Archive for the ‘General Session’ Category

Herring Announces Legislative Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Senator Mark Herring (D- Loudoun & Fairfax) announced today a number of legislative proposals and budget initiatives that he will be sponsoring during the 2012 General Assembly session, which began this past Wednesday. To date, Senator Herring has introduced 18 bills and anticipates introducing several more before the January 20th deadline.

Public Safety:  Protecting the Vulnerable

Among the highlights of Senator Herring’s legislative package is SB 222, which would make it a crime to knowingly financially exploit an older or incapacitated adult.  Senator Herring has lead the effort for several years, working with a coalition of groups including the Fairfax County Financial Crimes Division, AARP, Alzheimer’s organizations, Commonwealth Attorneys and concerned citizens, to strengthen Virginia’s laws in this area.

“When I began working on this legislation in 2009, we found that Virginia’s laws were among to weakest in the nation at protecting older Virginians from financial abuse,” Herring said,  “After a multi-year effort, there is now money in the budget to cover the corrections impact.  I am convinced that this is the year we will finally see this become law.”

Senator Herring will continue to lead the charge against dangerous designer drugs.  He has introduced SB 223 to continue the work started last year with his SB 745 to combat the growing problem of synthetic marijuana and bath salts.

“As long as there are individuals out there who are trying to find ways around our laws in order to make a quick buck by selling extremely dangerous drugs to our kids, we need to remain vigilant,” Herring said. “I am continuing to work with law enforcement, forensic scientists and prosecutors to ensure they have the tools they need to stay one step ahead of the drug makers and dealers.”

Economic Development:  Grow and Strengthen Virginia’s Innovation Economy

Continuing his efforts to promote science and technology based economic development, Senator Herring has introduced SB 232. This legislation would enhance Virginia’s competitiveness in attracting major data center investments.  SB 232 has the strong support of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Herring has also introduced legislation that would establish the Commonwealth Innovation Investment Fund.  This initiative creates a long-term, dedicated funding source to grow research and technology companies by capturing a percentage of the growth in state revenue from science and innovation companies. It is designed to create jobs, nurture start-ups and bring more science and technology companies to Virginia.

“Much of Virginia’s future economic prosperity will depend on our ability to compete and win in a in a globally competitive, innovation economy,” Herring stated.  “We need smart policies, like the bills I am introducing, in order to attract the high-growth, high-paying jobs that the science and technology industries bring.”

Reverse Governor McDonnell’s Cuts to K-12 Education

Governor McDonnell’s introduced budget contains several proposed cuts to K-12 education funding.  Senator Herring has introduced budget amendments to reverse these cuts, and restore vital state education funds to Virginia localities.

“The Governor’s proposed cuts would be very detrimental to our children and to the quality of their education,” Herring said.

“One of the budget amendments I have introduced would reverse Governor McDonnell’s unfair elimination of the cost of competing adjustment for support personnel in Northern Virginia.  Currently, the state budget recognizes that the higher cost of living in Northern Virginia results in higher costs for the school divisions in our region.  By proposing to eliminate this adjustment, Northern Virginia localities stand to lose $65 million over the biennium that would have to be made up by increases in local property taxes.”

Senator Herring is also seeking to reverse other proposed cuts in public school funding included in Governor McDonnell’s budget. Herring has proposed budget amendments that would restore $217 million in direct aid to public schools throughout the state.

Additionally, Senator Herring has introduced two other education related budget initiatives.  One would provide start-up funding for Loudoun County Public Schools to implement a full-day kindergarten program.  Another would boost funding for career and technical education throughout Virginia.

Support Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project

Senator Herring continues to support the completion of Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project.

“Extending the Metro to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County is a federal, state and local priority,” Herring said.  “Localities have already indicated their willingness to participate financially, and now it’s time the state step up and contribute more to the project in order to keep toll rates from skyrocketing.  That is why I have introduced a budget amendment seeking $500 million in state transportation funds for Phase II.”

Previously, Governor McDonnell has announced $500 million in state funding for a Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel project and $400 million for turning Rt. 460 between Petersburg and Suffolk into a highway, in both cases to buy down tolls.

“If Virginia can spend almost $1 billion to buy down tolls elsewhere in the state, it can come up with more funds to support a project as significant as the Dulles Rail Project,” Herring stated.

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HERRING STATEMENT ON MEALS TAX VOTE

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) today released the following statement regarding the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors vote this week to request that the General Assembly grant the county the authority to impose a variety of new taxes including a meals tax:

“This week, the new Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 to request that the General Assembly grant them the authority to impose a meals tax.

In the last decade, the citizens of Loudoun County have voted down a meals tax by referendum three times.  A meals tax is a regressive tax that would unnecessarily burden low and middle-income families already struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy.

The General Assembly should not attempt such an end-run around the voters of Loudoun County who have spoken clearly and repeatedly on this issue.  I will not introduce, nor will I support, legislation granting this new taxing authority to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.”

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Thank you!

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Thank you.  One week ago today, all of your hard work paid off and we achieved a convincing victory.  I am extremely grateful for your continued trust and support.

I am also very proud of the campaign we ran.  We outlined a positive vision for our future and remained focused on the key issues our area faces – jobs and the economy, transportation and education.

Most of all, we talked about the need for leaders to roll up their sleeves, put partisan politics aside, and work together to deliver results.  I’m proud of my record of doing just that, and I’m eager to continue putting that philosophy to work in the Senate.

Serving you in the Virginia Senate is a tremendous honor and privilege.  I am humbled by the confidence that you and the voters have placed in me.  There’s a lot to do in the months and years ahead, and I’ll need your continued help and support along the way.  Again, thank you and let’s get started!

Sincerely,

Mark

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Herring Named to Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Senator Mark Herring will participate in the first meeting of the Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board today in Richmond.  Herring was named to the board by Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker.  The board was established by Governor Bob McDonnell pursuant to Executive Order 25.

The Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board will make recommendations for more effective domestic violence services in Virginia through work with state and local agencies, as well as stakeholders.

“Domestic violence prevention is a critical issue affecting Virginia families,” Herring said.  “I take very seriously the charge of working to reduce the number of cases of domestic violence and to better manage our response when incidents do occur.  I am committed to the success of this Board and to a safer future for Virginia families.”

To read Gov. McDonnell’s Executive Order 25 click here.

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State Senator Herring Urges Public to Attend Redistricting Hearings

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Loudoun Legislator says public input is important to process

State Senator Mark Herring wants voters to give their input on this year’s legislative redistricting plans.

This week, the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate and Republican-controlled House of Delegates submitted redistricting plans to the General Assembly’s Division of Legislative Services. The plans, which will determine the state’s legislative district boundaries for the next decade, are expected to be considered by the legislature during the week of April 4.

Details of the redistricting plans can be viewed online at the Division of Legislative Services website. The public will also be able to view maps during eight redistricting hearings to be held across the state.

A hearing will be held for the Loudoun area on March 31, 2011 at the Loudoun County Government Center (Leesburg) in the Loudoun County Board Room. This meeting will begin at 7:30pm.

A hearing will be held for the Fairfax area on April 2, 2011 at the Fairfax County Government Center (Fairfax) in the Board of Supervisors Auditorium. This meeting will begin at 10:30am.

“Public input is an essential part of the redistricting process. Redistricting hearings were held around the Commonwealth last year and will be continued over the next few days. I encourage all Loudoun and Fairfax voters to participate in this week’s hearings,” said Herring.

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General Assembly Wrap-Up and the Road Ahead

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Dear Friend,
Another fast and furious General Assembly session is in the books, and I have returned home to Leesburg. A 45-day session is a short amount of time to attend to all of the people’s business. I am pleased to say that this was a successful session. While in Richmond, I worked with members of both parties, in both Houses, to solve problems and deliver results for you. Here are some highlights:

  • I was a chief co-patron of the Governor’s transportation bill that, while not the long-term solution we need, will provide $4 billion to construct over 900 infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth including two right here at home: the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and the Sycolin Road overpass.
  • I passed a Research and Development Tax Credit that will make Virginia more attractive to the technology industry, more competitive with our neighbors, and create high-paying, high-growth potential jobs.
  • I also passed a Telework Tax Credit that will encourage companies to set up telework programs and allow employees to spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.
  • Working together with several members of both parties in the House and Senate, we crafted and passed legislation to criminalize synthetic marijuana and protect our children from these dangerous designer drugs.
  • And I passed legislation that will protect Virginia’s Tuition Assistance Grant Program (TAG) to ensure that Virginia tax dollars are awarded to Virginia students attending Virginia institutions.

Just as quickly as session has ended for the year, my campaign for re-election now begins and I am excited and looking forward to the road ahead. This November, you will once again have the opportunity to send me back to Richmond to continue to be a strong, independent, and effective voice for you.

I’m looking forward to traveling the district and speaking with voters about my strong record of putting aside partisan politics, solving problems, and delivering results. I am also excited to share with you my vision for Virginia and where I think we need to go in the future.  So stay tuned for email updates on events I’ll be attending in the months ahead and on ways you can get involved in the campaign!

Thank you for your continued support. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent you.

Sincerely,
Mark
Mark Herring

PS. I will be hosting a reception in the Bacon Room at Lansdowne Resort on Saturday, March 26 from 4 to 6pm. Please click here to register online. You may also email Jon at jon@markherring.org or call  703-729-3300 if you would like to attend. I hope to see you there!

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Two Key Pieces of Herring Agenda Pass Virginia Senate on Crossover Day

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Two key pieces of Senator Mark Herring’s (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) legislative agenda passed the Virginia Senate unanimously, 40-0, today at the halfway point of the 2011 General Assembly session:

SB 1338- The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act of 2011

“Last November, voters in Virginia and around the nation sent a message to lawmakers reminding us that it is our responsibility to be careful stewards of their tax dollars,” Herring stated.

“The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act provides that the Governor submit a financial plan annually to the General Assembly that includes projections for total state debt and projected future expenditures over periods of six and ten years.  We need to know precisely the fiscal consequences that spending and borrowing decisions will have on our state budget over the long term.”

SB 1485- Expanding the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund

“This bill expands the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund to include three separate programs to accelerate technology research and commercialization throughout Virginia,” Herring stated.

Those programs are: a new “Eminent Researchers Program” to help attract the best and brightest technology researchers to Virginia universities, a new “Commercialization Program” to help companies commercialize promising technology projects in Virginia, and an expanded “Research Matching Funds Program” to help Virginia research institutions match and leverage federal and private research and technology commercialization funds.

“This legislation elevates Virginia’s profile as a global technology center,” Herring stated.

Legislation passed by Senator Herring in 2009 established the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization fund.

“I am pleased that these two important measures have passed the Senate unanimously, and I am optimistic that the House of Delegates will see fit to pass them as well and send them to the Governor’s desk for his signature,” Herring concluded.

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Herring Releases Statement on the Senate’s Passage of McDonnell’s Transportation Plan

Monday, February 7th, 2011

Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) today released the following statement after the Virginia Senate passed Governor McDonnell’s transportation plan. The plan, calls for accelerating $1.8 billion in transportation bonds approved in 2007 and the issuance of an additional $1.1 billion in bonds backed by anticipated federal revenue.  The nearly $3 billion will be spent on over 900 transportation infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth over the next three years:

“Today, I voted in favor of, and the Senate passed, Senate Bill 1446 which is an important first step in addressing Virginia’s long-term transportation needs.”

“The plan will allow Virginia to take advantage of historically low interest rates in order to accelerate the construction of desperately needed transportation infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth over the next three years.  Among these are Loudoun County’s most pressing transportation infrastructure needs: the construction of the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and the construction of the Sycolin Road overpass.”

“Governor McDonnell is fond of saying, ‘There are no Republican or Democratic roads,’ and I could not agree more.  Our constituents expect us to come down to Richmond and to work together, members of both parties in both houses, to find solutions to our most pressing issues, and transportation is certainly at the top of that list.”

“For too long, Virginians have been spending too much of their time stuck in traffic, away from their families, and away from their jobs. This means lost productivity for our businesses and a lower quality of life for our citizens.  It is my hope that by passing this legislation, we have taken a meaningful step forward that will improve the lives of the residents of our Commonwealth.”

Additionally, SB 1446 includes Senator Herring’s legislation, SB 1329, to amend the state’s highway “revenue sharing” program with localities to make more state matching funds available to localities that wish to undertake their own road construction projects.  Senator Herring is a chief co-patron of SB 1446.

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Herring Announces Legislative Agenda for 2011 Session

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Richmond- Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun and Fairfax) today announced his legislative agenda for the 2011 General Assembly session, which began this past Wednesday.  To this point, Senator Herring has introduced 17 bills and anticipates introducing several more before the January 21st deadline.

Among the highlights of Senator Herring’s legislative package is SB 1326, which creates a Research and Development Tax Credit in Virginia.  This legislation is the top priority of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Virginia Biotechnology Association, with whom Senator Herring has worked closely in the past, including last year on the passage of the Virginia Innovation Investment Act.  For his efforts to promote science and technology based economic development, Senator Herring was named “Legislator of the Year” in 2010 by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

This legislation was also included among Governor Bob McDonnell’s “Opportunity at Work” legislative proposals.  The Governor thanked Senator Herring for carrying this legislation during his State of the Commonwealth address delivered this past Wednesday.

“This legislation will build on the great strides we have made in recent years to make Virginia more competitive with our neighbors and more attractive to bioscience and technology industry,” Herring said.  “Our Commonwealth, and Northern Virginia in particular, is perfectly suited for the kinds of high-paying, high growth potential jobs that science and technology industry brings with it.  I’m grateful for the Governor’s support on this important initiative.”

Virginia is currently one of only 12 states that do not offer an R&D tax credit as part of its job creation strategy.

Senator Herring will also offer a budget amendment to allocate $25 million to the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF).  The CRCF was created through legislation authored by Senator Herring in 2009, and is designed to better focus the moneys available under the program to key areas of research and development in the Commonwealth.  The CRCF emphasizes the importance of commercializing research and development through matching-fund programs, leveraging private and federal funds, and providing a loan program for the construction of facilities utilized in commercializing qualified research.

Transportation will be one of the top issues on the General Assembly’s plate in 2011, and Senator Herring continues to be focused on ways to generate new revenue for transportation.

“The Governor campaigned on having a detailed plan to fix transportation without raising taxes.  While his proposals have fallen short of expectations thus far, I remain committed to working constructively with the Governor to see if he can find a way to make good on his promise,” Herring stated.

“As a demonstration of that commitment, I responded to the Governor’s request last year for ideas and input on how to raise revenue for transportation.  One of the ideas I shared with the Governor was to consider changes to the state’s revenue sharing program, which directs state funding to projects where localities are willing to share in the cost of highway construction.  The Governor has embraced that proposal and has included it in his 2011 transportation legislative package.”

The bill, SB 1329, removes the $1 million cap for individual allocations and gives funding priority to projections focused on congestion relief.  The bill also increases the minimum appropriation from $15 million to $50 million.

Senator Herring plans to continue to push the Governor, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board, to allocate available state funds to construct the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and Sycolin Road overpass.  These projects continue to be top priorities for Loudoun County, and Senator Herring’s Route 7 Task Force has also identified obtaining funding to construct these projects as critical to alleviate congestion along the Route 7 corridor.

Also on the agenda is SB 1335, which establishes a telework tax credit for Virginia employers, a bill included among bi-partisan package of government reform bills resulting from the Governor’s Commission of Government Reform and Restructuring.

Continuing his efforts to expand transparency and accountability in state government, Senator Herring introduced SB 1338, the Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act.

“This past election, voters in Virginia and around the nation sent a message to lawmakers reminding us that it is our responsibility to be careful stewards of their tax dollars,” Herring stated.  “The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act provides that the Governor submit a financial plan to the General Assembly that includes projections for total state debt and projected future expenditures over periods of six and ten years.  We need to know precisely the fiscal consequences that spending and borrowing decisions will have on our state budget over the long term.”

“I am optimistic that members of both parties in both chambers will come together around these important pieces of legislation I am introducing in 2011, and I am confident that the tone in the General Assembly will be one of civil and constructive debate as we consider how to best move our Commonwealth forward into the future.”

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Herring Introduces Legislation Outlawing Synthetic Marijuana

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun and Fairfax) has introduced legislation for the 2011 General Assembly Session outlawing synthetic marijuana, a designer drug commonly referred to as “Spice” and “K2″. The bill would establish penalties for possession, sale, gift, distribution or possession with intent to sell, give or distribute the drug.

Produced in China and Korea, synthetic marijuana can be used and purchased legally in many areas of the country, including Virginia, and is currently being sold as an incense product at small convenience stores locally.

“The fact that these dangerous substances are legal in Virginia is unacceptable,” Herring said.  “The effects of synthetic marijuana are extremely harmful to those who use it. It is clear that usage of this gateway drug is on the rise among the youth in our community and in Virginia, and we need to confront this serious issue head on.”

Some of the drug’s most serious side effects include elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, hallucinations, and even coma or unconsciousness.  “Spice” or “K2″ has been linked to over 352 nationwide emergency room incidents including attempted suicides, extremely elevated heart rate/blood pressure, comas, seizures, and anxiety attacks.  The American Association of Poison Control Centers report over 1,500 overdoses nationally resulting from the use of synthetic marijuana in just the first nine months of this year.

Under the bill, punishment for possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana is largely in accord with the provisions for actual marijuana.

The National Drug Court Resource Center has identified the problem of synthetic marijuana as an “emerging issue”.  Many drug courts are experiencing a significant and disturbing surge in client’s use of synthetic marijuana.

“The widespread availability of synthetic marijuana in our communities means that anyone, including our youth, can walk into a store and purchase this product to get a legal high,” said Michelle White, President of the Virginia Drug Court Association, “These products are clearly labeled ‘not for human consumption’ making the use of them a serious threat to the health and well being of those that would use or abuse it.”

“Virginia Drug Courts are seeing an increase in the use of synthetic marijuana among participants, particularly youth enrolled in the juvenile drug courts, because the substance is not detected on a marijuana drug screen and remains readily and legally accessible,” White stated, “Now is the time for us to move to protect young people and the Virginia Drug Court Association urges the General Assembly to pass legislation to ban all synthetic marijuana products.”

Recently, the Leesburg Police Department called attention to the rise in possession of synthetic marijuana in the area. At least one case of using the drug has resulted in an overdose that required hospitalization in Loudoun.

“Synthetic marijuana is currently being sold legally in our community and does pose a serious health risk,” said Leesburg Police Chief Joseph Price, “Although the product is being marketed as incense, many of those purchasing it (teenagers and adults) are doing so to achieve a ‘legal high’ since currently it is not a violation in the Commonwealth.  It is also obvious that most store proprietors know how it is being used.”

“The Leesburg Police Department applauds Senator Herring on introducing legislation to address this public safety and public health issue and urge both the public and other members of the General Assembly to join him in passing this legislation.”

Ten states have already adopted similar legislation and many others are lining up to address the problem.

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