RICHMOND, VA – Following the release of a new television ad from Opportunity Virginia PAC highlighting Virginia’s business and economic development achievements over the last two years, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R – Stafford) and Virginia Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Following the release of a new television ad from Opportunity Virginia PAC highlighting Virginia’s business and economic development achievements over the last two years, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R – Stafford) and Virginia Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R – James City) issued the following statement:

“Opportunity Virginia PAC released an excellent, new television ad today.  Fellow Virginians and business owners share  the stories of their respective businesses and discuss how our pro-growth, anti-regulation philosophy in Virginia has helped them thrive in their chosen fields,” said Howell.

The ad follows last week’s announcement that the March 2012 unemployment rate in Virginia fell to 5.6 percent, down substantially from the Commonwealth’s peak unemployment rate of 7.2 percent in January 2010.  With the national unemployment rate hovering at 8.2 percent, Virginia’s unemployment rate ranks ninth in the nation and the lowest in the southeast.

“Virginia continues to outperform the nation as a whole in terms of economic vitality and job creation.  This ad perfectly captures that story from the perspective of Virginia’s entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Howell.

“We’ve put in place policies that allow these creative people to succeed in their respective ventures.  I hope that citizens and leaders across the Commonwealth who have an opportunity to see this ad will reflect on our successes over the last two years,” commented Norment.

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement this evening regarding the final passage of the FY 2012-14 biennial budget: 

“I am pleased  to announce that the General Assembly passed the Fiscal Year 2012-14 biennial budget late this afternoon.  I want ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement this evening regarding the final passage of the FY 2012-14 biennial budget: 

“I am pleased  to announce that the General Assembly passed the Fiscal Year 2012-14 biennial budget late this afternoon.  I want to thank Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Lacey E. Putney (I – Bedford), Vice-Chair and Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R – Colonial Heights), S. Chris Jones (R – Suffolk), R. Steven Landes (R – Augusta), Beverly Sherwood (R – Winchester) and Johnny Joannou (D – Portsmouth) for their tireless efforts crafting the financial blueprint that will guide the Commonwealth’s spending and services for the next two years,” said Howell.

Tuesday afternoon the House of Delegates passed the final amendments to the 2010-12 biennial budget, House Bill 1300, on a vote of 80-16 and the upcoming 2012-14 biennial budget, House Bill 1301, on vote of 77-19.  The Senate approved the upcoming biennial budget on a vote of 21-19 late Wednesday afternoon.

“This budget is responsible, fiscally sound and reflects the priorities of not only our Caucus, but the entire General Assembly.  These priority investments include $122 million to moderate tuition costs in Virginia’s public colleges and universities, a $110 million block grant for K-12 education, over $44 million to restore the health care safety net, funding for 305 new Medicaid waiver slots and various economic incentives that will energize our entrepreneurs and create jobs across Virginia,” Howell continued.

“This budget will serve well the citizens of the Commonwealth and we look forward to the Governor’s amendments and a speedy vote on final passage.”

RICHMOND, VA – Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial vote on the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2012-14 budget, House Republicans emphasized the importance of quickly passing Virginia’s biennial budget.  House and Senate Budget conferees agreed to the conference report on the $85 billion budget before the Easter Holiday and localities, ]]> Click here to get a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial vote on the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2012-14 budget, House Republicans emphasized the importance of quickly passing Virginia’s biennial budget.  House and Senate Budget conferees agreed to the conference report on the $85 billion budget before the Easter Holiday and localities, agencies and schools across the Commonwealth are waiting for final passage before creating their respective budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.  This afternoon, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) issued the following statement urging passage of Virginia’s financial blueprint for the coming biennium:

“Under the leadership of Chairman Putney and Chairman Stosch, the House and Senate budget conferees produced a structurally balanced budget that strategically targets economic development priorities, funds the core functions of government and does not raise taxes,” said Speaker Howell. “While the budgetary process advanced in an unconventional manner this year, tomorrow we have the opportunity to bring the budget process to an end with the passage of the conference reports for HB 1300 and HB 1301.”

The conference report includes additional funding to support higher education, to preserve the health care safety net, and to help spur job creation- all without raising taxes.  Key investments include $110 million block grant for K-12 education, $122 million to moderate tuition costs in Virginia’s public colleges and universities, $44.7 million for health and safety services, funding for 305 new Medicaid waiver slots and various economic incentives targeted to create jobs around the Commonwealth.
 

“The budget conferees worked tirelessly to craft a fiscally prudent conference report in a timely manner,” said Delegate Kirk Cox. “With many critical deadlines looming for state agencies and local governments, a vote against the budget at this time is a vote to put funding for our teachers, local governments, and roads at risk.”

Virginia’s localities must enact a budget for local school divisions by mid-May for the upcoming school year.  Localities also tailor their spending proposals on the funding levels set in the biennial budget.  Schools and localities run the risk of inaccurately estimating and budgeting for the upcoming year if a budget is not in place as soon as possible.  Critical transportation initiatives will also suffer absent budget passage this week – last week Virginia’s Department of Transportation announced that 473 construction and maintenance projects from Fairfax to Abingdon would be shut down should a budget fail to pass.   

“Rejecting the conference report at this late juncture would require the House and Senate go back to the drawing board and start the budget process over from scratch.  Given the time and effort required to craft and negotiate a budget, if the budget fails tomorrow we couldn’t hope to have a budget ready again for weeks,” said Howell.  “This is a good budget and a good compromise.  We hope that Senate Democrats recognize that schools, localities and agencies across the Commonwealth cannot afford to wait on us to pass a budget any longer and that they will join with us tomorrow in voting for the budget.”

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) issued the following statement this afternoon:

“Yesterday, I attended a news conference and joined with members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to highlight a new report, “Rich States, Poor States.”  With ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) issued the following statement this afternoon:

“Yesterday, I attended a news conference and joined with members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to highlight a new report, “Rich States, Poor States.”  With Virginia ranking third according to the ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, the report details how Virginia is outperforming nearly every other state in the nation based on a wide variety of economic competitiveness issues, including taxes, labor costs and regulations,” said Howell.

“After the news conference, I responded to a series of questions from Anna Scholl, Executive Director of ProgressVA, in a manner that was not consistent with my own standards of civility or reflective of the way I believe discussions over public policy disagreements should be conducted.  I have since called Ms. Scholl and offered my sincere and heartfelt apology for my comments to her.”

Richmond, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) joined with members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) today to announce the release of the highly anticipated fifth edition of Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

Richmond, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) joined with members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) today to announce the release of the highly anticipated fifth edition of Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.  The report, authored by world-renowned economist  Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, Stephen Moore, senior economics writer at The Wall Street Journal, and Jonathan Williams, director of ALEC’s Center for State Fiscal Reform, shows Virginia outperforming other states on economic competitiveness and economic policy. The Publication outlines the policies that have the most significant impact on economic vitality and competitiveness.

Rich States, Poor States features an economic outlook ranking of the states that uses 15 equally-weighted policy variables in the areas of tax, labor, and regulatory policy. The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of the best states in the nation to do business, ranking 3^rd best in the economic outlook ranking. The authors of the report show how taxpayers “vote with their feet and dollars,” by migrating away from high tax states, and moving into low tax states, such as Virginia.

“In Virginia we are constantly working to control taxes, reduce regulation and promote economic creativity.  Rich States, Poor States shows that these pro-growth initiatives translate into a thriving business community and a high standard of living for our citizens, ” said Speaker of the House, William Howell.

“We appreciate this acknowledgement from ALEC.  Virginia continues to be ranked as one of the best states in the country for business, and this recognition is another ‘jewel in the crown’ for the work that has been done to make Virginia a more business-friendly state,” said Virgina Chamber of Commerce President, Barry DuVal.

 “Once again another study from a credible organization such as ALEC highlights Virginia’s success in creating a pro-business climate,” said Nicole Riley, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business.  “We appreciate the efforts of the General Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Howell and Governor McDonnell to promote policies that allow Virginia’s small businesses to expand and create jobs.”

TOP FIVE STATES                                    BOTTOM FIVE STATES

1. Utah                                                 46. Hawaii

2. South Dakota                                  47. Maine

3. Virginia                                           48. Illinois

4. Wyoming                                        49. Vermont

5. North Dakota                                  50. New York

To download a free PDF copy of Rich States, Poor States, please visit www.alec.org/rsps.

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) will host a press conference detailing the results of the 2012 Rich States, Poor States survey, an annual assessment by the American Legislative Exchange Council ranking states based on business climate, growth ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R – Stafford) will host a press conference detailing the results of the 2012 Rich States, Poor States survey, an annual assessment by the American Legislative Exchange Council ranking states based on business climate, growth indicators and other factors.  Leaders of Virginia’s business community and various legislators will unveil the study, followed by a brief question and answer session.  

All members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend.

Event Details

WHAT:        Rich States, Poor States Press Conference 

 WHO:         Del. William J. Howell (R-Stafford)

                             Speaker of the House of Delegates

                        Jonathan Williams

                             Director of Tax and Fiscal Policy, and Co-Author of “Rich States, Poor States,”
                            American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

                        Barry DuVal

                            President, Virginia Chamber of Commerce

                        Nicole Riley

                            Virginia State Director, National Federation of Independent Business

 WHEN:      Thursday, April 12, 2012

                        11:00 AM

 WHERE:    House Briefing Room

                        General Assembly Building (1^st Floor)

                        Capitol Square

                        Richmond,Virginia

# # #

RICHMOND, VA – After a month-long budget impasse at the hands of Senate Democrats, the Senate of Virginia passed House Bill 1301 yesterday on a vote on 35-4.  Following yesterday’s vote, the Virginia House of Delegates convened today to put Virginia’s Fiscal Year 2012-14 biennial budget into ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – After a month-long budget impasse at the hands of Senate Democrats, the Senate of Virginia passed House Bill 1301 yesterday on a vote on 35-4.  Following yesterday’s vote, the Virginia House of Delegates convened today to put Virginia’s Fiscal Year 2012-14 biennial budget into conference, rejecting Senate amendments to the House budget on a vote of 23-69.  With Virginia’s financial roadmap for the next two years back on track, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that after a prolonged standoff, the budget is back on track,” said Howell.  “Though the budget still needs to go through the conference process, the House version of the budget provides core government services and funds economic development and education priorities without raising taxes.  We are cautiously optimistic that a solid, fiscally-prudent budget will emerge from conference and be voted into law within the next few weeks.”

“Recognizing that negotiating the budget was too important to be held up by partisan arguments, Chairman Putney reintroduced the House budget to provide a budgetary vehicle then convened a series of informal conferee discussions beginning on March 6.  These meetings kept House and Senate conferees in constant communication and have prepared conferees for an immediate, thorough budget conference,” said Howell.

The budget is now in the hands of House and Senate conferees, who will negotiate remaining differences between the House budget and the Senate amendments to the House budget.  Earlier this month, Speaker Howell appointed Delegate Lacey E. Putney (I-Bedford), Delegate M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Delegate S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), Delegate R. Steven Lanes (R-Augusta), Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood (R-Winchester) and Delegate Johnny S. Joannou (D-Portsmouth) to serve as the House budget conferees. 

“I want to thank Chairman Putney for his continued leadership on the budget.  Crafting and passing a reasonable budget is perhaps the single most important job of the legislature.  We are mindful that this holds true for Virginia’s localities, as well.  With various localities and agencies waiting for final adoption of the budget, I hope that the conferees will produce a balanced conference report for final passage in short order,” said Howell.

RICHMOND, VA – Following yesterday’s announcement that unemployment in the Commonwealth has dropped to a three-year low of 5.8 percent, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, federal employment data indicated that the unemployment rate in the Commonwealth dropped to 5.8 percent, ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Following yesterday’s announcement that unemployment in the Commonwealth has dropped to a three-year low of 5.8 percent, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, federal employment data indicated that the unemployment rate in the Commonwealth dropped to 5.8 percent, the lowest rate since 2009.  This is a positive sign that Virginia is on a positive economic trajectory and yet another indication the job creation efforts of Governor McDonnell and Republicans in the General Assembly,” said Howell.

The February 2012 unemployment rate in Virginia stood at 5.8 percent, down from 6.2 percent in December 2011 and a peak of 7.2 percent in January 2010.  The drop in unemployment translates to over 50,000 fewer unemployment claims since the January 2010 peak according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  With a national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent, Virginia continues to outperform the nation as a whole in terms of job creation and retention. 

“Job creation and economic development efforts have long been a priority of the House Republican Caucus.  We have had a great ally in Governor McDonnell pursuing various measures that attract business, encourage capital investment and reduce regulatory burdens that dampen economic vitality,” continued Howell.  “We could not be more pleased to see that our efforts have made a demonstrable difference to the economic well being of our business community and the prosperity of families across the Commonwealth.”

Included below are selected job creation and economic development bills sponsored by the House Republican Caucus during the 2012 General Assembly Session. 

 2012 Legislative Accomplishments

• FY 2012-14 House Budget – HB 30 (Putney)
  • Includes $11.8 million in funding for the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, in turn creating jobs and stimulating economic innovation
  • Includes $4 million in manufacturing-based development programs to ensure that Virginia is a leader in the American Manufacturing renaissance
  • Includes $15 million for research and development efforts critical to the high-tech economy of Northern Virginia
• Fair Competition in Government Contracting – HB 33 (Comstock) & SB 242 (Obenshain)
  • Encourage competitive bidding on transportation and infrastructure projects to make the most of taxpayer dollars
  • Guarantees that free enterprise and full and open competition will determine how public construction contracts are awarded
  • Ensures neutrality and provides that the 96 percent of the Virginia private construction workforce who are non-unionized have a fair opportunity to compete for projects funded with our tax dollars

• Major Business Facility Jobs Tax Credit – HB 714 (Kilgore) & SB 368(Reeves)
  • Extends the acceleration of the Major Business Facility Jobs Tax Credit, which incentivizes large businesses in all sectors to bring jobs into the Commonwealth
  • Encourages hiring of Virginians in a variety of sectors through business-friendly tax credits for each new, full-time, in-state hire
  • Stimulates business, particularly in economically distressed areas of Virginia, so that we can put Virginians back to work, help our businesses grow and continue the economic recovery here in Virginia.

• Renewable Energy Portfolio Incentives – HB  1102(Miller)
  • Promotes research and development activity in Virginia by exploring and incentivizing job-creating domestic energy alternatives
  • Feeding the innovative engines in Northern Virginia will solidify our position as a national high-tech leader.

• Extension of Capital Gains Tax Exemption – HB 1013 (Comstock) & SB 226 (Herring)
  • Extends the current capital gains tax exemption for start ups
  • Allows our job creators to expand investment in science and technology by exempting investment in business start ups from capital gains taxes
  • This exemption encourages investors to risk their capital on Virginia’s entrepreneurs and create more good paying high tech jobs

• Extension of Telework Expenses Tax Credit – HB 551 (Comstock) & SB 238 (Herring)
  • Extends the telework tax credit for employers through the end of calendar year 2015
  • Promotes non-traditional work arrangements particularly important in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads 

•  Small Business Investment Tax Credit – HB 585 (Merricks) & SB 344 (McDougle)
  • Creates an incentive program to encourage investment in Virginia’s small businesses
  • Promotes and encourages entrepreneurship for the small, local businesses that make up the backbone of Virginia’s economy

• Agriculture & Forestry Development Fund – HB 766 (Landes) & SB 128(Stanley)
  • Supports Virginia’s farming and forestry businesses by offering grants and loans to attract processing facilities that utilize Virginia-grown products
  • Virginia’s agricultural and forestry sector remains the single largest driver of our economy
  • Encourages domestic processing of Virginia’s agricultural resources, increasing economic utility and creating jobs – particularly in rural areas of the Commonwealth

• Virginia Energy Plan – HB 1177 (Watson)
  • Encourages domestic, Virginia-based energy production  including natural gas, coal and wind-based alternatives
  • Embraces innovative, forward-looking solutions that will insulate the Commonwealth from potential volatility in the energy market while creating jobs here at home
• Encouraged Development at the Virginia Port Authority – HB 1183 (Cosgrove)
  • Extends various tax credits intended to incentivize traffic at the Port of Virginia, critical to the vitality of the entire Hampton Roads region
  • Targeted investments in Virginia’s maritime and shipping industries will increase international trade and domestic shipping

• Expanded Virginia Investment Partnership Eligibility – HB 243 (Cline) & SB 338(Newman)
  • Encourages existing Virginia manufacturers and researchers to continue their investment in Virginia by adding production capacity, utilizing cutting-edge technology and modernizing assembly processes
  • Increasing the pool of businesses eligible for incentives will further stimulate economic development and job creation efforts across the Commonwealth

• The Virginia Jobs Investment Program – HB  768(Landes)
  • Creates a new Virginia Jobs Investment Plan to encourage creation of well-paid jobs,  administered by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance
  • Coordinating the training of Virginia’s workforce with the development of diverse, new employment opportunities throughout the Commonwealth will improve Virginia’s already exceptional business climate

• Extension of Coalfield Employment Enhancement Tax Credit – HB 1192 (O’Quinn)
  • Extends this tax credit which incentivizes not only the mining of Virginia’s coal deposits but also creates and retains jobs in Virginia’s coal industry
  • Particularly in rural southwestern Virginia, we strive to help forge partnerships to will put Virginians to work while capitalizing on our natural resources
  • The coal industry has an incredible economic ripple effect all across Virginia, and ultimately leads to more affordable electricity for all Virginians

RICHMOND, VA – Following the passage of House Bills 1129 and 1130 and Senate Bills 497 and 498 late Saturday evening, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement commenting on these pivotal reform measures: 

 “My colleagues and I in ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Following the passage of House Bills 1129 and 1130 and Senate Bills 497 and 498 late Saturday evening, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement commenting on these pivotal reform measures: 

 “My colleagues and I in the House Republican Caucus were pleased by the passage of Senate Bill 497 and House Bill 1130, which I carried in the House.  These landmark reforms will permanently put the Virginia Retirement System on a structurally sound foundation and I can think of no greater ending to a busy and productive legislative session,” said Howell.

 The reform measures adopted by the General Assembly create a hybrid retirement program  – similar to a measures recently adopted in other states – for all new state employees beginning in 2014.  The hybrid plan mixes features of a pension-style defined benefit plan with a 401(k) style defined contribution program. 

 “The passage of these bills reflects the commitment of the members of the House and the Senate, Republican and Democrats alike, to ensure the long term solvency of the Virginia Retirement System,” said Delegate S. Chris Jones (R – Suffolk), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Compensation and Retirement, which governs VRS.  “These bills are the culmination of efforts, over the past three sessions by the General Assembly, to enact common sense reforms to the VRS for the benefit of its members, both current and future employees.”

 “These reforms are important steps that will not only ensure the long-term solvency of the VRS, but they will also help us maintain structurally balanced budgets in the years to come.  These reforms are also critical for us to retain our state’s prized AAA bond rating,” commented Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox (R – Colonial Heights).

 “I consider the passage of these bills to be one of the most important legislative achievements of my 25-year career in the General Assembly.  It is my sincere hope that as Republicans and Democrats in both bodies worked together on this landmark legislation that will improve the financial health of VRS, we will now turn our sincere efforts towards a resolution on the budget,” said Howell.

RICHMOND, VA – Highlighting the legislative achievements of the 68-member strong House Republican Majority Caucus in delivering real reforms and forward-looking investments to address the concerns of the Commonwealth, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today highlighted the positive results of the policy initiatives advanced ]]> Click here for a PDF of this release.

RICHMOND, VA – Highlighting the legislative achievements of the 68-member strong House Republican Majority Caucus in delivering real reforms and forward-looking investments to address the concerns of the Commonwealth, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today highlighted the positive results of the policy initiatives advanced by House Republicans this year.  

The House of Delegates adjourned sine die late Saturday evening after a busy 2012 Regular Session which included the passage of legislation to create jobs, improve public education and reform the Virginia Retirement System for future generations. 

“While the work of the General Assembly is far from over for 2012, we passed legislation this Session in a variety of areas that will serve Virginians well for years to come.  Foremost among these accomplishments is the passage of sweeping reforms to the Virginia Retirement System which will secure the future of our state retirement plans for current employees and future generations of workers,” said Howell.  “Our work on economic development, public education and government reform will meaningfully improve the services we provide for citizens of the Commonwealth and the administration of government.  Though we have adjourned sine die, we must still pass a budget for the FY 2012-14 biennium that provides for core government services, restores the health care safety net and implements tonight’s historic reforms to the VRS.” 

The attached document contains the outcome for a selected list of 80+ measures – grouped by topic – supported by the House Republican Majority.  In all, about 1,600 pieces of legislation were approved by the General Assembly this year.