Greetings from Richmond, as we conclude our fifth week of Session, I wanted to update you on some events at the General Assembly this week, and share some actions taken by the House.

House Republicans are focused on issues that all Virginian’s care about. This week we held two press conferences devoted to initiatives we’re supporting to better the lives of the Commonwealth’s citizens. The first showcased legislation aimed at providing additional resources for sexual and domestic violence intervention, prevention, and counseling services. The second addressed transportation reform initiatives.

The first press conference focused on the troubling trend of increased sexual and domestic violence across the Commonwealth.  While there has been a decline of 8% in overall homicides between 2006 and 2010; the rate of intimate partner homicide has increased 65%.  At any given time, there are approximately 14,000 protective orders on file in Virginia.  These numbers highlight the adamant need for reform to improve access to critical intervention and prevention services.

Our approach is two-fold with both a legislative and budgetary component. HB 1, carried by Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-Fairfax), will streamline existing and new funding for intervention, prevention, and counseling services. This legislation dedicates a funding stream for Sexual & Domestic Violence Agencies to increase access to the important treatment and crisis services they provide. The House Budget Proposal will include $10.6 million in new funding in 2015 for Virginia’s domestic and sexual violence treatment and crisis prevention centers.

I believe this legislation will better serve victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

This week we also held a press conference to highlight House Republicans’ seven transportation reform initiatives aimed at increasing the use of technology, prioritizing congestion-relief, and ensuring return on investment in transportation spending.

One piece of legislation presented is HJ 122, patroned by Delegate Jim LeMunyon (R-Fairfax), which requires the Secretary of Transportation and VDOT to create and implement statewide transportation technology goals and a five-year plan of action. These goals are to be directed at enhancing the efficiency, safety, and convenience of all modes of transportation throughout the Commonwealth. This legislation passed the House unanimously and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules.

HB 1183, patroned by Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-Fairfax), changes the name of the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability to the Virginia Transportation Solutions Working Group and authorizes it to advise the Commonwealth Transportation Board on matters pertaining to transportation policy, transportation innovation and technologies, and traffic congestion relief strategies. This legislation passed the House with a vote of 66-29, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation.

These are just a few pieces of legislation being carried by Republican members that will improve our transportation system. They highlight our goal of investing our transportation dollars wisely and in a way that will benefit the most Virginians.

This week, the General Assembly is at a stage of “crossover”, where the House has completed work on all bills that have come from our members.  At this point, legislation that has passed the House or Senate is referred to the other body for action.

Next week, I will be giving a more detailed account of my bills and other specific legislation that was acted on in the House.

I encourage you to monitor legislation by going to http://virginiageneralassembly.gov and you may watch our daily sessions, that usually convene at noon, on line.

I welcome your contacts and visits and my staff will be more than happy to assist you in any way that we can. If you would like to visit the Capitol and stop by my office, please feel free to call my office in Richmond at 804-698-1054, to set up an appointment or set up a tour of the Capitol. My new office number is 701 in the General Assembly Building.  My e-mail address is: delborrock@house.virginia.gov  should you want to voice your opinion on any legislation of interest to you.  Our mailing address is: P. O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218. You may also visit my website at https://bobbyorrock.net.

Again, I thank you for the opportunity to represent you and all of the folks of the 54^th District.  I’m humbled by your trust and continue to commit to serve.

Bobby Orrock