House of Delegates Tackles Transportation Reform Initiatives

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell and members of the House Republican Caucus announced more than a half-dozen transportation reform initiatives aimed at increasing the use of technology, prioritizing congestion-relief and ensuring return on investment in transportation spending. “Last year’s landmark transportation reform plan is generating much-needed revenue that will allow Virginia to build and maintain a 21st century transportation network,” said Speaker Howell. “But money alone does not solve problems. We must ensure that we are spending this new revenue in the most efficient and effective way possible. The legislation we are highlighting today will significantly reform how Virginia spends its transportation dollars by promoting greater use of technology, prioritizing projects to meet the needs of taxpayers and maximizing return on investment by demanding a metric-based approach to decision making.”

There are seven transportation reform bills that have or are expected to pass the House of Delegates this year.

Delegate Chris Stolle is carrying House Bill 2. HB2 requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to develop and utilize a prioritization model for making determination about all transportation projects. Each highway construction district will be allowed to make set its own “weights” for key factors like congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality.

For example, one construction district might elect the following weighting: congestion 70%, safety 10%, accessibility 10%, environmental quality 10%, economic development 0%. While another construction district might elect the following weighting: economic development 70%, safety 10%, accessibility 10%, environmental quality 10%, congestion 0%.   “This important piece of legislation will help Virginia better prioritize its transportation projects in a way that meets the needs of our citizens,” said Delegate Stolle. “This system will give localities tremendous flexibility, while also ensuring that projects are picked in an objective, metric-based way.”

House Transportation Reform Initiatives

HB 2 (Stolle) – In Committee – Requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board and VDOT to develop and utilize a prioritization model for making determinations about all transportation projects. Stakeholders from various regions, including highway construction districts, metropolitan planning organizations and the CTB, will collaboratively set “weights” for key factors like congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality.

HJ122 (LeMunyon) – House Floor – Requires the Secretary of Transportation and VDOT to create and implement statewide transportation technology goals and a five-year plan of action. Such goals and plan are to be directed to enhancing the efficiency, safety, and convenience of all modes of transportation throughout the Commonwealth.

HB1090 (Villanueva) – Second Reading – Requires Secretary of Transportation and Department of Transportation to revise and update the state's Smart Travel Programs by evaluating and incorporating, where appropriate, new smart road technologies and other innovations in transportation.  

HB1095 (Peace) – Second Reading – Creates the Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund to fund pilot programs and fully developed initiatives pertaining to high-tech infrastructure improvements with five percent of the annual amount allocated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

HB1098 (Anderson) – In Committee – Requires the Secretary of Transportation and VDOT to establish a smart transportation pilot zone (modeled on the Smart Road managed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in Montgomery County) in either the Northern Virginia or the Hampton Roads highway construction district.

HB1100 (Yancey) – In Committee – Requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to include key factors like congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality in the development of the Commonwealth’s Six-Year Plan.

HB1183 (Comstock) – Passed House – Creates the Virginia Transportation Solutions Working Group and authorizes it to advise the Commonwealth Transportation Board on matters pertaining to transportation policy, transportation innovation and technologies, and traffic congestion relief strategies.

House Passes Farrell/Peace "Keep Your Plan Act"

-- Del. Peace is Chief Co-Patron of measure to help in effort to keep your health insurance in Virginia --

-- “If you like it, Virginia, you can keep it," says Del. Peace --

Central Virginia – Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) announces passage of House Bill 1147, of which he is a Chief Patron. HB 1147 is a measure to guarantee that no provision of Virginia law would prevent someone from keeping their health plan if they like it.  The bill passed the House today by a vote of 98-0.

“Prior to and after passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, President Obama falsely reassured Americans time and time again that they could keep their plan if they like it. We now know the truth," said Peace.  “Even if they liked them, there is a high percentage of those in the individual market would not be able to keep their plans.”

Speaking to passage of the bill, Del. Peter Farrell (R-Henrico) said, “It is likely that thousands of Virginians have had their health care plans cancelled under ObamaCare.  This legislation puts Virginia in a posture to not be part of that uncertainty.  While we cannot control what happens in Washington, I believe we have a responsibility to the people of Virginia to protect them from the fallout of ObamaCare.”

HB 1147 states that, notwithstanding any other provision of Virginia law, insurance companies shall be allowed to continue to offer health insurance plans in all product markets that were in effect at any time during 2012 and 2013.  This bill would help protect Virginias from ObamaCare and serve to assure quality and affordable health care.

 

Virginia legislators and business leaders express opposition to proposed EPA regulations on new coal plants

At a press conference today, a group of Virginia legislators released a letter signed by 85 members of the Virginia General Assembly to President Obama expressing their opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations, known as New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), to limit carbon emissions at new coal-fired power plants. The letter was sent to the President as part of the EPA’s public comment period for the proposed NSPS regulations. The EPA’s public comment period is open until March 10, 2014. Comments can be submitted to the EPA through the Count on Coal website (www.countoncoal.org/comment) or through the EPA’s website.

“With this letter, we are sending a strong message to President Obama and the EPA: these regulations are reckless and irresponsible, and they will hurt our economy,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore. “They will cost us jobs, and they will dangerously jeopardize our nation’s energy supply,” Kilgore continued. “These regulations are a threat to America’s most abundant energy resource, and they are a threat to Virginia’s economy, especially for the coal mining regions of Southwest Virginia that we represent,” Kilgore concluded.

“We think it is important that President Obama understands how important the coal industry is to Virginia’s economy and how harmful these proposed regulations will be for Virginia if they are put in place,” said Senator Phil Puckett. “More than 45,000 Virginians work in the coal industry, and their livelihood is at stake,” Puckett continued. “They deserve to have their voices heard.” Legislators were joined at the press conference by Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barry DuVal, Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance (VCEA) Chairman Robert Litton, and several members of the VCEA Board of Directors and staff.

“Affordable, reliable electricity is a key ingredient to creating a business climate that attracts manufacturers and other major employers to Virginia,” said Barry DuVal. “Taking coal out of our energy mix will increase the cost of doing business in Virginia and will make it much harder for us to attract and keep employers in our state,” DuVal continued. “When our current fleet of coal plants comes offline in the coming years, if we can’t build new coal plants we are going to have a very difficult time filling that huge gap in our electricity supply,” DuVal concluded.

“Coal is the backbone of Southwest Virginia’s economy, and we’re fighting to stop these EPA regulations because they are a threat to the survival of our industry and our region,” said Robert Litton. “These regulations not only threaten the jobs of thousands of hardworking people in Southwest Virginia, they also threaten the survival of local governments across our region,” Litton continued. “Our coal-producing counties depend on coal taxes for as much as 25 percent of their annual budgets – money we use to fund our public schools, roads and other vital public infrastructure. Our region simply can’t survive without a thriving coal industry,” Litton concluded.

For the text of the letter, click here. 

Republicans Call for Comprehensive Operational and Financial Audit of Virginia’s Medicaid Program

Republican legislators in the Virginia House of Delegates Monday called for an independent, comprehensive operational and financial audit of Virginia’s Medicaid program as part of the work of the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission created by the 2013 General Assembly. House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), Appropriations Committee Vice-Chairman R. Steven Landes (R-Augusta) and members of the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission introduced the text of a resolution that would direct the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee to study, review and audit Virginia’s Medicaid program. The audit would complement the work of the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission.

“Medicaid is a broken program in need of reform. Medicaid spending has grown by 1600% over the last 30 years. As much as 30 cents of every healthcare dollar in Virginia is wasted, and Medicaid is fraught with fraud and abuse. Under no circumstances can you justify expanding a program growing at such an unsustainable level and filled with this much waste, fraud and abuse,” said Speaker Howell. “We are not going to rush the legislative process established by both chambers last year, simply for the sake of making a decision.”

Delegate Steve Landes, Vice Chairman of the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission, outlined the text of a resolution that would direct JLARC, the legislature’s independent study commission, to review various aspects of the Medicaid program and contract with an outside auditor to conduct a thorough financial audit.

“As a member of the MIRC, I have learned a great deal about Virginia’s Medicaid program over the last year,” said Delegate Landes. “And perhaps the most important thing I have learned is that Medicaid is more fundamentally broken that we originally thought. Medicaid is growing at an unsustainable rate and now consumes over one-fifth of our state budget. Patients are not receiving the quality care they deserve. The reforms the General Assembly outlined last year are a solid first step, but we are going to need to know much more before we can even consider expansion. This audit would review various aspects of Medicaid and allow members of the MIRC to have a deeper understanding of the challenges we face as we continue to reform and improve this important program.”

House Courts Committee Advances Legislation to Allow Legislature to Defend Virginia Laws

The Virginia House of Delegates Committee for Courts of Justice voted 13 to 7 Friday to advance legislation carried by Deputy Majority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) that would allow members of the legislature to defend the laws of the Commonwealth should the Governor and Attorney General choose not to do so. "In light of yesterday's announcement by Attorney General Mark Herring, it is imperative that we provide a mechanism to protect and defend the people of the Commonwealth and the laws they have duly adopted," said Gilbert. "I am pleased the House Courts committee has passed this legislation, and look forward to its passage by the full House very soon."

For the text and legislative history of HB706, click here.

McDonnell Budget Invests in Virginia's Youth and Families

Virginia Commission on Youth work reflected in House Bill 30, as introduced

RICHMOND – The Virginia Commission on Youth, a bipartisan legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly, commends Governor Bob McDonnell for elements of his introduced 2015-2016 Budget (House Bill 30) which emphasizes a strong commitment to Virginia’s youth and families.  The Virginia Commission on Youth is a bipartisan, standing legislative commission of the General Assembly comprised of 12 members (six Delegates, three Senators, and three citizens) that, by mandate, provides a legislative forum in which complex issues may be explored and resolved.  In addition, the Commission monitors the development of laws and policies in federal, state, and local governments which impact youth and their families and contribute to the General Assembly’s ability to make sound policy decisions based on well-studied and reasoned recommendations.

Various budget initiatives complement the work of the Commission on Youth in the areas of child welfare, juvenile justice, K-12 Education, early childhood development, and child and adolescent mental health.  The Commission on Youth has worked closely with the McDonnell administration in conducting legislative studies, identifying best practices, engaging stakeholders and providing evidenced based practices where the greatest returns will be found on these investments. Speaking about the Governor’s proposals, Delegate Christopher K. Peace, Chairman of the Commission on Youth, stated, “House Bill 30 supports the future of our great Commonwealth by investing in programs and services for Virginia’s children and families. Many of these proposals will provide extraordinary returns by ensuring our children have access to high quality education from early ages, safe and loving families, and that those who are our most vulnerable citizens are protected. Investments like these will help our youth and families succeed and contribute productively to our communities.” He added, “I am very proud of our Commission and its staff for leading the way on many of these initiatives.”

Child Welfare

The Governor’s Budget includes $27.7 million in new funding for four initiatives targeted at improving foster care adoption.  Governor McDonnell’s Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000 has successfully met and exceeded its goal of finding safe and permanent connections for children in foster care with adoptive families.  Not only does this program safely reduce the number of children in foster care but by doing so it provides a child with an opportunity to grow in a loving and nurturing environment. Delegate Christopher K. Peace, Chairman of the Commission on Youth, serves on the Governor’s Regional Advisory Committee for Adoption.

The introduced budget also dedicates $16.2 million to cover biennial cost of providing foster care and adoption payments including a 3% increase in foster care payment rates.   Funding to expand foster care and adoption subsidies to age 21 would start in fiscal year 2016.  This initiative will help protect older youth in Virginia’s foster care system and ensure that they have access to services and supports so that they can be successful.  Youth who stay in care until 21 are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to end up homeless or become involved in the criminal justice system.

Juvenile Justice

The introduced budget includes $3,253,150 over the biennium to support mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment services for juveniles under state probation and parole and to require the Department of Juvenile Justice develop a plan to ensure continuation of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, including the option of contracting with local providers.  This was a recommendation from the Commission on Youth’s study – Assessment of Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Offenders. 

Because of the number of juveniles with mental health disorders entering the juvenile justice system, it would be extremely valuable to have mental health and substance abuse screenings, assessments, and evaluations for those juveniles under state probation and parole.  In FY 2012, over 60% of males and 80% of females committed the Department of Juvenile Justice had significant symptoms of a mental health disorder.  In addition, 63% of males and 58% of females had a history of psychotropic medication use.  Assessing juveniles earlier in the process would enable judges to move forward with dispositional and other decisions, equipped with more information and a more complete understanding of what might be the appropriate action to take for the juvenile.

K-12 Education

House Bill 30 increases support for instructional spending in public education.  The Budget includes $105 million to incentivize performance with $21 million for enrollment growth, $63 million for incentive funding, and $21 million for research and initiatives to support the goals of the “Top Jobs” Act.  The incentive funding is targeted for graduating additional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics–Healthcare (STEM-H) students needed to keep Virginia’s economy competitive and attracting students of all socio-economic levels to higher education.   These proposals correspond with the recommendations adopted from the Commission’s study – Comparison of Academic Achievement in Virginia with Leading Industrialized Countries.  The study findings highlight the importance of identifying and retaining highly effective teachers, closing the achievement gap, and the increasing importance of STEM-H.

Early Childhood Development

In the first five years of life, a child undergoes the most dramatic brain growth and development over the course of his lifetime.  The Governor’s Budget provides $7.4 million over the biennium to continue the state's support of pre-kindergarten programs and an additional $2.0 million to implement kindergarten readiness assessment programs.  Programs and support services need to be in place to ensure that children are healthy and well prepared when they begin kindergarten.  The Virginia Commission on Youth understands the importance of early childhood development and supports the efforts of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to provide quality early childhood education programs that promote school readiness.

Virginia’s Public Guardian and Conservator Program

The Budget also includes $125,500 from the general fund to expand services through the Virginia Public Guardian and Conservator Program to individuals with mental illness and/or intellectual disability who are 18 years of age and older.  Virginia’s Pubic Guardian and Conservator Program enables incapacitated persons to meet essential requirements for physical and emotional health and management of financial resources and enables them to remain in their homes and communities.  The Commission on Youth recommended inclusion of increased funding in the 2014-2016 Biennial Budget to support the Virginia Public Guardian and Conservator Program.  This funding responds to the documented need for guardians of last resort.

 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

The proposed budget expands mental health outpatient services – $3.5 million in fiscal year 2015 and $4.0 million in fiscal year 2016 for mental health services for older teens and young adults transitioning from school, college, or early in their adulthood.  This funding will serve older youth and young adults when most serious mental illnesses first make their onset and engagement in treatment is imperative.  This item was recommended by the Governor's Task Force on School and Campus Safety.  The Commission on Youth serves on the Task Force. 

Additional information about the Commission on Youth and the Commission’s initiatives can be obtained on the Commission’s website at http://vcoy.virginia.gov.

VDOT Solicits Public Comment on I-64 Widening Project

VDOT contacted my office regarding progress being made towards widening Interstate 64 from Richmond to Hampton. A portion of this project will take place in New Kent County. The Federal Highway Administration recently signed-off on the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which allows for section-by-section determination of how best to expand the road, using either the median or an area adjoining the road. VDOT is seeking input and comments regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement. VDOT Study:

http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/hamptonroads/i-64_peninsula_study.asp

From VDOT’s website: All comments are due by January 27, 2014. Written comments can be submitted to the following address:

Scott Smizik, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

If you prefer, you can email comments to: Scott.Smizik@VDOT.Virginia.gov.  Please reference “I-64 Peninsula Study: FEIS Comments” in the subject line.  Comments on this FEIS and the phased approach for implementing the Preferred Alternative are due by January 27, 2014.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace named Vice Chair of House General Laws Committee and Chairman of Appropriations’ Transportation Subcommittee

--In advance of the 2014 General Assembly Session, Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Appropriation Committee name Chairman--

Central Virginia – Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) received two significant appointments for the upcoming 2014 General Assembly Session.  House Speaker William J. Howell named Delegate Peace as Vice-Chairman of the General Laws Committee.  Additionally, Delegate S. Chris Jones, in-coming Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, appointed Peace as Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee.

Speaking about the appointments, Delegate Peace said, "It is a great honor and responsibility to be entrusted with these two additional leadership positions, especially at a critical time of state government transition and continuing economic recovery."

The Appropriations Committee handles all legislation with fiscal impact, including the adoption of the biennial state budget, claims, issuance of debt, and other matters concerning the expenditure of funds.

In response to becoming Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee, Del. Peace noted, "Top priorities include working to ensure that transportation projects and their associated funding sources are transparent, effective and accountable. We must ensure that projects are funded with the right financing, getting the biggest bang for the tax dollar. We also must look to innovative approaches to transportation. Ultimately we need to solve transportation problems in the areas of greatest need and also in those places that can have a return on our investment. This is important so we can keep Virginia the best state in the country for business. A predictable and consistent flow of commerce in getting goods to market and people to and from work is vital to our overall economic outlook. Otherwise, I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents and the Commonwealth in my new roles."

In an effort to serve the Commonwealth to the best of his ability and address transportation needs and policy across the state, Delegate Peace has convened a blue ribbon panel to serve as his Transportation Advisory Council. This council will prepare briefings on existing projects and provide a SWOT analysis of our transportation infrastructure moving forward. Considerations will be given to multi-modal systems, rail and aviation.

"My Transportation Advisory Council incorporates a diverse set of members who will bring a variety of perspectives and leadership experiences from across the transportation sector, including freight rail, commuter rail, transportation infrastructure and engineering, commercial distribution, and shipping and port industry," explained Delegate Peace.

The General Laws committee is responsible for a large variety of legislation, ranging from alcoholic beverage licenses and sales to Veteran's Affairs. In addition to his recent appointment to Vice-Chairman of General Laws, Del. Peace will remain Chairman of the Housing Subcommittee.