On Sunday, Jan. 16 the Senate Finance Committee presented its biennial budget for 2014-2015.

In a year of fiscal constraints, projected revenue shortfalls and deep partisan divides in the legislature, I have to commend my fellow senators for coming up with a budget that balances policy initiatives, pre-existing responsibilities and financial reality. I was proud to be appointed to three subcommittees of the Finance Committee: General Government & Technology, Health and Human Resources, and Transportation.

The Finance Committee approved several of my budget amendments, two of which will have a real impact on the 36th district. The budget includes $4 million to continue the Route 1 transit study, which is making great strides in addressing and analyzing transit modes to provide long-term solutions to the Route 1 Corridor.

I have also been able to secure $350,000 per year for the next two years, $700,000 total, for the Virginia Wounded Warriors Program (VWWP). The VWWP was created by the 2008, and their mission is to monitor and coordinate behavioral health, rehabilitative services and support services for Virginia veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves (not in federal service), and their families. Hundreds of veterans in the 36th district are helped in many ways by the VWWP. I was proud to patron the legislation in 2008 to create the program and I will continue to fight for funding for this critical service.

Along with Sen. Jeff McWaters of Virginia Beach, I was able to secure funding for the State Board of Elections for absentee voting programs and systems in relation to my bill SB 11.

Finally, I was able to once again secure funds for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge event, through the Virginia Tourism Authority’s promotion funding. The Special Olympics is a wonderful organization and I am always happy to help them in their mission of working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is also a wonderful tourist attraction for Virginia that brings in 10,000 spectators to Virginia Beach for the Polar Plunge.

The Senate budget will also provide over half a million dollars in direct aid to localities for public education and $20 million for enhancements in mental health services. These are both critical needs this year and I hope the House of Delegates will work with the Senate to keep these appropriations in the final budget.

As always I am honored to represent the 36th senatorial district of Virginia and look forward to working hard for my constituents. Anyone with an issue or concern should contact my office in Richmond at district36@senate.virginia.gov or by phone: 804-698-7536.