Democratic Senate's Top 6 Priorities for 2008

SENATE MAJORITY ANNOUNCES 2008 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Democratic Caucus lays out six key areas of focus and pledges to lead from the center

(Richmond, Va.) - The new Democratic majority in the Virginia Senate unveiled their legislative priorities which include property tax relief, comprehensive transportation reform including repealing the abusive driver fees, mental health reform, expansion of pre-kindergarten, immigration reform, and new initiatives in the areas of clean renewable energy and the environment today at a press conference held in the Capitol.

Since taking control of the Virginia Senate last November, Democrats have pledged to take a moderate approach to governing and work in a bi-partisan fashion.

"We want to work together with all members of the Senate and the House of Delegates in order to get things done," Senator Richard Saslaw, the new majority leader, said.  "The Senate has a long history of working in a bi-partisan fashion and we want to honor that tradition."

For the first time in a decade the Virginia Senate is under the control of a Democratic majority, which won 4 seats during the 2007 elections.

"Virginians want legislators to take a moderate approach to governing," Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, caucus chair, said.  "Our priorities will help improve people's daily lives and it is our goal to deliver real results."

Several bills have been pre-filed that deal with these issues and several more will be filed during the course of the session.

Property Tax Relief
By governing from the center the Democrats will ensure that taxes and spending remain low while still funding core services like health care, education and transportation.  The Democratic Caucus will work to pass legislation to provide property tax relief for Virginians.

"Property taxes are continuing to rise and something needs to be done," Whipple said.  "This legislation will give local governments another tool to provide property tax relief."

This legislation will be put to ballot in 2008 and will create a Constitutional amendment to give localities the ability to cut property taxes by up to 20%.

"In the area I represent, this is a real concern," newly inducted Senator Ralph Northam said.  "Our hope is to bring property tax relief to Virginians who are struggling."

Senator John Miller, the newest Senator from Newport News, echoed Senator Northam's statement about the need for property tax relief in his district.

"For my constituents, this is a priority and we want to make this happen for them," he said.

Transportation
"We look at last year's transportation plan as a starting point and we understand there is a lot more we can do to improve congestion in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and across the state," Senator Yvonne Miller, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said.

The Democrats will also work to repeal the abusive driver fees.

"The abusive driver fee legislation has not proven to be effective and needs to be repealed," Senator Phillip Puckett said.

Democrats will also work to build upon last year's transportation plan and focus on enhancing public transportation.

"We will present a plan that addresses our serious transportation problems in a way that is fair for all Virginians," Senator Saslaw said.

Mental Health Reform
The need for mental health reform in Virginia will be one of the most pressing issues dealt with during the General Assembly Session.  The Democratic majority will be working with the Governor, Senate Republicans and the House of Delegates on an all encompassing bill to reform Virginia's mental health system.

"We are working together on legislation that will address our urgent need for mental health reform," Senator Janet Howell said.  "This is a group effort and the Senate majority will be a strong partner in helping address this problem."

"The need for mental health reform has never been more pressing," Senator John Edwards, whose district includes Virginia Tech, said.  "The tragedy at Tech shows that Virginia needs to improve mental health services this year."

The bill will help strengthen oversight of community service boards, change the standards at commitment hearings, make it easier to commit someone who poses a danger, and increase communication between providers and the courts.

"The omnibus bill we are working on with the Governor will include expanding and improving outpatient services, increasing support for emergency services, diverting people with mental illness from the criminal justice system, and providing better treatment for people in jail," Senator Louise Lucas said.

Education
The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to providing a quality education to all Virginia's children and to expanding education to include preschool to Virginia's at-risk 4-year olds.

"The evidence strongly indicates that high-quality preschool education leads to a better chance of life success," Senator Edward Houck, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, said.  "A child who attends preschool is more likely to be able to read by 3rd grade and then is more likely to go on to graduate high school and attend college."

In addition, the Democratic majority will give more opportunities for local governments to provide after school programs to at-risk students and increase teacher salaries.

"We need to do what we can to establish after school programs designed to prevent at-risk youth from engaging in illegal or gang-related activities for students who attend elementary, middle, or high schools," Senator Yvonne Miller said.

"Virginia needs to be able to recruit and retain the most highly qualified teachers," Senator Roscoe Reynolds said.  "We need to look at increasing teacher salaries to ensure we have the best teachers possible."

Senate Democrats will support improving Virginia's higher education system by supporting the capital bond package to fund roughly 75 projects over the next 10 years.

"The bond package will lead to new investments in science and technology at our universities, produce more scientists and engineers, and help create high paying, high skill jobs across the Commonwealth," Senator Creigh Deeds, whose district includes the University of Virginia, said.

Democrats also intend to introduce legislation to regulate the student loan industry.

"We need to make sure our students are protected and help end deals between the loan industry and our colleges and universities that don't benefit students," Senator Donald McEachin said.

Immigration
The Senate Democratic Caucus will work to pass sensible and effective immigration reform, including measures to help localities enforce overcrowding in their communities.

"We need immigration solutions that make sense and help communities better deal with the immigration issue," said Senator George Barker.  "Helping to prevent overcrowding and having employers check their employees' citizenship status electronically will help."

Legislation introduced includes requiring employers to participate in an electronic employment verification system.

"It is important to work together to draft legislation that helps employers verify the legal status of their employees," Senator Charles Colgan, the most senior member of the Senate, said.

Also being introduced is legislation that will deny bail to any person in the country illegally who is arrested for a violent felony or DUI.

"This bill will require authorities to check the citizenship status of everyone arrested for a violent felony and deny bail to those here illegally because they are considered a flight risk," Senator Mark Herring said.  "This is a common sense action that will help ensure those who commit the most serious of crimes will serve their sentence and be deported."

Environment
Virginia needs to show leadership in protecting our environment and in land conservation.  The Democratic Caucus will introduce legislation to reduce carbon output and promote alternative energy.

"Growing an alternative energy industry in Virginia will also mean more jobs in distressed parts of the state," newly elected Senator Chap Petersen said.

"We are going to continue working on promoting land conservation in Virginia to ensure we preserve our open spaces, parks, and farmlands," Senator Patricia Ticer said.

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