Richmond report 17th District

In its last week, the 2010 General Assembly session continues to be dominated by discussion of the budget and closing the unprecedented $4 billion shortfall. Eliminating $4 billion from vital services during a recession will have a devastating impact on many Virginians. It is expected that those proposed cuts would lead to 50,000 job losses in areas such as health care, public education, higher education and law enforcement.
Last week, the House of Delegates and the Senate passed their respective budgets. As one of five senators on the budget conference committee, I am committed to working with my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, to pass a budget that protects jobs while maintaining core services.
There are stark differences in the House of Delegates' budget and the Senate's budget, in a variety of areas, including:
Public education - the House reduces Public education funding $500 million more than the Senate. The House budget waives requirements for English as a second language (ESL), elementary and resource teachers, gifted, career and technical instructional support technology, librarians and guidance counselors, whereas the Senate does not.
The Senate provides a full "hold-harmless" on the Local Composite Index (LCI) in the second year of the budget. The House does not which leaves localities to lose funding.
Health care - the Senate restores funding to the health safety net programs such as free clinics, community health centers and the Virginia Health Care Foundation. The House cuts local services provided through health departments and social services.
The Senate provides $360 million from enhanced Medicaid funding to restore moderate reductions in provider rates, eligibility reductions, inflation for nursing homes and hospitals, and home and community based waivers. The House uses these funds primarily for non-health related programs.
Higher education and Cooperative Extension - The House budget includes a change to the financial aid formula used for Virginia's public college students. This change would significantly reduce financial aid for community college students. Specifically, it takes $20 million from the financial program in funds during Fiscal Year 2012.
The House budget cuts cooperative extension services funding by $2.5 million in 2012. This reduction would eliminate programs related to family and consumer services as well as merge many county offices. The Senate maintains funding for these services. The Senate budget proposes no cuts to higher education.
Local constitutional offices - The Senate recommends restoring $182 million for sheriff deputies, commonwealth's attorneys, treasurers, commissioners of revenue and clerks of the court. The House budget partially restores funding for these locally-elected constitutional offices by removing funds from the local communication sales and use tax.
While the Senate reduces funding for State Police by $2.5 million, the House cuts funding to State Police by $13.6 million.
Virginia Commission for the Arts - The House budget reduces funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts by $2.2 million and completely eliminates funding in 2012. The Senate makes no cuts to the Arts Council.
This year's session has not been easy and I remain committed to protecting crucial services to the community, working diligently with my colleagues to minimize cuts and maintaining jobs. I appreciate all those who have contacted my office, participated in the annual survey or attended the three community forums held in the district. As always, I can be reached at district17@senate.virginia.gov or via telephone at (804) 698-7517.