WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Business leaders had the opportunity to gain insight on key issues for the 2013 General Assembly session during the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s “Legislative Kick-off.”
The event, which was held at Old Hickory Golf Club Wednesday, featured members of the Prince William delegation to the Virginia General Assembly. Senators Charles Colgan (D-29), Linda S. (Toddy) Puller (D-36), George L. Barker (D-39), Richard Stuart (R-28), and Delegates Robert G. Marshall (R-13), Tim Hugo (R-40), Jackson Miller (R-50), Richard Anderson (R-51), and Ramadan (R-87) each had an opportunity to talk about where their efforts will be focused in the coming session, which begins January 9, 2013.
The delegation also received copies of the Chamber’s 2013 Public Policy Priorities.
“The first priority of the Prince William Chamber remains economic development. We support those policies which foster a business-friendly environment, creating jobs and building wealth for area residents,” said Brian Gordon, chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and is the Virginia Vice President for Government Affairs at AOBA.
He noted that the full agenda can be found at pwchamberadvocate.org, where site visitors can also view legislation tracked by the Chamber, provide input on issues via online surveys and contact their representatives.
Senator Colgan began his statements by acknowledging that, “What we do here depends in large measure on what is done in Washington, DC.” The senator also noted that he is working with the Prince William campuses of Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University to secure funding for a number of expansion projects.
From there, transportation was the hot topic of the day, with Senator Barker calling it the “number one priority” for the legislative session. “We…can get the conversation started,” he said, adding that Virginia Transportation Secretary Connaughton warns that the state will go over a “transportation cliff” in 2017 if sustainable, secure funding for road and transit maintenance and construction is not addressed.
Senator Stuart joked that his nearly two-hour commute from Stafford to the event left him motivated to end gridlock. On a more serious note, he said that finding solutions “is going to be tough, going to take strong leadership from Governor, and I think he is up to the task.”
Delegate Hugo said, “The gas tax is a dying proposition,” as cars become more fuel efficient. He said that it is time to think outside the box. In one example, he said that if the federal government passes an internet sales tax, it would raise $267 million a year in Virginia, which could be allocated to transportation funding.
The delegation also discussed efforts to support business growth, such as the Small Business Mandate Commission, which brings together businesses and legislators to reduce regulatory burdens that stifle growth.
Senator Stuart outlined the commission’s three-pronged approach:
1) Review any proposed mandates or regulations
2) Determine the most business-friendly way to implement any new mandates or regulations
3) Review existing regulations
Delegate Ramadan talked about the Business Development Caucus, of which he is a founding member. He said the group will be introducing 18 bills that came out of town hall meetings with business leaders throughout the state. These include transitioning SCC into part of the Virginia one-stop program and the Fair Commercial Credit Act, which would give businesses many of the same rights and protections provided to individuals, such as the ability to view and contest errors in their credit reports. He is also championing a Telework Tax Credit for individuals.
Delegate Hugo noted that torte reform will also be a big issue in 2013.
“That debate is coming,” he said.
Delegate Richard Anderson also spoke.
“I ask that you stay in touch with us…on specific bills. We value your input,” said Delegate Anderson, who also described Prince William as “the heart of the Commonwealth.”
“This event is an opportunity to see how the priorities of the business community and those of the Prince William delegation align,” said Nancy Hiteshue, Chamber Vice President of Public Policy & Communications, “We look forward to working together with our legislators to enhance economic development and the quality of life in the Prince William region.” The Chamber will host its second annual “Prince William Chamber Trip to Richmond” on January 30, taking business leaders to the state capital to meet with policymakers.
To learn more about the trip, visit the “Events” tab on pwchamber.org or call 703.368.6600. Kick-off sponsors include Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC, RE Daffan, Inc. and Dominion Virginia Power. Transurban is the Chamber’s Advocacy Vision Partner.
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