Wittman Focusing on House of Delegates Re-Election

"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

“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

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.

Legislative Update: November 22nd

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

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

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

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

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.

####

Legislative Update: July 31, 2006

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

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.