General Assembly Updates 2017

Crossover and Budget

February 10, 2017 by David Toscano

We’ve hit the mid-point of session, marked by what we call “crossover,” the day that all bills from one body cross over to the other in order to be considered. Many of the most heavily-contested bills arrive on this day, leading to long hours and fierce debates.

My primary focus continues to be passing legislation to help build the New Virginia Economy. That means pushing bills that spur job creation and that provide Virginians a much-needed raise. It also means supporting investments in education at all levels. We have made progress in some areas, but not in others. [Read more…]

Trump’s Impact

February 2, 2017 by David Toscano

Trump’s Actions Affect Virginia

The new President’s chaotic first ten days in office are being felt in Virginia. First, the proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act without a replacement would mean 400,000 Virginians would lose their insurance, and Virginia could lose 50,000 jobs. Second, the president’s announced hiring freeze will have one of its greatest impacts on Virginia, as our state has a high level of federal employment. These are bad enough, but what has set off the largest firestorm is his Executive Order last weekend, which effectively creates a Muslim ban on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries. [Read more…]

General Assembly Week 3: The Pace Increases

January 27, 2017 by David Toscano

We have completed the first three weeks of session. “Cross-over,” the date by which all bills must be passed by the originating chamber so they then can “cross over” to the other chamber for consideration, is approaching. The Clerk of the House reports that 1,400 pieces of legislation are already in play in the House of Delegates, not including all the amendments being negotiated nor any of the bills that will cross over from the Senate to the House in early February. With so much happening, it’s not possible to cover everything that the House worked on this week, but here are a few highlights (and lowlights) of interest. [Read more…]

One Week Complete…

January 20, 2017 by David Toscano

It’s been a busy first full week in Richmond. Things are moving quickly and many issues have been considered.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act without Replacement will Hurt Virginians

On Monday I challenged all 100 colleagues in the House to sign a letter to be sent to our Congressional delegation asking that the Affordable Care Act not be repealed without a replacement. Republicans in Congress are poised to make a move that could take health care away from 20 million U.S. citizens and 400,000 Virginians and create an enormous problem for our budget. All Democrats serving in the House of Delegates co-signed my letter. As of Friday, none of my Republican colleagues had agreed to sign the letter. Please watch my speech and share it. [Read more…]

The Session Commences

January 13, 2017 by David Toscano

The 2017 General Assembly gaveled to order on Wednesday. This year is known as a “short session” and runs only 46 days, from Jan. 11 to Feb. 25. Virginia legislators will likely consider more than 1,500 bills and hundreds of additional resolutions. Amendments to the current two-year state budget will also be negotiated.

Governor’s State of the Commonwealth

Gov. McAuliffe struck a conciliatory tone in his address to the legislature by emphasizing achievements we’ve made in a bipartisan way to build a new Virginia economy. [Read more…]