Legislative Update: What We’re Watching for You & Urgent Action Needed

TAG - As previously discussed, the Governor’s proposed biennial budget includes an increase in the TAG award (from $3400 to $4000) per student; however, it also proposes removing a provision that allows that grant to be used for online learning.   
 
Various members of the General Assembly from both parties have submitted budget amendments that strike new language limiting TAG eligibility for online or distance learning education.  The amendment also proposes a review of the program, including consideration of need by SCHEV in award amounts.
 
Two articles on this issue are below, one from Virginia Business Magazine, the other from Forbes.
1). https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/liberty-university-slams-northams-proposed-cut-to-online-tuition-aid/
2) https://www.forbes.com/sites/prestoncooper2/2020/02/03/virginias-misguided-attack-on-online-education/#3d2a5eef2daa
 
Right to Work / Fair Share - (RTW, Carter HB153), Fair Share (Saslaw, SB426)- PLEASE CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE COMMERCE & LABOR COMMITTEE by FEB. 7
Last week, we sent out an urgent plea to contact members of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee who were taking up this important pro-business issue.   
Due to a heavy docket, this legislation was not considered.  There were literary hundreds of lobbyists, union members, business leaders and others in the committee room, in the holding rooms and hallways.  Including several members of our Government Relations team and business allies.  I was prepared to share all the concerns from our members but could never get into the committee room due to the crowds. We should expect similar turnout this week as it’s on the docket again for discussion.  On the Alliance’s behalf I have met with Senator Saslaw twice and the overwhelming majority of Senate C&L members or their legislative aides. 
 
This is currently on the docket to be discussed THIS Sunday, Feb. 9.   Click HERE for how to voice your opposition.

For insight into Fair Share/RTW specifically and the the General Assembly’s general approach toward business and labor. Please read Virginian-Pilot reporter Dave Ress article. 
https://www.pilotonline.com/government/virginia/dp-nw-labor-bills-20200130-f3dm3gwl5rhdbmqist2hglaw44-story.html
 
For an op/ed on the value of Va’s Right to Work laws, please read former Secretary of Commerce’s Todd Haymore column from this weekend’s Times-Dispatch.
https://www.richmond.com/opinion/columnists/todd-p-haymore-column-right-to-work-is-good-for/article_3a5d3d7a-00eb-52d2-a433-026b39088cf7.html
 
Transportation -  Alliance CEO Megan Lucas, COO, Christine Kennedy and I spent 45 minutes with Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine in Richmond during which we received an excellent briefing on the Governor’s omnibus transportation bill.  Patroned by Majority Leader Dick Saslaw and Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, the bill has undergone some modifications over the last couple of weeks, but suffice it to say this bill would generate and dedicate significant new funding to our transportation needs.  Secretary Valentine’s explanation is capably corroborated in the below articles from the Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/va-gov-northam-proposes-gas-tax-increase-as-part-of-major-transportation-bill/2020/01/26/7562d39a-3ee9-11ea-8872-5df698785a4e_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/01/29/ralph-northams-back-to-the-future-transportation-plan/
 
Uber-reporter Mike Martz of the RTD also has an excellent write up of Governor’s the transportation package.  I encourage our members to take the time to try to focus on these three key areas of interest to our members, or region and the entire Commonwealth. 
https://www.richmond.com/news/plus/transportation-bill-rolls-on-with-inspections-restored-but-every-other/article_dd3837e2-0664-5e5d-9a95-c833de934f73.html
 
We will continue to monitor legislation and speak out when decisions would negatively impact our business community.   As always, please feel free to contact John Putney with your concerns or questions.