Successful Session; Strong Support
On Wednesday the General Assembly met in Richmond for their annual reconvened session. During that session the two chambers consider the Governor’s amendments and vetoes to previously passed legislation and the budget. The reconvened session produced the same result for the Governor as the regular session: broad success.
90 percent of the Governor’s legislative amendments and 76 percent of his budget amendments were passed by the Republican House and the Democratic Senate. Most notably, the General Assembly backed the Governor’s amendments to put more resources into private sector job-creation and economic development efforts, strengthen our state retirement system, help keep Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, give the Commonwealth an important, and long-sought after, seat on the Metro board, and support our state police and sheriffs.
The Governor’s success in the reconvened session was a continuation of his victories in the regular session when 92% of his legislative proposals were approved. As Governor, Bob McDonnell has reduced state spending to 2006/7 levels cutting $6 billion; rejected a nearly $2 billion tax increase; put policies in place to help Virginians attract and create thousands of private sector jobs, with the state unemployment rate falling from 7.2% in February 2010 to 6.4% today; made the largest investment in transportation in a generation; and made college more accessible and affordable for Virginia students.
That record of results is resonating.
A new poll out yesterday finds the Governor enjoying an impressive 66% approval rating!
Governor McDonnell is keeping his campaign promises, bringing Virginians together, and getting results. More Virginians are working again. He balanced the budget through cutting billions in spending, and not raising taxes. Virginia is on the move. And your tremendous support has been crucial every step of the way. Now, let’s keep it going!
Thank you very much for your continued support.
Phil Cox
Opportunity Virginia PAC