Members of the Arlington legislative delegation in Richmond received generally good grades from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, even though their work in 2014 – like that of the General Assembly as a whole – is more worthy of an “incomplete.” The statewide business organization has put out its annual “report card,” based on selected pieces of legislation from the more than 2,800 bills introduced during the General Assembly’s 60-day regular session, which ran from mid-January to midMarch. (The legislature remains in special session, attempting to hammer out compromises on Medicaid expansion and the budget.) The roughly three-dozen bills that were selected to determine grades represented issues ranging from taxation and technology to energy and transportation. Barry DuVal, the Virginia Chamber’s CEO, said the highest grades went to legislators who had the interests of the business community and principles of free-market economics at heart. To say that the General Assembly is business-friendly is akin to saying the pope is . . . from Argentina. In fact, nearly 40 percent of the 140 senators and delegates voted with the Virginia Chamber’s positions 100 percent of the time in 2014.
None of Arlington’s legislators could be counted among them, but a couple were in the ballpark. State Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd) rated the highest among the seven members of the Arlington delegation, with a score of 90 percent and a grade of A-minus. Her state Senate colleague, Barbara Favola (D-31st) received an 88 and a grade of B-plus, as did Del. Bob Brink (D-48th). Dels. Alfonso Lopez (D-49th) and Rob Krupicka (D-45th) each garnered scores of 84 and grades of B. At the bottom of the Arlington pack, from the Virginia Chamber’s perspective, were Del. Patrick Hope (D-47th) with 70 and a C-minus, and state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30th) was 66 and a D. Ebbin and Del. Charnielle Herring (DAlexandria), who also received a D, scored lowest in their respective bodies on the report card. Krupicka, who is the most junior member of the Arlington delegation, was one of four legislators statewide to receive the Excellence in Education and Workforce Development Award from the Virginia Chamber. He was singled out for his work promoting early-childhood education. All 140 General Assembly seats, both Senate and House of Delegates, will go to the voters in November 2015.
Stay Ahead of the Times
When news breaks, turn to InsideNoVa.com Now including news from the Sun Gazette! InsideNoVA.com February 7
Thank you all so much for turning to us for information yesterday during the double fatality on 95 and the manhunt in Manassas. Hal Baumgardner Well I for one think that you guys and gals rock. Shannon Bateman You always post the local news soooo quick! Thank you to YOU! Anne Krisko Seiff That because IN Rocks!!! What other place can you go for up to the minute breaking news, a good laugh, a good argument, traffic, and the weather?! No where! Thanks fo all you do and keeping your sanity doing it! Robbie Rother I’m sure you don’t hear it enough, but thank you and y’all are doing a great job. Lesley Sullivan You do an amazing job! Juanita Tellez Thank you for always keeping us informed. You guys are awesome!! Join almost 50,000 of your neighbors like us on facebook.com/insidenova. Download your free InsideNoVa Mobile app at the iTunes store or Google Play.
Serving the residents of arlington for more than 30 years
Your Hometown Favorite for more than 30 years
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
703-525-4650
our On Y Lot
Our Team of In-House Licensed Realtors can Help Find the Perfect Spot to Build Your Dream Home.
Licensed and Insured
Additions and Renovations Kitchens Bath Remodels
Licensed and Insured
For More Information
www.jlalbrittainhomes.com
Sunrooms and Decks Patios
Call or Visit Our Website
Brick and Stone Projects
www.chainbridgecustomhomes.com
www.insidenova.com
703-525-4650
May 22, 2014
Local Legislators Given Mostly Good Marks on Performance by Va. Chamber of Commerce
11
Sun Gazette