Bill Howell

             Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates

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Welcome to the website of William J. Howell, Speaker of the House of Delegates.

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Jan 30

House Bill 2313 advances from Finance Committee

RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia House of Delegates Committee on Finance voted Wednesday to advance House Bill 2313, the legislation for Governor Bob McDonnell’s long-term transportation funding plan, carried by House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegate Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax).

“I am very pleased the House Finance committee voted today to report with bipartisan support House Bill 2313, the legislation for Governor Bob McDonnell’s “Road to the Future” transportation plan,” said Speaker Howell. “With today’s vote, we are one step closer to delivering the long-term transportation fix that Virginians both want and deserve.

“Governor McDonnell’s plan will invest over $3.1 billion into Virginia’s transportation network by eliminating the gas tax and replacing it with a comprehensive funding proposal that solves both our short- and long-term transportation needs. It is an innovative plan that has the broad support of the business community, industry interest groups and the people of Virginia.

“And while today marks an important step, there is more work to be done. The legislative process is long and multifaceted. I appreciate the input and work of all members of the Committee and look forward to continuing to work on finding a solution. I am confident that at the end of the day we can pass a bill to address Virginia’s transportation needs.”

Delegate Tim Hugo applauded the ideas brought forth by others and said he looked forward to working on the final proposal.

“While I applaud my fellow delegates for putting forth alternative proposals, the reality is that the gas tax is a diminishing form of revenue,” said Hugo. “The Governor's proposal will eliminate the gas tax and replace it with a revenue neutral sales tax that will 'stop the bleeding' on the transportation trust fund. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to create jobs and improve our quality of life in Virginia.”

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Jan 29

Statement of Speaker William J. Howell on the passing of Justice Harry L. Carrico

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement Sunday on the death of former Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harry L. Carrico:

"Cessie and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Harry L. Carrico. 

"I have known Justice Carrico for over 50 years. As I began to consider a legal career many years ago, his thoughtful and kind advice made him a personal mentor. 

"Justice Carrico was the longest serving Chief Justice in the history of the Commonwealth. He served during a time of rapid political, social and cultural change but his love of justice and the rule of law was unwavering.

"Justice Carrico was a dedicated public servant who will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

 

 

Jan 24

House Passes Key Education Initiatives

The Virginia House of Delegates passed several key pieces of legislation Thursday aimed at improving Virginia’s K-12 education system. Four bills were passed with broad, bipartisan support, including Governor Bob McDonnell’s Educator Fairness Act, a bill that will bring the Teach for America program to Virginia and legislation to encourage the creation of more charter schools.

I am very pleased at the steps the House of Delegates took today. We are constantly and continually focused on improving Virginia’s K-12 education system and the measures passed today will help do just that. Education is about jobs and opportunity. We must give all of our children the kind of education that will prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century.

Our efforts to improve K-12 education have been focused on recognizing and rewarding Virginia’s excellent teachers, encouraging innovation and accountability, and promoting success for all students by ensuring we rescue failing schools and increase access to opportunity by expanding charter schools.

The passage of the Educator Fairness Act is a key part of our efforts to recognize and reward good teachers throughout the Commonwealth. We are also very excited about the opportunity to amend the state budget and offer our teachers a two percent pay raise. We understand the role and value of teachers in educating our young people and want to reward the selfless work they do each and every day.

While the steps we have taken today are important, our work is not done. There are several more pieces of Governor McDonnell’s education package that will be advancing through the legislative process over the next several days. These measures deserve our full and undivided attention and I look forward to their passage in the House of Delegates.

House Bill 2151 (Bell) is the Educator Fairness Act. House Bill 2084 (Cox) will establish the Teach for America Program in Virginia. House Bill 2076 (Stolle) will allow local school divisions flexibility to authorize more charter schools. House Bill 2101 (Ramadan) creates a High School to Work Partnership program.

 

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