Part 1: Lt. Gov Bill Bolling Discusses His Ideas for Virginia

In this two part series, BristowEnews.com will explore the 100 Ideas initiative by Lieutenant Governor Bolling. This Town Hall Idearaiser, an event co-sponsored by the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce was held at George Mason University, Prince William Campus on July 17, 2007.

Part One: ~ 100 Ideas Initiative ~

Manassas, Virginia. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling met with local residents over an informal lunch and outlined a laundry list affecting Virginia's future. In his speech Lt. Governor Bolling thanked local residents for taking the time off their busy schedules to attend this Town Hall Idearaiser.

The Lieutenant Governor reminded the audience why Virginia is such a great state to live in:

 

1. Virginia has a rich history and tradition. Virginia is celebrating 400 years since the founding of the United States in Jamestown, Virginia.
2. Jamestown revitalization project cost $104 million in attracting businesses and tourism.
3. Forbes's magazine rated Virginia the "pro-business" state in the nation for the 2nd year in a row.
4. According to Government Performance Project, Virginia is the best managed state in the nation. This is a result of bi-partisan concerted effort by the Democrats and Republicans.
5. In terms of education, Virginia has the highest success rate in preparing and educating children to be successful in their chosen careers.
6. Virginia is a great place to work and raise a family.

The Lt. Governor reminded that Virginians must not rest on the laurels it has achieved, but continue to prepare and address issues facing our great state. The Lt. Governor outlined the following challenges we all face with:

1. Educational Challenges. Public schools are faced with daunting tasks in preparing our children in competing against the globalization of the 21st century. These challenges we face against the emerging technologies in the Pacific and South East countries leaves Virginians more questions than answers. The Lt. Governor emphasized the need to equip our children with the necessary tools to meet the challenges ahead. In addition, the Lt. Governor briefly addressed the issue of higher education in the state. He pointed out the increased difficulty for the sons and daughters of Virginians to attend to state institutions because of the mandatory SAT scores imposed by the educational institutions. The state of Virginia anticipates 50,000 students will be attending colleges and universities in the next decade. And to compound the issue with higher educational requirements, the Lt. Governor pointed out that most state colleges and universities are beginning to accept a large portion of diversified student bodies from out-of-state. He pointed out the state of Virginia has frozen tuition rates for Virginians since 2002 and as a result of this freeze, most higher educational institutions have been accepting out-of-state students at about 40% of the total student body population.


2. Health Care Challenges. The Lt. Governor pointed out there are millions of Virginians without health or medical insurance coverage. There are several thousand small business and sole proprietors who cannot afford to pay for health insurance coverage for them and their employees. In addition, he pointed out the Medicaid System is broken beyond repair and that Medicaid has the fastest growing budget within the state. It inadequately provides Virginians medical and health benefits in an aging population. He pointed out the current Medicaid spending will eventually bankrupt the Commonwealth.


3. Transportation Challenges. The Lt. Governor pointed out the need of mass transportation. He feels that the State has enough revenue streams to provide adequate transportation services for the masses.


4. Public Safety Challenges. In tandem with public safety, the Lt. Governor pointed out the issue of illegal immigration. He pointed out the statistics for every 1200 incarcerated inmates, about 400 inmates are illegal immigrants. He noted the rise of gang violence in unsuspecting parts of Virginia and the widespread of illicit drugs such as methamphetamine which is often sold to children. He pointed out 95% of the drug was seized in the Upper Shenandoah Valley.


5. Natural Resource Challenges. The Lt. Governor believes the Chesapeake Bay is the most vital natural resource Virginians are faced with. The bay is still under the Federal Government protection list. He also noted that some counties in Virginia lack the basic infrastructure neccessities such as adequate water supply and proper sewage disposal.

The Lt. Governor pointed out the need to address these challenging issues Virginians are faced with. It is imperative these issues are carefully considered and laws created to benefit the great state of Virginia.

 

 

Date Published: 2007-07-18 06:00:00

Section: Top Headline,