Session Update 2: A Busy First Full Week
Dear Patriots,
So, we’re off and running and I am as busy as ever. My role on the Appropriations Committee keeps me very busy. I held my first meeting of the Capital Outlay Committee that has oversight of Virginia’s debt as it relates to capital construction for things like roads and buildings on University campuses, to mention a few. I am happy to report that we are below 5 percent in use of debt to accomplish these things and I will work hard to ensure that we maintain this great record. We are NOT the federal government when it comes to wasteful spending.
I also was asked by the Governor to carry some important legislation for him including his transportation bill and a bill that would enhance Charter schools in the Commonwealth. More on those later, but I have a lot of work to do on both pieces of legislation to help our state with both transportation and education.
Most of this week was spent attending committee meetings and finalizing last minute bills. My duties as the Chair of the Militia Police and Public Safety Committee were also demanding. I have to look at all the bills that have been filed and assign them to appropriate sub-committees for consideration. Once they make it out of a sub-committee, I then have to take them up before the full committee before they can proceed to the House floor for a vote. While this represents a lot of work, I take very seriously my role in not only moving bills that protect our right to keep and bear arms, but also those that will protect the public for criminal activity and irresponsible behavior.
In addition to bills beginning to be heard in front of committees, the Governor has released several very important legislative packages which will begin making their way through the General Assembly:
- Governor McDonnell released his 2012 Public Safety Agenda the other day which includes initiatives to better protect victims of crimes, provide critical funding resources for local law enforcement and sheriff’s departments, and help Virginia prepare and respond to future emergencies. More details on the public safety legislation that is making its way through the General Assembly can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/w8kSog
- As you know, veteran’s issues are especially important to me. Our servicemen and women are fighting to protect our freedoms and families and we have a duty to help them when they return home. Last week, Governor McDonnell released his Military and Veterans Legislative Agenda for the 2012 Session which will help our active duty folks return back home, find employment or continue their education. These improved services for our veterans will help retain the veteran’s top notch skills and expertise in the Commonwealth. More information on these initiatives can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/A9TDoK
- Back in September of 2011, a task force was developed to review burdensome state mandates on localities. Just as we don’t want the Federal government intervening in every aspect of our lives, the state shouldn’t be road blocking local governments with mandates and bureaucratic red tape. Just this week, the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review recommended 20 mandates on localities that should be either temporary suspended or permanently repealed. Government works best when two things happen: it gets out of the way and when it listens to the folks that put them in office and takes corrective action based on their constituent’s feedback. A detailed list of the task force’s recommendations can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/zSLva5
I was also able to have a number of folks from my home district swing by for a visit. I really like this because it’s important to see a friendly face now and then! Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51 Prince William) and I also had a reception for a great group of local Tea Party Patriots from Prince William and Fauquier who were down voicing their support for liberty and limited government, something both of us care about a lot. So if you are coming to Richmond, let me know and drop in for a visit. Just call our office in Richmond at (804) 698-1031 or email us at delslingamfelter@house.virginia.gov and we’ll make sure to set some time aside for you.
Finally, as I have said before, I don’t have all the answers and I need to hear from you. You can help me by answering the survey I mailed out to you recently on a range of issues. If you didn’t get it in the mail, you can take it online here: http://bit.ly/yGGJ1p