Virginia Council of Chapters National Legislative Top Priority Objectives for 2007
The joint efforts of the Mt. Vernon Chapter along with the other 14 MOAA chapters of the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), and the Joint Leadership Conference (JLC)* led to very successful results during the 2007 General Assembly. Following is a summary of the seven 2007 Legislative Objectives:
Support for the Guard and Reserves: VCOC – JLC supported department budget submissions in September 2006. Subsequently, the Governor’s proposed budget amendments addressed the major support issues for Guard and Reserve forces and were provided in the approved budget bill HB 1650.
Funding for the Department of Veterans Services: VCOC - JLC supported department budget submissions in September 2006. Subsequently, the Governor’s budget amendments addressed the major funding requirements and were provided in the approved budget bill HB 1650.
In-State Tuition for military service members stationed in Virginia: Provides any active duty member stationed and residing in Virginia, shall pay public college tuition of no more than their military service Tuition Assistance program or the institution's in-state tuition rate, whichever is greater. HB 1822 approved by both House and Senate was approved by the Governor. Becomes effective July 1, 2007.
Funding War Memorial Education Wing: State Treasurer authorized to advance a loan of $3.5 million to the Department of General Services for the state share of the construction of an educational wing for the Virginia War Memorial in the form of a short-term treasury loan, with no interest, upon certification by the Secretary of Administration that $2 million in private funds have been raised, are available, and will be used to support construction. HB 2240 and SB 1352 approved by both House and Senate were approved by the Governor. Becomes effective July 1, 2007.
Veterans Preference: Provides that a veteran who applies for employment with the Commonwealth will have a preference during the selection process, if the veteran (i) has received an honorable discharge and served more than 180 consecutive days of full-time active duty in the armed forces of the United States or reserve components thereof, including the National Guard, or (ii) has a service-connected disability rating. The bill directs the Department of Human Resource Management to develop and distribute guidelines on this issue. HB 2840 and SB 1033 approved by both House and Senate were approved by the Governor. Becomes effective July 1, 2007.
Payday Lending: Requires the State, to contract with one or more third parties to develop, implement, and maintain an Internet-accessible database, and requires payday lenders to query the database prior to making any loan to determine whether an applicant is eligible for the loan. HB 2563 removed from consideration prior to voting in House. SB 1014 passed in both Senate and House with amendments. Failed in the Senate on consideration of the House amendment. (Patron struck bill due to threat of caps being placed by the House or Governor)
State Income Tax Relief for Deployed Military Personnel: Deferred until 2008
* JLC, created by statue, is composed of 21 veteran services organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, MOAA, Disabled American veterans, Assn. of US Army, Assn. of US Air Force, and others The JLC advocates for over 740,000 veterans in Virginia and has over 250,000 members in Virginia.