Dear Friends, July 1 is the typical enactment date for much of the legislation passed by the General Assembly

and signed into law by the Governor. I try to provide this newsletter annually to highlight signicant new laws that may directly affect you. This year the General Assembly met for 45 days. Despite changes in the operating rules of the legislature, we still managed to have thousands of bills introduced and a good many of them passed. We are fortunate to have very competent staff in Richmond to assist us as we craft public policy. The biennial budget was slightly tweaked, making adjustments for its balance as required in Virginias Constitution. Unlike the federal government across the Potomac, Virginia cannot print its currency nor operate at a decit. (Although we did have a Delegate submit a bill that would have required Virginia to print money backed by the gold standard. I seem to recall from another period in history when there were two currencies in our nation. We fought a civil war to resolve the matter). As a result of due diligence and a scally responsible approach, Virginia continues to be a great place for our children to grow up as well as an attractive place for businesses. These businesses are the fuel for our economy and the high quality of life we experience. By far, the dominant issue of the 2013 Session was transportation. After nearly 27 years, the General Assembly nally had the political will to address the looming crisis in Virginias transportation infrastructure. HB 2313 is a complex measure. It is not the end all, be all, but its passage was long overdue. In light of the huge shift in communication methods (email v. hard mail), this newsletter will direct you to on-line sources for all of the legislation passed in 2013. I appreciate receiving your input on many issues and being of assistance to you on state-related matters. Have a safe and restful summer. I look forward to seeing you in the community. Sincerely,

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

If you cant get through to 911, call 703-691-7561 or 703-691-3680 for police, re, or ambulance. Public Safety Non-Emergency Number: 703-691-2131 Fairfax County Emergency Information Line: 703-817-7771 National Weather Service Updates: 703-652-1210 NATURAL GAS: Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520 Columbia Gas: 1-800-544-5606 POWER: Dominion Virginia: 1-866-366-4357 NOVEC: 703-335-0500 BGE outages: 877-778-2222; downed wires: 800-685-0123 Pepco outages: 1-877-737-2662; downed wires: 202-872-2369

Dick Saslaw

HB 2313: VA Adopts Enhanced Revenues for Transportation

Generates up to $850M annually statewide for road, rail and transit projects
5 years this proposal generates approximately 9Over $4.5 billion statewide $50 million annually to Intercity 9Directs Passenger Rail $300 million to Dulles Phase II (effective 9Directs with FY14 to FY16 revenue) & Use Tax on gasoline and on general 9Sales purchases is value-based, having an inherent growth factor allowing revenues to keep pace with ination

KEY COMPONENTS OF HB 2313

X About $850 million annually when fully implemented (2018) from a combination of new and existing revenue sources. t Includes $200 million from existing GF sources by year 2018. X Over an additional $500 million annually for regional self-help packages in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. t $220 million annually in Hampton Roads. t $325 million annually in Northern Virginia. X Retain nexus to transportation system user-fees through fuel and vehicle based taxes. t Reduces Virginias current 17.5 cents per gallon gas tax to 11.1 cents per gallon. t Replaces it by increasing the motor vehicle titling tax from 3% to 4.15%. X Dedicates a portion of the 0.3% increase in the general sales tax to support rail and transit projects in the Commonwealth (0.125%). t Distributed 40% for rail, 60% for transit. t Approximately $50 million/year for rail. t Approximately $80 million/year to transit. X Increases current registration fee for electric vehicles from $50 to $64, and expands the fee to hybrid vehicles X Provides that a majority of anticipated revenues generated by the Marketplace Fairness Act (MFA) be utilized for transportation.

MOVING PEOPLE & GOODS

Keeping The Trains Moving
For the rst time since 1986, the General Assembly took bold steps to address gridlock and the growing infrastructure crisis facing the Commonwealth. During the last 27 years, the Commonwealth has grown signicantly. There has been a clear shift in population toward what is known as the urban crescent from Loudon to Tidewater along the I-95 and I-64 Corridors. In addition, we have hundreds of bridges that were built over 50 years ago. I have often thought it would take another unnecessary disaster such as a bridge collapse to move the General Assembly into action. Fortunately for Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth, we have managed to dodge that bullet to date. With the passage of this legislation, Virginia moves forward towards addressing this transportation crisis. What ultimately passed (HB 2313) and has been signed into law is not a perfect measure. However, it keeps Virginia with a top bond rating, giving future governors the ability
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For More Information Visit: lis.virginia.gov

Paid for and authorized by Richard L. Saslaw

to realistically plan for the future and protect our quality of life. For over a decade, business leaders have led the charge for meaningful action to be taken to break through the gridlock that has been choking economic development. Ultimately this impasse has had an affect on working families in lost time, money and the ability to efciently balance work and family life. You would be hard pressed to meet someone in our region that does not have a painful story to share. Even public safety has been at risk as a result of jammed roads. I supported and worked for its passage despite what I consider to be a less than wise action in eliminating part of the gas tax. Having been in the gasoline and service station business for much of my professional life, I know rst-hand the market and pricing practices of the oil companies. I am sure you would not be surprised to learn there is a strategy for both that is based on affordable demand.

The last thing I wanted to point out to you is how HB 2313 got through the House of Delegates and Senate. Several bills were introduced in the Senate and were defeated. In the House, it was the Speakers bill that made it out of committee with Democratic support. The bill was amended several times, went into conference and came back to both the Senate and House for nal passage. I encourage you to take a look at the nal votes in both Chambers. Clearly, in the Senate, the bill would not have passed without so many Democratic Senators supporting it. Take another look at the vote detailing the governors amendments. The point being, despite a very heavy handed start to the session from Republicans, the Senate Democratic caucus fought for the good of all Virginians and their ability to work and raise families here in the Commonwealth.

FY14 Appropriation $4.9 billion Population 8.1 million

For more information, please visit: DickSaslaw.com or lis.virginia.gov

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L E G I S L A T O R

DICK SASLAW NAMED

O F T H E

Y E A R

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) recognized Senator Saslaw as Legislator of the Year, at their annual VEA convention in April. Senator Saslaw has earned the Legislator of the Year award because of his effective and tireless advocacy on behalf of Virginias teachers, parents and children, said VEA President Meg Gruber.

It is an honor to be recognized by the VEA, said Senator Saslaw.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw (35th District) has been recognized by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce for his work on energy policy in the State Senate. Senator Saslaw recently received the Leadership in Energy Award at the Virginia Chambers Board of Directors reception May 8th.

Exceptional Student for Senate Page Assignment

As the Democratic Leader, I am privileged to be able to appoint an 8th grader from my district to the Senate Page program. Applicants must be capable of long distance learning, have the support of their teachers and parents, and be able to write an essay about their desire to be in the program. Additionally, I require that the student have at least one parent residing and voting in the 35th Senate District.

WANTED:

http://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/PagePrograms/PagePrograms.html

FOR CONSIDERATION AND AN INTERVIEW, Please contact me by Nov 1, 2013.

Email: District35@senate.virginia.gov 4

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS THE FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
HB 1900. This legislation makes Virginias health insurance laws consistent with the requirements of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that become effective on January 1, 2014. These federal requirements include placing restrictions on premium rates for individual and small group health benet plans, prohibiting discrimination based on health status and cost adjustments because of genetic information, requiring individual and small group health benet plans to include federally required essential health benets, limiting waiting periods to 90 days for health plans offering group health insurance coverage, providing for participation in clinical trials and authorizing health carriers to provide for wellness plans. This legislation also keeps the existing limits for maximum size for a small group at 50 employees until 2016 and authorizes the State Corporation Commission to establish geographic rating areas.

OTHER IMPORTANT LEGISLATION

HB 2305. SOLAR PANELS IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS: Claries that a community association may place reasonable restrictions on the size and placement of solar panels on property designated for individual use. HB 1907/SB 1222. DRIVING WHILE TEXTING: Increases the ne for driving while texting to $125 for a rst offense and $250 for a subsequent offense. The punishment of any person convicted of reckless driving will include a $250 mandatory minimum ne if there was texting involved. HB 1871. PROHIBITION OF BULLYING IN SCHOOLS: Requires school boards to include policies and procedures in their student conduct codes that prohibit bullying. HB 2167. INDIVIDUAL STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS: Permits some low-income seniors to deduct the amount they pay annually for a prepaid funeral insurance policy, or medical or dental premiums. HB 1337/SB 1256. PHOTO ID REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING: Requires photo ID at the polls. The State Board shall provide free voter registration cards if the voter does not have a photo ID. A voter may still cast a provisional ballot without a photo ID. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2014.

VA SALES TAX HOLIDAYS

; August 2-4, 2013 School Supplies & Clothing October 11-14, 2013 Energy Star & WaterSense Appliances May 25-31, 2013 Hurricane Preparedness

For more information regarding Legislative Highlights: DickSaslaw.com or lis.virginia.gov

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