AGENDA DATE: 11/4/2015
TITLE:
Title
2016 Legislative Priorities
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consideration and Approval of the 2016 Legislative Priorities
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Davis and Blount
PRESENTER (S): Larry Davis
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Each year the Board considers and approves its legislative priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session. The priorities inform our legislative delegation as well as the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), and the Virginia Municipal League (VML) of the Board's position on important legislative issues. On August 5, 2015 the Board reviewed the General Assembly's bills related to the 2015 Legislative Priorities and the Board reviewed and approved its initial 2016 Legislative Priorities. The Citizens Resource Advisory Committee met on October 21, 2015 and its report will be presented at the November 4, 2015 Board meeting. Issues identified in this report and other initiatives can be considered or added prior to the final adoption of the Board's 2016 Legislative Priorities. The TJPDC 2016 Legislative Priorities will also be presented at the November 4, 2015 Board meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: During the Board's review of the preliminary 2016 Legislative Priorities, two new priorities were identified by the Board:
(1) Noxious Weeds: Support changes to the Virginia Code and to the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan that direct efforts to prevent and control damage caused by invasive species. This priority is included in the TJPDC legislative priorities, as well.
(2) Seat Belts: Support legislation that would make the failure to use a s...
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