Jobs, Economy, Fiscal Responsibility

            Supported legislation through the years to make Virginia “the best managed state,” “best state to do business,” and “best state to raise a family.”

  Voted for job creation tax credits to be extended to smaller businesses.

            Supported legislation creating the Higher Education Opportunity Act to fuel strong economic growth in Virginia and to prepare Virginians for top job opportunities.

            Declined to allow ABC privatization to be considered in the Senate as the House of Delegates did not consider this issue. (Senator Puller serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services, which has jurisdiction over ABC laws.) Studies show the privatization of the state owned liquor stores would result in loss of revenue for Virginia as well as putting employees out of work while not offering a better selection at cheaper prices. The impact on the possible proliferation of liquor stores was opposed by many because of additional impact it would have on safety and cost of public safety.

Transportation

            Patroned the Route 1 Transit Study and worked to get it funded for two years. Helps move forward the revitalization of the entire 27-mile Route 1 corridor in Fairfax and Prince William Counties to Quantico.

            Voted for transportation bond improvements in 2011 to bring some transportation money to Northern Virginia.

Patroned the 1999 transportation bond bill to bring improvements to Northern Virginia.

Public Safety

            Introduced Ashley’s law when a constituent was killed by a police officer running a red light without a siren. Drivers of emergency vehicles must flash emergency lights and either sound a siren or be able to stop if necessary going through an intersection.  

Health Care

            Patroned the Newborn Health Screening legislation that expanded the number of tests for genetic disorders causing death or serious mental disabilities if left untreated. By identifying these disorders early on, actions are being taken to correct many of them, saving lives and preventing disabilities.

            Serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care. She and the Commission are working with the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources to plan for a health benefit exchange to be set up in the state to meet the requirements of the new federal health care law. It is important this be done properly to meet federal guidelines or the federal government will set up an exchange for the state.

Education

            Sponsored budget amendments to prevent $61 million loss of state funding for public schools in Fairfax County and $23 million in Prince William County in the rebenchmarking of the local composite index for the 2010-2012 school years.

            Patroned a budget amendment to fund a new Governor’s School in Prince William County for selected juniors and seniors. This allows a partnership with George Mason University’s Prince William Campus for advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

            Voted to protect tuition assistance grants (TAG) to help Virginia students attend private institutions in state because there are not enough slots in public colleges and universities.

Veterans and the Disabled

            Patroned the Wounded Warriors legislation that is helping many veterans who suffered injuries in service and their families with accessing mental health care.

            Introduced Constitutional Amendment that passed last November to allow local governments to provide property tax relief to 100% disabled veterans and their widows or widowers.

            Put forward legislation to provide a tax credit for purchase or retrofitting a home for disabled taxpayers.

Conservation and the Environment

            Voted for funding to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

            Worked to save Mason Neck State Park from budget cuts.

            Supported alternative energy solutions including wind energy.