I can’t drive … 70?
Proposal to increase speed limit passes General Assembly
Staff Report
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Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to increase the speed limit in Virginia to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas was approved today by both chambers of the General Assembly.
The measure received broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. In the House, State Del. Bill Carrico, R-Galax, carried the bill. State Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, patroned the bill in the Senate.
Both bills are identical. Each bill must still be voted on by the other house prior to being sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.
“I thank Del. Bill Carrico and Sen. Steve Newman for their successful advocacy of this important proposal to speed up traffic in rural and less populated sections of Virginia,” McDonnell said in a statement. Read more
Senate Democrats work through issues
Column by Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple
www.vasenatedems.com
Greetings from Richmond! As the Senate Democratic Caucus begins another lively session of the Virginia General Assembly, we are reminded that every year presents its own challenges and opportunities, and this year should offer plenty of both. As we consider the many bills before us, know that we are mindful of the challenges caused by the economic downturn and are seeking ways to spur economic development, increase employment opportunities, and help meet the needs of all Virginians.
On Jan. 18, Sens. Dick Saslaw of Fairfax and Mamie Locke of Hampton outlined our priorities in the response to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s first State of the Commonwealth address. The senators presented opportunities to work with the governor to address our challenges and called on him to lead his fellow Republicans as we seek solutions to our transportation crisis. They also asked the governor to reject permanent cuts to our public schools and to work with us as we try to find the resources our healthcare safety net and public safety professionals need. Read more
Bolling: Jobs and Opportunity Agenda good for Virginia
Column by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling
www.ltgov.virginia.gov
During this year’s statewide campaign, Bob McDonnell and I talked a lot about getting our economy moving again and creating jobs. We said then, and we reaffirm now, that this is the most important issue currently facing our state.
Over the past several months, we have worked to put together a comprehensive set of legislative and budget initiatives that will position Virginia to take full advantage of a future economic resurgence. On Jan. 26, we unveiled our Jobs and Opportunity Agenda in a press conference at the State Capitol that was attended by more than 300 legislative and business leaders.
Even though state government is current facing significant budget shortfalls, we have asked the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $50 million toward proven economic development and job creation programs. That means more money for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Film Office, the Department of Business Assistance and more. Read more
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber represented at Chamber Day at the Capitol
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce made its presence known in Richmond on Wednesday at the annual Virginia Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Day at the Capitol”. Twenty-six Chamber of Commerce and 58 statewide organizations, leadership programs and businesses descended upon the Capitol to express support for business friendly legislation and concern for legislation hampering job creation and capital investment in the Commonwealth.
Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and House Speaker Bill Howell each addressed the Chamber representatives. Participants spent the afternoon in the General Assembly Building meeting with local legislators. Chamber President Frank Tamberrino and members of the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee met with Senators Obenshain and Hanger and Delegates Lohr and Landes between the General Session and committee meetings. Read more
State of the Union: A Virginia perspective
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Everything you wanted to know about the State of the Union, but were afraid to ask.
We have the full texts and videos of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Republican response. We also have reactions from Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner, congressmen Tom Perriello and Bob Goodlatte and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine.
Enjoy.
President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address
Madame Speaker, Vice President Biden, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:
Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For two hundred and twenty years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle. Read more
Expert: Virginia headed toward transportation ‘catastrophe’
Item by Robert Brickhouse
UVa. news: www.virginia.edu
Virginia is headed toward a transportation “catastrophe” if state political leaders don’t act, according to a former state transportation commissioner.
Ray Pethel made that assessment in a column in the latest issue of The Virginia News Letter published by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.
Pethtel, now director of the Transportation Policy Center at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, predicts increasingly severe congestion, deteriorating roadways, risk of bridge failures and possible loss of the state’s AAA bond rating if lawmakers don’t act soon to end a long-running funding crisis.
Pethtel, who was director of the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission from 1974 to 1986, served as commonwealth transportation commissioner from 1986 to 1994 under governors Gerald Baliles and Douglas Wilder. Read more
Tea, anyone?
Posted by afp on January 29, 2010 · 3 Comments
Column by David Reynolds
Submit guest columns: freepress2@ntelos.net
Surprised? You need not be. What a week! It was also an early Ground Hog’s Day. Americans came out of their winter holes to see the light. And they discovered that they were not alone.
So, what happened last week? Of course, it was important because it started in Virginia. (Sorry, Massachusetts, that was a nice election day surprise party you put on, but as we like to say in Mr. Jefferson’s land, “I’ve been to Plymouth, it is no Jamestown.” Read more
Filed under Blogs · Tagged with bob mcdonnell, congress, david reynolds, democratic party, gov. bob mcdonnell, governor bob mcdonnell, martha coakley, massachusetts, president obama, republican party, scott brown, tea party, virginia