Demobabble on Roads - Interesting Opinion

Here is an interesting opinion in the Free-Lance Star this morning...

"GEORGE ALLEN, a superior Vir- ginia governor, knew how to run against an opposition legislature: straight ahead. Mr. Allen clearly identified cancerous public problems--a criminal-justice system designed by the advocates of thieves and killers, academically bootless K-12 schools, a dead-end welfare regime--and relentlessly pushed plausible solutions--truth in sentencing, parole abolition, universal educational standards, workfare. Mr. Allen's success was twofold: The General Assembly passed his programs, and control of that body, seen as untrustworthy on the big questions, soon passed to Mr. Allen's fellow Republicans.

Gov. Tim Kaine isn't Gov. Allen.

To solve the top public problem of today's Virginia--a transportation system inadequate to the demands placed on it by growing vehicular use--Mr. Kaine first, after a week or two of bluster, swallows a Rube Goldberg scheme concocted by never-tax-nuthin' House Republicans. Then, when that contraption begins to fall to pieces (budget surpluses unrealized, bad-driver superfines unaccepted, special regional taxing authorities judged unconstitutional ), proposes a non sequitur of an alternative that he then all but begs lawmakers to change ("I encourage the legislature to kick the tires and talk about it.") When hardball is called for, Mr. Kaine throws up a beach ball and invites everyone wearing Coppertone to swat it around."... read more

Governor’s Transportation Initiative Addresses Regional and Statewide Funding Needs

This week, Governor Kaine announced a transportation funding plan in anticipation of the Special Session of the General Assembly scheduled for June 23rd. The proposal broadly meets the criteria set forth in the Chamber’s letter to the Governor on April 23, 2008 that reasserted the Chamber’s highest priority of restoring funding for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority through sustainable and reliable revenues that share the burden fairly between residents and businesses. The Chamber anxiously awaits the funding proposals from the General Assembly’s leadership as the pending June session nears.

The Governor proposes a regional 1-cent increase in the sales tax to fund the NVTA. The Governor’s plan similarly proposes a regional sales tax increase in Hampton Roads of 1-cent to fund that area’s needs for major project construction. On top of the regional packages, the Governor’s proposal also addresses the statewide transportation maintenance deficit by dedicating revenues approved by General Assembly in the 2007 as part of the regional funding packages in HB 3202 to the statewide maintenance fund. The Chamber supported these revenue sources as part of the regional package in that bill.

“We appreciate Governor Kaine putting together a transportation proposal that restores funding for Northern Virginia’s critical transportation needs while also addressing the statewide maintenance fund deficit and the needs of Hampton Roads,” said Chamber President & CEO William D. Lecos. “We look forward to working closely with the Governor and the leaders of the General Assembly as various proposals are put forth in crafting a legislative solution that sustains the economic success of our region and the Commonwealth by meeting the increased demands on our transportation infrastructure. Now it is time for our elected leaders to dedicate themselves toward reaching accord on a responsible, sustainable solution that meets the long-term funding needs of Virginia’s transportation systems both regionally and statewide,” Lecos concluded.

Governor's Plan can be found at www.transportation.virginia.gov

Fairfax Chamber Commends US DOT On Decision to Approve Final Design for Dulles Metrorail Project -- A "Big Step Forward" for Dulles Rail.

Today, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce joined with their colleagues from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, applauded United States Transportation Secretary Mary Peters for advancing Federal funding for the Metrorail Project to Dulles International Airport.

“The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce would like to offer a special thanks to Governor Timothy Kaine; Virginia Secretary of Transportation Peirce Homer; Assistant Virginia Secretary of Transportation Barbara Reese, and our Congressional Delegation, Sen. Warner, Sen. Webb, Rep. Frank Wolfe, Rep. Tom Davis and Rep. Jim Moran for their continuous efforts and negotiations that have resulted in this important step forward for the Dulles Metrorail Project,” said Chamber President & CEO Bill Lecos.

The four major Chambers in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and several other regional organizations formed Dulles Metrorail Now a coalition in support of expeditious approval to meet the transportation infrastructure needs of Northern Virginia and the Washington Metropolitan region. In the days and months following the decision coalition members showed overwhelming support by contacting Secretary Peter, Governor Kaine, our Congressional delegation and area local officials.

“The outpouring of support by business leaders to move this project forward has been a testament to the importance of providing solutions to the transportation crisis and proved pivotal in today’s decision” said Lecos.

By moving this project to final design our region moves a step closer to resolving our transportation crisis that impedes our strategy to manage growth, protect the residential character of existing neighborhoods, preserve Fairfax County's greenspace, and sustain the county's healthy economy. All those involved should be incredibly proud of this progress.

From the Speaker’s Desk: Passage of Bond Infrastructure Package

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement on the bipartisan legislative agreement on a comprehensive, forward-looking bond package benefiting Virginia higher education, mental health facilities and state parks, House Bill 5001 and Senate Bill 5001:

“Today's approval of the approximately $2.6 billion package to better meet the needs of higher education, mental health care, and state parks today will be a major legislative accomplishment that meets many state infrastructure needs, promotes jobs creation and economic growth, and enhances the quality of life for all Virginians. The $1.9 billion for Virginia’s colleges and universities – the largest ever capital infusion for our academic institutions – is especially great news for students, tuition-paying families and businesses that benefit from university research and wise investments in the knowledge-based economy of the future.

“When the 2008 Regular Session adjourned six weeks ago, a team of dedicated Delegates and Senators continued to negotiate diligently to reach an agreement on six-year capital outlay plan. They worked cooperatively, taking a bipartisan and bicameral approach that also proactively included representatives of the Administration.

“Like the original House plan, the final package fundamentally reforms the state capital outlay process by incorporating a business-like approach. It sets out a comprehensive, multi-year capital construction plan that provides greater accountability, prevents cost-overruns and supports higher education institutions’ strategic plans. Equally important, the final agreement includes an emergency clause, which will allow 75 projects that are ready now to proceed almost immediately, providing an economic stimulus of $1.5 billion over the next two years.

“For Virginia higher education, the final agreement creates more space for deserving students, which is needed due to steadily increasing numbers of students enrolling at our outstanding colleges and universities. The $1.9 billion in academic projects is important for economic growth and job creation – promoting research and medical breakthroughs, more construction jobs and a better return on investment for taxpayer dollars by including public-private partnerships that enable leveraging of private investments. And, the final agreement benefits from the House’s commitment to tuition restraint that will keep college affordable for students from low- and middle-income families.

“The final bond package also provides for the rebuilding of Western State Mental Health Hospital, constructs two new state parks, and constructs a new school for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-disabled in Staunton. That progress in on top of the significant legislative achievements for mental health already enacted during the 2008 Session.

“I congratulate Chairman Putney and his team of House conferees, their counterparts from the Senate, and the representatives of the Administration for working so cooperatively and productively over the last several weeks, and for producing a six-year capital outlay plan that represents a great value for all Virginians.”

Becoming a Green Business

To be a green business, first bring your operations into compliance with all environmental regulations. Then go beyond compliance to meet the general practices and targeted resource conservation and pollution prevention measures which are summarized below.

General Practices

1. Monitor and record rates of water and energy usage and solid and hazardous waste generation.
2. Provide three on-going incentives or training opportunities to encourage management and employee participation.
3. Inform your customers about your business' efforts to meet the Green Business Standards.
4. Assist at least one other business in learning about the Green Business Program and encourage them to enroll.

Resource Conservation and Pollution Prevention

Water Conservation

1. Conduct an indoor/outdoor water balance or assessment.
2. Implement all applicable simple conservation measures. &
3. Implement 3 of the suggested or industry specific water conservation measures.

Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling

1. Conduct a waste reduction assessment of solid waste streams. &
2. Implement solid waste reduction and recycling measures:
- Reduce paper waste in 5 different ways.
- Incorporate waste reduction methods into your business in 5 ways.
- Segregate and recycle or reuse 5 types of materials from your solid waste streams.
- Purchase 3 recycled or used

Energy Conservation

1. Have your local energy utility or an energy service company conduct a commercial energy assessment.
2. Perform regular maintenance on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. &
3. Implement 2 alternative technologies and 5 behavioral changes.

Pollution Prevention

1. Conduct an assessment of your facility to identify pollution prevention opportunities.
2. Implement pollution prevention measures:
- Implement 6 good housekeeping and operating practices.
- Implement 3 material, product, technology or process changes.
- Reuse or recycle hazardous materials/wastes in 3 ways.
- Prevent contamination of storm water and runoff by implementing 4 measures.
- Implement at least 3 measures with the goal of reducing vehicle emissions.

Remembrance

Governor Announced Action on General Assembly Legislation

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that he has completed action on the 889 bills passed by the 2008 General Assembly. Legislators are scheduled to consider the Governor’s proposed amendments during a reconvened session on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.

The Governor has proposed 41 amendments to the budget bill, many of them technical or clarifying in nature. The majority of the Governor’s amendments involve changes in language and will have no effect on revenues or expenditures. Only six of the amendments to House Bill 30 require increased state spending and the net fiscal impact of the spending amendments totals $7.4 million

“This budget makes critical investments in efforts to keep Virginia moving forward, while exercising the fiscal responsibility that tough economic times demand,” Governor Kaine said. “I believe this bill, with the appropriate amendments, will achieve many of the objectives I have set for education, health care, and economic development.”

Amendments include:

** Adding behavioral health drugs to the Medicaid preferred drug list, allowing Medicaid clients to use these less expensive medications. This move will save taxpayers $1.5 million over the biennium without any impact on the health of Medicaid clients.

** $4 million over the biennium in incentives for SRI international. This funding is vital to the establishment of the SRI projects. The dollars will be used to recruit the researchers needed to keep this high-tech economic development project on target.

** Moving $1.5 million for the modeling and simulation center at Old Dominion University from the second year of the biennium to the first, bringing the total first year appropriation to $3 million. This amendment was sought by ODU.

** $5 million for the Civil War Historic Site Preservation Fund. The money will be used for grants to private non-profit organizations to preserve endangered Civil War sites. The non-profits will be required to provide at least $2 for every $1 from the fund.

** $525,000 each year to provide enhanced operational support for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to respond to requests for assistance from landowners so that they may put their land under conservation easement in a timely manner. Purchase of voluntary conservation easements is the most cost-effective way for the Commonwealth to protect open space.

** $200,000 for operating costs at the Daniel Boone Visitor Center.

** $100,000 for the Virginia Career Education Foundation to manage the Commonwealth Scholars and the Governor’s Exemplary Standards Award Program for Career and Technical Education.

** $16,887 for the correctional bed space impact associated with HB113 and SB368, which increase, from a Class 6 felony to a Class 4 felony, the penalty for failing to heed the signal of a law enforcement officer to bring a vehicle to a stop and trying to elude police if such action resulted in the death of a law enforcement officer. It also provides $12,475 for the correctional bed space impact associated with SB284, which increases the penalty for assaulting a Department of Motor Vehicles' law enforcement officer from a misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony.

** Changing language to provide eligibility to the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan to include immediate coverage for the birth of a newborn of a FAMIS enrollee for up to two months after birth, since the mother has already demonstrated eligibility to participate in FAMIS. This will make FAMIS consistent with Medicaid.

** Changing language to authorize an increase in Medicaid rates for ambulance providers. Considering the providers already are paid much less than market rates, an increase in their rates is appropriate and will avoid any potential impact to service. The increase would be paid from balances in other underutilized Medicaid services.

** Allow the Secretary of Health to use up to $500,000 each year in funds recovered from private health insurance for public health services to match, dollar for dollar, a private donation to establish a pilot health insurance program in Hampton Roads. The pilot program will offer health insurance coverage for low-income, uninsured workers employed by small businesses. The employer and employee would each cover one-third of the cost, with the remaining third, up to $75 per month, paid by the pilot program.

** Changing language to clarify that new and renovated state-owned facilities must be designed and constructed consistent with energy performance standards at least as stringent at the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s/Department of Energy’s “Energy Star” rating. This makes the budget language consistent with that in Governor Kaine’s Executive Order 48 which specifies state government energy policy.

Other Bill Amendments

Payday lending

Governor Kaine proposed technical amendments to HB12 (Oder)/ SB588 (Puckett). The amendments will not change the substance of the legislation.

Animal Welfare

The Governor proposed amendments to HB538 (Orrock). This is the “puppy mills” legislation. The amendment changes the enactment date from July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2009. There are several other technical amendments to the bill that do not affect the substance of the legislation.

Energy and Environment

Governor Kaine proposed amendments to SB464 (Whipple). This bill creates the Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment. The Governor’s amendments direct the Commission to work with the Department of Environmental Quality to establish a voluntary greenhouse gas reporting system. Under this system, DEQ will request that all stationary sources of air pollutants that are required to report emissions under the Air Pollution Control Act include greenhouse gas emissions under the report. The system would also require DEQ to request annual information from the Department of Transportation regarding annual vehicle miles traveled, traffic trends, and characteristics of vehicles. DEQ would provide the Commission with the information gathered annually.

The Governor also proposed an amendment to SB596 (Norment) that would set as the official policy of the Commonwealth a goal of reducing the projected increase in energy use in Virginia over the next fifteen years by 40%. The 40% conservation goal matches the goal set by the Virginia Energy Plan, approved by the Governor last summer.