For Immediate Release
February 22, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Greetings from the General Assembly! It has been another busy week in Richmond as we passed Crossover and began the second leg of the 2010 Session. With only three weeks left, things really ramp up as we consider legislation that came through the Senate and put an even greater focus on the budget.
This past week, we have had a deluge of budget information pour out of Richmond. While the abundance of information about what’s happening at the Capitol is a good thing overall, it also presents the chance for confusing and seemingly conflicting information to arise. There are a few important things to remember when reading or hearing about the budget. First, during the process, the House, Senate and Governor all have the opportunity to submit budget proposals.
Second, we are facing an historic budget shortfall in Virginia. The national economic downturn has significantly reduced revenues to which the State is accustomed. Former Governor Tim Kaine proposed closing the budget gap by implementing a $2 billion tax increase on Virginian’s in the middle of a recession. This tax hike was unanimously rejected by the House of Delegates and not brought up before the full Senate for consideration. Like the majority of families throughout the State, legislators must write a budget that makes us live within our means. That task will require many hard decisions and spending reductions across the board.
Third, from the introduction of budget proposals, the House and Senate have about three weeks to negotiate a budget compromise before it can be sent to Governor McDonnell. During this time, we will listen to our constituents’ concerns and try to fashion a budget that keeps Virginia on strong fiscal footing. This week we will vote on the House budget. That puts it on the table, ready for amendments. The Senate will also vote on their budget. This is all part of the process. Legislators who have been here since the 1960’s and 70’s tell me this is the hardest recession they have ever encountered. Never the less, in the end we must have a balanced budget. I will continue to update you with more details as we move forward with the negotiations.
Often in the news, you hear about hot-button issues, controversial items or even the sometimes silly legislation that comes through the General Assembly. However, I can assure you that we take our jobs seriously and have produced quality legislation that focuses on Virginia’s needs. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some key legislation I sponsored that passed the House this year. Remember, these bills must still pass the Senate and be signed by Governor McDonnell before they become law.
Economic Development:
- House Bill 1298- I introduced HB 1298, which will help attract data centers to Virginia by expanding the exemption from sales and use tax to smaller data center projects that provide at least 25 good-paying jobs in high unemployment areas or enterprise zones.
- House Bill 555- I co-patroned this legislation with Del. Danny Marshall of Danville. This bill would make job creation the top priority when awarding economic development grants from the State and will expand the number of jobs eligible for such grants.
- House Bill 624- Del. Terry Kilgore of Scott County and I chief-patroned HB 624, which changes the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit by providing a tax credit of $2,000 per job created and expands eligibility in high unemployment areas and enterprise zones. All three of these bills will provide valuable incentives to recruit news businesses to the Sixth District.
Local Government:
- House Bill 1090- Corrects a miscalculation in the Communication and Sales Tax reimbursement from the State to Tazewell County. Tazewell has been receiving less money than it is properly due and this bill rectifies the situation. An identical bill has already passed the Senate.
- House Bill 1206- This legislation will allow a locality to withdraw from a Regional Industrial Facilities Authority with mutual agreement from other member localities. This would allow a locality to refocus its economic development efforts without harming a previously agreed upon regional effort.
Agriculture and Natural Resources:
- HB 1088- This bill will re-establish the Cooperative Coyote Damage Control Program. This program has helped nearly 200 farmers protect valuable livestock from coyote attacks. I am speaking on this bill before the Senate this week.
Despite the hectic pace of Session, it is refreshing to be able to take time to meet with constituents from the district that made the trip to Richmond. This week Richmond welcomed hundreds of students, faculty and staff from Virginia’s 24 community colleges. Large contingents from Wytheville, New River and Southwest Virginia Community College represented our district. It is good to hear the students’ stories and see the positive impact that community colleges have on our area. We also had Realtors groups from Southwest and the New River Valley that visited to discuss issues in their industry.
This past week provided a unique opportunity for a couple of high schools students from Bland County. On Thursday, Alex Wright and Adam Kidd (aka The Hardy Boys), both seniors at Rocky Gap High School, spent the day shadowing me around the Capitol. Alex and Adam were able to attend committee meetings, the Tourism Caucus and then the House Session. I think it was an enjoyable day and they learned much about the legislative process.
As always feel free to call us at 804-698-1006 or e-mail at delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov if you have any issues or concerns.
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February 13, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Greetings from the Capitol and Happy Valentine’s Day. The arrival of Valentine’s Day at the General Assembly is the precursor to another very important date around here… Crossover. Crossover is the legislative mid-point of the Session. All of the bills that originate in the House must go through the legislative process of committees and subcommittees. Legislation that finds favor with the majority of members is passed by the full House and sent to the Senate for consideration. The Senate completes the like routine. This means many long and arduous meetings to finalize the nearly 2,500 bills that were introduced this year.
Relief from Appalachian Power’s recent rate increase should be here soon. This week, both chambers of the Legislature passed identical bills that would stop AEP’s current and all future interim rate increases. The legislation has an emergency clause, which means it will go into effect immediately after Governor McDonnell signs it. No longer would an electric utility company be able to charge for a rate increase until a public hearing and comments are done and approved by the State Corporation Commission. However the bill is not a final solution to the problem of higher electric bills. We will continue to work to curtail fuel costs, regulatory costs, and profitability structures that have dramatic impacts on consumers.
One of the most dangerous bills that would affect Southwest Virginia is Senate Bill 564. SB 564 would create such strict standards on surface mining permits that it would virtually shut down the mining industry. Several hundred citizens, several area legislators and I all spoke out against this harmful legislation at a public hearing on Thursday. As of today, no action has been taken and we remain vigilant to make sure that this bill does not become law.
Another controversial bill was HB 482 and its Senate companion SB440. Initially this bill would allow for a bank and a credit union to merge without much restriction or deliberation, which raised many concerns. Fortunately, in one of the more collegial moments in the General Assembly, the Banker’s Association and the Credit Union League got together and worked out a compromise. The substitute bill authorizes a credit union to convert to a mutual savings institution, which has more options than a credit union in terms of converting to a stock institution or merging with one under existing law. In addition, the substitute bill provides credit union members ample opportunities to comment on the proposed conversion before it is officially adopted by the credit union’s board. In this regard, members are notified by mail at least 60 days before a vote of the board to adopt a conversion plan and encouraged to provide comments.
The bill also provides that notice of the proposed conversion must be published in newspapers and posted on the credit union website as well as within the credit union branch offices. And the notice must provide an email address as well as telephone number for members to share their comments on the proposed conversion. These comments must be considered before a final vote is taken on the proposal. After a conversion proposal is adopted by the credit union’s board, it must be approved by two-thirds of those eligible members voting unless the credit union’s Articles require a greater or lesser vote, but in no event less than a majority vote.
Although the winter weather has hammered the Commonwealth recently, we still had many brave souls make the trek to Richmond to discuss their issues. Brent Dicker and Rebecca Hough of Evatran, a subsidiary of MTC Transformers in Wytheville, came to discuss issues in the business community. On Tuesday, we had wonderful groups of exceptional 4-H students from around the State to bring awareness to their programs. Lisa Epperley and Tony Eaton of the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative visited to discuss telecommunication issues in Virginia. It was also good to see Diane and Bill Altizer of Tazewell County.
I also had the great privilege, as the only Radford University graduate in the House of Delegates, to join my colleague, Delegate Dave Nutter, in presenting a resolution celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the University. An impressive group of administrators, faculty, staff, students and President Penelope Kyle from the University came to Richmond, where we presented the resolution on the House floor during the Session.
This week Richmond hosted thousands of local government officials as part of the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League annual meeting. Mayor Jeff Worrell, Manager John Hawley and Economic Development Direct John White of the Town of Pulaski came by to discuss local government and economic development issues. Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Joe Sheffey and Ranny Akers, along with Assistant Administrator Robert Hiss also visited the Capitol as part of the event.
As always feel free to call us at
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February 4, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Greetings from the Capitol, with apologies for a late “buzz”. Outrunning the snow going home on Friday and plowing through it coming back this past Sunday kept me busy. Our committees have had to do extra work to process the thousands of pieces of legislation that need to complete before Crossover. Needless to say, we have been busy. Despite the hectic pace, the past week started on a high note when my pastor, Steve Ridenhour, of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wytheville offered our opening prayer for Session.
With out a doubt, the most pressing issue of concern of my constituents is the rate increase by Appalachian Power Company. Our office, like other legislators from our area, has heard from hundreds of people on the issue. I’m happy to announce that relief will soon be on the way for people struggling to pay their electric bills. APCo is prepared to suspend its interim rate increases as early as next week.
A bi-partisan group of area legislators held several meetings over the past two weeks to bring forth a possible solution. Yesterday, it was announced that legislation would be brought forth that would stop APCo’s current interim rate increase and prohibit any future increases until approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). The legislation, which should pass both houses and be signed by Governor McDonnell next week, would immediately end the current interim rate hike. It would require the SCC to rule on Appalachian Power’s base rate request by July 15 and for new rates to take effect August 1.
Although this action will result in some near term relief, there are still concerns with Virginia’s electric utility regulation that must be addressed. This bill will stop the practice of utilities charging rate increases before they are approved by the State. However, we must continually look at fuel, regulatory costs, and profitability structures that have dramatic impacts on consumers.
Since the current rate increase is still pending, I encourage you, your family and friends to contact the State Corporation Commission directly in opposition to the rate hike. Written comments on the proposal must be submitted by March 3, 2010. All correspondence should be sent to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118, and refer to case number PUE-2009-00030.
You can also go online and submit comments electronically at the SCC’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Click on the PUBLIC COMMENTS/NOTICES link and then the SUBMIT COMMENTS button for case number PUE-2009-00030. You can also call
If you need assistance with paying your power bill, Appalachian Power has set up a customer service unit specifically for Virginia residents. You can reach them at
One of the most enjoyable parts of every week in Richmond is meeting with the many people that make the journey from the Sixth District to our Richmond office. The past two weeks were no exception. We were visited by Treasurers and Commissioners of Revenue from all over the state including, Wythe County Treasurer Sam Crockett and Bland County Commissioner Cindy Wright of Revenue from the Sixth District. Robert Givens and James Riffe both visited from Giles County to discuss issues regarding funeral services. Members from our area Farm Bureaus were well represented in Richmond. Those members included Bill and Della Osborne and Eric Whitesell of Tazewell, Jerry and Peggy Spraker of Wythe, and Joe Guthrie of Pulaski.
Pulaski Town Police Chief Gary Roche and Giles County Sheriff’s Deputies Scott Moye and Joe Shanks were representatives of local law enforcement. We were also honored to have a group representing the Chamber of Commerce and local government from Pulaski County. Scott Arnett, Peggy White, Claudia Cervantes, Hiawatha Nicely, Angie Covey, Betty Montgomery, Judy Ison, Peter Huber, Ranny Akers and Dr. Tom Brewster were all part of the group.
We’ve had groups of students from local and state colleges including Bluefield, Virginia Tech and Bridgewater. Dr. John Knarr came from Pulaski to discuss health care issues, while Stephen Dehart and Charlie Mullis visited as well. Podiatrists from across the Commonwealth came to Capitol Hill for the first time to speak to their issues. I was glad to welcome Dr. Ted Johnson and his wife, Dr. Janet Bechtel of Wytheville with the group.
As always feel free to call us at
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January 25, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Greetings to my friends in the Sixth District! We have just completed our first full week in session. All sub-committees and committees met to begin processing the several thousand bills we are facing. Many will reach the floor this coming week.
Although we had rain much of the week, last Saturday was a warm and sunny day for Governor Bob McDonnell’s inauguration. The event was well attended by over 5,000 people, including over 4,000 citizens who attended his inaugural ball the evening before.
The ceremony and the parade certainly brought our 400 year history into focus. The chiefs of the recognized Virginia tribes here in 1607 were in full regalia and there was a multi-tribe music and dance tribute to the first family. Not only did we witness bands and military units, but also notable visitors from our history who stopped by to speak to our new Governor and impart words of wisdom to him. I recognized Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and first Chief Justice John Marshall.
The Governor’s remarks reflected the economic recession he has inherited, but also his optimism for setting the groundwork for recovery during his term of office. It has become clear that we must take a micro-view of our State funding, at our agencies and make some tough decisions about restructuring and consolidating the way we do business.
This past August our unemployment rate peaked at 110,000 people out of work. Since then, 19,000, or about a fifth of those folks have found employment. Virginia has been averaging $25 million a week in unemployment benefits, which has automatically increased the taxes employers are paying into the trust fund as it has been depleted. On Thursday, Delegate Bob Brink carried former Governor Kaine’s budget item to increase personal income tax. After much debate on the floor, Majority Leader Morgan Griffith called for a vote. He stated it was time to decide whether we would raise taxes and spend more or consider the citizens struggling to make ends meet and set priorities to govern within our means. The vote was 97-0 against the tax increase.
On Friday we took another hard vote. We voted that the various legislative study commissions would no longer hire staff and counsel, but would rely on the support of Legislative Services staff. The consensus is that if we consolidate certain State central services, it may mean saving public safety and education jobs across the State. I believe our number one priority this year must be to restore jobs and find new ones. Our rural areas of Southwest, Southside and Eastern Shore are the hardest hit areas.
It appears my bill to reopen Safety rest areas will not be necessary. Governor McDonnell has listened to the voices of our people who depend on them for safe and comfortable travel and has announced they will begin reopening in February.
Another piece of legislation I have entered will go to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for study. Many of you, including some very wise students in our high schools, have discussed the overpopulation of deer in our rural areas which have caused damage to gardens and caused wrecks. I have met with the DGIF and I believe they can find solutions.
The State Corporation Commission announced that it has approved a net increase in a surcharge for recovery of AEP for environmental compliance and reliability costs. They approved $30 million which is $12.7 million less than they requested. They claim it will add $2.28 to your monthly bill. It appears that all of the State and Federal laws passed over the last decade to save our environment have many costly and unintended consequences. Our entire bi-partisan Southwest delegation met with the top Appalachian Power officials this week in an attempt to slow rate increases down and to wait until spring for increases. We are meeting again and we are working on ideas for legislation. Meanwhile, AEP has set up a dedicated customer service unit to offer help to people struggling with their power bills. You can reach them at 1-866-276-5831, www.AppalachianPower.com or www.DollarEnergy.org. To contact the SCC regarding current AEP’s interim rate increase, please call 1-800-552-7945.
On a brighter note, we had many visitors this week from back in the District. Jennifer Clark, Sonya Gautier, Angela Williams, Mandy Sadler and Angela Higginbotham came from the Giles County Treasurer’s office. Pastor Shahn Wilburn came from Riverview Baptist Church and Joe McClung came from Rich Creek. Dr. Terry Arbogast of Giles, Dr. Lee Brannon of Wythe and Mr. Don Hodock of Bland visited on behalf of School Superintendents.
A large delegation came from Tazewell County and had a fruitful day meeting with legislators and administrative agents about legislative matters. Mayor Don and Wendy Harris, Jim Spencer, County Administrator, and new Board of Supervisors Chairman Seth White were among the leaders. Bluefield College was represented by Ruth Blankenship and Annette Tabor. Charlotte Whitted and Joan Yates represented the Crab Orchard Museum. The Southwest Virginia delegation had a large reception at the Omni and Governor McDonnell came and spoke.
Dr. Jack Lewis & Mark Rowh of New River Community College brought four students: Lauren Clemens, Grace Meier, Drew White and Chris Bradbury who were all impressive to meet. I also met with James Brewer, Diane Winston and Tyler Blount from Wythe County. My constituents must travel four to five hours to visit our Capital, so I am always glad to see them and humbled to serve such good citizens.
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January 15, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Welcome back to our General Assembly updates! This has been a busy week of transition for our return to the Capitol. We welcomed 20 new members to the House of Delegates and two new Senators this week. Also, Richmond is preparing for the incoming administrations of Governor Bob McDonnell, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Although the first official day of the 2010 Virginia General Assembly was Wednesday, the Inauguration of our new governor is Saturday, January 16 at noon.
The excitement level has been high. There have been events daily honoring the new leadership. Incoming Governor McDonnell has celebrated with coat and food drives around the Commonwealth. Governor Kaine gave his final State of the Commonwealth Address Wednesday night, followed by a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Governor Kaine’s final budget reflects more than a tighten-your-belts message. It is more of a squeeze-out-your-breath budget.
I have introduced several pieces of legislation that I hope will help provide a better quality of life for the citizens of the Sixth District.
- HB 1081- Would require VDOT to reopen the Safety Rest Areas that were shuttered this past summer. This is a priority of our new Governor, Bob McDonnell, and I look forward to working with him on this issue.
- HB 961- Establishes the Community College Scholarship Match Program. This program would match State funding to private donations for scholarship to Virginia students attending our community colleges who want to pursue degrees in high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering, math, education, or nursing.
- HB 1083 and HB 1084- My office has received a lot of concerns about safety issues with mopeds on our highways. I wanted to begin the safety discussion with looking at requiring helmets for moped drivers and restricting access to highways with a speed limit above 45 mph.
- HB 1088- Would restore the Coyote Control Program that was eliminated in Governor Kaine’s proposed budget. Each year, our area famers lose significant amounts of valuable livestock to coyote attacks. This program is critical to the well-being of our family farms in Southwest Virginia.
- HJ 118- Proposes an Amendment to place property rights protections against Eminent Domain in the Virginia Constitution.
- HJ 122- This bill will help create a statewide standard for visitation of children by parents with joint custody. This legislation was inspired by the great work being done by Safe Haven Child Visitation Center in Pulaski, which provides a safe and friendly environment for children and families in sometimes difficult situations. I have other bill that I will discuss during the next several weeks.
Since this is an even-numbered year, the General Assembly embarks on the complex task of crafting a new two year budget. This year, however, is expected to be particularly difficult considering the tough economic realities placed on the Commonwealth and the Nation. We must continually weigh all factors involved when drafting a budget that balances the most efficient services provided by government with the tax burden already weighing heavily on our citizens. I have spent many hours this week in budget briefings learning the breakdown of our financial position.
One of the brighter spots of the Session is being visited by constituents from home. This week Dr. David Olive and Ruth Blankenship of Bluefield College met with me to discuss some very exciting projects for their exceptional institution. I have met with area representatives from various banks that are working diligently to provide top-notch financial services to their customers. Tabitha Young of Giles and Shellie Hartley of Bland made the trip to Richmond to promote Career and Technical Education in our State’s schools.
I was also very proud to see Dr. Gus Vlahos, Dr. Nathan Houchins, Dr. Cynthia Southern and a contingent of dental school students from back home. It is great to see so many wonderful young people who want to dedicate their lives to providing health care services to the people of Southwest Virginia.
