Virginia Department of Health, Three River Health District, will talk about how they are working in conjunction with local health departments to assist local governments and citizens on preparations.

I have also received a number of responses from the questions that I asked about funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup. For those of you have responded I would like to extend my sincere gratitude. For those who have not yet had a contact our office with your responses it is not too late. You can simply send your responses to the below questions to robwittman@verizon.net, or P.O. Box 995, Montross, Virginia 22520. Or you can call in your responses to 804-493-0508. I look forward to hearing from you.

Do you believe that there needs to be a steady funding source for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort?

Do you believe that funds to clean up the Chesapeake Bay should come from money in the General Fund?

Would you support a tax increase designated to funding Bay cleanup?

What type of tax increase would you support?

As one last note, I am very excited to announce that we are hoping to get a new website up and running in the next few weeks. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Weekend events

2006-04-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to meet with the Caroline Republican party, to speak at the James Monroe Birthday celebration, open the Little League season in Northumberland County, dedicate the highway marker honoring a Westmoreland County native son - Charles Bernard Smith - a Tuskegee Airman and join in the Richmond/Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity fund raising dinner.

The Caroline Republican party victory breakfast was a great opportunity to talk with all of the folks that worked so hard for our campiagn this past fall. Sen. Ryan McDougle, Del Bobby Orrock amd Del Chris Peace also attended. We had a chance to thank all of the folks who helped in our campaigns. We also provided an update on the happenings at the General Assembly and spoke briefly about the legislation that was passed during the regular session. In speaking with Senator McDougle he was cautiously optimistic about the Senate revenue bill that passed this week being able to jump start the budget negotiations process.

The James Monroe Birthday celebration was well attended and I had the honor of joining Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, Supervisor Woody Hynson and Mayor Pete Bone for this ceremony. The James Monroe Foundation, Town of Colonial Beach and the Colonial Beach Masonic Lodge all did a great job of organizing what has now become an annual event. The focus of this event is to maintain the momemtum in effort to restore the birthpalce in Westmoreland County. Dominion Resources provided the first large donation to the project of $25,000. Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis and I placed a wreath on the memorial marker at the birthplace commemorating James Monroe's birthday.

I attended the opening day for the Northumberland County Little League. It was the perfect day for starting the Little League season. Mike McKenney introduced all of the teams, Danny Haynie recognized all of the volunteers who make the Little League season possible and I had the honor of saying a few words to kick off the season and to throw out the first pitch. There is no greater thrill for me than to see the look of excitement and anticipation on the faces of all of the youngsters and their parents as the season got underway. The spotter pilots from Omega Protein performed a flyover which had everyone looking to the sky. What a great opening day.

The family of Charles Bernard Smith was tremendously excited about the dedication of a highway marker honoring his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. Daisy Howard Douglas and many others in the community worked for over a year and a half to get the marker placed in Westmoreland County at the old Washington District School. The contributions of the Tuskegee Airman, specifically Charles Bernard Smith were critical to the United States' success in World War II. The Tuskegee Airman fought two battles - one on the battlefield and one against bigotry and racism both at home and overseas. Their courage and determination in the face of danger and racism is worthy of the highest praise. This Saturday we honored Charles Bernard Smith for his efforts in the battle to maintain our freedom and to end racial segregation. Thankfully his efforts along with many others has helped us to maintain our freedom and end racial segregation.

The Richmond/Westmoreland County Habitat for Humanity orgainization held a fundraiser Saturday night at Ingleside Winery. There were over 150 people in attendance. The silent and live auctions were a great success. Kathryn and I enjoyed a great dinner and fellowship. All of the money raised will go toward building more homes in Richmond and Westmoreland Counties for those in need. In conversations with many of the volunteers from the organization I realized what they need most are volunteers to help in their home building projects. I ask that you consider volunteering your time to help out on these home construction projects. You can call the Richmond/Westmoreland County Habitat for Humnaity organization at 804-493-1500 to volunteer your time to help out. They truly need your help and you will be glad that you gave of your time to help those in need.

Crab Prices Down

2006-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

I found this article in the Daily Press. The comments found within are similar to some heard here in the 99th District.

Virginia crawling with crabs
By the Associated Press
April 21, 2006 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- An unusual abundance of crabs early in the season has flooded the Virginia seafood industry with more crabs than it can handle, dropping prices paid to boats to all-time lows and sending watermen ashore to avoid spending more money than they earn. "I didn't make any money today," Mark Sanford said Thursday after pulling his boat into Spots Fish Co. and calculating his costs for fuel, bait, gear, insurance and his two-man crew. "Everything is going up. Everything but the price of crabs." April harvests typically fall below the catches in June and July. The season began April 1. The reasons for the early surge this year are debatable. Watermen credit the warm winter weather for keeping crabs swimming in the Chesapeake Bay rather than burying in the bottom as they would to combat the cold. But a recently released study of the crab population in early 2005 showed a steep increase in the number of juvenile crabs, which would have grown to harvest size by this spring. Some crabbers want state regulators to lower the current daily catch limit from 51 bushels to 25 bushels. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission could consider such a proposal when it meets Tuesday, said Rob O'Reilly, the commission's deputy chief of the fisheries management division. After almost a decade of crab harvest declines, most Virginia picking houses have closed up, leaving just a few to handle the current onslaught of crabs. Those remaining processors don't have enough staff to pick all that's coming in. Graham & Rollins Inc., the largest crab house in the state, has only about 20 pickers working now at its plant on the Hampton waterfront, with more to arrive from Mexico next month. Johnny Graham, the company's vice president, didn't expect to need more pickers until later this season. "Never seen it before," he said of the early harvest. His family has operated the business for more than 60 years. It's the same for the dealers who buy whole crabs and ship most up the East Coast to Baltimore, Washington and New York, where crabs sell for more money. Those markets are saturated at a time well before diners have much of an appetite for crabs, which is seen more as a summer food. "It's crazy because you can't give them away, there's so many of them," said Scott "Spot" MacDonald, who owns Spots Fish Co. "People just aren't buying." He is paying Sanford and other crabbers $10 per bushel, down from about $30 at the start of the season, and some boats are getting no more than $8. Consumers have yet to benefit from the low prices. Restaurants and retail stores won't offer specials before customers are ready to buy crabs or crabmeat. And with inexpensive pasteurized product available year-round from foreign processors, few restaurant owners and large supermarket chains bother switching to domestic crabmeat when it suddenly drops in price.

Legislative Update

2006-04-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

It seems these days that the most asked question is, “have we gotten a budget yet?” Unfortunately, the response remains the same, “No, we have not been able to work anything out just yet, but…” However, what comes next has been a bit different. Now I can say that the House adopted a compromise on Wednesday, April 19th, that shows real promise to speed this stalemate to an end. This new compromise was passed with a 90-2 vote, showing strong support from both Republicans and Democrats.

What the House has decided to do is set aside a little over a billion dollars from the budget and hold a special session at a later time to work out the transportation situation. By doing this the House and Senate are free to work on and pass the other items in the budget. We would be able to allocate the money for schools, healthcare, economic development, etc. that are vital to keeping the communities within our state running smoothly. Without this money from the state it is hard for those dependent on state funds to draft their own budgets.

On Wednesday, April 19th, we also held our veto session to go over all of the Governor’s vetoes and recommendations. In the end all of the Governor’s vetoes were upheld and a majority of his recommendations were incorporated into the legislation.

The day before the special session, I had the opportunity to speak with the Warsaw Rotary Club. While there I gave an update on the General Assembly and answered questions about the transportation plans, dog bills, menhaden, and many other issues facing this area.

Functions like this provide me with an opportunity to know what my constituents are looking for. As I said last week I will begin looking for a steady revenue stream to fund the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. At this point I am looking to know how constituents feel about this idea and how they would like to fund it (which is why filling out the below survey is so helpful). Once I have established a base consensus I would like to go on the road with the idea. I plan on doing a series of listening tours this fall to refine the research I am doing now. So, if you could please send me your responses to the below questions I would very much appreciate it. You can send them by email, robwittman@verizon.net, or postal service, P.O. Box 995, Montross, Virginia, 22520. Or you can give your responses over the phone to my district office at 804-493-0508. Also, please include your full name, address, phone and email (if available) so I can easily contact you if I need more information. I look forward to hearing your responses.

Do you believe that there needs to be a steady funding source for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort?

Do you believe that funds to clean up the Chesapeake Bay should come from money in the General Fund?

Would you support a tax increase designated to funding Bay cleanup?

What type of tax increase would you support?