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Previous Reports From Richmond: |
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Taxes increased despite Del. Black's strong opposition. In a vote of 52 to 48, lawmakers passed the largest tax increase in Virginia history. There will be higher sales taxes, taxes on electricity, gas, water, cigarettes, alcohol, and on home sales. In addition, the $6,000 senior tax deduction was eliminated for those who have not |
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already turned 62 years old. Finally, the governor began dismantling the car tax relief that had been promised to Virginians. Delegate Black was a vocal opponent of these taxes. Virginia already had a surplus of revenue. There also were no new funds for roads, which has been a priority for Del. Black. Black was named Taxpayer's Advocate of the Year for 2004, by Taxpayers for Accountable Government. |
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Rt. 28 Update |
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Several years ago, Del. Black passed several bills authorizing massive new construction on Rt. 28. Construction is moving rapidly. A southbound ramp from Waxpool onto Rt. 28 will open this summer. A 4-lane bridge connecting Church Road and Waxpool will open in early 2005. |
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A 4-lane bridge will cross Rt. 28 at Old Ox Road by October 2004. "Six new overpasses are currently being built," said Black. With the new overpass at Ashburn Road and Rt.7, congestion will be greatly reduced soon. |
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Drunk Drivers Targeted |
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Eight bills strengthening laws against drunk driving passed into law this year. Lawmakers focused on repeat drunk driving offenders. Del. Dick Black voted for tougher laws which included increasing penalties for repeat offenders, |
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a stricter blood alcohol level for drivers, and forfeiture of the vehicle if convicted of a third DUI. The passage of these bills makes Virginia one of the toughest states on drunk driving offenses in the country. |
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Help For Veterans |
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With over 1,400 Virginia guardsmen now serving on active duty, lawmakers sought to support our troops. Delegate Black, who served in both the Marine Corps and the Army, supported legislation to extend licenses issued by the state of Virginia for 60 days after a soldier's return to the United States. He also supported compensation for public school employees who are called to active duty, creation of the Service Members Civil Relief Act, and improved guidelines for |
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tuition relief, refunds, and reinstatements for military students who withdrew from college due to military service. |
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More Education Funds for Northern Virginia |
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Delegate Black tried to increase Loudoun County's share of education money by introducing House Bill 193. His initiative was resisted by southern delegates, who benefit from our tax dollars. Though Black was unable to change the distribution formula for school money, his efforts added pressure to increase Northern Virginia's share of money generated by the new sales taxes. "I'm against higher sales taxes, but I'm pleased that part of the new money bypasses the old formula," said Black. Loudoun County keeps 61 cents of each dollar generated by the new sales tax. The State will provide $100.3 million to Loudoun schools next year. |
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Same Sex Marriage |
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Delegate Dick Black co-sponsored a bill barring Virginia from recognizing civil unions and same-sex partnerships from other states. The bill passed by a veto-proof margin in the House and the Senate, despite the Governor's attempts to derail it. "Marriage only exists between a man and a woman," said Black. |
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Laci Peterson Bill Passes |
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Former Redskins, Charles Mann and Art Monk, who led the Redskins to three Superbowl victories, traveled to Richmond to assist Delegate Black in passing pro-life legislation. Several bills, including ones dealing with fetal pain and licensure of clinics, were introduced this year. The powerful testimony given by the former Redskins players brought media focus on the pro-life legislation. The most significant pro-life bill to pass, |
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authorized double-homicide prosecutions for the murder of a pregnant woman and her child. Delegate Black's bill, nicknamed the "Laci Peterson Bill" changed the law allowing attorneys to prosecute murders in the death of a mother and her unborn child. |
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Loudoun Citizens Go To Richmond... |
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Miss Emily King of Belmont Ridge Middle School was nominated by Del. Black as Page to the House of Delegates. She and the District's Senate page, Miss Mary Earley lived in Richmond, working and studying with other pages during the 2004 Legislative Session.
Bishop Leslie Patterson, First Baptist of Sterling, was selected by Del. Black to deliver the opening prayer in the House of Delegates. Since 1619, every session of the legislature has opened with a solemn prayer.
This site paid for and authorized by Friends of Dick Black
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