HB10 re: Taxes — SUPPORT

BPOL tax; maximum fee and tax rates established by a locality.

This bill supports Va Small Business. The bill makes changes to business taxes that are highly punitive to start up and small businesses as the tax is currently charged on gross receipts. A business owes these taxes regardless of their profitability.  The business community has been trying to change this tax for years.

HB27 re: Cap and Trade / Agenda 21 — SUPPORT

Residential energy efficiency standards; exempts certain homes from federal cap & trade legislation.

By supporting this bill we oppose Federal Law being imposed by unelected bureaucrats in Washington. It will exempt Virginians from very expensive EPA / Cap and Trade efficiency standards being applied to private residences.  See this impact statement for more detail.

HB33 re: Preserves VA “Right to Work” — SUPPORT

Public procurement; state agency agreements with labor organizations.

VA is a Right to Work State. Residents of VA can not be forced to join a union to get or keep a job.  This law reaffirms that fact. With this law no public works contracts can have a union labor requirement.

HB73 re: Welfare costs and eligibility — SUPPORT

VIEW; substance abuse screening and assessment of public assistance applicants and recipients.

This law requires drug testing in order to receive welfare benefits in Virginia. TANF benefits can be denied for one year if a person tests positive for the use of illegal substances or refuses to take a drug test.

HB264 re: Health Care in Virginia — SUPPORT

Interstate Health Care Compact; established.

By joining this Compact Virginia will become part of a national Health Care Compact. (4 States have already passed this Compact into law.)  The Compact must be approved by Congress to take effect. Once approved by Congress, Virginia will be free to design her own Health Care program.

The CoLA committee is prepared to fight for a free market system that will put health care decisions back in the hands of the patient and Doctor.

HB472 re: Immigration — SUPPORT

Immigration query at arrest; law-enforcement officer to determine status after lawful traffic stop.

The title of this bill is self explanatory. It is estimated welfare programs available to Illegal immigrants costs Virginia taxpayers 1.7 Billion a year.

HB631 re: Rule of law — SUPPORT

Application of foreign law in Virginia courts.

Provides that court decisions and contracts and other agreements will be void as violative of the public policy of the Commonwealth where such decisions or contracts are based on foreign law. The Virginia system of justice is based on the US and Virginia Constitutions; both documents include provisions for amending if a group desires change.

HB869 re: UN Agenda 21 — SUPPORT

Urban development areas; makes incorporation optional rather than mandatory for all localities.

This law changes existing law to remove mandated Urban Developments by making them optional at the local level.

HB912 re: Federal Government Commerce Clause abuse — SUPPORT

Virginia Intrastate Commerce Act.

Declares that all goods grown, manufactured, or made in the Commonwealth of Virginia and all services performed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, when such goods or services are sold, maintained, or retained in the Commonwealth of Virginia on or after July 1, 2012, shall not be subject to the authority of the Congress of the United States under its constitutional power to regulate commerce among the several states. This bill combats abuse of the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution by Federal lawmakers and unelected regulatory bodies.

HB1084  re: Voter Fraud / Immigration — SUPPORT

Voter identification requirements; photo ID; provisional ballots.

Requires photo ID at the polls. This bill would be a major step toward fighting the existing voter fraud in Virginia.

HB1129 re: Virginia Retirement Fund — SUPPORT

Virginia Retirement System; modifies several provisions of defined benefit retirement plan.

Help to control the unsustainable growth in tax payer liability for Virginia’s public retirement system.

HB1130 re: Virginia Retirement Fund — SUPPORT

Virginia Retirement System; new optional hybrid retirement plan created.

Defined contribution plan is the best option to control costs. This helps.

HB1160 re: Unlawful Detention of US Citizens — SUPPORT

Unlawful detention of U.S. citizens; prevents any agency, etc., from assisting in investigation.

Prevents any agency, political subdivision, employee, or member of the military of Virginia from assisting an agency or the armed forces of the United States in the investigation, prosecution, or detainment of a United States citizen in violation of the Constitution of Virginia.

HJ3 re: Eminent Domain powers of Virginia State Government — SUPPORT

Constitutional amendment; taking or damaging of private property for public use (second reference).

An amendment to the VA Constitution to protect the property rights of Virginians. Passage of this amendment would place it on the November 2012 ballot.

OPPOSE:

HB354 re: UN Agenda 21 — OPPOSE

Benefit limited liability companies; purpose is to create general public benefit.

Legislation establishing Benefit Corporations (B corporations) passed unanimously in 2011. HB 354 establishes LLC Benefit Corporations. Learn about B Corporations here.   The originator and force behind this concept is “B Labs”.  Check out the descriptions of B Corporations currently established.

HB657 re: UN Agenda 21, Cap and Trade — OPPOSE

Renewable energy portfolio standard program; adjusts mix of energy sources that qualify.

Increases the requirement for power generation from renewable sources to 20% by 2017 and to 40% by 2023 (FYI…..nuclear no longer qualifies)

HB802 re: Taxes — OPPOSE

Virginia Pump Toll; established.

Proposes huge gas taxes………..

SB131 re: School choice — OPPOSE

Income tax, corporate; educational improvement scholarships credit.

See attachments to the Action Alert requesting calls to Senator Stanley to substitute model Cato language. The attachments give simple, easy to understand, differences between this bill and a good UNIVERSAL Education Tax Credit. A good tax credit program is available to anyone (Universal), is 100% deductible, gives parents choice and ultimately promotes competition between schools. SB 131 is so limited that it is meaningless. If they can’t pass a better bill this year…why think they can improve this next year…and the next year etc. etc.

SB188 re: Potential election fraud — OPPOSE

Absentee voting; application by electronic mail or other electronic means.

This bill would begin the set up for an Internet system for voting in VA. Combined with other proposed bills, which would allow no-excuse absentee voting, it would not be long before we are like other states where a majority of votes are in before election day. The potential for election fraud is enormous.

SB241 re: Education Tax Credits — OPPOSE

Tax credits; businesses providing assistance to low-income families, etc., in private schools.

This bill is a monster. If it were to pass, the school tax credit system would be administered by the Dept. of Education.

SB493 re: UN Agenda 21 — OPPOSE

Electric and natural gas utilities; energy efficiency programs.

Includes “Customer Engagement Programs”, the new name for “smart meters”.

Cuccinelli: “I encourage voters across the 22nd District to join me in supporting Tom Garrett for State Senate”
August 12, 2011

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF KEN CUCCINELLI’S STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY ON HIS ENDORSEMENT OF TOM GARRETT:

I am proud to announce my support and endorsement for my friend Tom Garrett in the 22nd District State Senate race. It is my firm belief that Tom has the experience, judgment and temperament to make an outstanding state senator.  Further, Tom is a strong constitutional conservative with a proven record that is unmatched in this race.

I do not make this endorsement lightly.  There are many fine candidates in this race, however, none have proven themselves to be leaders in protecting and defending the laws and constitutions of Virginia and the United States like Tom Garrett.

Tom is well known for taking stands on issues he believes in.  During my race for the nomination for Attorney General in 2009, Tom Garrett was the sole prosecutor to back me during the nomination.  Not only did he back my candidacy, but he also worked tirelessly during the general election to help with the Melendez-Diaz special session, which resulted in closing a loophole that allowed drunk drivers to get off scot-free.

The Commonwealth Attorney’s office managed by Tom Garrett is recognized for having the ‘gold standard’ in protecting children from child predators and pornographers.  His office is so well recognized for their work that child predators actually avoid Louisa County.  His extraordinary leadership in the Commonwealth Attorney’s office is evidence of how he will lead in the State Senate.

Tom Garrett has proven time and time again that he possesses the work ethic necessary to win tough elections.  He became the Commonwealth Attorney in Louisa through hard grassroots campaigning and unseated an entrenched incumbent.  His willingness to take chances and do the right thing is an important asset to our cause.

It is Tom’s proven record of accomplishments, his unwavering conservative values and unquestionably strong work ethic which leads me to making this endorsement.  I encourage voters across the 22nd District to join me in supporting Tom Garrett for State Senate.

Garrett issued the following statement,

We are proud to have earned the endorsement of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  Ken Cuccinelli has been a steadfast voice for Virginia Conservatives for the last decade.  Today Ken told the voters of the 22nd District that we share his values.  I genuinely want to serve in Richmond to continue Ken’s legacy of strong Constitutional, Christian, Conservative voice in the Virginia State Senate.  If the voters of the 22nd want to send a Cuccinelli Conservative to the Senate, I am asking for their support.”

The 22nd Senate district includes parts of Lynchburg and Louisa, as well as all of the counties of Goochland, Fluvanna, Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edward, Appomattox, Amherst, and the Town of Farmville.  There is no incumbent Senator in this district, which was shifted from Roanoke area eastward due to redistricting that coincided with the 2010 Census.

Image to promote Tom Garrett:
If you click the image you can then Right Click and save as.

VTPP Statement Opposing Mandated Insurance Coverage In Virginia

February 1, 2011 – RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia House of Delegates debated HB2467.  This bill would impose mandated coverage for autism spectrum disorder on insurance plans for most businesses across Virginia.   The bill passed its second reading by voice vote on Tuesday afternoon.

Mark Kevin Lloyd, Chairman of the Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation, released the following statement:

“This is a misguided attempt by Speaker William Howell and a majority of his colleagues in the House of Delegates use government as a tool for compassion.  By doing so they ignore the will of the people and, in particular, the Tea Party by anonymously voting in support of more big government mandates. It appears they are turning a deaf ear to citizens of the Commonwealth after the overwhelming rejection of health care mandates in the form of ObamaCare.

If passed, HB2467 does nothing to stop a full-on expansion of this coverage, as well as any other mandated coverage the state sees fit, in the near future.  This creates a slippery slope to a nanny-state type of government, eroding away the freedom of choice and autonomy that businesses and individuals enjoy today.

As a conservative and a patriot interested in limited government, I am opposed to this type of government intrusion into the daily personal and business decisions of all Virginians.”

Autism is certainly a heartbreaking condition and the treatments are a terrible financial strain for many families.  The concern of the Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation with this bill is the inappropriate use of government. There is nothing stopping individual insurance companies from adding this coverage themselves as part of free market competition.  Virginia, and our nation, has a history of private individuals and groups assisting those who are in unfortunate circumstances.  Government is not an arm of compassion, and no matter how well intended, can never replace faith-based and private initiatives.

In 2010, the Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation played a significant role in securing the passage of the Health Care Freedom Act which made it illegal to mandate individuals to purchase health insurance.

——-END RELEASE——–

January 31, 2011                                                                                     (434) 942-3636

mklloydva@gmail.com

Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation Agrees
that State Government Should Get out of the Liquor Business

Let free markets and competition rule in Virginia

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation endorses Governor Bob McDonnell’s effort to privatize the 76-year-old state-run monopoly on the sale of distilled spirits. Legislation to privatize both retail sales and wholesales of a legal product out of the hands of state government has been introduced by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg).

This practical piece of legislation will allow the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to focus on the core function of enforcing liquor laws and preventing sales of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The Federation supports Senator Obenshain’s proposal to privatize both the wholesale and retail components of ABC where free markets and competition can truly thrive. The legislation advanced by the Governor gets the state out of a business it never should have been in in the first place.

“Currently, ABC is in a conflicted position as a state agency that both regulates and competes with privately owned businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Mark Lloyd, Chairman-Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation. “It must be nice to have that competitive advantage in the marketplace. This policy will lead to more private sector jobs and higher revenues for the state government.”

The Federation will be contacting legislators to encourage their support of SB 1272 and we will monitor their votes on this important initiative that demonstrates a commitment to the free market and smaller government. A vote for ABC privatization is a vote for focusing government on its core functions and bringing conservative principles back to Richmond.

###

Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation:

Virginia Tea Party Patriots (VTPP) is a statewide federation of local, non-partisan Tea Party and Patriot groups established to advance and strengthen the founding principles and rights predicated in the U.S. Constitution and the Virginia Constitution. Our mission is to encourage and facilitate citizen participation in the political process and empower all citizens with a voice and influence in demanding Constitutional governance and fiscal restraint.

Helping you Decode the Presidents State of The Union Speech.

By Kurt Feigel

Lynchburg Tea Party Vice Chair

Most Americans couldn’t stomach the idea of listening to the state of the union speech. So I’ve undertaken the daunting task of decoding the speech from the written transcript found at NPR.

It’s understandable why most people would skip this staged absurdity.

When Joe Wilson 2 years ago yelled “you lie”! we had no idea how prophetic his words were.

The Nation:

“That’s what helps set us apart as a nation” The President said referring to the “differences over the past two years”. Ironic because this is the state of the “Union” and we couldn’t be more divided. Obama’s most annoying ploy during this speech is his frequent attempt to tout our national exceptionalism, something he doesn’t believe in and something he disdains!

“That, too, is what sets us apart as a nation.”

Unity:

A frequent trend in this speech was Obama’s use of terms expressing the desire for unity. He wants a “new era of cooperation” and is hoping we can “work together tomorrow” and “that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties” or “support from Democrats and Republicans”. This theme continued with “We will move forward together, or not at all “ and begs the question if “not at all” is the tone of the new “civility” we’ve heard so much about recently?

This little bit of baloney wasn’t all bad, “after all, we just had an election.” Yes, and Mr. President YOU LOST…but thanks for the reminder. It’s always good to revel in our victory over your forces of evil.

Why are we always told we need to “reach across the aisle”? The end result is that we end up capitulating to the demands of the enemies of Liberty.

Jobs:

“…whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else. “ this fails to explain WHY businesses are leaving…that would be overburdensome policies coming out of D.C. For $500 Alex “…industry of our people is rewarded.” This is insulting on so many levels because BHO does not believe this. He and his crony friends in the White House HATE the industrious nature of the American worker.

Taxes:

Obama had the nerve to take credit for the tax cuts that Republicans forced the administration to pass in December, “Thanks to the tax cuts we passed, Americans’ paychecks are a little bigger today.”

Here he tells the biggest lie of the night, “the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. “ This is a lie because he doesn’t believe one word of it.

Sacrifice:

On to Obama’s favorite mantras; Sacrifice, “It has required each generation to sacrifice, and struggle, and meet the demands of a new age.” And thrill of thrills “And now it’s our turn.” followed by the next big lie of the night “out-build the rest of the world.” This is a lie because every day we are told what an evil nation we are for consuming so much. If we build, we consume.

Hey Mr. President, Are you sacrificing when you and your wife take +$1 Million dollar trips all over the world?

Free Markets:

“Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation.” Not a truer statement has been said and not a bigger lie for our President. He hates the free enterprise system. Hates innovation that didn’t originate with the government(none ever does). He starts off touting “free enterprise” but then goes on to attack it by stating we must“provide[d] cutting-edge scientists and inventors with the support that they need…an investment that will strengthen our security, protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people.”

Next Obama shows how little he knows about supply and demand by declaring that America will “become the first country to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.” To accomplish this we are already hearing of stories of “incentives” for consumers to buy these electric vehicles.

He doesn’t understand that our national power grid is over taxed either. That monopolistic control at the local level has hindered the “innovation” he keeps talking about. “I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources.” We have a clean energy source…it’s called Nuclear power. Not one nuke plant has been built In over 20 years.

“We need to get behind this innovation. And to help pay for it, I’m asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies…So instead of subsidizing yesterday’s energy, let’s invest in tomorrow’s.”

I personally don’t have a problem taxing big oil. But for some reason Obama thinks that a “tax cut” is a “gift”

“By 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources. “ He can dream big, after all, he is single handedly making Oil cost more by restricting our ability to drill for it at every turn. “Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal and natural gas. “ Any guesses which ones will get the nod and which ones will get the axe?

But He doesn’t understand any of this. When was the last time BHO has had to write a check for his power? When has this Ruling Class Elitist been made to pay for the heat he enjoys? Come to think of it, when has Obama worked an honest day in his life?

Education:

After rambling about how the world has changed he touts China’s innovation and how they are “educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on math and science. “

“we also have to win the race to educate our kids…as many as a quarter of our students aren’t even finishing high school. “ Never mind, the FACT that we spend more than most rich nations on education and get little to nothing for it.

And what political party controls the education system in America? That would be the Democrats.

Talking of American students “We need to teach them that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.” Funny, coming from a guy who is standing where he is not because of “hard work and discipline” but from “fame” and “PR”.

He goes on to tout another idea from the treasure trove of new idiotic ideas “Race to the Top should be the approach we follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that’s more flexible and focused on what’s best for our kids.” I remember when the disaster know as “No Child Left Behind” was passed by guys like Ted Kennedy. How it was supposed to do all these great things to bring standards into our education system…6 years later and full of failure we’ve got a new program that is supposed to save the day. New name…same trash.

Never one to let his Union thug friends miss out on the bennies, “ we want to prepare 100,000 new teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering and math. “ and the laughable “We want to reward good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones.” I’d like to see you enforce that on the teachers unions.

Illegal Immigration:

“Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens…They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag” Sorry Mr. President, I grew up in California, The only flag they are pledging allegiance to is the Mexican flag.

He pauses here to reiterate his unity plan “am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats…let’s agree to make that effort. “ LETS NOT!

Infrastructure:

“Our infrastructure used to be the best, but our lead has slipped. South Korean homes now have greater Internet access than we do. “ This is the first time I agree with what he says. Our Internet infrastructure is slipping. However, I don’t think it is the roll of government to innovate here. It is the roll of government to get out of the way and let the industry fix this problem.

“So over the last two years, we’ve begun rebuilding for the 21st century, a project that has meant thousands of good jobs for the hard-hit construction industry. And tonight, I’m proposing that we redouble those efforts. “ It didn’t work for the last 2 years…but I’m sure it will work this time right?

“We’ll make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and pick projects based [on] what’s best for the economy, not politicians.” And pigs can fly!

“Within the next five years, we’ll make it possible” No, if it happens, private companies will make this possible. “for businesses to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98 percent of all Americans. “ are you going to give everyone a phone? “ But to help our companies compete, we also have to knock down barriers that stand in the way of their success.” Like your administrations idiotic policies? Or is this more crony capitalism?

Health Care:

“We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses. “ Referring to the 1099 requirements built into the new health care law…If the President and Congress had read the stupid law they would have known what was it.

We told them it was…they didn’t listen. So now “we” have to fix it.

“So I say to this chamber tonight, instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let’s fix what needs fixing and let’s move forward. “ Don’t touch my baby!

Debt:

I’m not sure if this was a joke or a serious statement, “We need to take responsibility for our deficit and reform our government.”

“Now, the final critical step in winning the future is to make sure we aren’t buried under a mountain of debt.” Oh now you care about spending too much money? “…every day, families sacrifice to live within their means. They deserve a government that does the same.”

“So tonight, I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. Now, this would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, “ It is so sad that our educational system is so bad, and so many stupid people don’t see the lie that was just told to them in this statement $400 Billion dollars spread over 10 years is $40 Billion/yr. PEANUTS! From a government that is going to be spending $1.4 Trillion dollars MORE than it has this year alone.

Remember when a Billion was a lot of money?

“In fact, the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to simplify the individual tax code.” The ONLY way to do this at this point would be to institute the Fair Tax. Thats not going to happen. We have a better chance of building a Nuclear power plant than in our government “simplifying the tax code” Charlie Rangel wrote the stupid code and then broke it for 17 straight years.

“The 21st century government that’s open and competent. A government that lives within its means. “

Take a moment and laugh…I did!

Foreign Policy:

About now he begins a long bit on touting his foreign policy accomplishments. Thanking our Troops. Talking about our “conflicts” overseas. Nothing spectacular. Though he did take a second and brag on how Gay people can now be openly gay and wreck our military.

He did touch on Iran, “ Because of a diplomatic effort to insist that Iran meet its obligations, “ I can with absolute certainty guarantee that Iran isn’t scared of you Mr. President. They are very scared of Israeli Hackers.

“This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge new alliances across the Americas. Around the globe, we’re standing with those who take responsibility — helping farmers grow more food, supporting doctors who care for the sick, and combating the corruption that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity.”

Oh goodie another expensive vacation. Lets not have the leaders of these nations visit us…nope lets spend millions of dollars traveling to see them.

Closing:

“From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream.” Give me a break! He no more believes this than he thinks Ronald Reagan was a great President.

So if you guessed that the SOTU would be filled with lies and distortions then you were right. Sadly once again the American people are being deceived at the highest levels of government and the people are doing little to stop it.

Kurt Feigel is the Vice Chair of the Lynchburg Tea Party and Communications Director of the Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation.

Ron Paul speaking about the dangers of the Federal Reserve