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Around the District

Nokes Boulevard Interchange Opened
Senator Herring and other Loudoun officials gathered to cut the ribbon and open the Nokes Boulevard/Route 28 interchange. The ceremony marked the completion of another overpass on Route 28. Senator Herring was instrumental in securing the state's share of funding for the construction of this interchange and others that are transforming Route 28 into a limited-access highway.

Cascades Commendation
Senator Herring presents a Senate Commendation at the Cascades Senior Center on April 29. The Senator recognized founding members, volunteers, and the center's ten years of service to the community. The Commendation was accompanied by an intergenerational dance where high school students mingled with members of the center. Del. David Poisson was also on hand to join in celebrating the anniversary and the accomplishments of the founders and volunteers.

Around the State

National Guard Honored
Senator Herring sponsored a General Assembly resolution to recognize the contributions of the Virginia National Guard. ÒThe courageous men and women who are serving in our National Guard have contributed greatly to our nation's defense and the security of our Commonwealth,Ó said Herring. The resolution was presented to Capt. Mark Widener, President of the Virginia National Guard Officer Association, and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. Senator Herring co-chairs the Virginia National Guard Caucus in the General Assembly and lent his strong support for full funding of the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.

2009 Legislative Leadership Award
Senator Herring received the 2009 Legislative Leadership Award from the Virginia Biotechnology Association for introducing and passing the Science and Technology Research Development and Commercialization Act. This bill maximizes the state's existing resources to support new technology and bioscience-related businesses, helping to create more 21st-century jobs in Virginia.

The General Assembly has adjourned the 2009 regular session. This session brought with it major fiscal challenges as Virginia’s economy continued to be impacted by the national economic slump. Below are a few key elements of our budget decisions as well as some other significant actions.

Budget Action

Facing the steepest one-year revenue decline in Virginia history, the General Assembly passed a balanced budget that reflected a $3.7 billion reduction in forecasted revenue. Working together, we took fiscally responsible steps to address this unprecedented shortfall.

The General Assembly cut $1.7 billion from the budget through increased efficiencies and reductions to programs and services. Most of the budget cuts will take effect in 2010. Additionally, $490 million was withdrawn from state’s rainy day fund, and we utilized approximately $1 billion attributable to an increase in the federal Medicaid matching rate which was a part of the federal stimulus package designed to help stabilize state budgets.

We also worked to minimize the impact on our core priorities. Net real reductions to education were 2%, public safety 4%, and health and human services less than 3.5%. Anticipating the possibility of further deterioration, we retained $150 million in reserves for next year.

As prudent as these decisions were, if the economy does not begin to rebound by next year as predicted, we could face more budget challenges ahead.

Other Legislative Priorities

Consistent with my goal of bringing more high-tech businesses to Virginia and creating new job opportunities, I introduced the Science and Technology Research and Development Act. This bill, which passed both chambers by wide margins, maximizes the Commonwealth’s existing resources to incentivize start-up technology companies to locate in Virginia, and it will help provide more 21st century jobs in our area and around the state.

To help Virginia save energy costs in the long run and meet our future energy needs, I introduced and passed legislation encouraging investment in energy efficiency programs and raising the percentage of Virginia’s energy use that comes from renewable sources.

After several years of effort, the General Assembly passed the Indoor Clean Air Act. That legislation will prohibit smoking in most restaurants and help protect workers and the public from the proven harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Your thoughts and opinions mean a great deal to me, and I encourage you to contact me with any questions, concerns or advice you have. My email address is senator@markherring.org and my phone number is (703) 729-3300.

As always, it is a tremendous privilege to represent you in the Virginia Senate.