M. Wayne Huggins

Government Relations Director

Legislative Update

March 8, 2010

All Members,

Congratulations, you did it!  I just returned from the House Appropriations Committee meeting where, by a unanimous vote, they reported (passed) SB95.  This is the companion bill to HB71 both of which extend your short term disability benefits from 6 months to 1 year.  The Bill was amended to include a provision that requires a certification from the Superintendent that the State Police Officer is likely to return to work if given the additional 6 months.  We viewed this as a “friendly” amendment.  I have personally met with Delegates Jones and Carrico as well as Senator Quayle and have thanked them all on your behalf for the enormous effort they put forth on this issue.  We will thank them collectively and more formally at our conference. 

For all of you that responded to our call for assistance Friday evening…………….THANKYOU!  Many, many of you contacted the members of the Appropriations Committee as requested and I cannot begin to tell you how many of them came up to me before and after the hearing to tell me about hearing from you.  One Delegate even told me about a face to face meeting one of you had with him on Saturday.  So thank you!  I know you wonder whether such efforts are worth it, but they are and here is the evidence.  As State Police folks your voices are important and they are heard, so again, to those of you who took the time to reach out in such a meaningful way, THANKS!  One last request…………………….please refer to my e-mail from Friday evening that contained the contact information for the members of House Appropriations and say thanks!  They heard your request for support, now please thank them. 

Finally, there is no new information on the budget.  The conferees continue to work and as you know this session is scheduled to conclude this Saturday.  Stay tuned for more.

Wayne

direct e-mail:  waynehuggins@vspa.org