Latest from Jill Vogel

A brief legislative update from our second week in Richmond

Although this week’s headlines were dominated by the inauguration of President Trump, Virginia’s leaders remained busy in Richmond for the Legislative Session.

President Trump’s inauguration foretells a coming shift in policy in Virginia. In the coming months, as Washington charts a new direction and redefines the balance of power between the federal and state governments, we will examine ways Virginia can re-take control of its own destiny, working to grow the economy, get our healthcare back, protect our liberty, and right-size government.

One of the most consequential policy shifts will be addressing healthcare. Fortunately, for three years, Virginia’s Senate stood strong against a fiscally reckless expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare, out of concern that federal money would not always be there. Now, Virginia faces fewer challenges in fixing healthcare than those states who unwisely came to depend on federal money.

For the past week, our Senate committees worked long hours to move bills through the process.

Seven of my bills were heard in committee and all seven passed.

SB 1302 – A good government bill that saves significant time and taxpayer money by streamlining requirements for electoral boards’ tabulation of write-in votes.

SB 1303 – Establishes a more fair and uniform voter registration deadline throughout the Commonwealth for applications submitted on paper or electronically.

SB 1304 – Expands local control over the timing of local elections.

SB 1306 – Reduces regulatory restrictions on farm production of non-psychoactive industrial hemp and prepares Virginia to be a national leader following full federal legalization. There are currently 25,000 uses for industrial hemp and companies like Patagonia, Ford and The Body Shop currently use it in their products. Once a staple crop in Virginia, it’s prohibition has been a huge economic loss. I am committed to keeping Virginia first in agriculture in every sector, especially in cutting edge markets like hemp where companies spends millions to import it and instead could purchase it from Virginia farmers.

Three of my bills address gun rights:

SB 1297 – “Military Carry” – Allows active duty members of the military to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

SB 1299 – Provides law abiding victims of domestic violence who have been issued protective orders enhanced rights to protect themselves through an expedited process to carry a concealed weapon.  Under current law they can open carry, but my bill would allow them an opportunity to conceal carry in the critical 45 day window after obtaining a protective order when they are most vulnerable.

SB 1300 – Provides firearms training courses for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and stalking.

In the weeks ahead I will fight for the remainder of my bills as they work through the committee process. Some are popular and some will face huge opposition.

They include legislation to roll back burdensome regulations; refund future budget surpluses to taxpayers with automatic tax cuts; implement redistricting reform; strengthen ethics in government by banning gifts to politicians; and prohibit candidates’ personal use of campaign funds.

I also remain committed to issues related to public safety, education, transportation and support for state employees who face serious issues in the wake of current budget actions.

I take your thoughts and opinions seriously and urge you to contact our office any time that you have questions or concerns. I can be reached during the General Assembly session at 804-698-7527 or by email at district27@senate.virginia.gov.

If you have an opportunity to be in Richmond between now and February 24th, please consider visiting the Capitol and joining me in the Senate as my guest, or visit our office in room 309 of the General Assembly Building.

Call ahead to let us know and we will make arrangements to welcome you. Everyone in our office appreciates the opportunity to do this important work and we are grateful for your support.

Sincerely,
Jill Vogel