ISSUES
Economic Development
Job creation and economic development are my top priorities. I will continue to promote our area to recruit new businesses and assist in the promotion and expansion of existing industries. We must not forget to protect and aid our current businesses and industries. I am working to make sure that our people have access to good, quality jobs right here at home. Job growth is vital to our region's success.
Electric Utility Rate Increases
I have been speaking out and working extremely hard against Appalachian Power Company's recent rate increases over the past few years. I have attended the public hearings to speak in opposition to their proposed rate hikes, have written letters to the three judge panel at the State Corporation Commission (SCC) that ultimately makes these decisions, and along with the other legislators in Southwest Virginia (Republicans and Democrats united) have participated in press conferences to draw attention to this issue. Just last February I introduced legislation (Senate Bill 680) that was signed into law by Governor McDonnell that lowered electric rates and outlawed interim rate increases that have not been approved by the State Corporation Commission. I am preparing to work with the other legislators from Southwest Virginia to try and address this matter with additional legislation during the 2011 General Assembly Session. My goal is to roll-back the recent electric rate increases by Appalachian Power and to pass legislation that will curb their future ability to receive large and over burdensome rate increases.
Coal Industry
In Richmond, I have been a forceful advocate and protector of our region's coal industry and the thousands of jobs it provides to our people. I am fighting to ensure that our economic and energy future includes the thousands of Southwest Virginia coal jobs and the coal that powers nearly half the nation's electricity. The coal industry is the economic engine of our area. By supporting the coal industry we are supporting affordable electricity and are protecting our energy independence. I am strongly opposed to any proposed regulations and legislative efforts that are trying to eventually shut down our coal industry and in the process destroy jobs, dismantle the economy of Southwest Virginia, and devastate our way of life. I strongly support the coal industry of Southwest Virginia and the quality jobs it provides.
Education
Schools in Southwest Virginia must receive equal funding. Disparity in education funding has no place in the commonwealth of Virginia. I will continue to ensure that our schools receive their fair share of state education dollars and that our teachers are fairly compensated for the special work they do in educating our children.
Transportation
The economic growth of our area depends on a quality network of roads. Commerce and industry depend on quality roads for the shipment of products. Agriculture and mining require quality roads to ship goods to the market. I will continue to make transportation a top priority.
Safe and Clean Drinking Water
I will continue to fight for our region's fair share of state and federal resources to ensure that every home in Southwest Virginia has access to safe and clean drinking water. A safe and clean water supply means better jobs and better opportunities. I will continue to work with our local governments to increase access to clean water, attracting new jobs that bring opportunities to young people in our area. Safe drinking water can't be taken for granted. Too many families in our area can't even go to their kitchen faucet for a clean and safe glass of water.
