2011 Post-Legislative Session Update

I am pleased to report that this year's legislative session went well, with Republicans and Democrats in the legislature and the Governor forging a spirit of compromise.  I worked hard on your behalf and, although still in my first term, was one of only two legislators in the General Assembly to get 20 bills passed.

As always, much of the focus was on the biennial budget.  We protected education, public safety, and human services from major cuts while also putting aside more money in the Rainy Day Fund and addressing our shortfall in the Virginia Retirement System – all without increasing taxes.

There was much debate about how to spend the few additional dollars available, but in the end we found balance and compromise – a Virginia tradition – leading to historic unanimous votes for the budget in both the House and Senate.  Prince William Senator Chuck Colgan, chair of the Finance Committee, was again instrumental in getting a solid, balanced budget passed.  If only other governments would work this well together!

I was able to get several significant initiatives passed this year.  They include action to promote economic development, protect victims of domestic violence, ensure that employees of state contractors are here legally, and save the state $2 million while protecting local education funding.  I also carried legislation to implement the two constitutional amendments I sponsored and you approved last November, which increase fiscal responsibility and provide tax relief flexibility.

I partnered with Republicans to put those changes into action, building bipartisan support for each.  In addition, I carried three bills for the McDonnell administration to improve the social services system.  All were approved by the General Assembly.

I am now back in Northern Virginia, and am up for re-election this November.  I hope to see many of you before then.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorbarker@gmail.com or (703) 303-1426.  Thank you for letting me represent you for the past four years, for your interest in state government, and for being an informed, active, and engaged citizen.

-- George