Jim Shuler’s Legislative Report

1/21/2003

 The 2003 General Assembly officially began with the election of Delegate William Howell from Fredericksburg as the new Speaker of the House of Delegates.  Bill is a 14-year veteran in the House and I have always appreciated his fairness and thoughtfulness.  He has wide expertise on legal matters and is imminently familiar with the traditions and policies of the legislature. I am confident he will be a steady leader during these challenging days ahead.  He stated in his opening remarks that “closing the budget gap” will be central to our work as a legislative body and I couldn’t agree more.

Governor Warner provided our most comprehensive focus on how we can close that budget gap during his State of the Commonwealth address.  Clearly, we are facing further budget reductions and a continuing fiscal shortfall, but the Governor led with an optimistic voice.  He repeated his inaugural promise to set a non-partisan tone of cooperation and his remarks and direction for the Commonwealth garnered support from leaders in both parties and in both the House of Delegates and the Senate.  The Governor’s endorsement of education remains at the center of his budget choices, stating “we’ve made too much progress to retreat from our commitment to public schools.”  The state’s emphasis will be on student achievement, full school accreditation and teaching excellence.

Governor Warner also reiterated his earlier pledge to fundamentally restore Virginia’s fiscal integrity to best ensure that the core of our state programs will be better protected in the future from inevitable economic downturns.  He also stated he will make no compromise with allowing any funds to be withdrawn from the state’s retirement system--preserving our obligation to state employees.  The Governor discussed proposals that will streamline and improve transportation, health, safety and the environment.  Some specific additional programs include:

·  Using one-time federal settlement-agreement funds to reopen closed DMV offices.
·  Restructuring and recodifying safety procedures recommended by the Secure Virginia Panel that will add public health specialists and structure protection from cyberterrorism.
·  Finalizing a comprehensive, consolidation of our statewide workforce development system to include the appointment of a high level official to coordinate.
·  Doubling fines for traffic violations in high-risk corridors, like I-81 and cracking down on those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
·  Targeting traffic congestion by identifying the top ten affordable congestion-relief projects and then implementing those projects.

The governor reminded us there is much to do and places that remain troublesome.  Medicaid funding has been preserved, but not enhanced which threatens health care for many in need.  Virginians are aging which presents challenges for methods to support their future independence.  We must revisit prescription drug programs and long term care initiatives.  The Governor reminded us that car tax reimbursements have increased more than $100 million making the total almost $900 million for this year alone, taking a staggering bite out of an already stretched budget.

The message may have been presented with an upbeat tone, but the bottom line clearly outlined tough times ahead with no immediate relief in sight.  The legislature faces severe challenges as we debate the necessity of cutting highly deserving programs, eliminating important positions and curtailing future aspirations.  My work will be focused on my constituents in the 12th district.  I will remain vigilant to those programs that enhance the economic, educational and environmental strength of the Alleghany Highlands and the New River Valley.  It is imperative that we look to the future and preserve and protect our core values and needs while condensing and restructuring for our immediate shortfall.

As usual, I hope if you have questions or concerns about topics mentioned in this column, or any legislative matter, you will not hesitate to contact me at any of the following Richmond addresses.  And, if you are in Richmond, please take the time to stop by and say hello.