Delegate Jim Shuler

The General Assembly session following the election of the Governor always brings a heightened sense of activity and promise. The initial remarks by the outgoing Governor provide a historical and financial framework to launch our work in Richmond. The tone and directives set by the new Governor forge a course for the future.

Governor Warner reminded us in his State of the Commonwealth address that he leaves us a state in sound financial shape with a state economy that in most regions is prospering. That was not the case when he took office and faced an unprecedented shortfall, a threatened bond rating and serious mismanagement at many executive and agency levels. Last year Virginia was named the Best Managed State in the Nation, and most of us listening to the Governor knew the distinction was earned through his steady and bold leadership. With Governor Warner’s farewell address behind us we then turned toward the new administration.

With his historic inauguration in Williamsburg, Governor Tim Kaine took the oath of office amid a setting that only Patrick Henry, Virginia’s 1 st Governor and Thomas Jefferson had experienced before him. The weather was discouraging but the message was inspiring. Williamsburg provides a terrific venue to acknowledge the rich heritage that colonial Virginia brought to a new nation. Governor Kaine reaffirmed our grand, Democratic experiment, the courage and purpose that brought us to this century, and the diversity and shared destiny of those who forged the path.

In both his inaugural address and his remarks to the General Assembly three days later, Governor Kaine pledged his support for education. He pointed out that “we are now more than ever in a position to provide all children with the opportunity to learn and fulfill their God-given potential.” His education initiatives span the full educational spectrum. He created the Start Strong Council, a bi-partisan group of parents, educators, faith-based organizations and business leaders to develop guidelines for pre-kindergarten programs. There is significant evidence that children with pre-kindergarten education have greater success in school and adulthood and require fewer social service or criminal justice interventions,

The Governor echoed support for the research commitment initiated by Governor Warner, which will provide critical funding to boost our research capabilities which ultimately enhance colleges and universities-including Virginia Tech, and improve economic opportunities throughout the state. We already know that education and the economy are directly linked and education initiatives and funding raise opportunities for individuals and families in every age and economic sector. I intend to stand with the Governor in his “pledge to make it a top priority to raise the focus of our public education system from competence to excellence.”

The Governor is also advancing proposals that will address the skyrocketing costs of health insurance and medications. While ultimately this issue needs the broader authority of the federal government to determine an all-encompassing solution, our health care challenges are serious enough to require state intervention—particularly the unending escalation of mandates for Medicaid and Medicare. Especially troubling is the constant effort on the federal government’s part to look for ways to cut services for children and adults when nearly 75% of the Medicaid budget is spent on long term care for the elderly.

In his open words to the legislature, Governor Kaine reminded all of us that Virginia’s constitution identifies only two functional areas of government that are mandatory responsibilities—Education and Protection of the Environment. I support his initiative to further add resources to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, which serves as a primary Virginia business and tourism resource, and is directly linked to the well being of most of Virginia’s rivers.

Finally, the Governor has set the stage for the crucial work ahead to improve Virginia’s transportation system. Following an extensive study, the findings by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts found that along with maintenance, construction and integration concerns, the Commonwealth lacks a clear statement of our comprehensive transportation objectives. We have been approaching our roads, ports, railroads and airports with piecemeal and singular initiatives. In this time of 24/7 business and travel, with a constant influx of development initiatives, along with security issues, it is essential that we construct a clear, coordinated and accountable effort for our entire transportation system. That process must work in cooperation with the actual dollars we so urgently need to expand our transportation capabilities.

The Governor and the General Assembly have a substantial agenda to address. I know that as we face the 2,500 bills it can be tempting to become mired in hot button bills that deflect from the core responsibilities of the legislature, but you have my pledge to remained focus on what I believe are the priorities for Virginia and the 12 th district—Education, transportation, economic development, the environment and health care.

As usual, I hope if you have questions or concerns about legislation mentioned in this column, or any legislative matter, you will not hesitate to

contact me at any of the following addresses. And again, I invite you to visit me in Richmond to discuss local or legislative issues of importance to you.