This week we enter what will hopefully be the last week of the 2014 legislative session. The Senate and House must agree on a budget before we adjourn, but Healthcare remains the issue where legislators are having trouble moving forward. Republicans are refusing to discuss any options that involve Medicaid expansion and they are turning around and accusing the Democrats of holding the budget hostage. It is one thing to have an honest debate on differences in opinion, but it is not acceptable to stonewall the other side of the aisle to score political points. I recently spoke on the House floor this week about the need to compromise on healthcare and the budget; video is available on my website www.krupicka.com.

Mental Health has been another one of the big issues this year. I co-patroned several bills this year relating to emergency detention. There has been some disagreement on how long we should extend the time for an emergency detention order, but the General Assembly has shown strong resolve to make real progress with our state’s mental health system and I am confident we will find a compromise to this issue.

Residents across the 45th District will be no strangers to flooding and storm water management problems. Flood and storm water management is becoming more and more of an issue all over the state, especially to our costal towns. The General Assembly is trying to figure out how we can best assist localities to manage these problems. This year I co-patroned a resolution that would create a joint subcommittee that would study and make recommendations regarding short- and long-term strategies for minimizing the impact of recurrent flooding. It is currently making its way through the Senate and House floors.

It is an honor to serve the 45th district. Please contact my office with any questions or concerns at 571-357-4762 or DelRKrupicka@house.virginia.gov.