The House of Delegates is off to a slow start largely because of concerns about the budget. Apprximately 1,400 bills and resolutions have been introduced, but many of them will not even be considered if they have a fiscal impact on the state. This will likely mean that many bills will simply be tabled or "carried over" until the next session.

Delegates and Senators are waiting to hear when Gov. McDonnell will forward his own set of budget cuts designed to erase the state's $4.2 billion shortfall. Most citizens do not comprehend the impact that these cuts are likely to have, particularly on the schools, local governments, and higher education. Even under Gov. Kaine's proposed budget, the cuts were scheduled to be significant. When Gov. McDonnell announced his refusal to consider any kind of tax increase, it required another $2 billion in cuts. Almost two weeks into his term, he has yet to outline any of these proposed cuts. Instead, he has proposed a number of expenditures, including another $15 million for the Governor's Opportunity Fund, another $3.6 million for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, another $1.8 million for the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund.

Elections have consequences, and we are about to see the extent of those consequences either in the form of the new governor's proposal for cuts or the House Republican budget.

Of the twenty-six bills I introduced, twenty=three are still alive, and several will get to the floor this week for possible passage. My bill to make it easier to vote absentee passed the House, and measures that will provide additional funding for adoptive placements and ease the ability to move children from foster care into permanent homes are likely to pass this week.

I have four energy bills before the House, which will likely be heard in sub-committee within the next two weeks. One is designed to increase the use of net metering, a process by which people who use renewable resources can sell electricity generated from them back to the utility and therefore lower their energy costs and which will encourage the development of renewable resources on farms. I am also carrying a bill on behalf of the City and County that will allow localities to donate monies to help fund nonprofit organizations providing energy efficiency services in a community.

Finally, my health insurance bill, which would extend coverage to dependents under the age of 27, will be sub-committee next week. If passed, this would ensure extended coverage for family members who may continue to reside at home while they attempt to improve their economic condition.

If you would like to learn more about my legislation and track its progress, you may use the Legislative Information Services system available on the General Assembly website (http://leg1.state.va.us/). You can also review the results of our recent constituent survey at my web site, www.davidtoscano.com. As always, I appreciate your input and am honored to serve as your Delegate.

(Electronic mail, January 27, 2010)