Archive for the ‘Transportation’ Category

Herring Announces Candidacy for Attorney General

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

Declaring, “It’s time to get politics out of the Attorney General’s office and return its focus to doing what’s right for the people of Virginia,” State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax Counties) announced today that he has filed paperwork and will seek the office of Attorney General in 2013. Herring released the following statement:

“Over the last three years, we’ve watched Attorney General Cuccinelli pursue an ideological crusade that is out of step with the mainstream.  Time after time, the Attorney General has abused the powers of his office and twisted the law to advance his personal political agenda, which has been costly to taxpayers and costly to the credibility of the office. It’s hurt Virginians and damaged our state’s reputation.

“It’s time to get politics out of the Attorney General’s office and return its focus to doing what’s right for the people of Virginia.

“Virginia cannot afford another Attorney General like Ken Cuccinelli.  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what those on the Republican side jockeying to take his place are offering.  But what Virginians are looking for is an Attorney General who will restore the people’s trust in the office.

“So after talking with Virginians across the Commonwealth, and with much thought and careful consideration, I have decided to run to be Virginia’s next Attorney General.

“I want to be the Attorney General for all of the people in our state. Virginians deserve the respect and the protection of the law, regardless of the Attorney General’s personal politics.

“And that’s the kind of Attorney General I will be. As I have done in the Senate, I will work to keep Virginia’s families and seniors safe. I will fight to protect consumers, defend civil rights and ensure state agencies are accountable to the people. And I will stand up for the right of women to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference.

“As the only Democrat from Loudoun County in the General Assembly, I’ve stood up to Ken Cuccinelli and his allies in Richmond on the front lines of the legislative fights over their socially divisive agenda.  I have won tough races in a swing district in the outer-suburbs of Northern Virginia and I know what it takes to win.

“I look forward to campaigning in every corner of the Commonwealth and introducing Virginia to a new vision for the office of Attorney General.”

Mark Herring was elected to the State Senate in 2006, representing Loudoun and Fairfax Counties and previously served as a Loudoun County Supervisor for four years. During his tenure in the Senate, Herring has been a leader in the effort to grow and expand technology-based economic development in Virginia and has worked to make both state and local governments more accountable to the public. Herring led the effort to crack down on new threats to our children’s safety, working closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to keep dangerous new synthetic drugs off the shelves. He has championed legislation to target those who would commit financial scams against our seniors and passed legislation to strengthen penalties for acts of domestic violence.  As Co-Chair of the General Assembly’s National Guard Caucus, he has worked to ensure that military personnel, their families and veterans have the full support of the state and communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Herring has lived most of his life in Loudoun County.  He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia.  Since graduating with honors from the University of Richmond School of Law, he has practiced law in Leesburg for 22 years. He is the Principal of the law firm Herring & Turner, P.C.  He has been married to his wife, Laura, for 23 years and they have two children.

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Herring Statement on Loudoun County Silver Line Vote

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

State Senator Mark Herring (D – Loudoun & Fairfax) released this statement following the vote by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to “Opt-In” to Phase 2 of the Silver Line Project:

“The Board of Supervisors made the right decision. Extending Metro to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County is an investment in our future and will help ensure our region’s continued economic growth and prosperity.  While this is an historic moment, there is more work still to be done.

The state is only contributing about 5% of the total project cost for Phase 2, and that is unacceptable.  I will continue my efforts to secure additional state funds for Phase 2 and look for other ways to keep tolls from skyrocketing on the Dulles Toll Road.

Additionally, the time for the federal government to step up is long overdue.  I will work with our federal delegation to obtain their participation in this project that will connect our region’s international airport to our nation’s capital.”

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Herring Opposes VDOT Proposal to Charge $1 Monthly Fee for EZ PASS

Thursday, June 7th, 2012

~Urges citizens to participate in public comment period which ends on June 12~

Leesburg – State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) has written to the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation Greg Whirley expressing his strong opposition to VDOT’s proposal to charge a monthly fee of $1.00 per EZ Pass transponder in order to pay for administrative and operations costs of Virginia’s EZ Pass program.  See below the text of Senator Herring’s email to VDOT Commissioner Whirley:

Commissioner Whirley,

I write to express my strong opposition to VDOT’s proposal to charge a $1.00 monthly fee per EZ Pass transponder.  Many of the constituents I represent travel along the Dulles Greenway and Dulles Toll Road on a daily basis. Tolls on the Greenway are already at  $4.00 ($4.80 peak) for a one-way trip and $2.25 on the Dulles Toll Road for a total of $6.25 ($7.05 peak). Additionally, tolls along the Dulles Toll Road are projected to double to $4.50 beginning next year due to the construction of Phase 2 of the Dulles Rail Project.  If that occurs, tolls for a one-way trip from Leesburg to Tysons Corner will be $8.50 ($9.30 peak).  Round trip, that is a total of $17.00 ($18.60 peak), which equates to $85.00 per week ($93.00 peak) and $4,250 annually ($4,650 peak).

As you can see, the charges for tolls the constituents I represent pay is becoming outrageous and adding a $1.00 per month fee for the privilege of being tolled this high only adds injury to insult.  I urge you, Secretary Connaughton and the Governor to reverse your position and reject this proposal.

Thank you for your consideration,

Mark

Senator Herring is also urging citizens to participate in the public comment period. VDOT is currently accepting public comments through 5:00 pm, Tuesday, June 12, 2012. All comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration prior to the final decision on the proposed fee structure.  VDOT began taking comments on April 19, 2012.

Citizens can go to www.virginiadot.org/e-zpass for information on the proposed monthly fee increase and provide their comments online.  They can submit their comments directly to vdotinfo@vdot.virginia.gov or mail them to:

Office of Communications – Third Floor/Annex Bldg.
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219

VDOT expects to have a final decision in June.

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Herring Statement Regarding MWAA PLA Vote

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Leesburg – State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) released the following statement regarding the MWAA Board’s vote this morning to remove the PLA incentive for Phase 2 of the Dulles Rail Project:

“The MWAA Board’s decision removes the major stated obstacle for members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to commit to the project.  It is time for the Board to vote to opt-in to Phase 2 and bring Metro to Loudoun.  The decision also frees up the already promised $150 million contribution from the Commonwealth to the project.  I call on Governor McDonnell to see that these state funds are released in a timely fashion and without further condition.  I will continue my effort to secure additional state funding for Phase 2 in order to bring down projected toll increases and lessen the burden on the Toll Road users.”

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Herring Reappointed to State Commissions

Monday, May 21st, 2012

State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) was reappointed by the Senate Committee on Rules to several state commissions and other groups on which he has served during his tenure in the State Senate:

  • The Virginia Aerospace Advisory Council – To advise the Governor, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science, and the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Technology, and Education on policy and funding priorities with respect to aerospace economic development, workforce training, educational programs, and educational curriculum, and to promote the aerospace and space exploration industry in the Commonwealth.
  • Standing Joint Subcommittee on Block Grants – To ensure the continued receipt of federal funds pursuant to the Preventive Health and Human Services Block Grant, the Community Services Block Grant, or any other federal block grant program requiring legislative public hearings.
  • The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission – Manage and control the functions, affairs, and property of the Northern Virginia Transportation District.
  • The Substance Abuse Services Council – Advise and make recommendations on policies and goals and on the coordination of the Commonwealth’s public and private efforts to control alcohol and drug abuse.
  • The Virginia War Memorial Board of Trustees – To honor patriotic Virginians who rendered faithful service and sacrifice in the cause of freedom and liberty for the Commonwealth and the nation in time of war.

In addition to these state commissions and groups, Senator Herring is a member of:

  • The Virginia Domestic Violence Response and Advisory Board – Established in 2010 by Governor McDonnell to improve the services and support for Virginia’s domestic violence victims and survivors.  Recently reauthorized in April, the board has made nineteen recommendations intended to provide an initial conceptual framework for improving services to children exposed to domestic violence, clarifying protective order processes, enhancing services and community response to traditionally underserved victims, and making Virginia’s college campuses safer.
  • The Virginia Health Reform Initiative – Established by Governor McDonnell, and under the leadership of Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel, the purpose of the Virginia Health Reform Initiative is to go beyond federal health reform and recommend other innovative healthcare solutions that meet the needs of Virginia’s citizens and government.

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Howell and Herring Secure $300 Million Additional Funding for Phase 2 of Rail to Dulles Project

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Today, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved an improved Senate budget, which contains a budget amendment offered by Senators Janet Howell (D- Fairfax & Arlington) and Mark Herring (D- Loudoun & Fairfax), which will provide $300 million dollars in additional state funds to Phase 2 of the Metrorail to Dulles Project.  The amount is in addition to $150 million the state has previously committed, bringing the total state contribution for the project to $450 million.  The funds will help prevent tolls on the Dulles Toll Road from skyrocketing out of control and put Virginia in a better position to obtain some federal funding.

“This is great news for Northern Virginia,” Howell stated.  “We believed all along the state needed to step up and make a major contribution toward the completion of Phase 2. The original Senate budget, which we opposed, was completely silent on funding for this project, which is of local, state and national significance.”

“The previous budget proposal that we rejected shortchanged Northern Virginia,” Herring continued, “Through our persistent efforts, we were able to secure these critical funds in the Senate budget, which will result in real relief for the users of the Dulles Toll Road and boost momentum for the construction of Phase 2 of the planned Metrorail extension.”

“It is our hope that the Governor and our colleagues in the House of Delegates will agree to support this needed funding for our region.”

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Herring Statement on State of Budget Negotiations

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Virginia State Senator Mark Herring released the following statement regarding the progress of negotiations over the budget:

“I am pleased that over the past few days, my Republican colleagues have come to the table and are now engaged with my Democratic colleagues and me in a true bipartisan discussion.

I previously voted against the Senate Republican budget because it shortchanged Northern Virginia, and I refused to be bullied or intimidated into voting for a budget that was not in the best interests of the people I represent.  It failed to address funding for Phase 2 of the Dulles Rail Project and inadequately funded our public schools.

Extending the Metrorail to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County is one of the most important transportation projects in the Commonwealth.  It is a project of local, state and national significance.  I have consistently maintained that Virginia needed to make a significant contribution to the project, but the Senate Republican budget was silent on Phase 2 funding.  I am negotiating to include in the budget a $400 million state contribution that will help keep toll rates on the Dulles Toll Road from skyrocketing out of control and allow us to better position ourselves to obtain some federal funding for the project.

The Senate Republican budget also failed to fully restore Cost of Competing funding for Northern Virginia that is needed to help educate children growing up in our region.  My budget amendment would fully restore the $65 million to Northern Virginia schools, and I am fighting to have the full amount included in the final budget.

The changes I am fighting for would result in a budget that is balanced, fiscally responsible and, I believe, far better addresses the needs of our region than the original Senate budget that I voted against two weeks ago.

Adopting a balanced, responsible budget is a fundamental responsibility we share as members of the General Assembly. It is a process that requires thoughtful deliberation and bipartisan cooperation.  I remain confident now that Senate Republicans appear ready to roll up their sleeves and engage with Senate Democrats in a truly bipartisan negotiation, that we can bridge our substantive differences and pass a budget in the coming weeks.”

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Herring Remarks Regarding Budget Impasse in Richmond

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Virginia State Senator Mark Herring (D  Loudoun & Fairfax) delivered the following remarks at a press conference held by the Senate Democratic caucus late this afternoon regarding the budget impasse:

“We’re hearing a lot from the other side that partisan politics is standing in the way of approving a budget in the Senate.

Democrats voted against the budget because we have substantive disagreements about the best path forward for our Commonwealth — particularly in the areas of education and transportation.

One example on transportation is the proposal to extend Metrorail to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County. It is one of the most important transportation projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it is a project of local, state and national significance.

The Senate Republican budget was completely silent on funding for this project.  With tolls on the Dulles Toll Road projected to reach $6.75 by 2018 for a one-way trip, Northern Virginians expect the state to step up with a significant contribution in order to keep tolls from spiraling out of control.

On education, we know that our Commonwealth is stronger when our children are prepared to compete in the twenty-first century global economy.

The Senate Republican budget failed to fully restore the cost-of-competing funding for Northern Virginia. That money is needed to help educate our children in Northern Virginia.

Yesterday, a one of our Republican colleagues threatened to remove $42 million of cost-of-competing money from the Republican Senate budget.

That is budget blackmail and it is the kind of partisan maneuvering that is preventing us from moving forward. It is the kind of political gamesmanship that is preventing Democrats and Republicans from having a truly bipartisan discussion about our Commonwealth’s priorities.

I am disappointed in the partisan rhetoric of my Republican colleagues. They’re saying what’s theirs is theirs and what’s ours is negotiable. That is not how an equal negotiation works.

Virginians elected 40 members of the Senate, 20 of whom happen to be Democrats and 20 of whom happen to be Republicans. And Virginians expect us to work together and pass a fiscally responsible budget that meets the needs of the Commonwealth.”

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Sens. Herring & Howell: Now is the Time for Virginia to Commit to Phase II

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Virginia State Senators Mark Herring (D – Loudoun & Fairfax) and Janet Howell (D – Fairfax and Arlington) released the following statement today regarding funding for Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project:

“Extending the Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, and into Loudoun County, is one of the most important transportation projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It is a project of local, state and national significance.

Completing Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project will accelerate the rate of private investment in the station areas and substantially increase the value of the real estate tax base in Loudoun and Fairfax for the next several decades.

It will link to the 127-mile regional Metrorail system providing access to and from the District of Columbia and regional activity centers including Tysons Corner, Reston, Herndon and, of course Dulles International Airport and the Dulles and Route 28 corridors.  It will provide an essential transportation service for our citizens, including federal government employees, and reduce congestion on our roads.

We are encouraged by recent steps taken by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board towards greater transparency.  The General Assembly is poised to pass legislation increasing Virginia’s representation on the Airports Authority Board.  MWAA has also reversed its decision to require a mandatory project labor agreement for Phase II.  In light of these events, now is the time for Virginia to step up and make a significant contribution of funds to Phase II.

Governor McDonnell has agreed to a $150 million contribution.  This amount falls woefully short of an acceptable contribution for this public/private partnership.  We believe the state needs to significantly increase its contribution to $500 million.  We introduced budget amendments this year to accomplish that.  Unfortunately, the Senate Finance Committee did not include any funding for Phase II in its budget, nor did the House of Delegates in its Appropriations Committee’s budget.

Increasing our contribution to $500 million is commensurate with the funding commitments the Commonwealth has made to buy down tolls on major transportation projects in Hampton Roads and other public/private partnership projects. The federal government also needs to step up and do its part and a $500 million contribution from Virginia will allow us to better leverage federal funds.

According to a recent toll rate study commissioned by MWAA, tolls along the Dulles Toll Road could double beginning next year if Virginia fails to deliver on its promised $150 million contribution. Tolls for a one-way trip would climb from $2.25 to $4.50.  Even with $150 million from the state, tolls would still increase to $2.75.  Tolls are expected to reach $6.75 for a one-way trip, without any additional state or federal funds, by 2018.

Now is the time for the state to commit to this project’s completion and we urge Governor McDonnell to support our efforts to increase the state’s contribution to Phase II to $500 million.”

State Senator Mark R. Herring (33rd District, Loudoun & Fairfax)
State Senator Janet Howell (32nd District, Fairfax & Arlington)

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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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