The Virginia House of Delegates met today to consider amendments to legislation and the state budget made by Governor Bob McDonnell.

"Today's reconvened session caps a remarkably successful year for the Virginia General Assembly," said House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). "We passed an historic transportation reform plan, implemented a system to guarantee Medicaid reform, invested in Virginia's future with a responsible state budget and made innovative reforms to our K-12 education system."  

Today, the House of Delegates adopted Governor McDonnell's amendments to HB2313, the transportation compromise passed earlier this year by the General Assembly.  

"Without this bill, Virginia faces a massive transportation crisis. This legislation will invest $3.5 billion over five years in our roads, highways, bridges and transit network. That will improve Virginia's economic competitiveness, help create jobs and make sure Commonwealth stays one of the nation's top states for business," said Speaker Howell.  

The House of Delegates also accepted Governor McDonnell's technical amendments on Medicaid reform.  

"Governor McDonnell's amendments will further guarantee significant Medicaid reforms are put in place in Virginia before consideration is given to expansion. Medicaid is an important program, but as it exists today it is broken. Enrolling poor Virginians in a broken program that costs more and delivers lower quality care is not the right thing to do. By implementing reforms, we can improve Medicaid for those who truly need it," said Speaker Howell.  

The House also adopted Governor McDonnell's amendment on HB1900, which prohibits insurance companies from providing abortion coverage in policies offered through the taxpayer-federal exchange operated in Virginia.  

"This amendment reflects current policy in Virginia and will guarantee taxpayer dollars are not used to support elective abortions," said Speaker Howell. "The federal exchanges are run using taxpayer dollars and the insurance plans in many cases are taxpayer subsidized. This amendment ensures we continue to follow current policy on elective abortions."

New statewide polling out this week shows that Virginians overwhelmingly approve of Republican leadership in the House of Delegates. This is yet another testament to our results-oriented, conservative approach to governing.

Quinnipiac University conducted a poll of over 1,000 registered voters and found that 64 percent think Virginia is headed in the right direction. Because of our focus on job creation and economic development, unemployment in the state stands at 5.5 percent. That’s well below the national average and the lowest in the Southeast.

Voters also overwhelmingly approve of the transportation funding plan we passed by working with Governor Bob McDonnell. Voters who have an opinion of the plan support it by a three-to-one margin.

The poll also found that 60 percent of voters supported Republican legislation to keep the names and personal information of concealed carry permit holders private. A different poll also found recently that 75 percent of Virginia voters support requiring a photo ID in order to vote.

I am proud of the way Republicans in the House of Delegates have worked with Governor McDonnell to lead Virginia. We have established a governing philosophy that focuses on strengthening our economy, reforming government and protecting Virginia values. We are solutions oriented and results driven. These numbers are proof that it works.