January 17, 2019

Ruff

Frank M. Ruff 

15th District

Senate of Virginia 


400 YEARS!

 

     Four hundred years ago, the first Virginia General Assembly met in Jamestown, becoming the oldest continuously running legislative body in the New World. For eighty years, they continued to meet in Jamestown; then for another 81 years in Williamsburg. In 1780, then Governor Thomas Jefferson convinced the General Assembly to move away from the mosquito- infested area to the more centrally located Richmond. To mark this achievement, there will be celebrations during the course of the year. You can learn more about them by going to www.americanevolution2019.com .

     Some things have changed over the course of the intervening years. Then, there was a single legislative body, where the members were elected to what were then called "Burgesses."  Today we have both a House of Delegates and a State Senate. Just as the Burgesses were elected by a vote of the people, today we are also. Of course, because of population growth, the districts are much larger today, with each of the Senate districts now representing almost a quarter of a million people.

    Legislative proposals are pouring in to be considered over the next six weeks. We will be pressed to give each proposal the full consideration and attention it requires. Therefore, we must focus on those proposals that will directly affect the lives of the most Virginians, especially those in our district. As I see it, these following areas are the most important during the course of this legislative session.

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LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS        


1. Taxes
     Because of the Trump tax cuts and policy changes in filing requirements, most constituents will see a lower federal tax bill. However, unless we change Virginia's tax policy, many will have to pay more in state taxes - to the tune of $1.2 billion dollars. My goal is to make sure that each of you receives your fair share of those extra dollars that rightly belong to the taxpayers of Virginia.

      Additionally, because of a recent Supreme Court ruling, sales taxes that Virginians were supposed to be paying on items they bought on-line will probably be collected from the seller. This system of taxing will be handled similarly to the taxing of local retailers.

2.  Economic Development and Jobs
     Because job creation is what drives a growing and prosperous economy, I proposed legislation to deal with the great untapped tax revenue that will be coming to Virginia from the expansion of the eCommerce giant, Amazon.

     To fill those jobs and skilled positions, the Assembly has proposed legislation to better address how we will train for those high-demand skills. These proposals will build on the fast track training I pushed through a couple of years ago.

3.  Broadband Internet Service
     Finally, many are beginning to understand that Internet connections are as important today as electrical power was in the early 1900's.

4. Election Reform
     For far too long, the issue of having fair, free, and honest elections has been ignored. After an independent study clearly proved that actions were taken to help one party over another, it is time to make the process of elections and drawing district lines fair to all Americans.

5. Additional Reform
     In the realm of foster care, after careful study, we now know that Virginia does not do so well in serving those young people that have been split from their family. Many of us are committed to making needed changes. Additionally, I committed to reducing some of the unneeded regulations to operate a business in Virginia.

     There are many other issues that other legislators will choose to focus on. It is impossible for one legislator to focus on the myriad of issues that affect the entire Commonwealth. This year, I will focus most on the above, as well as work on the budget and determine how we will deal with your tax dollars.

 
WELCOME TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WEBSITE!   
 

     This link will allow you to watch the Session and Standing Committee meetings online, track legislation, and much more!
 
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  
 
     
     You can reach us at Sen.Ruff@verizon.net 804-698-7515 or P.O. Box 332, Clarksville, VA  23927. 
 
JOKE OF THE WEEK  
 
       
Jesters Cap 
 
Why can't you tell secrets on a farm?

Because the corn has ears and the potatoes have eyes!

 

    Warmest regards,    

Frank

Frank M. Ruff

15th District

Senate of Virginia

 

Authorized and paid for by Ruff for Senate