by Del. Margaret B. Ransone
This was the first full week of the 2018 session and and a few of my bills were heard and advanced in various committees.
House Bill 686 allows private banks to refund dormant account fees and allows customers to reactivate their accounts without penalty. This bill is good for customers and small banks. It passed unanimously by a courts of justice subcommittee.
House Bills 777 and 778 address air medical transportation. These bills give patients in non-emergency situations the option of being transported by ground or by air. Patients would be notified of their option before being transported by the helicopter. This will protect patients from unexpected charges from the air transport providers. The bill passed unanimously by a health, welfare and institutions subcommittee.
The budget is the most important work we do in the General Assembly. The House is already well on its way to producing a responsible, balanced budget. The Republicans are going to be consistent with what we have done in the past, we are going to do our work efficiently and transparently, pass a structurally balanced budget and remain committed to the core functions of government. The budget is not a partisan piece of legislation; it is the best opportunity we have to work across the aisle.
Two of my full committees met this week for the first time, commerce and labor, and agriculture, Chesapeake and natural resources (ACNR). During the ACNR meeting we had the opportunity to hear from Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler and the Secretary of Agriculture Bettina Ring.
Many groups and friends visited this week including the Rappahannock Community Services Board, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, local watermen, Rev. Gernard Reed of Mulberry Baptist Church and former Pages Rhet Hillman and Logan Kellum.
As always, I am truly honored to represent the 99th District. Please contact my office at 698-1099, or [email protected], if you have questions or concerns related to state government.
You can also visit www.lis.virginia.gov for up-to-date information on legislation or www.virginiageneralassembly.gov for information about the General Assembly session.
