Posts Tagged ‘Tony Wilt’

HARRISONBURG–Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement following the announcement that he has been selected to chair the House Public Safety Committee when the General Assembly convenes in January.

“Ensuring safe communities for our citizens is a core function of state government. It is an honor to be named chair of this important committee that guides much of our policy as it relates to law enforcement, individual liberties, and criminal justice.

“The last two years we have seen efforts that restrict the ability of law enforcement to do their jobs. We have seen attacks on the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Finally, the rights of crime victims have often been overlooked.

“I look forward to working with the incoming administration and General Assembly leaders to ensure law enforcement has the tools necessary to keep our citizens safe, secure our Second Amendment freedoms and maintain a criminal justice system that treats offenders fairly while also looking out for the interests of crime victims.

“I’m anxious to get to work in Richmond for the citizens of our Commonwealth.”

Harrisonburg – On Tuesday Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) received the endorsement of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) AgPAC, a political action committee of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, in the race for the 26th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

“I am grateful to have the support of the premier organization representing Virginia farmers,” said Delegate Wilt. “As a representative of the top ag producing community in the Commonwealth, I understand how critical a vibrant agriculture sector is to our entire local economy. That’s why I have made supporting our farmers and the ag industry a focus during my time in office. Just this year we were successful in passing our legislation that provides more support and tools for our farmers to implement voluntary water quality improvements and I was also proud of our bi-partisan effort to get help for our struggling dairy industry. If reelected, I plan to continue to support policies that preserve our family farms and protect our natural resources, while guardian against ill-conceived heavy handed government mandates that will destroy local farms.”

The non-partisan VFBF AgPAC was created by Farm Bureau in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues. A full list of candidates endorsed by the committee can be viewed online at vafb.com.

Delegate Wilt currently represents the 26th House District in the Virginia General Assembly. The 26th District includes the City of Harrisonburg and part of Rockingham County.

HARRISONBURG (August 23, 2021)– The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Virginia’s leading small business advocacy organization, presented its coveted Guardian of Small Business Award to Virginia Delegate Tony Wilt Monday morning at Happy Hounds Doggie Daycare, an NFIB member and small business owner, at 300 Waterman Drive in Harrisonburg.

The Guardian of Small Business award is the most prestigious honor that NFIB bestows on legislators in recognition of their efforts to support small business. The NFIB Virginia Leadership Council, an advisory board comprised of NFIB members, voted to present the award to Delegate Wilt for his outstanding leadership on small business issues.

“I am proud to present Delegate Wilt with this prestigious small business award,” said NFIB’s State Director in Virginia, Nicole Riley. “Delegate Wilt not only has an exceptional voting record with NFIB but has demonstrated leadership on small business issues. He deserves this award thanks to his promise to keep taxes low and promote a stable and economically safe environment for our small business entrepreneurs and job creators here in Virginia.”

“I’m honored by this recognition from Virginia’s leading voice on small business issues, NFIB,” stated Wilt. “The fallout from the pandemic combined with the burdensome policy changes adopted by the majority in Richmond the last two years have made it extremely difficult for many small businesses and entrepreneurs. I will continue to push for a reasonable tax and regulatory environment that allows our small businesses the best opportunity to grow and create jobs.”

About NFIB
For more than 75 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today.

As of July 1, legislation passed during the 2021 General Assembly session, with few exceptions, is now law. This session the Democratic majority continued advancing a significant number of their progressive priorities that I believe move the Commonwealth in the wrong direction and, without course correction, will have negative unintended consequences for years to come.

Even in this difficult political environment there are still opportunities to pass some positive bi-partisan initiatives for the citizens of the Commonwealth. This includes some of the bills I was pleased to be a part of, such as our bill to establish an enhanced tax credit for our farmers to implement best management practices, our bill to improve access to services for all students with a brain injury, as well as a bill headed by Delegate Kilgore to establish a grant program to incentivize solar development on reclaimed mine land and old industrial sites (brownfields) in order to avoid development on prime farm or forest land.

Among the more concerning new laws are those that weaken potential consequences for even the most violent and insidious crimes – even at a time when violent crime is increasing across the nation. These soft on crime measures disregard crime victims and the fact that Virginia’s existing policies allowed the Commonwealth to enjoy one of the lowest violent crime rates and the lowest recidivism (reoffend) rate in the nation. This year the majority also broke the long standard practice of prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion – which survey after survey shows the public supports maintaining. Following the passage of the “Clean Economy Act” in 2020 that will raise electric bills significantly over the course of the next few decades, they built off this “progress” to pass an emissions standard matching California’s that will drive up transportation and vehicle costs as well.

Marijuana legalization has no doubt been the hot topic of the year and there are respectable arguments on both sides of that issue. Arguments on the general question of legalization aside, the final version of the new law contains numerous problematic aspects. Among them is the fact that we are legalizing the substance but failing to simultaneously have a system in place for a legal market to purchase it. This will allow the black market to flourish, ensuring the legal market won’t likely be able to compete once established. The bill also establishes that possession up to a pound (which I understand can be 900-1,000 joints) is only a $25 fine. Someone in possession of a pound of marijuana does not likely have it only for their personal use – they are probably dealing it. Coincidently, that $25 fine is the same fine now in place if you accidently let go of a balloon at the fair- although that fine is cumulative ($25 for each balloon).

Sometimes what didn’t pass is just as notable as what did. The General Assembly didn’t pass any provision that sought even modest progress to ensure election integrity. These included bills to reestablish the photo ID requirement and allow the opportunity to more frequently remove dead people from the voter rolls, among others. While there was bipartisan support for the bill to require that our schools be open to in-person learning five days a week in accord with CDC recommendations, unfortunately there was not support for making that effective for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Could we have gained decent Democratic support on that effort, it may have salvaged at least several months of what was left of the school year. As it were, many students across the Commonwealth remained shut out from their schools and continued to struggle – putting them even further behind moving forward.

In addition to a brief list below that offers a snapshot of the legislation approved, each year the division of legislative services publishes a document that contains many of the bills signed into law that may be of direct interest/impact to many citizens. That document can be found here.

Of course, neither listing is comprehensive . For the full scope of bills signed into law or considered during the 2021 Regular or Special Session, please visit lis.virginia.gov.

If you have questions about any of the new laws or if my office might be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 540-208-0735.

Bills of Possible Interest:
HB 1763 Creates an enhanced income tax credit for the implementation of certain agricultural best management practices by the farmer that are required as part of a certified resource management plan.

HB 1904 requires all school teachers and officials to complete cultural competency training every 2 years, as directed by the Board of Education, or risk revocation of their teaching license.

HB 1909 permits school boards to declare any non-school zone buildings or other school property where employees work as gun-free zones.
HB 1925 establishes the Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund and Program.

HB 1965 directs the State Air Pollution Control Board to implement a low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle program for motor vehicles starting with model year 2025, effectively adopting the California Vehicle Emissions Standards.

HB 2001 mandates all state and local government buildings to add electric vehicle charging materials and to add tracking technology to monitor energy efficiency and carbon emissions. Local governments are given the authority to enact even stricter requirements.

​​​​​HB 2032 includes all employees providing domestic services in employee protection laws. Private homes will be subject and open to inspection by the Dept. of Labor and Industry.

HB 2081 will ban any individuals other than law enforcement from possessing guns within 40 feet of polling places on Election Day.

HB 2159 Prohibits any individual over 16 from releasing a nonbiodegradable balloon into the air outdoors and subjects the individual to a $25 fine per balloon. If a person under age 16 releases a balloon at the instruction of an adult, the adult is subject to the $25 fine.

HB 2312 Legalizes possession of marijuana up to an ounce and allows the cultivation of a limited number of marijuana plants for personal use. Possession of up to a pound of marijuana is reduced to a $25 civil penalty. Imposes limits on dissemination of criminal history record information related to certain marijuana offenses. The bill creates the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (the Authority), the Cannabis Oversight Commission, the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board and Fund, and the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Program and Fund. Establishes a regulatory and licensing structure for the cultivation, manufacture, wholesale, and retail sale of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products, to be administered by the Authority (including pro-union access requirements). The provisions establishing a legal retail market are subject to a delayed 2024 effective date and reenactment by the 2022 Session of the General Assembly.

SB 1165 abolished the death penalty in all circumstances, including for mass murderers, terrorists, and those who kill law enforcement officers.

SB 1266 grants certain crimes — including assault, gang violence, and sex/human trafficking — a presumption for receiving bail and requires a judicial officer to consider all relevant information before denying bail.

SB 1276 repeals the ban on abortion coverage in plans offered through the state-operated exchange, allowing taxpayer funding of abortion.

SB 1303 requires all school divisions to offer full-time, in-person instruction effectively starting with the 2021-2022 school year (previous efforts to make it effective in February for the remainder of the 2020/2021 school year failed to pass).

SB 1381 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to carry a firearm in the Capitol Building, within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, and any state-owned building or building where state employees regularly work.

Richmond- On Thursday Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) was presented the Legislator of the Year award by the Brain Injury Association of Virginia at a ceremony in Richmond. He received the award for his work in successfully pursuing legislation benefitting individuals impacted by brain injury in both the 2020 and 2021 General Assembly Sessions.

“While I’m honored to receive this award, our success would not be possible without the support of our local Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, the Brain Injury Association of Virginia and advocates like local resident Amanda Morris, who presented the idea for the 2021 legislation,” said Wilt “There is always more work to be done, but I’m happy to have played a part in advancing policy that allows those with a brain injury diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment and services that will allow them to lead productive and happy lives. We’ve already heard some practical examples of how the 2020 bill is working to improve outcomes, so hearing those real stories makes these efforts all the more worth-while.”

“Each year, the Brain Injury Association of Virginia honors a member of the Virginia General Assembly for their outstanding public service and support of the brain injury community,” stated Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. “Delegate Wilt patroned bills to improve crisis responses and expand treatment options for persons with brain injury, and we are very grateful for his interest in and genuine care for those we serve.”

During the 2020 General Assembly Session Delegate Wilt advanced a bill to require a brain injury component be included in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement. The intent is that a heightened awareness of brain injury and the ability to recognize signs and symptoms will lead to improved outcomes for those individuals that may be in crisis while suffering from a brain injury.

The most recent legislation Delegate Wilt carried in the 2021 Session modifies the current definition of brain injury for special education services to be more inclusive of acquired brain injuries, beyond only those obtained through external physical force. The current narrow definition may result in some students with an acquired brain injury not receiving the appropriate services or receiving services that are unnecessary. Both bills passed the General Assembly and were signed into law by Governor Northam.

The final business of the 2021 Regular Session and Special Session I wrapped up yesterday as we “returned” for the Reconvene Session to handle the Governor’s amendments to legislation and the budget.

Parole Board Scandal
The first noteworthy issue was the consideration of the Governor’s budget language for a non-investigation “investigation” of the Inspector General’s handling of the Vincent Martin Parole Board investigation. Despite the Governor claiming he wanted an independent investigation of the Parole Board scandal, his unserious proposal is a whitewash in hopes of making the issue go away. For starters, the scope of what the Governor put forward is so narrow that it is almost certain nothing will become of it. The Governor’s language only allows the “independent” investigator to review the actions of the Inspector General’s office in the handling of the Vincent Martin investigation. It does not even allow consideration of the Parole Board’s actions or the review of other cases outside of Vincent Martin. For example, the recent revelation of discussions between Parole Board staff and members stating they felt “drunk with power” will not be reviewed under the terms of the Governor’s investigation. Secondly, two of the parties in charge of appointing the investigator have been accused of their own inappropriate involvement in the original investigation – the Attorney General and the Governor. Additionally, the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore are to be consulted as well in this selection- all Democrats. So much for independent or bi-partisan.

Despite efforts in the Senate to move forward with a path for a truly transparent and bi-partisan investigation, the Governor’s amendment was adopted.

Marijuana Legalization
The other major debate of the day surrounded the marijuana legalization bill. When the bill left the House during session it had its flaws, but at least it allowed time for the regulatory and retail framework to be set up before it was legalized. Majority Leader Herring stated at the time that legalizing before the retail market was established would enable the black market to grow to the degree that legal retail sales could never catch up. That was not good enough for their activists, however. Caving to the pressure, the Governor put forward a substitute that legalizes possession of up to an ounce immediately with possession up to a pound (which I understand is quite a lot of pot) being only a small fine. Meanwhile, it will still be a few years before the LEGAL retail market can be established.

The Governor knows this action will have immediate negative outcomes, that’s why he also proposed some budget funding for immediate youth prevention efforts and law enforcement training to attempt to better recognize when someone may be driving impaired. That issue has been one of my main concerns with legalization all along. Unlike alcohol, there is no definitive means for law enforcement to know or prove when someone is driving impaired because they are high. When I questioned the Majority Leader on the floor yesterday, she acknowledged no objective means currently exists. By acknowledging that more people will be driving while high, we must also acknowledge this will likely mean more accidents and tragedy on our roadways – which has been an unfortunate reality in other states that have legalized marijuana.

To top it off, the Governor added provisions to his substitute that really have nothing to do with marijuana, but that have everything to do with continuing the back-door effort to fully dismantle Virginia’s right to work law. The substitute includes a number of pro-union positions. These include a requirement for private licensed businesses in the legal marijuana industry to grant unfettered access to their private businesses and property for union organizing efforts. It also forces these businesses to remain neutral in unionization attempts, implements card check requirements which potentially destroy employees right to a secret ballot and his substitute institutes prevailing wage requirements. It’s certainly a bag of goodies for the unions. Of course this will serve as the precedent to mandate these requirements on all licensed businesses down the road. If a business does not adhere to these pro-union policies they lose their license and their ability to operate.

Unsurprisingly, the Governor’s substitute for this bill also passed on a largely party line vote.

Final Update on My Legislation
Prior to the Reconvene session, I had two bills that were signed into law by the Governor.

The first is our initiative to establish a new tax credit that will cover 50% of the cost of best management practices that farmers wish to implement on their farms to aid water quality improvement efforts. The idea for an enhanced tax credit for our farmers was one of the recommendations included in the latest roadmap for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, so I’m glad to see it come to fruition. Along with existing cost-share and other programs, this will further assist in the effort to improve water quality and meet our goals without the need for heavy-handed government intervention.

Anyone interested in this new enhanced tax credit will work with their local soil and water conservation district office. Given that the new credit does not officially go into effect until after July 1, the agencies will be taking the next few months to develop the finer details of how it will be administered. However, I should note the program does contain a $2 million cap in the total amount of credits that can be issued a year, so anyone that is interested should not delay too late in the year to inquire.

The Governor also signed our bill that modifies the definition of brain injury for special education purposes. This bill is more inclusive of acquired brain injuries, beyond only those obtained through external physical force (blunt force). The current narrow definition can result in some students with an acquired brain injury not receiving the appropriate services or receiving services that are unnecessary.

This bill was originally brought to me by a constituent whose son experienced difficulties in receiving the appropriate services, at least in part due to the current narrow definition that is in place. For a more in-depth look at this issue, WMRA recently did an interview with the constituent, Mrs. Morris, and Cindy Noftsinger, another critical stakeholder involved in moving this legislation forward. You can find that story here.

Contact Us
As always, if my office might be of assistance on any state government related matters, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can be reached by phone at 540-208-0735 or by email at [email protected]. Also, don’t forget to stay connected through our social media on Facebook and Twitter.

Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) released the following statement after being declared the Republican Nominee for the 26th House of Delegates District. Delegate Wilt was the only individual to file for the Republican nomination.

“I am pleased to stand for reelection as the Republican nominee for the 26th House District. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Harrisonburg and Rockingham and I would be honored to continue in that service.

“The last two years under complete one-party Democrat control has revealed why a check on this control is essential. As many of their ill-advised policies do not officially become effective for another few months, we have not even begun to realize the full scope of the majority’s actions.

“As achievement gaps widen as a result of school closures, the majority has failed to recognize the urgency of providing families the option for in-person education or put forward a plan to ensure we don’t leave behind a generation of students. When it comes to the economy and job growth, they adopted countless measures to add costly mandates and regulations on small businesses, many of whom are still struggling to survive because of the pandemic. This will result in fewer jobs being available in our Commonwealth and will harm the very individuals they claim to want to help. We have also seen time and again where the Democratic majority prioritizes violent offenders over the interest of crime victims and law enforcement. The Parole Board scandal has laid bare this reality.

“I will remain a voice of reason and if reelected along with a Republican majority will work to ensure students have the support they need as the pandemic ends. We will foster an economic environment that encourages, not discourages, job and wage growth. Finally, we need a criminal justice system that is fair and transparent, but not one that disregards crime victims or the policies that have made the Commonwealth among the lowest in violent crime and recidivism.

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships with countless community members and local officials over the years. Rest assured, if reelected I will continue to listen and learn about the challenges facing 26th District residents and seek out solutions to improve our Commonwealth. Despite differences, there are also areas where I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues in a bi-partisan fashion to find solutions. Our efforts this past session to offer additional support for our farming community is just one example.

“I appreciate the strong support given to Vickie and me during the entire duration of my service in the House. In the effort to collect the necessary number of signatures to get on the ballot, we collected almost three times the amount needed prior to our self-imposed deadline. This is just one example of the overwhelming support for our campaign and demonstrates that citizens are anxious to see a change in leadership in Richmond.”

Delegate Wilt has represented the 26th House District in the Virginia General Assembly since 2010. The 26th District includes the City of Harrisonburg and part of Rockingham County.

Harrisonburg- On Thursday Governor Northam signed a bill into law that aims to make it easier for students with a brain injury to receive the appropriate educational supports and services in school. Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) patroned the bill during the 2021 Legislative Session after hearing from a local mother who faced difficulties in getting the appropriate services for her child with a brain injury.

The bill modifies the current definition of brain injury for special education services to be more inclusive of acquired brain injuries, beyond only those obtained through external physical force. The current narrow definition can result in some students with an acquired brain injury not receiving the appropriate services or receiving services that are unnecessary. Delegate Wilt worked with the constituent, Amanda Morris, Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, the Brain Injury Association of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Education to develop the bill last fall and ensure its passage in the General Assembly.

“March is Brain Injury Awareness month and it provides Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley with additional opportunities for advocacy concerning the needs of individuals living with brain injury,” commented Cindy Noftsinger, Executive Director of the local organization. “We understand that people living with brain injury deserve better access to services and supports, but we need champions like Delegate Wilt and our parent advocate, Mrs. Morris, to help spread the word. With better understanding of the unique needs of persons with brain injury, our communities become aware of existing challenges and ways folks can help improve lives. When we all work together, as we did on this bill, we can make a huge impact on individuals, families and our community.”

“We are hopeful that this bill will fill the gap between the medical and educational field for children affected by brain injury and increase collaboration between educators and health professionals who are trained to provide guidance on the specific needs of the child’s cognitive abilities,” stated Mrs. Morris. “My son James was the inspiration for this bill, he has had to fight many battles in his life, the right to a free and appropriate education should not have been one of them.”

“I appreciate Mrs. Morris bringing this issue to my attention and I’m hopeful the broader definition will better meet the needs of students with a brain injury and their families,” said Wilt. “It’s certainly fitting this new policy that will benefit students with a brain injury was signed into law during Brain Injury Awareness Month.”

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley seeks to enhance the lives of individuals affected by brain injury through cultivating connections with information, services and resources. Through their work and the work of similar organizations, brain injury awareness and supports for individuals with a brain injury has made gains in recent years. In addition to this bill the General Assembly has passed several other reforms, including a bill sponsored by Delegate Wilt last year to ensure law enforcement crisis intervention team members have traumatic brain injury training.

Harrisonburg- On Friday Governor Northam signed a bill into law that many in the agriculture and conservation community believe will be a helpful new tool to encourage local producers to implement water quality improvement practices. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway), will offer an enhanced tax credit to farmers that implement certain best management practices on their farms.

Delegate Wilt first introduced similar legislation during the 2020 Regular Session, but that bill did not make it out of the Appropriations Committee. However, after a diverse coalition of agriculture, conservation and environmental groups spoke out strongly in support of the measure it found success in the legislature this year. The new credit will cover 50% of the cost of the practice and farmers interested in pursuing the credit will work with their local Soil and Water Conservation District office.

“The idea of an enhanced tax credit for our farmers was one of the recommendations included in the latest roadmap for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, so I’m glad to see it come to fruition,” said Wilt. “Along with existing cost-share and other programs this will further assist in the effort to improve water quality and meet our goals without the need for heavy-handed government intervention.”

Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Augusta) carried companion legislation in the Senate this year and that bill was also signed into law Friday by the Governor. In addition, Delegate Wilt served as the chief co-patron of another agriculture initiative sponsored by Delegate Wendy Gooditis (D-Clarke) that seeks to aid the struggling dairy industry through a Dairy Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program. That bill is still awaiting the Governor’s signature, but it is expected he will sign the legislation. Delegate Wilt has championed targeted support for the dairy industry the last number of years as farmers have had to contend with extremely low milk prices and other compounding factors.

Harrisonburg- On Wednesday Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) filed legislation to establish a task force dedicated to ensuring Virginia’s students do not permanently fall behind as a result of the pandemic and subsequent remote learning environment.

The task force calls for 22 members, including state education leaders, teachers, parents, legislators and other education officials and citizen members. The group will develop policy and funding recommendations to assist public school students impacted by school closures and the remote learning environment to ensure students that may be struggling during this time do not fall further behind, but rather are given the tools and services necessary to succeed moving forward. The task force is charged with developing a uniform strategy to effectively identify students in need of remediation services, identify the necessary interventions and services that must be deployed, as well as conduct a review of existing education mandates and requirements that may be appropriate to waive or modify.

“I’ve talked to numerous parents with students struggling in the current learning environment, even students that typically excel in school,” said Wilt. “While I know our teachers and school officials are trying to do the best they can in these challenging circumstances, the reality is the current situation is not ideal for most. When we get back to relative normalcy, hopefully sooner rather than later, we cannot continue as if nothing ever happened. A significant population of our k-12 students will be in desperate need of remediation services and coursework- not to mention the behavioral and mental health component. In discussions with local school officials I was delighted to hear they are already planning innovative and substantive remediation efforts. This state-wide review is intended to complement any local efforts and ensure all students have the supports they need.”

The bill is awaiting committee referral, but the Delegate expects it to be taken up within the next two to three weeks.