RestonWeb

[Bob Bruhns]

I received this by e-mail from Virginia Delegate Tom Rust.
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Rust Report
February 20, 2009

Last week in the Rust Report, I had the opportunity to expand on the legislation that I offered this session. Since last week, I have been fortunate that many of my bills have been progressing through the legislative process in the Senate of Virginia. Three bills (HB 1725, HB 2022, and HB 2023) have now been agreed upon by both bodies. This week, I wanted to take some time to highlight other pieces of legislation which I supported and voted for in committee and on the floor of the House.

Economic Recovery

A subject that has been a catalyst for our actions has been economic recovery and job creation. As such, I am pleased to have supported the following bills which have passed the House. I was a co-patron of HB 2575 which extends by 10 years the successful major business facility job tax credit, which will promote job creation in the private sector. I was also a co-patron of HB 2550 which provides innovative financing for large, job-creating economic development projects that create over 400 new jobs and invest over $250 million in Virginia communities. HB 2583 retains a portion of the state revenue holdings in Virginia financial institutions, increasing their capital holdings by almost $400 million which they can reinvest in local jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Economic Security

To foster a more secure economic climate, the House passed HB 1938, of which I was a co-patron, which increases the amount of the livable tax credit to $2,000 for Virginians purchasing a new home or retrofitting an existing residency to improve accessibility. I also voted for House Joint Resolution 647 which increases the amount that can be appropriated to the Rainy Day Fund to strengthen Virginia's ability to effectively weather future economic downturns.

Energy Independence

In additional to Economic Interest, many constituents have contacted me about energy independence and alternative resources. You may remember that I introduced two bills which related to energy independence. HB 2151 dealt with Energy Saving Schools and HB 2152 which is currently in the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor provides relief for capacity charges that discourage renewable energy generation without increasing the cost to energy consumers.
Additionally, I have supported numerous energy bills that have passed the House. I co-patroned HB 2404 which creates the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation to assist in identifying and administering the development of alternative energy sources to create jobs and promote energy independence.
HB 2172, which I supported in both committee and on the floor, streamlines the regulatory process for renewable energy generation projects so they can be connected more easily into the existing electrical grid for aid in addressing overall energy demand through the use of alternative energy resources.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

I have received many questions about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As you know that act was handled at the federal level and no member of the General Assembly votes on the measure; however, its ramifications certainly affect the state budget. The plan provides short term revenue that will fill holes in proposed current state reductions. In this current economic environment we are trying to continue to be good stewards of funds so we can make sure Virginia remains the best managed state in the United States.

Visitors

This week we had numerous visitors at the Capitol including students from the University of Virginia, the Northern Virginia Health Care System, and Leadership Loudoun.

Next week will be the last week of the regular session here is Richmond. Please feel free to contact me here in Richmond at with any questions or concerns at 804-698-1086 or via e-mail at DelTRust@house.state.va.us or you can contact my Herndon office anytime at 703-437-9400.

Warm regards,

Tom Rust
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Government debt and deficits are robbing your children, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren. http://www.usdebtclock.org/