The House and Senate have now convened for the 2004 session. The Speaker and the Clerk were unanimously re-elected. Little noted was the elimination of the controversial salute to the flag of Virginia. For this improvement, thanks are due to the Speaker who recognized the sensitivity of the matter and quietly let it drop. The Speaker’s acceptance speech was gracious and generous. It also contained evidence of his sense of humor. After making an allusion to possible clouds in the sky of freedom, he smilingly urged Democrats, who clearly took his remark as a slight jab at the possibility of “revenue enhancements,” to be more enthusiastic in their response. He drew a hearty laugh from all.
The session promises to be one of the most important in a generation. It may be the last time for many years we will have an opportunity to address infrastructure needs and reform an antiquated tax system. The Governor has made it clear that he intends to use all his powers to bring the state significantly closer to fulfilling its obligations to the children of Virginia and to localities by dramatically reducing the seriously underfunded mandate of public and special education. Both he and Republican Senator Chichester have made valuable contributions by offering serious proposals to fund K-12, higher education, transportation and health care while diversifying revenues for state and local governments.
By all estimates, the main fight is within the Republican caucus in the House –and in Northern Virginia. Democrats appear to be solidly united behind the Governor’s efforts, if not in every detail, at least for its main thrust. Some Northern Virginians have vowed to fight any new taxes, even on cigarettes. Obviously, it is difficult to obtain regional solidarity if there is no compromise for those quarters.
As this is written, committee assignments for new members—and changes for old ones—have not been announced. For the two new Fairfax delegates, we expect very little. The rumor is widespread that, like Delegate Chap Petersen in 2002, Delegates Shannon an Sickles will be relegated to committees with of limited import. Let us hope the rumors are unfounded.
The session is scheduled to end on March 13, but the Governor has made it clear that he will bring us back for special session until we achieve some form of budget and revenue re-structuring to avoid damaging the state’s triple A bond rating and to offer some relief to localities on education funding from Richmond. I am very impressed by his resolve and his energy. No since Governor Baliles have I seen a Governor show more courage or commitment to leadership. I remain optimistic that, unless completely stifled by the extreme right wing of the Republican Party, we will have some good results.
