Press Releases

February 21, 2012

Contact: Delegate Joe May

Phone: (804) 698-1033

(HB805) Delegate May’s Initiative to Provide Northern Virginia Motorists with a Faster, More Convenient Emissions Inspection Option Passes House and Senate Transportation Committees

~The legislation creates an on-road remote sensing emission inspection option called Clean Screen, and allows for the privatization of the station emissions inspection program to create greater efficiency~

RICHMOND –For years, motorists with vehicles registered in Northern Virginia have had to rearrange work and school schedules, give up their lunch hours, fight traffic and wait in line to receive their biennial emissions inspection.

In recognition of these challenges, Delegate Joe May initiated legislation (House Bill 805) to provide on-road remote sensing emissions inspectionsites throughout the Northern Virginia region.  SenatorsJohn Watkins and Richard Saslaw are patrons of identical legislation in the Senate, Senate Bill 502.

“90% of the vehicles in Northern Virginia are clean running vehicles,” says Delegate May.  “There is no reason we should not reward thesemotoristswith an alternativetesting option that will save time and reduce the inconvenienceofobtaining an emission inspection at a traditional station.”

If approved by the Governor, on-road remote sensing will be part of a Clean Screen program which will allow vehicle owners to complete their biennial emissions inspection by driving past a laser-based mobile site.  If a vehicle meets the emissions criteria established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the vehicle owner will be notified and may elect to pay for the cost of the inspection by mail or electronically.

The on-road Clean Screen program will be phased in over three years, with 10% of the qualified vehicles tested the first year, 20% the second year, and 30% after the third year.Noting that he would prefer to give 100% of Northern Virginia’s motorists the opportunity to take advantage of the Clean Screen program, May said he was limited by federal requirements that dictate the number of vehicles that can receive on-road inspections.  “The Department of Environmental Quality felt 30% was in line with the federal requirements,” said May.

The cost of the on-road inspection is capped at $28.  While this is the same cost as a traditional station test, motorists in Northern Virginia will save thousands of dollars once the time lost from work, school, family and other opportunities are considered. On average, 800,000 vehicles are tested each year in Northern Virginia.  At an estimated two hours per vehicle, this means an approximate 1,600,000 hours are spent annually dealing with vehicle emissions testing.”

The Clean Screen program is completely voluntary and motorists will still have an opportunity to choose a traditional inspection station if they prefer.

The legislation also allows the Department of Environmental Quality to privatize the station based emissions testing program through the use of a program coordinator and expands the use of equipment that may be used in station based emission testing.

Intro

February 14th marks Crossover, the day that the House of Delegates must complete its work on the nearly 1,300 House Bills introduced this session. It has been a long session, and the House of Delegates has made a lot of progress when it comes to improving the Commonwealth. A great deal has been accomplished in the five weeks since the start of Session with over 400 bills, covering a wide range of issues, having passed the House. Already, I have had the pleasure of seeing many of my bills pass, including House bills 803, 804,805,807, 1243, and 1245.Over one-third of the bills the House has passed relate to my core focus of the session — helping businesses create jobs, expanding education opportunities, keeping our communities in the 33^rd House district safe, and making our government more efficient and effective. These areas of focus will also be addressed in the budget, which is scheduled to be voted on by the House of Delegates in the coming weeks.

Tebow Bill Passes House

On the floor this week, the House passed HB 947, which paves the way for homeschooled children to participate on high school athletics teams. The bill, nicknamed the “Tebow Bill”, requires the Virginia High School League, the organization that governs high school athletics in Virginia, to allow home school students to try out for public schools teams. Currently, twenty-two states allow for homeschooled children to participate on high school athletics teams, including Florida where Tim Tebow was allowed to play on his high school football team.

House Republicans Unveil 2012 Public Safety Agenda

This week, some of my Republican colleagues held a press conference to highlight a number of public safety initiatives to keep families safe from habitual drug traffickers, individuals who prey on children, drunk drivers, gang members, and those who commit domestic violence.

Delegate Rob Bell (R-Albermarle) discussed two of his bills, HB 968, which will increase penalties for habitual drug traffickers, keeping our kids away from drugs and drug-related violence, and HB 973, which would impose a mandatory life sentence for raping a child under the age of 12.  In the last two years, 228 children under the age of 12 have been victims of these horrific crimes, and only 10 of these cases resulted in a life sentence, with a median sentence of 13 years.

Delegate Dave Albo (R-Fairfax) has put forward two bills, HB 49 and HB 50, which respectively increase the jail time for DUI-maiming and DUI-manslaughter.

Delegate Ben Cline (R-Rockingham) introduced two bills to address strangulation and gang recruitment. HB 752 raises the penalty of assault and battery via strangulation in an attempt to curb the elevation of domestic violence. To help combat gang violence, Cline also introduced HB 751, which will make it a felony to induce criminal activity or recruit a gang member via the internet, a telephone, or text message. With technological developments, gangs are using new methods of communication to recruit, discuss, and plan criminal activities.

Protecting our families and keeping our streets safe is one of the most important responsibilities of the government. I, along with my Republican colleagues, are 100% committed to doing everything we can when it comes to protecting children and  keeping families safe from the dangers of this world.

Making Virginia the Most Veteran Friendly State

This week, the House passed a handful of bills aimed at accomplishing Governor McDonnell’s goal of making Virginia the most veteran and military friendly state in the Nation.  On Monday, the House passed HB 719, a bill that allows for a veteran with a permanently disabled service-connected disability to purchase a lifetime hunting, fishing, or combined hunting and fishing license at a discounted rate. The House also passed HB 384 which would give hiring preference for state jobs to members of the Virginia National Guard. This bill builds from last year’s successful efforts to give hiring preference for state jobs to veterans.

Updates on My Legislation

HB 803 – Hillsboro Charter

I introduced House Bill 803, regarding changes in election date for council members in even-numbered years to November. This bill clarifies the voting authority of members who are appointed to fill unexpired terms, and updates a reference to Title 15.1 to Title 15.2. After being referred to the Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, the bill passed the House 99-Y to 0-N. It has been communicated to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Local Government.

HB 804 – Town of Purcellville Charter

I introduced House Bill 804, regarding the charter of the Town of Purcellville. This bill distinguishes the authority of the town council to adopt all architectural design standards and review processes from the responsibility of the Board of Architectural Review to apply such duly adopted standards. After being referred to the Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, the bill passed with a 99-Y to 0-N vote.

HB 805 – Remote Sensing

House Bill 805 allows a percentage of vehicles to be emissions tested using remote sensing roadside test equipment. This bill would eliminate a trip to the test station for non-polluting vehicles, saving many Northern Virginias, including citizens of Loudoun County, a considerable amount of time. On February 6^th, the bill passed the House (98-Y 0-N) and was been communicated to the Senate. On February 7^th, the Senate referred the bill to the Committee on Transportation.

HB 806 – Overweight Vehicle Fees

House Bill 806 developed out of a study undertaken in 2011 in response to the enactment of House Bill 2022 (2011), which called upon the DMB, in consultation with the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and more than 100 stakeholders from state and local governments and the private sector, to develop a uniform system of permitting overweight vehicles. These feels will help pay for the maintenance and repair of the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure. The fees also establish a more equitable distribution of costs, both among different types of overweight vehicles and between carriers operating overweight vehicles and other motorists using Virginia’s roadways. The fees have been proposed at a level where they are not expected to impair the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. On February 8^th, the bill was reported from Appropriations with a 22-Y 0-N vote. It was read for the first time February 10^th. Today, February 13^th, the bill was read for the second time and engrossed.

HB 807 – Electronic Tracking

House Bill 807 was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. The bill would make it illegal to use an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent to track the location of another person, with the exception of law enforcement, parents/legal guardians of minors, and the owners of fleet vehicles. Today, February 13^th, the bill passed the House with an 88-Y to 10-N vote. It has been communicated to the Senate.

HB 813 – Commercial Space Flight

This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, the economic development and aerospace research throughout the Commonwealth. The development of the space port at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects. On February 6^th, the Transportation subcommittee recommended reporting with amendment (5-Y 0-N). On February 10^th, the bill had its first reading. On February 13^th, the House read the bill for the second time and the committee substitute was agreed to.

HB 1186 – Pole Attachments

I introduced House Bill 1186 to address inconsistent pole attachment rates. This legislation is important to make sure that all Virginians are provided affordable, high-speed internet, so that all in the Commonwealth are able to participate in distance learning, teleworking, telemedicine, and other activities that will modernize the way people are educated, work, and receive healthcare. Broadband guarantees that all citizens will have the chance to participate in the global economy. Today, February 13^th, the bill passed the House with a 95-Y 0-N vote, and has been communicated to the Senate.

Links of Interest

February 10

Governor’s Legislative Video Update

February 9

Joint Media Release: Republican Majority Caucus Chairmen Hugo and McDougle give Progress Report on 2012 General Assembly Session

Governor McDonnell Announces 495 Express Lanes Project Brings Nearly $450 Million in Small Business Contracting

February 7

Governor McDonnell Releases Competitive Analysis of Virginia’s Aviation Industry

Governor McDonnell Announces an Additional $3.15 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding

Virginia’s Oyster Harvests Boom

Governor McDonnell’s Transportation Program Provides Millions in Income and Tax Revenue Plus Several Thousand Jobs

Governor McDonnell Says Over 2 Million Virginia Taxpayers Can Prepare, File their Taxes for Free this Year

February 6

Press Release: House Republican Caucus Unveils 2012 Public Safety Initiatives

Video: House Republican Caucus Unveils 2012 Public Safety Initiatives

Governor McDonnell Congratulates Southside Virginia Community College on Receiving Bellwether Award

Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Chesterfield County

Visitors

I always enjoy getting visitors at my office here in Richmond. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with individuals from Loudoun ENDependence who are committed to helping those with disabilities. On February 8^th, Senator Colgan and I were pleased to sponsor an Aerospace reception at the Library of Virginia. Aerospace Legislative Day was on February 9th, where I spoke on the importance of the aerospace industry on Virginia’s economy. It was also a pleasure meeting with community college students from Lord Fairfax Community College. I encourage all to visit Room 504 at the General Assembly building.

Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504. Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.

Delegate Joe T. May

33^rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033

Introduction

As we continue toward the crossover phase of the 2012 General Assembly session, we are getting to the point where major legislation is passing out of House committees and being acted upon on the floor of the House. My focus continues to be on legislation that helps Virginia businesses create jobs and opportunities, improves the educational opportunities for all, and support reforms to make our state government more efficient and effective. This week, the House advanced a number of important measures that will support open competition on public contracts, improve our public schools, and uphold the integrity of elections in the Commonwealth.

House Passes the Fair and Open Competition in Government Contracting Act

On Tuesday, the House passed HB 33, a bill that prohibits mandatory project labor agreements and guarantees full and open competition in bidding on public contracts. It is estimated that a mandated project labor agreement can raise the cost of a project by ten to twenty percent, so prohibiting these mandatory agreements will help ensure Virginia gets the most out of our taxpayer dollars on infrastructure projects. This legislation also ensures all of Virginia’s qualified contractors and their skilled workforces, regardless of labor affiliation, can compete on a level playing field for Virginia projects.

“Opportunity to Learn” K-12 Education Reform Bills Pass House

The House passed two important K-12 public education reform bills that were a part of Governor McDonnell’s “Opportunity to Learn” agenda. First, the House passed House Bill 1061, which will reduce the number of high school diplomas available from seven to three. This will add rigor and relevance to Virginia earned diplomas and ensure that Virginia students are either career ready or college ready upon graduation. The second bill that passed the House, HB 1063, will allow a local school division to establish its own starting date for the school year. This measure seeks to remove an unnecessary mandate on our local schools that require a school division to apply for a waiver to start the school year prior to Labor Day. Currently, 77 local school divisions already have a waiver. I voted in favor of both of these measures.

Protecting the Integrity of the Electoral Process

On Wednesday, the House passed HB 9, a bill to protect the integrity of our electoral process by requiring a voter to present a valid ID before casting a ballot. Currently, a voter who does not present a valid ID at the polling place can simply sign an affidavit and vote. The current provisions do not provide local Electoral Boards with any mechanisms to prevent a fraudulent vote cast by a voter who doesn’t show a valid ID. Should House Bill 9 become law, voters who do not present a valid ID would be required to sign an affidavit before casting a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will allow local Electoral Boards to verify the vote cast is a valid vote before being counted. Let me be clear- this bill does not deny anyone the fundamental right to vote. Instead, this measure simply gives our local Electoral Boards a tool to prevent a fraudulent vote from being counted.

Update on My Legislation

HB 805 – Remote Sensing —

House Bill 805 allows a percentage of vehicles to be emissions tested using remote sensing roadside test equipment. This bill would eliminate a trip to the test station for non-polluting vehicles, saving many Northern Virginians, including citizens of Loudoun County, a considerable amount of time. On February 6^th, the bill passed the House (98-Y 0-N) and has been communicated to the Senate. I’m hopeful that the bill will pass the Senate without any problems.

HB 807 – Electronic Tracking

House Bill 807 was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. The bill would make it illegal to use an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent to track the location of another person, with the exception of law enforcement, parents/legal guardians of minors, and the owners of fleet vehicles. The bill will be heard in full committee February 8^th.

HB 813 – Commercial Space Flight

This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, economic development and aerospace research throughout the Commonwealth. The development of the space port at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects. On February 6^th, the Transportation subcommittee recommended reporting with amendment (5-Y 0-N). It will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1186 – Pole Attachments

I introduced House Bill 1186 to address inconsistent pole attachment rates. This legislation is important to make sure that all Virginians are provided affordable, high-speed internet, so that all in the Commonwealth are able to participate in distance learning, teleworking, telemedicine and other activities that will modernize the way people are educated, work, and receive healthcare. Broadband guarantees that all citizens will have the chance to participate in the global economy.

Links of Interest:

Jan 30

Press Release – House Republican Caucus Discusses Government Reform Agenda:

http://www.vahousegop.com/2012/01/house-republican-caucus-discusses-government-reform-agenda-for-the-2012-session/

Jan 31

Governor McDonnell Announces Start of Virginia Spring Fire Season

Feb 1

Governor McDonnell Announces Pavement Recycling Methods Save Time, Money and Materials During Construction – I-81 recycling project wins national award –

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1108

Feb 2

Governor’s Press Releases

FEMA Approves Earthquake Assistance for Albemarle and King George Counties

Governor McDonnell Announces the Commonwealth Transportation Board Saves Nearly $26 Million in Refinancing Deal for Improvements

Virginia Wine Industry Jobs Grow by 50%; Economic Impact Doubles, New Study Finds

In Closing

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can doto help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via e-mail at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504. Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.

Delegate Joe T. May

33^rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033

Follow us on Twitter: @DelegateJMay

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/joetmay

Last week was a very fast paced week. We are now in the heart of the 2012 General Assembly Session. Between subcommittee and committee meetings and House floor sessions, we are working hard considering bills filed by our colleagues and advancing legislation we have introduced.

 
Improving Care for the Intellectually Disabled

This week, Virginia took a big step forward to improve the care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On Thursday, January 26th, Governor McDonnell announced that Virginia will move forward with the transition to community-based care by adding 4,710 new Intellectual Disability (ID) waiver slots and closing four of the five training centers around the state. This is long-overdue news for many families across the Commonwealth who are waiting for an ID waiver. An ID waiver funds services to help individuals with an intellectual disability remain in the community and avoid institutional care. Since 2002, the General Assembly has increased the number of ID waiver slots by about 58 percent, from about 5,386 slots to 8,467 slots currently. Last year, Virginia invested $30 million into a trust fund to begin the process of transitioning those with intellectual disabilities from institutional care to community-based care.

The Governor’s announcement came as Virginia reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice regarding Virginia’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 1999 Supreme Court decision in the Olmstead case.

 
K-12 Education Reform Measures
House Republicans, working with Governor McDonnell, are committed to giving every child in the Commonwealth the opportunity to receive a top-quality education. On Monday, the House Republican Caucus held a press conference where we highlighted our K-12 education reforms designed to improve education in Virginia.  One reform would permit businesses to sponsor educational improvement scholarships for lower income children – particularly those in underserved areas of the Commonwealth.  Another reform would allow any institution of higher education in Virginia to operate a college partnership laboratory school. The last reform would replace current teacher contracts with performance-based contracts. These and other announced reforms, along with Governor McDonnell’s proposed investment of an additional $492 million in our schools, will give our teachers the additional resources and tools needed to provide the top-quality education our children deserve and ensure the solvency of the teacher retirement fund.

Track the Progress of Snowplows during the Next Snowfall

While it has been unseasonably warm this winter, the chance for snow in the Commonwealth is always a possibility. The next time it does snow in our area, you will have a new tool available to track the progress of snowplows and the status of the roads in our area. To learn more about this exciting new tool, please click here (link: http://youtu.be/HMRaItZLgyo)

 
Links of Interest

Jan. 23
Governor McDonnell Announces First Ever Direct Export of Virginia Holstein Bulls to Russia (Mechanicsville Farm was first farm to export these bulls)http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1098
Private Sector Innovation Wanted for Transportation Operations Centershttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1097

Jan. 25

Governor McDonnell Announces “Governor’s Bowl” Food and Fund Drivehttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1100
Governor McDonnell Announces New Online Web Tool that Tracks Snowplow Progress in Neighborhoods (This is being tested in NOVA)http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1101

Governor McDonnell Announces Settlement Agreement With the U.S. Department of Justice on Virginia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability Systemhttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1103
Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on News that the President will Request Congress Authorize Use of BRAC Process to Identify Savingshttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1104

 
My Legislation

This year I submitted 16 bills for consideration before the General Assembly.Several of the bills are administrative in nature and deal with town charters; Purcellville, Hamilton, and Middletown.  Listed below are two bills that I would like to highlight:
HB 805 –  Emissions Remote Sensing
The bill provides that a percentage of our vehicles in Northern Virginia will be emissions tested using existing remote sensing roadside test equipment.  This will eliminate a trip to the test station for those vehicles found non-polluting.  For time-starved NOVA citizens, this will save many hours.
HB 813 – Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, economic development and aerospace research throughout the commonwealth.  The development of the spaceport at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects.

 
Visitors

This week we have various visitors from Virginians for the Arts with a visit from our constituent from Clarke County, Dennis Lynch, Credit Union groups, various colleges and university representatives, and Commissioner of Revenues to mention a few of the groups.

 
Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov.  If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.
Delegate Joe T. May

33rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033

Introduction

Alas, the first full week of the 2012 Session is now in the books, and we are starting to make our way through the myriad  house bills and resolutions that have been introduced for the sixty day “long” Session.

Most bills are still being debated in committees; however, there was significant progress on a number of important issues that I would like to bring to your attention in this week’s newsletter.

MWAA Vote

One of the bills I sponsored, House Bill 252, would increase Virginia’s representation on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) in accordance with federal law. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated on the House floor on a party line vote.  The MWAA Board currently makes a number of important decisions regarding the $6 billion Dulles Metrorail expansion. It is critical that Virginia has full representation on the board.

The bill had an emergency clause due to the pressing need of granting Virginia increased representation. The addition of the emergency clause meant that four-fifths of the House had to approve the legislation in order for the bill to pass. Unfortunately, only three Democrats joined with sixty-seven Republicans and one Independent to vote for passage of the bill, and the bill failed to pass.

In response to the bill’s failure to pass, Governor McDonnell issued the following statement:

“This move deprives Virginia of its proper representation on the board while MWAA continues making important decisions regarding the management of the $6 billion Metrorail expansion in Northern Virginia. The intent of implementing this new legislation with an emergency clause was to bring MWAA into compliance with federal law as quickly as possible. Congress voted to reform the authority. The President signed the bill. Based on that bipartisan legislation, Virginia should have a greater number of seats on the board now. It is the responsibility of our legislature to implement those reforms as soon as practical. The delay caused by the actions of the House Democrats today will reduce Virginia’s rightful, and congressionally approved, influence on this vital board.”

However, we have another opportunity through House Bill 1245 to address the issue again. The bill will have another hearing before the House of Delegates in the coming days.

Update on Uranium Mining

It has been announced by Governor McDonnell that he will not seek legislation to lift the moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia until a comprehensive study of the issue is completed by a newly-created multi-agency state workgroup. Uranium mining has been a widely discussed topic over the past year, but more time is needed to ensure that the uranium can be mined safely.

Governor Unveils 2012 Public Safety Agenda

I understand the importance of keeping our families safe. A number of delegates are working with Governor McDonnell and fellow delegates on McDonnell’s 2012 Public Safety Agenda. Highlights of the Governor’s agenda include legislation to provide tough mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drug dealers, and life sentences for sex offenders who prey on children; further protect victims of crime; streamline procedures for Virginia’s asset forfeiture laws; and, strengthen the response to emergencies and ensure maximum protection for victims. 

Links of Interest

Jan 20

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1095

Jan 19

Governor McDonnell’s statement on MWAA:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1094

Governor McDonnell’s Public Safety Agenda:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1093

Governor McDonnell’s statement on Uranium Mining:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1092

Jan 17

Governor Announces $1.2 million in farmland preservation grants:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1086

Jan 16

House Republican Caucus Jobs and Economic Development Press Release:

http://www.vahousegop.com/2012/01/house-republican-caucus-articulates-their-vision-for-jobs-and-economic-development-during-the-2012-session/

Visitors

This week I was visited by members of the Northern Virginia Tea Party, Shenandoah Valley Tea Party,  Dr. Kirk Norbo, with the Virginia Dental Association, and his son, Dr. Justin Norbo,  and Peter Holden with the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to mention a few.

Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency.

My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve you as your delegate in the 33^rd House district.

LOUDOUN DELEGATION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING PRIOR TO 2012 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

The Loudoun Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, seeking citizen input prior to the 2012 General Assembly session. A sign-up sheet will be provided at 6:30 PM for those wishing to speak before the delegation.

WHAT: Loudoun County Delegation 2012 General Assembly Public Hearing

WHO: Delegates: Joe May, Tom Rust, Tag Greason, Jim LeMunyon, Barbara Comstock; Delegates Elect, Randy Minchew, David Ramadan
Senators: Mark Herring and Jill Holtzman-Vogel, Senators Elect, Barbara Favola, Dick Black

WHEN: Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 7:00 PM

WHERE: Loudoun County Government Center, Board Room

Today Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement highlighting last week’s Quinnipiac University poll in the Commonwealth.

“My colleagues and I in the House of Delegates were recently informed of the results of last week’s Quinnipiac poll gauging the Commonwealth’s satisfaction with various leaders and initiatives taking place in the Commonwealth,” commented Howell.

The poll, administered earlier this month by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, included approval ratings for U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, Congressman Eric Cantor, Governor Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as well as the Virginia General Assembly.

Governor Bob McDonnell continues to score high marks with a 63% approval rating. The Virginia General Assembly scored a 47-35 percent approval rating in stark contrast to the record-low 11-80 approval ratings for the United States Congress. Of all states polled by Quinnipiac, Virginia’s legislature was the only legislature that earned a positive approval rating.

“By more than 3-1, Virginians are happy with what’s going on in the state compared to the country and this optimism shows in their views of state politicians. All statewide elected officials, and even the State Legislature, get thumbs up for their job performance. In these tough times that is pretty remarkable,” commented Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

Only 2 percent of Virginians polled were “very satisfied” with the overall direction of the nation, while an additional 17 percent of Virginians indicated they were “somewhat satisfied” with the direction of the nation. In contrast, 10 percent are “very satisfied” with Virginia’s direction and 56 percent are “somewhat satisfied” with the direction of the Commonwealth.

“We are proud that the Virginia General Assembly was the only state legislature to receive a positive approval rating in recent Quinnipiac polls. My colleagues and I work hard to understand the diverse issues facing Virginia and fix our problems with commonsense, forward-looking solutions. There can be no greater reward in this job than to see that the Commonwealth approves of the work we are doing for them here in Richmond,” said Howell

Dear Friends,

The link provided below will take you to a General Assembly publication that provides a brief summary of legislation passed by the 2011 Regular Session of the General Assembly that is of interest to the citizens of Virginia and may impact their daily lives. The legislation has been signed by the Governor and went into effect on July 1, 2011. I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 703-777-1191 or email at joetmay@aol.com.

http://dls.virginia.gov/PUBS/IDC/IDC11.pdf

Regards,

Delegate Joe T. May
Virginia General Assembly
33rd House District

Richmond, April 6, 2011 – The General Assembly adjourned at late Wednesday evening after considering a long floor calendar. In total, Governor McDonnell amended 133 bills and submitted 86 amendments to the state’s two-year $78 billion budget, which had passed the General Assembly unanimously in February.

At the beginning of the Veto Session, we took a few minutes to honor the state’s new heroes; the Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team.

Star players Brandon Rozzell, Bradford Burgess, Coach Shaka Smart, and VCU’s president and athletic director, were escorted to the floors of the House of Delegates and the Senate, where they were presented with certificates of commendation. The team was honored for its five-game winning streak in the NCCA national tournament which unexpectedly brought them to the Final Four last weekend.

Listed below are a few of the highlights from the reconvened session.

The General Assembly failed to override Governor McDonnell’s veto of a bill that would have required schools to provide 150 minutes per week of physical education. The Governor vetoed the bill because he said it would cost schools too much money and take time away from other classes. The sponsor of the bill said obesity is an increasing problem among young people, creating problems down the road; he said a healthy 60-year-old will have only about $2,000 in health care costs per year, compared with the tens of thousands for a 60-year-old who’s overweight, diabetic and has other health problems.

The Governor had vetoed a bill raising the medical malpractice cap to $3 million (above the current $2 million) over a period of years. Both houses voted to override that veto and pass the bill. A number of legislators said the bill had been a compromise among a number of parties, and that it would help keep malpractice insurance costs predictable.

On the Autism bill, both houses rejected one of five amendments to a bill that will require businesses to offer coverage for certain autism therapies. The Governor had amended the bill to require more oversight of the autism therapies that would be covered, and also inserted an amendment that said if a court threw out a cap on insurance payments that was in the bill, then the whole bill would be invalid. The last amendment was rejected.

The House of Delegates passed it’s redistricting plan late Wednesday. If approved by the Senate and the Governor, the new district boundaries would be in effect for this fall’s elections. We will be back in Richmond next week to finalize our work on the redistricting plans and to work on the Congressional Districts.