Resolution on the 2008 Legislative Session

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

(Arlington County Democratic Committee)

Whereas, Governor Kaine and the Democratic majority in the State Senate set forth clear legislative and spending priorities at the start of the 2008 session, including a pre-kindergarten initiative, improvements to child services, an expansion of health care access, investments in higher education, and mental health budget initiatives; and

Whereas, the Democrats in the General Assembly had to counter the Republicans’ obstructionist tactics throughout the session that prevented a budget from being adopted before the scheduled end of the 60-day session; and

Whereas, the Arlington delegation won two important victories essential to Arlington’s and to Virginia’s long-term economic health: (1) $10 million in state assistance to retain the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) office in Ballston and (2) securing a continued funding source to promote tourism and business travel in Arlington; and

Whereas, the final budget made important strides in meeting the pressing social needs of the Commonwealth (despite the continued intransigence by Republican legislators) including:

An additional 600 slots in a program that allows people with developmental disabilities to receive treatment at home instead of being institutionalized,
A two percent pay raise for teachers in 2009,
A two percent pay raise for state employees this year and a two percent raise next year,
$42 million more over two years to enhance the state's mental health programs, and
$22 million more to expand subsidized pre-kindergarten; and

Whereas, on the eve of adjournment, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled a portion of the 2007 transportation funding plan to be unconstitutional – specifically the delegation of authority to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority which was to raise significant regional funds;

Now therefore, be it resolved on this 2^nd day of April 2008, that the Arlington County Democratic Committee:

Commends the Governor and Democratic legislators for their hard work and budgetary achievements; and

Urges them to act quickly to find new funding mechanisms and/or funding sources in order to meet Northern Virginia’s pressing transportation needs in a special session to be called for that purpose.