"I want to congratulate our Republican team in the General Assembly on their success in the 2011 session. They held the line on taxes, reduced burdensome regulation, rolled back unfunded mandates, and sent a clear message to Congress that business as usual is no longer acceptable.
Said simply, Republicans in Richmond were listening when voters spoke in November, and our team has responded in fine fashion.
Led by Governor McDonnell, the budget amendments approved last week will put nearly $4 billion into our roads - without raising taxes on hard-working Virginia families. Indeed, these budget amendments roll back $5.7 million in fees levied on our hard-pressed businesses.
And yet for all that was accomplished this session, the shortcomings further illustrate how important the elections this November will be. Democrats in the Senate fought tooth and nail for bigger government and more spending. Time and again they blocked legislation that reflected the message of November 2010.
From the Repeal Amendment, to a Transportation Trust Fund 'lock box', to protecting the right to work, and the right to self defense, Senate Democrats dug in their heels - even going so far as to break Senate rules to be sure uncomfortable votes didn't see the light of day.
The fact that our Republican team was able to accomplish so much in the face of such stubborn, tone-deaf resistance is remarkable. Each and every member of our team is to be congratulated for their hard-won success."
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins
Check out www.VirginiaGAUpdate.com for more end of session recaps and information.
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