State and local governments could get smaller under bills sponsored by state Sen. Steve Newman and Del. Kathy Byron in the General Assembly.
The bills would reduce the state’s power to order localities to do things — like build a new courthouse, or require teachers to take on-the-job training in how to teach civics.
Newman, R-Lynchburg, said the bills are “a remarkable first step to eliminate mandates,” and will be followed by more action from Gov. Bob McDonnell to reduce expenditures and report-forms Virginia demands from its localities.
Byron, R-Campbell County, said she was happy to sponsor HB 1291 for McDonnell, and, “from what I hear, the governor is going to come out with more” mandate removals next year.
Their mandate-reducing bills go beyond the usual talk about “cuts” in the General Assembly, where budget cuts are debated every day.
The mandates to be eliminated were recommended by a five-member study commission that includes Lynchburg City Manager Kimball Payne. The panel made a short list of recommendations in time for this year’s session, but will continue to seek out and recommend further efficiencies.
Among the freedoms the Newman and Byron bills would grant are these:
Localities could sell surplus property on their own;
Localities could agree to contracts under $100,000 without competitive bids;
Localities could set Internet policies in public libraries without reporting to the state librarian.
Byron’s bill and Newman’s SB 679, which are nearly identical, passed through committees and have reached the House and Senate floors.
Two committees approved Byron’s bill Thursday, after hearing objections from roofing contractors who disliked its provisions for a “cooperative procurement” process, meaning local companies would miss out on some work.
Much of the debate focused on a new state requirement that teachers freshen up their skills for teaching civics lessons.
That requirement would cost Stafford County $250,000, educators said. It was removed from Byron’s House bill, but remains in Newman’s Senate bill.
Both bills would remove a requirement that local governments give blind people the first consideration when they seek bids to operate concessions in government-owned buildings.
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