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2017 Session Update - Week 1
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"If men were angels, no government would be necessary." -James Madison 1788
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Dear Friends,
The first week of the Virginia General Assembly 2017 Legislative Session has come to a close. We've had a packed, productive week! We began our first day at the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast, c
onnecting with friends and colleagues across Virginia, turning our eyes toward God as we strive to work together toward worthy, common goals. The Senate Republican Caucus also welcomed our newest member, Senator Mark Peake. Finally, we ended the day with the Governor's State of the Commonwealth Address. A great start to session!
Throughout the pre-session season, I’ve sought feedback from constituents on which issues top their list of concerns. Unsurprisingly, the economy far and away continues to be the number one issue of respondents in my district. Although there are many important issues we will address in the General Assembly, the average Virginian is most concerned about providing for themselves and their families.
Therefore, as I mentioned in
my update on the first day of session, my focus will continue t
o be practical ways to boost the economy and Virginia businesses, by furthering an environment in which businesses large and small may thrive, employing more Virginians along the way. Additionally, I will introduce election reform legislation, recognizing the political diversity of the Commonwealth while maintaining the integrity of the electoral college.
This week, one of my committees has met to hear bill presenations, we've had numerous constituent meetings, and I and my fellow legislators have been finalizing our bills for today's deadline. A very full week!
Thank you for the privilege of serving as the Senator from the eleventh senatorial district. I look forward to hearing from you or visiting with you this session!
Sincerely,
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2017 Legislative Goals - Senator Amanda Chase
- Ease the tax burden on small businesses during their first five years, statistically the most difficult years for any new business.
- Reform the gross receipts tax so that businesses are taxed on their net, not their gross receipts
- Lowering our corporate tax rate to 2.5% in order to be more competitive with bordering states
- Address regulatory reform and reducing red tape in order to lessen unnecessary burdens on financial and human resources for both the government and businesses
- Requiring a photo I.D. for absentee ballot voters to limit fraud
- Requiring third party groups to register with the State Board of Elections for transparency and accountability
- Limiting members of the General Assembly to twelve years per office
- Increasing the residency requirement from five to eight years for candidates for Governor
- Reforming how the Commonwealth allocates its 13 electoral votes to better reflect the political diversity of Virginians
- Upholding our Second Amendment rights
- Supporting education and innovative solutions for increasing success for our students
- Efficiency, accountability, and transparency will continue to be focus points for my initiatives
P.S. For a complete list of my bills,
click HERE.
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Senator Chase serves on the following committees:
Health and Education
Transportation
Local Governments
Privileges and Elections
And subcommittees:
Certificate of Public Need
Higher Education
Commissions:
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Economic Opportunity for Virginians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities (Vice-Chair)
Civics Education
Joint Subcommittee on Block Grants
**2016 American Conservative Union Ratings Award recipient**
**2016 Legislator of the Year Award from the Treasurers' Association of Virginia**
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2017 Legislative Session Fast Facts:
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Short Session - 45 days, as opposed to Long Session of 60 days
Last session was a budget year - this session we have to amend in order to adjust for the budget shortfall
- The "Current Chamber Status" of the House and Senate can be viewed from this helpful link, as well as by the video streams for the House and Senate.
- You can find out who your legislators are by using the "Who's My Legislator?" service. Tips on communicating with your legislators are available.
- There are several ways to track a bill. The Virginia General Assembly Citizen Involvement page also contains a broad overview of the different ways citizens can participate in the legislative process.
- A session calendar of legislative deadlines, dates, and times along with the corresponding procedural resolution is available at the Virginia General Assembly Session Schedules page.
- The Capitol is located in Richmond, VA, near the Broad Street exit off of I-95. The physical address is 1000 Bank Street Richmond, VA 23219. For specific directions, please call (804) 698-1788 or see their visitor information for details
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In the News:
Virginia Tea Party Federation Awards Senator Amanda Chase with Highest Score in the Virginia General Assembly!
See additional news stories HERE!
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Great visit with students representing the Career and Technical Student Organization
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So thankful for my incredible interns!
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State of the Commonwealth Address
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The Republican Senate Caucus welcomed our newest member, Senator Mark Peake!
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Cut to the Chase Radio:
I want to thank Martha Boneta for her willingness to guest host my radio show during session! I will call in when I am able to give firsthand updates on session, but stay tuned for all the amazing guests Martha has in store!
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Be sure and tune in to
Cut to the Chase with Senator Chase
Each week we'll be discussing the issues and concerns of our district and the Commonwealth. You can join in the discussion by calling in to
(804) 454-1366
with your questions!
Upcoming shows:
Session Updates with Martha Boneta
Find the Full Show Archive at:
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Thursday, January 5, 2017 - Senator Chase discusses the upcoming legislative session, with guests Martha Boneta and former Del. Chris Saxman.
Thursday, December 29, 2016 - Senator Chase outlines and discusses the legislation she will introduce during the upcoming session.
Thursday, December 22, 2016 - Energy in Virginia, with guest Dan Weekley, VP of Corporate Affairs for Dominion Power - Part 2.
Thursday, December 15, 2016 - Energy in Virginia, with guest Dan Weekley, VP of Corporate Affairs for Dominion Power.
Thursday, December 8, 2016 - Article V Convention of the States, with guests Tamara Colbert of Convention of the States Action and Robert Brown, a constitutional scholar.
Thursday, December 1, 2016 - Education in the Commonwealth, with guests former VA Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson, and Craig DiSesa of Middle Resolution.
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Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Amanda Chase
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