02/17/2016 House Proceedings

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Index

HB859—00:00:40
HB339—00:01:15
Del. Scott Lingamfelter (R-Woodbridge)—01:05
Del. Randy Minchew (R-Leesburg)—00:50
Del. Chris Peace (R-Mechanicsville)—01:55
Del. Betsy Carr (D-Richmond)—00:45
Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield)—00:40
Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond)—00:00
Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston)—02:40
Del. Delores McQuinn (D-Richmond)—00:40
Del. Steve Landes (R-Weyers Cave)—00:15
Del. Dickie Bell (R-Staunton)—03:50
Del. Buddy Fowler (R-Ashland)—00:00
Del. Mark Sickles (D-Alexandria)—01:35
Del. Terry Kilgore (R-Gate City)—00:00
Del. Rip Sullivan (D-Arlington)—02:10
Del. Roslyn Tyler (D-Jarratt)—00:25
Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church)—01:30
Del. Ron Villanueva (R-Virginia Beach)—00:15
Del. Joe Lindsey (D-Norfolk)—03:20
Del. Ben Cline (R-Amherst)—01:35
Del. Chris Collins (R-Winchester)—00:50
Del. David Toscano (D-Charlottesville)—02:20
Del. Steve Landes (R-Weyers Cave)—00:20
Del. Tim Hugo (R-Centreville)—00:35
Del. Brenda Pogge (R-Williamsburg)—00:10
Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights)—03:10
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Minutes

Called to order at 12 m. by William J. Howell, Speaker

Mace placed on Speaker's table by Sergeant at Arms

Prayer offered by The Reverend James N. Wishmyer, Pastor, Leesburg United Methodist Church

Delegate Cox led the House in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America

Attendance roll call - Quorum present

Leaves of Absence granted: Delegates Hope, Morefield, Spruill, and Ward

Journal for Tuesday, February 16, 2016, approved by the Speaker

Senate communication received
House bill passed with Senate substitute: HB 322
Senate bills passed: SBs 395, 416, 494, 582, 607, 640, 701, 731, 740, 745, 748
Senate joint resolutions agreed to: SJRs 40, 62, 63
House bills passed: HBs 143, 226, 323, 435, 559, 654, 674, 706, 740, 755, 1026, 1266, 1267

Committee reports
From Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources: SBs 37, 152, 283As, 314A, 349, 367, 529, 557, 598, 643, 651, 673, 691
From Education: SBs 211S, 250, 336A, 502, 538, 612

HR 127 taken up and agreed to

Resolutions presented and laid on Speaker's table pursuant to House Rule 39(a)

CALENDAR

SENATE BILLS READ THIRD TIME
REGULAR CALENDAR
SB 49A - Passed by until Friday, February 19, 2016, Reconsidered, Passed by for the day
SB 610S - Passed by until Friday, February 19, 2016, Reconsidered, Passed by for the day
SB 715A - Passed by until Friday, February 19, 2016, Reconsidered, Passed by for the day

HOUSE BILLS READ SECOND TIME
UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
HB 859 - Engrossed
HB 884S - Committee Substitute agreed to, Engrossed

HOUSE BILLS READ SECOND TIME
REGULAR CALENDAR
HB 298 - Passed by for the day
HB 339 - Engrossed
HB 1191 - Passed by for the day
HB 1305S - Passed by for the day

SENATE BILLS READ FIRST TIME AND REFERRED
SB 9 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 19 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 41 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 44 - Referred to Committee on Finance
SB 58 - Referred to Committee on Finance
SB 60 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 61 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 93 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 113 - Referred to Committee on Transportation
SB 178 - Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety
SB 190 - Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
SB 197 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 202 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 216 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 224 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 232 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 277 - Referred to Committee on Transportation
SB 288 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 291 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 313 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 329 - Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
SB 339 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 354 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 362 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 364 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 369 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 422 - Referred to Committee on Finance
SB 433 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 436 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 440 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 449 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 457 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 458 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 468 - Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
SB 476 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 478 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 510 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 535 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 542 - Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
SB 543 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 552 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 553 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 563 - Referred to Committee on Finance
SB 567 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 576 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 577 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 578 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 579 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 587 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 590 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 601 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 625 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 645 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 652 - Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
SB 677 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 692 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 710 - Referred to Committee on Transportation
SB 711 - Referred to Committee on Appropriations
SB 717 - Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
SB 719 - Referred to Committee on Transportation
SB 734 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 736 - Referred to Committee on General Laws
SB 742 - Referred to Committee on Finance
SB 743 - Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
SB 760 - Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
SB 775 - Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
SB 776 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 780 - Referred to Committee on Education
SB 781 - Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTIONS REFERRED
SJR 83 - Referred to Committee on Rules
SJR 95 - Referred to Committee on Rules
SJR 96 - Referred to Committee on Rules
SJR 127 - Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

Motion by Delegate Cox to adjourn agreed to

House adjourned at 12:48 p.m. to meet Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 12 m.

Transcript

What follows is a transcript of this day’s session that was created as closed-captioning text, written in real time during the session. We have made an effort to automatically clean up the text, but it is far from perfect.

Bill Howell
[gavel] the House will come to order, members, please take your seats.
[Unknown]
Sergeant at arms.
Bill Howell
The House is now in session. All persons not entitled to privileges on the floor, please retire to the gallery.
Bill Howell
The members will rise and be led in prayer by the Reverend James n. Wishmyer, pastor of leesburg united method gist church and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the united states of america led by the gentleman from Colonial Heights Mr. Cox.
Kirk Cox
May we pray, gracious God, bless the work today of these members of the Virginia House of delegates who help lead our commonwealth, and bless them, strengthen them in the courage of their convictions, at the same time, keep them from the hardening of hearts and attitude that refuses to consider alternate views. Help the men and women of the House, who in sincerity yearn to do the right. If only we could be sure of what is right. Make it plain to them, lord. Grant them your gracious wisdom and softening of heart to discern common ground and the work of all virginians, help each to recognize and distinguish between the polarization motivated by personal pride and courageous advocacy, prompted by worthwhile principles, be patient with them, with all virginians, with me, that with we, together, May find the right, true and unifying path on issues that threaten to divide, separate and disillusion, keep working we pray to help hearts, minds be led to your goodness and please, do not give up on them or us, for we can be hard to turn. Thank you for hearing the prayers, hopes, an yearnings of each person present, including this prayer that I offer in the name of jesus, my savior and lord, amen.
[Unknown]
Amen.
Kirk Cox
[pledge of allegiance] >> The members will answer the roll call by indicating their presence on the electronic voting board.
Bill Howell
The clerk will close the roll.
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker, a quorum is present.
[Unknown]
Pursuant to House rule three I 've examined and approved the journal of the House of delegates for February 16, 2016. Motions and resolutions under rule 39 are now in order. Does the clerk have any announcements or communications.
[Unknown]
No communications, I would simply remind the body, each House May only consider legislation and amendments of the other House 's legislation, except for the budget bill or revenue bill.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Prince William, Mr. Lingamfelter.
Scott Lingamfelter
Mr. Speaker, I rise for a
[Unknown]
The gentleman has the motion. Floor.
Scott Lingamfelter
Mr. Speaker, I move that on Page one and two of the printed calendar, that the three Senate bills that we took by until Friday the 19th, that would be Senate bill 49, Senate bill 610, and Senate bill 715, that we reconsider the vote by which we took those bills by.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Prince William, Mr. Ling a.M.Felter, moves that having voted on the prevailing side we reconsider the vote by which we took by until Friday, bill 49, 610 and 715. As many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no. That motion is agreed to.
Scott Lingamfelter
Mr. Speaker, I have another motion.
Bill Howell
Gentleman May state it.
Scott Lingamfelter
I'd like to speak to this motion prior to actually making it. What we are doing here, you will notice the three Senate bills either had amendments or there was a substitute. And in order for them to be considered along with our three bills, which should be voted on in the other body on Friday, we need to take them up tomorrow, and so Mr. Speaker, I would move that we take by for the day, Senate bill 49, 610, and 715.
Bill Howell
Without objection, Senate bill 49, 610 and 715, by for the day.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Loudoun, Mr. Minchew.
Randy Minchew
I thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege.
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Randy Minchew
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
[Unknown]
At the invocation of the presence of our lord this morning, done by my friend, pastor jim wishmyer of the leesburg united church. For those interested in history, who May not even be methodist, the first piece of real estate owned by the myth dischurch in the western hemisphere is in the town of leesberg, given to the methodist society in 1666 and the leesburg united method methodist church is the descendent. The pastor has provided 31 years of pastoral ministry in our commonwealth and serves the citizens and worshipers of our lord in the town of leesburg in central Loudoun County, with compassion and a true love of the lord and I ask that we give a warm House welcome to pastor wishmyer of leesburg.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Hanover, Mr. Peace.
Chris Peace
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for a request, a motion, and introduction.
[Unknown]
The gentleman has the
Chris Peace
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Floor. I ask that the clerk call up out of order House resolution 127. It's not on the calendar today.
[Unknown]
The clerk will record a resolution.
[Unknown]
House resolution number 127, commending debra of america.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Hanover .
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker, I move adoption of the resolution.
Bill Howell
Question zero an adoption of the resolution, as many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no. The resolution is adopted -- agreed to, the gentleman from Hanover .
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, joining us today in the gallery are representatives of debra of america. I would ask they please stand. They include the murray family in particular, joe murray, director of government and legal affairs for debra of america. They are here bringing aware toes to epidermic bilosa, eb, the worst disease you've never heard of. Eb is a rare genetic connective tissue order that affects one out of every 20 births in the united states, approximately 200 children a year are born with eb. There is no treatment and no cure. There are many againit o'clock and symptomatic variations of eb but I will share the prominent system of extremely fragile skin that blisters and tears from minor friction or trauma. The beautiful children are often known as butterfly children and I 'm particularly passionate about their cause, because of my son, Henry, who has eb simplex. The epidemic bilosa research american is the only just nonprofit supporting all inclusive support to the eb community, through research, and providing services for those with eb. Dbra wants to improve the quality of life for those living with eb., family and caregivers, through services and research and funding to find a cure for eb. I encourage you while you're on the floor today to take a look at their website, debra.Org and Mr. Speaker, I would ask the ladies and gentlemen of the House offer these fine folks a warm welcome to the capitol.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
We are pleased to have the visitors in the capitol today and we thank you for all that you do.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Richmond city, Ms. Carr.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for a request and for an introduction.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman has the floor.
[Unknown]
I request that the journal reflect that my seat mate, the Delegate from Chesapeake, is away today on pressing personal business.
Bill Howell
The journal will so reflect.
[Unknown]
Thank you. Now for the introduction?
[Unknown]
Today, members of the acupuncture society of Virginia hosted their first annual acupuncture open House at the general assembly, the acupuncturists, licensed by the board of medicine, spent the morning educating members and staff on acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine, the professionals work hard to uphold a high standards of ethics. Some of the members of the acupuncture society in Virginia May be present in the gallery, and I would ask them to stand, or in the capitol viewing rooms today, and I ask the House to give them a warm welcome. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Chesterfield, Ms. Robinson.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of an introduction.
[Unknown]
The gentlewoman has the
[Unknown]
Today in the gallery we floor. Have colleen jenkins, if she could stand, the great, great granddaughter of elizabeth caddy stanton, the intellectual powerhouse between the women's suffrage movement who is the author of the declaration of the sentiment. Colleen jenkins is cofounder and president of elizabeth caddy stanton trust, whose mission is to preserve the history of the women's rights movement to educate the public on this history, and to promote the advancement of women's rights. Ms. Jenkins is a resident of greenwich, connecticut who co-authored the book, 33 things every girl should know about women's history, and produced the television documentary, an american revolution, women take their place. I'd like the House to give her a warm House welcome.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
Very pleased to have you with us today, and hope you enjoy your time in the capitol.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Richmond city, Ms. Mcclellan.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for a request.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman has the floor.
Bill Howell
May the journal reflect my seat mate, the gentlewoman from Hampton, is away today due to pressing personal business.
Bill Howell
The journal will so reflect.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Fairfax, Mr. Plum.
Ken Plum
Plrks I rise for a point of personal privilege.
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Ken Plum
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, there was a rally in Fairfax last night, 500 people were at that rally, they were insisting that we in Fairfax fully fund our schools, and the only thing unusual about that rally I would suggest was the size of it, because the notion of fully investing in our public schools is something we hear across the commonwealth. I read it in the news clips every day, how local governments are struggling to make sure that our schools are fully funded. And I bring up the subject today, Mr. Speaker, because as we know, our prop operators are going to go to work and produce for us a document on Sunday, and I want to remind everyone that it's a top priority for the members of our communities, it's a top priority for the governor, as he reflected in the budget that he submitted, but also, to remind us that what's happened in the last decade in Virginia were past time in reversing, and what I am referring to is the tend he is we've had, as revenues have been tight, that not only have we reduced state funding for public education, because it is a fact that while we started off with a 50-50 balance between state and local government, it really now is a balance of 56 percent from your local division and the rest from the state. In fact, our own jloc found in the southeast, we are the least -- we provide the least amount of funding as a state for our public schools. What we've done in the past several years is we've been short of revenue, and we've also reduced our standards. If you take a look at 12 actions over the last half dozen years related to standards of quality, those measures that we make to say we're going to have a quality school, we made 12 reductions that amount to almost $2 billion. That's why it is then that when your local school divisions are having trouble balancing their budgets, they are having trouble balancing their budgets because, one, the revenue is tight at the local level, but two, the money coming from the state is not as bountiful as it might have been. So Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, I hope we will send a message to appropriators that let's make education a priority, and let's make it a priority in ways in which I think our voters, back in 1971, which when they added the assurance of public education and declaration of rights, and it is truly unique in Virginia that we have among our declaration of rights a provision for education, that they had in mind that the state be an equal partner. So my plea is we take the steps forward necessary to get Virginia back in the game, get us equally providing with our localities, our public if we want a new economy, we education. Want to be successful and so on, investing in kids is the way to go. So I hope it will be happening on Sunday, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Richmond city, Ms. Mcclellan.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for an introduction.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman has the floor.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, I rise to introduce the Virginia association of family and consumer services. Theebs members are educators, extension agents, administrators, and managers, health and human services experts, business professionals, researchers, community volunteer consultant, and pre-professional students. They have hosted the day at the general assembly for the last several years and viewed it as an educational opportunity for ad members and legislators. The professions also work with consumers, struggling with debt, obesity, safe food handling, preparation, and they teach strategies to create healthy and sustainable families. I would ask that they stand, and that the House will give them a warm, general assembly welcome.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
We are very pleased to have the visitors with us and we thank you for your advocacy.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Augusta, Mr. Landes.
Steve Landes
Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of an introduction.
Bill Howell
The gentleman May proceed.
Steve Landes
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, it's my pleasure today, and I 'm going to ask them to stand, we have with us members of the 25th House district advisory committee. I ask them to stand. This group, although small in number, is very important to me, because these citizens and other citizens that formed this group help to advise me on issues that they are concerned about and that the communities that I have to honor representing are concerned about. They had an opportunity to meet with the majority leader and he tells me they were asking some very tough questions, which is always good, and they are going to be here listening to our the House today. Discussions on the floor of so it's my pleasure to introduce them, I hope the House will give them a warm welcome.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentleman from stanton, Mr. Bell.
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker, I rise for a request and a point of personal privilege.
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Bill Howell
The request first, May the journal reflect my seat mate, the gentleman from Tazewell, is away on pressing personal business today.
Bill Howell
The journal will so reflect.
[Unknown]
And the point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker?
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker, every year, in the commonwealth, hundreds of young people age out of our foster care system. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma, and will turn 18 with no permanent family to help them as they become several House members this adults. Session, Delegate Lingamfelter, Delegate Peace and Delegate Toscano have been supporting of a proposed program called fostering futures. This is a transition to independence program that helps you to age out of foster care until they reach the age of 21. I supported this idea through my role on the state executive council, which unanimously voted to endorse fostering futures back in the fall of 2015. It's a smart investment. It's currently working in 30 other states and the district of columbia. It's an especially smart investment when you look at the results of no support for these kids. They have an increased chance of homelessness, unemployment, school dropout, and teen pregnancy. Often, these are kids who have chronic health and mental health needs, and we ask them at age 18 to navigate their own health care alone. We hear from smart, capable parents every day who are having trouble helping their older children transition to the adult mental health system. Imagine a young children with health needs having to do this on his or her own. Fostering futures would offer that young person critical casework support. This session, we've taken on important tasks to help Virginia thrive. We passed innovative economic development legislation. Reforms of the commonwealth was mental health system. And continued work to ensure our higher education system, including our wonderful community colleges, is the strongest in the country. Helping our youth who age out of foster care, however, is not some outlier effort here. The fostering futures initiative fits perfectly into all of our priority areas. Youth who would participate in the program must northbound school, in a job training program, or work in a stable job. Some of these young people are already working hard in our community colleges, wowrk force certification programs, but are often forced to dropout or take long absences because of struggles to maintain their housing and other basic needs. With the support that fostering futures could provide, these children could complete education and job training programs, on time, and then fill jobs in the sectors that Virginia needs to grow. The cost to us already in the introduced budget is just $1.9 million over the bi-enium. By support -- biennium. By supporting fostering futures we are adding to our priority initiatives. Youth who age out of foster care with no permanent family to help them but they should have us. These are our children. Virginia's children. And when we invest in their future, we are giving them the opportunity to realize the same basic dreams that we have for our own kids. We have the power to help them break the cycle and not fall victim to what they went through as children. They are absolutely a part of our important work to move Virginia forward. Fostering futures is not a lifetime investment. It's just for those few crucial years, from age 18-21. These few years, however, will bring both them and us a lifetime benefit by allowing these youth to become a productive part of our communities. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Hanover, Mr. Howell.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of an introduction.
[Unknown]
The gentleman has the
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, floor. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, visiting with us in the gallery today are the parents and teachers and students from liberty christian school in mechanicsville, Virginia and if they are still in the gallery, I would ask them to stand. Hello! There you go! Don't be bashful. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, Mr. Speaker, the liberty christian school is in mechanicsville, Virginia, established in 1961, and utilizes the bible as the foundation of learning and recognizes christ as the master teacher. At liberty christian, they strive to deliver a strong academic program while offering opportunities in the fine arts, their construct lum has been developed to meet the learning styles of all children. Their fine arts program trains the students to use their creativity for God 's glory. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, liberty christian school is fully accredited by the association of christian schools international, and they strive to provide a christ-centered educational program, focusing on spiritual growth and academic excellence which honors God in all respects. Mr. Speaker, members of the House, please, join Delegate Peace and myself in giving the parents and students and teachers from liberty christian school a warm House welcome.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
We are very pleased to have the students with us today and hope you enjoy your time in the capitol.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Fairfax, Mr. Sickles.
Mark Sickles
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for an introduction?
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Mark Sickles
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, here in the gallery today are members of the advisory board of the school of conflict, analysis and resolution at george Mason university. If they could stand. Dee and kevin avrock, if -- his program is committed to theory, research and practice that interrupt sierkels of violence, an innovative academic resource for people and institutions worldwide, it compromises of scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, organizations in the field of practitioners and Peace and conflict resolution. It is a commonwealth center of excellence, recognized for its leadership in the field, and has world-renowned faculty. If vinnie nimeromba could raise his hand, vinny just recently, and this is a testament to our small investment in his education, testified before the Senate foreign relations committee about the current unrest and unpleasantness in berundi, an example of the type of student that we are helping to send around the world to help in some of the world's most intractable problems, and I 'd also like to announce, Mr. Speaker, the newest member of the advisory board is here with us today, his name is the honorable rich Anderson, colonel Anderson 's career in the u.S. Air force included many, many Peace making operations, and that was basically his field of duty for many long periods of his career in the air force, I think it's fair to say, and he has joined the advisory board to help george mayes general do a better job in this area. So if we could give a warm round of applause to our folks from scar. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
We are pleased to have the visitors with us today. The gentleman from Portsmouth, Mr. James.
Matthew James
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise for a request?
Bill Howell
The gentleman May state it.
Matthew James
Let the journal reflect that my seat mate, the gentleman from Arlington, is away on pressing personal business.
Bill Howell
The journal will so reflect.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Virginia beach, Mr. Knight.
Barry Knight
Mr. Speaker, I rise for a
[Unknown]
The gentleman has the motion. Floor.
Barry Knight
On Page four of today's calendar, I move House bill 1191, by for the day.
Bill Howell
Without objection, House bill 1191, by for the day.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Scott, Mr. Kilgore.
Terry Kilgore
Mr. Speaker, I have two motion?
[Unknown]
The gentleman is on the floor.
Terry Kilgore
Mr. Speaker, on Page three, House bill 298, I ask that House bill 298 go by for the day.
Bill Howell
Without objection, House bill 298, by for the day.
[Unknown]
On Page four, Mr. Speaker, House bill 1305, go by for the day.
Bill Howell
Without objection, House bill 1305, by for the day.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Fairfax, Mr. Sullivan.
Rip Sullivan
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege?
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Rip Sullivan
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, we have given more than a few speeches on this side of the aisle recently during this session, touting the many new businesses that the governor has brought to Virginia. I know our friends on the other side of the aisle get it, and maybe they are even a little tired of hearing about but there is one different it. Angle on this I thought I would note for the group. Not only is the competition to attract business fierce, but other states are busy trying to poach our existing Virginia businesses. The competition to keep businesses from moving out of Virginia is equally fierce. Last week, governor mcauliffe announced a company named o power, a global leader in cloud-based software for the utility industry, and which was considering leaving Virginia, is going to stay in Arlington. It's going to invest 10 1/2 million dollars to expand its headquarters, yes, right in the heart of the 48th district. O power employs over 350 people and plans to add 70 new jobs, all of them paying well above the average wage in that region of the commonwealth. I will tell you, ladies and gentlemen, this was like an nfl free agent feeding frenzy. D.C. And maryland were all over o power, trying to entice the company across the river. Governor mcauliffe, using some commonwealth opportunity fund money and sweetened deal with support from the Virginia jobs investment program, and, of course, using his rather persuasive personality, he helped convince o power to stay here in Virginia. Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, o power is precisely the kind of company we need to keep to build the Virginia economy. Its enterprise software helps utilities deliver proactive digitical communication that is raise customer satisfaction, manage energy demand, and lower utility service costs. Its software is deployed in more than 95 utilities worldwide, and reaches more than 50 million homes and businesses. It is a leader in an industry that is vital to Virginia 's economy, and to its climate future as well, building a clean energy economy. We are glad they are staying, and that they will remain great Virginia and Arlington corporate citizens. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Sussex, Ms. Tyler.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for an introduction?
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman has the floor.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. In the gallery this morning, we have the senior class of sure county high school. If they would please stand. These students have traveled today from serry county to meet with their legislators and delegates, and to observe the general assembly process in the old Virginia way. Will the House please welcome them to the general assembly.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
Delighted to have the students from Surry today, we hope you enjoy your time in the capitol.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from Fairfax, Ms. Kory.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman has the floor.
[Unknown]
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House, I want to thank all of you for the donations that you have brought to my office for arc's food and clothing drive for the homeless. But today, I would also like to remind you of the unmet needs of many of the physically intellectually and disabled virginians whom arc represents. Ten thousand three hundred, to be exact. There are 10,300 disabled virginians, waiting for idd waivers, waiting for the community-based services that they need to avoid institutionalization and to become regularly contributing members of our society. We should be especially concerned about the disabled young people who are being March naturalized by this lack of community support. The food and clothing drive that arc has organized is a demonstration of the unrealized ability of that community to support those whose needs are even greater than their own. Food will be collected until the close of business tomorrow, and then on Friday, arc and volunteers will distribute it to the homeless in Richmond. Thank you very much, those of you who have already brought contributions, and those of you who haven't, 707! Bring your contributions. Thank you.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Virginia beach, Mr. Villanueva.
Ron Villanueva
Mr. Speaker, I rise for an announcement.
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Ron Villanueva
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, tonight is Virginia 's annual biotech reception, join the bioscience caucus as we meet with commonwealth leading researchers and bioscience companies who want to bring jobs to Virginia. Hope to see you all there tonight.
Bill Howell
Thank you. The gentleman from Norfolk, Mr. Lindsey.
Joe Lindsey
Mr. Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege.
[Unknown]
The gentleman has the
Joe Lindsey
In keeping with Black floor. History month, I commend to your knowledge journalists, businessmen, community leader, bernard young, senior. As he came to be known, he was often called the dean of the negro press. He was one of the foremost proponents of african-american advancement in the united states. His outlook on the situation of his race was similar to that of booker t. Washington. Young believed that blacks should take constructive matter -- take constructive, rather than confrontational approach, to improving their conditions. He advocated political solidarity, economic corporation, and educational development. Young was born in Halifax County, north carolina, on July 27, 1884. His father, winfield young, was the founder and publisher of a newspaper named the true reformer. Here, it was there that young assisted his father and cultivated his desire for a career in journalism. He attended saint agus een college in raleigh, north carolina and later moved to Norfolk, Virginia in 1907. His first job was as a reporter for the giddon lodge journal and guide, a fraternal publication. Young believed there was a strong need for a newspaper to serve the african-american community and recognized the potential of the giddon lodge journal and guide to fill this role. In 1910, the 27-year-old purchased a publication and subsequently renamed it the Norfolk journal and guide. He would spend the next 52 years developing it into what was widely considered to be the foremost publication of its kind in the country. Its circulation extended beyond tidewater, all the way to the western regions of the state. At one point, it was the single largest employer of african-americans in the entire south. His prominent position and keen intellect served him well and gained him respect of white and Black leaders in local, state and national stage. In 1943, he was appointed by Franklin roosevelt to the fair employment practices commission. Pb young was appointed to various state commissions and by four governors to serve on educational boards of several predominantly Black colleges, including howard university, Hampton institute, and Virginia state college. As an active community leader, young was the founding member of the Norfolk chapter of the naacp and was singularly instrumental in persuading the state to pay Black teachers the same salaries as their white counterparts. Notably, he chaired the Norfolk commission that planned slum clearance programs. One of his visionary redevelopment projects, young park, was named in his honor, as well as the elementary school. Upon his death on October 9, 1962, the Norfolk journal and guide was considered to be the best edited Black newspaper in the country. It was garnered by p.B. Young, senior, the editor of the -- sorry t. Garnered p.B. Young the editor of the year award for the national making it republishing association. Mr. Speaker, I commend that to your understanding. Thank you.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Rockbridge, Mr. Cline.
Ben Cline
[applause]
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege?
Ben Cline
The gentleman has the floor.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I think we would all agree, there is no group, citizens greater in our commonwealth than our veterans. They have served our country, and we have worked hard here in the House to make sure that they are taken care of and that resources -- resources are provided for them after they return home. Delegate Cox and Delegate Anderson, among the leaders in making sure that our veterans are provided for. So I was pleased when the Delegate from Culpeper, Delegate Freitas, made sure his very first bill was in response to this need and related to reforms to the veteran services foundation, a very important organization, and because it is so important, and because this was such a serious issue, I took it upon myself and other members, upon themselves, to ask very serious questions, very pointed and serious questions about this important organization, on behalf of myself and the veterans of my community, and most notably, my aunt betty, for whom this organization was very important. So -- but I was relieved and my concerns put at ease today when the Delegate presented me with a certificate noting that on behalf of the veterans services foundation, designating my aunt betty an honorary interested party associate, and with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto. So I want to thank the Delegate from Culpeper for such an important piece of legislation, and thank him for that presentation today.
[Unknown]
[applause]
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Frederick, Mr. Collins.
Chris Collins
Point of personal privilege?
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
Chris Collins
Ladies and gentlemen, I 'm disappointed at that last introduction with Delegate Freitas, that he left off his most recent accomplishments here in the city of Richmond. For those of you who are absent on social media, and I see several of you looking at me with deer in the headlight looks of what we are supposed to be clapping about, yesterday there was a hit and run with a pedestrian, a very serious accident, our fine Delegate from Culpeper was nearby and provided and rendered first aid in the street.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
And as you stated, no deed goes unturned. Someone stole his book bag in the process!
[Unknown]
So I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of this, I wanted to put it on the record, and I wanted to thank my fellow freshman Delegate from Culpeper for making of the rest of the freshman class look bad.
[Unknown]
[applause]
[Unknown]
Are there further motions or resolutions under rule 39?
Bill Howell
Gentleman from Charlottesville, Mr. Toscano.
David Toscano
Mr. Speaker, I rise for a brief point of personal privilege.
Bill Howell
The gentleman has the floor.
David Toscano
Thank you Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, we are now through crossover and about ready to move into the budget cycle and I just want to bring to the body's attention a couple of very important things that I hope we will remember as we go through this process. We're going to talk a lot about the importance of having a budget that is structurally sound and sustainable. The good news is that when governor mcauliffe put together his budget, he presented a conservative budget plan that actually has a revenue projection $750 million lower than what his advisers had given to him. Well, you might ask yourself, why is that important? The reason why is sometimes, occasionally we hear words that suggest that we May need to cut into the governor's budget. The governor's budget, again, is a conservative budget, based on projections at $750 million less than what his financial advisers are providing to him. A few minutes ago, the Delegate from Fairfax talked about the importance of education. Even with the conservative budget that the governor has proposed, he has placed very substantial investments in education, at all levels, to try to get us back to where we were pre-recession. He has done a number of other things in the budget, again, using these conservative assumptions. He has done something to alleviate the problems with the accelerated sales tax collection. He has fully funded the actuarial rate for state employees and teacher retirement funds in 2018 -- by 2018, two years ahead of schedule. He has paid for maintenance projects with cash and not debt. He has deposited or proposes to deposit $605 million into the revenue stabilization fund. He has fully funded -- proposed to fully fund the standards of quality and put more money into teachers' salaries and into schools. My friends, as we get through this budget cycle, let us not forget that the governor's budget is a conservative one. We shouldn't be cutting into it. The revenue suggests that we might be able to add a little more to it. Thank you Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House .
[Unknown]
Are there further motions or resolutions under rule 39? If not, the clerk will call the calendar.
[Unknown]
Calendar for the Virginia House of delegates for today, Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Page one of the printed calendar, Senate bills on third reading regular, Senate bills third reading regular, Senate bill 49 and on Page two of the printed calendar, Senate bill 610 and 715 have all been taken by for the day continuing with the calendar, Page three of the printed version, House bills on second reading uncontested calendar, two bills in this block, first up, House bill 859, a bill to amend and reenact a section of the code of Virginia relating to sales and use tax exemption, equipment used to make beer. Reported from the committee on finance.
Bill Howell
Gentleman from Augusta, Mr. Landes.
Steve Landes
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, House bill 859 clarifies an existing retail sales and use tax exemption for the manufacturing equipment and materials used in the commercial beer production. This legislation has no budget impact, and it will help maintain the competitiveness for Virginia 's craft beer industry. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House engross the bill and pass it to its third reading.
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker? Next up, House bill 884, a bill to amend and reenact several sections of the code of Virginia relating to Virginia research and development expenses, tax credits, report from the committee on finance, with a substitute.
Steve Landes
The gentleman from Fairfax, Mr. Hugo.
Tim Hugo
Mr. Speaker, I move the committee.
Bill Howell
The question is on adoption of the committee substitute. As many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no. The substitute is agreed to. The gentleman from Fairfax .
Tim Hugo
Mr. Speaker, encouraging r & d is an integrate component to attracting 21st century jobs in today's global economy. This bill does that. I appreciate all the groups supporting, everybody from bowing to dupont, general dynamics, hp, lockheed, chambers from northern Virginia to Hampton roads, Roanoke and everything in between. I appreciate all the efforts from members on both sides of the aisle, especially the chairman of finance and appropriations. Hope it be the will of the body to engross the bill and pass it to its third reading.
[Unknown]
Shall the bills be engrossed and passed to the as many as favor that motion third reading? Will say aye, those opposed, no. The bills are engrossed and passed to the third reading.
[Unknown]
Continuing with the calendar, Page three of the printed version, House bills on second reading, regular calendar, second reading, regular, first up, House bill 298, that's been taken by for the day. Page four, House bill 339, a bill to amend and reenact a section of the code of Virginia relating to recordation tax, exemption, report from the committee on finance.
Bill Howell
The gentlewoman from James city county, Ms. Pogge.
[Unknown]
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, House bill 339 provides that when a locality makes a loan to a low income borrower for the purposes of rehabilitation of the home, or to purchase a home, the recordation tax is waived. I move the bill be engrossed and passed to the third reading.
Bill Howell
Shall the bill be engrossed and passed to the third reading? As many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no.
[Unknown]
The bill is engrossed and passed to the third reading.
[Unknown]
House bills 1191, 1305, both have been taken by for the day. Accordingly, that completes today's calendar.
[Unknown]
Does the clerk have any 23450u7bs -- announcements or communications.
[Unknown]
No community -- communications. The meetings for this afternoon and tomorrow morning, the appropriations meeting has been canceled, so the first meeting this afternoon will be the courts of justice, civil law subcommittee, they will be meeting --
[Unknown]
Mr. Speaker?
[Unknown]
The civil court will meet in House room c, 30 minutes after. I'm looking at the Senate video, they are still in session, so we will go into session 30 minutes after but we have to have the senators here today. These are new bills so we have to hang around a little this afternoon. Thank you.
[Unknown]
That's in House roovment come. Courts of justice, civil law sub is half hour after adjournment when the Senate adjourns, in House room c, which is a change, not here in the capitol. Courts, criminal sub is canceled, the full courts committee meeting is canceled today.
[Unknown]
Next up would be the finance committee, subcommittee number two, they will be meeting half an hour after adjournment of the House in the fifth floor east conference of the gab, a change in time for finance sub number two. Then finance subcommittee number one will be meeting an hour after adjournment of the House, presumably immediately upon adjournment of the subcommittee number two, think in House room d.
[Unknown]
That's a change in time for finance subcommittee number two.
[Unknown]
Appropriations, ag, commerce, terknology, Greason 's committee, that's canceled today, that is canceled. They will be meeting up at -- next up, 3:30, crossover legislative process overview by Senate clerk staff, House clerk staff, and legislative services staff, for members, las, the public, anyone who might be interested to make sure we are in the same Page for the second half of this session. 4:00, counties cities and towns subcommittee number two, they will be meeting at four in seventh floor west conference room, and the rest of the afternoon meetings are canceled, ac & r's, national resources sub, that's been canceled, transportation sub four is canceled, as is hwi, subcommittee number three. So after the cc & t sub meeting at 4:00, the last meeting will be rural causing us, will meet at 5:00, third floor east conference room.
[Unknown]
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Thursday, February 18 in the morning, transportation subcommittee number threethat meeting has been canceled. So no sub three. The first up will be legislative caucus at 7:00, the sixth floor speaker's conference room, first legislative meeting, militia, police and public safety, 730 tomb time, subcommittee number two, 7:30, fourth floor conference room, Hampton roads caucus, 8:30, health, welfare and institutions, meeting downtears, House room d, across the Hall, transportation will be meeting, 8:30 a.M. In House room c. Hwi, subcommittee number two, they will be meeting immediately upon adjournment of the full committee, again in House room d, appropriations, public safety subcommittee, that's been canceled for tomorrow, and then at 10:30 a.M., there is a new committee, a new meeting for the committee on rules, 10:30, rules, sixth floor speaker's conference room. Finally, democratic caucus meets at 11:30 a.M. In House room two, republican caucus, 11:30, House room one. That completes the announcements I have at this time.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Colonial Heights Mr. Cox.
Kirk Cox
Mr. Speaker, I move when the House adjourn today it adjourn to reconvene tomorrow at 12:00 noon.
Bill Howell
The the gentleman from Colonial Heights Mr. Cox moves that when the House adjourn today it adjourn to reconvene tomorrow at 12:00 noon. As many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no.
Kirk Cox
That motion is agreed to.
Bill Howell
The gentleman from Colonial Heights Mr. Cox.
Kirk Cox
Mr. Speaker, I move the House do now adjourn.
[Unknown]
The gentleman from Colonial Heights Mr. Cox moves the House do now adjourn, as many as favor that motion will say aye, those opposed, no. That motion is agreed to, the House stands adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow. 12:00 noon tomorrow.