Legislative update from Delegate Chris Collins – February 2019

Governor & Lt. Governor’s Actions
I have found the current affairs of our Commonwealth to be disturbing. The revelations that have come to light in recent days have cast a shadow over all of the good works in the legislative body. As more information is gathered and published the House of Delegates will consider any and all options which may be available.

I do not support racists, sexists, abusers, or anyone that supports them. I do not stand with anyone associated with the administration in regards to these issues. I support any reasonable measure that properly address the allegations made.

Crossover
Crossover, when all of the legislation passed by the House goes to the Senate for consideration, has recently occurred and I am proud to report that 12 of the 15 bills I carried are heading to the Senate. Several other notable pieces of legislation were advanced, including: establishing an independent redistricting commission, lowering the cost of attending college, providing greater healthcare coverage for those with autism, and increasing schools’ safety. I am hopeful that the second half of session will be as productive and successful as the first and I look forward to collaborating with our Senate colleagues on our shared priorities.

Track Legislation – Click Here

Tax Relief
Republicans in the House and Senate have agreed on the terms of a $1 billion tax relief package, the most significant tax relief plan in 15 years and the second largest tax cut in Virginia history. The House and Senate Finance Committees met on Friday to act on legislation that is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate on Monday, and then forwarded to Governor Northam. This joint compromise will provide up to $110 in refunds to individuals and up to $220 for married couples. We will maintain the current rules for state and local taxes so homeowners are not hit with an unexpected tax increase at the state level. The total package will guarantee at least $976 million in tax relief, or about $400 for every family in the Commonwealth. We will ensure that all additional revenues from the permanent provisions of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are placed in the state’s cash reserve fund. The legislation also conforms Virginia tax law to the federal law.

Interstate 81 and Tolls
The House and the Senate have both decided against approving tolling on I-81 for this session. There were several questions that arose during discussions that require more work before they can be answered to create meaningful, constructive changes to the interstate. We need to address issues such as: How will tolls be collected? Where will there be tolling gantries? How long will we be tolling I-81? How much will the tolls be?

The joint Senate and House group that is being created has been tasked with answering these questions so next year we will have specifics to present to the citizens who live in the I-81 corridor. This is not a study to see what we need, we know that already; it is to provide the pros and cons of tolling or other revenue sources for I-81.

I am very much aware of the needs of I-81 and the $2.2 billion in projects, including what is required for the 29th District’s section of improvements. These will not come from any funds other than finding an independent source. Tolls may be the best of all the options. I look forward to working with the group and providing updates as this process moves forward.

Budget
The House and Senate advanced similar budget proposals on Wednesday that work together with the tax relief plan. The House budget eliminated all spending based on the tax increase proposed by Governor Northam. The budget builds on our multi-year efforts to responsibly invest in a stronger economy, provide more funding and flexibility to local schools, and make college more affordable. The House and Senate will negotiate the final terms of the budget over the next two weeks.

Hands Free Driving Bill
HB1811 is my legislation to try and combat the growing epidemic of distracted driving deaths and injuries. The bill as it stands now will make it a traffic infraction to be driving a motor vehicle, while in motion, while holding an electronic communication device. This law, if signed by the Governor, will not take effect until January 2020 to allow for education of the public.

In summary, I encourage you to keep in touch with me and my office over the coming months. I value the feedback you provide on a continual basis as it helps me do a better job of representing you. You can email me at delccollins@house.virginia.gov or call my office in Richmond at (804) 698-1029.

I will provide you with weekly email updates during the 2019 General Assembly Session and will schedule my Coffee with Chris events after Session to report on important topics and take questions.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to serving you in 2019.