What I've Been Asked on Virginia's Economy

I just received the September Revenue Data from Virginia's Secretary of Finance. The news is not good; however, most national indicators "suggest the recession has likely ended." This is based on reduction in the decline of the National Gross Domestic Product from a decline of 1.0% to a decline of 0.7%.

In Virginia, total General Fund revenue collections fell 7.5% compared to September 2008. This breaks down in the following areas: Net individual income tax fell 6.9%, sales tax revenue fell 5.9%, corporate income tax fell 10.6% and wills, suites, deeds and contracts fell 13.6% when compared to September 2008.

The Virginia budget is divided into two general areas: the General Fund (about 42% of the total budget) and the Non General Fund (about 58% of the total budget). The above data only refers to the General Fund as the Non-General Fund is essentially driven by specific revenues for specific uses, such as federal grants, transportation funding and higher education funding.

As can be determined from the above data, the next biannual budget (2010-2012) will be an extremely difficult one which will require many hard choices since Virginia's constitution requires a balanced budget. Virginia cannot deficit spend!

As always, I welcome your input as we make these difficult decisions as a general tax increase is not, in my opinion, under consideration.

Best State for Business

Forbes has announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia will remain in first place for the "Best State for Business" in the Country. This honor considers the states' business costs, labor issues, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects, and quality of life. During my 8 years in the General Assembly, Virginia has consistently ranked high in this area, and I will continue my efforts in this area to keep Virginia #1. This is one of the reasons I am so honored to have so many business groups/organizations endorse me for re-election.

The Flu and You!

In the coming weeks, area schools in partnership with regional health departments will be offering free school-based H1N1 flu-vaccination clinics to protect students against the virus that has been blamed for several deaths in Virginia. In addition, flu shots will be offered at several locations in the Herndon, Oak Hill and Sterling areas. A partial list of locations is as follows (for a more detailed list you can go to Virginia Flu):

Public Health Department
Fairfax HD - Herndon/Reston Office
1850 Cameron Glen Dr. , Suite 100
Reston, VA 22090

Community Health Center CHCN
North County, Fairfax
11484 Washington Plaza West suite #300
Reston Virginia 20190

Langston Hughes Middle School (10/24 & 10/25)
11401 Ridge Heights Road, Reston

Franklin Middle School (10/24 & 10/25)
3300 Lees Corner Road, Chantilly

In addition, local CVS, Giant, Safeway, Shoppers Food Warehouse and Walgreens stores will have the shots available. You should call the store before you go for availablity.

In-Person Absentee Voting

Any voter that qualifies to vote Absentee may do so in person until Saturday, Oct. 31 (the application by mail deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 27). Time and location varies by jurisdiction. All Registrars must allow in-person absentee voting during their regular business hours through Oct. 31. Additionally, all must be open for at least 8 hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31. The closest absentee voting locations in Fairfax County are at the North County Governmental Center in Reston or the Sully District Governmental Center in Chantilly; in Loudoun County, they are at the Cascades Senior Center in Sterling or at the Voter Registration office in Leesburg. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=533 or http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/absentee.htm.

The Scary Season is here!

No I don't mean election time! It's time for the annual Bradley Farm Haunted House. This year the event will benefit Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help). It will be held on Oct 23 and 24 from 6-10 pm, with a toned-down haunting for younger children from 2-5 pm on Saturday. Entry costs $3, and group packages are available. The barn is located at 13159 New Parkland Drive. The haunting will be held rain or shine. For more information, e-mail info@bfhauntedhouse.com or visit www.BFHauntedHouse.com.

As always, I am happy to hear from Rust Report readers about your concerns and questions.

Warm regards,