Governor Announces $544.8 Million for 2011 FY

Speaker Howell's Statement on Governor McDonnell's Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in Agency Savings and Surplus Revenues

Speaker Howell Statement Regarding Governor McDonnell's Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in Agency Savings and Surplus Revenues -- $234.1 million in Agency Savings Alongside Previously Announced Revenue Surplus of $310.7 million -- -- Second Consecutive Year Virginia has Posted Substantial Agency Savings and Higher than Expected Revenues --

RICHMOND, VA - Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bob McDonnell's announcement of FY 2011 agency savings:           "Alongside the Governor's July announcement of $310.7 million in FY 2011 surplus revenues, today's announcement of $234.1 million in agency savings and balances adds up to an overall FY 2011 surplus of $544.8 million.  Since taking office, the House Republican Caucus has worked with Governor McDonnell to responsibly tend to Virginia's financial health by controlling costs, eliminating unnecessary expenditures and upholding Virginia's constitutional balanced budget requirement, all without raising taxes," said Howell.          "While we are pleased to build on last year's $403 million surplus, we must continue to plan for the future and prepare ourselves for future economic contingencies.  Both the Governor and our Caucus recognized the importance of frugality and good government long ago and we've weathered the recession and recovery better than other states owing to that recognition.  Moving forward, we need to be proactive in safeguarding the Commonwealth's AAA bond rating and we must make deposits into the Rainy Day Fund to save for unforeseen future contingencies," said Howell.          Overall FY 2011 agency savings include unspent funds appropriated to various agencies as well as agency savings generated through good management practices.  The $310.7 million surplus announced in July consists principally of higher-than-expected revenues, generated in large part by personal and corporate income tax collections.          Between agency savings and surplus revenues, the Commonwealth has over half a billion surplus dollars, most of which is designated through contingency language in the Appropriations Act.  The surplus will be spent, in part, on the Rainy Day Fund, the Virginia Water Quality Fund, the Natural Disaster Reserve, additional funding for Sheriff's departments and repayments to the Virginia Retirement System.  Additionally, the Governor has seen fit to create a Federal Action Reserve Fund, which will serve as a financial safeguard in the event that federal spending decisions have a substantial impact on the Commonwealth.           "We thank the Governor for his ongoing efforts to reduce spending and implement common sense management practices, which save money for the Commonwealth and Virginia taxpayers.  While the economy continues to recover, none of us knows what fortune tomorrow brings.  Our Caucus will continue to work with the Governor to prudently plan for all future scenarios," said Howell. # # #

Delegate Glenn Oder to Resign From House of Delegates

Speaker Howell's Statement on Delegate Oder's decision to step down.

Speaker Howell Statement on Delegate Glenn Oder's Resignation from the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement of Delegate Glenn Oder (R-Newport News) that he has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority and will resign his seat in the House effective August 31, 2011:            "Delegate Glenn Oder announced today that he will resign his seat at the end of the month to begin work as the new Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority.  Since 2001, Glenn has ably served the 94th District in Newport News and brought his considerable insight, talent and humor to the House Republican Caucus in Richmond.  My colleagues and I will miss him."  "Delegate Oder served on the House Committee on General Laws, the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns and was Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.  His strong legislative career often focused on infrastructure and common sense initiatives and his hard work with Governor McDonnell and I on this year's transportation legislation will continue to serve citizens of the Commonwealth for years to come." "Glenn will begin his work as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority in Hampton, VA this September.  The Fort Monroe Authority is set to assume management responsibilities for Fort Monroe and to operate the sight for preservation and recreational use."            "Our Caucus is very sad to see Glenn go.  A true public servant, Glenn is going where he can do the most good for the Commonwealth and I can say with confidence that the Fort Monroe Authority is in great hands.  I thank Glenn for his years of service and wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives."  ###

Delegate Bill Janis Decides To Step Down

Speaker Howell issued a statement on Bill Janis' decision to not stand for re-election.

Speaker Howell Statement on Delegate Bill Janis' Decision Not to Stand for Re-Election to the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement of Delegate William R. "Bill" Janis (R-Henrico) that he will run for Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney this fall and will not seek a sixth term in the Virginia House of Delegates: "Today Delegate Bill Janis announced his intention to run for Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney this coming fall.  Bill was first elected to serve the 56th House District in 2001 and has been a strong, conservative leader in our Caucus ever since.  The citizens of Henrico, Louisa and Goochland counties have been fortunate to have such a bright, energetic and articulate advocate over the last decade and he will be missed here in Richmond." "Bill has served on the House Committee on Privileges and Elections, the House Committee on Commerce and Labor, the House Courts of Justice Committee and as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee.  Recognizing his intellect and leadership, the House Republican Caucus elected Delegate Janis Majority Whip in December of 2010.  In addition to his committee assignments and leadership duties, Bill worked hard over the last decade to strengthen law enforcement legislation and facilitate the General Assembly's judicial appointments."

    

"Delegate Janis has been a loyal, hard working, dedicated colleague.  His intellect and drive, which were tremendous assets in the House of Delegates, will serve him well in his future endeavors.  I thank Bill for his leadership and his service, and wish him and his family all the best."                                             ###