Senator John Miller | 1st District Virginia

Dear Friends:

For the past four years I have had the honor of representing the people of the 1st District in the Virginia Senate. I have worked hard to reach across the aisle and build consensus for common-sense solutions to the problems facing our communities and our Commonwealth. I think you’ll agree that I have a solid record of accomplishment.

Education

I have worked to help ensure every child in Virginia gets the very best education possible. Working with the governor, I passed legislation calling for a study of the 3rd grade reading test scores in Virginia. The 3rd grade reading test score is the most predictive test we have. If a student passes that test, there is a 95% chance they will pass the 5th grade test and be successful in school. But if a student fails the test, there is a 50-50 chance they will fail the 5th grade test and be unsuccessful in school. Today, nearly 20% of our children fail that test. That is unacceptable.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission recently released my study. It is a blueprint to ensure every child in the 3rd grade reads at grade level. When I return to Richmond in January, I will offer legislation implementing recommendations of that study.

Job Creation

I have helped to secure workforce development funds for some of the major companies on the Peninsula to help them hire more people. I have introduced legislation providing grants to companies that create good-paying “Green Jobs.”

Helping Veterans

It is estimated that 20-40 percent of the men and women coming home from the wars suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). This can lead to many problems and sometimes to a brush with the law. Working with veterans’ organizations, I passed legislation that allows veterans or active duty military who commit a non-violent crime to be diverted from the criminal justice system and into the treatment they need. I also passed legislation making it easier for our military serving overseas to register and vote.

Strengthening Families

Under Virginia law, if you put your child up for adoption you could never have any contact with that child again. We had hundreds of young people aging out of foster care every month because their birth parents cannot take care of them, but they did not want to put them up for adoption. I made a common-sense change that says if the birth parents, adoptive parents, judge and child all agree on whatever form of contact they want, then the adoption can move forward. This is the best of both worlds for the child who has a loving family and a connection to their birth parents.

Commonwealth Caucus

I founded the Commonwealth Caucus – 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans – working together to get things done. I believe you must reach across the aisle and engage the other side. Neither political party has a monopoly on good ideas. By getting the best thinking of both parties, you strengthen legislation and get results. The Commonwealth Caucus has made a difference and I will continue to find bi-partisan solutions to the problems we face.

Other Accomplishments

Passed legislation abolishing the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority.
Saved taxpayer dollars by severely limiting the number of annual reports state agencies can print.
Helped lead the fight to downsize Southeastern Virginia Training Center and fund new facilities in the community.
Passed legislation banning the sale of Chinese dry wall in Virginia and another bill requiring sellers and renters to disclose if a property has Chinese dry wall.

WORK LEFT TO BE DONE

Transportation

Our transportation crisis continues. We must make long term investments in infrastructure that will ensure our continued prosperity and the safety of our citizens. It is imperative we find a dedicated, sustainable and realistic source of revenue to pay for the transportation infrastructure we so desperately need. I have found most people support a small increase in the gas tax. They get it. They understand that we must make investments in infrastructure. I will continue to work to find a solution to transportation funding.

Childhood Obesity

This is the first generation of children who may not outlive their parents. We must do something to combat childhood obesity. I offered legislation last session requiring every child in Virginia to have 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Although that effort was not successful, I will continue to try and find ways to ensure our children are as healthy as possible.

Bi-Partisan Redistricting Commission

For four years I have offered legislation creating a bi-partisan redistricting commission. We must get the pen out of the hands of politicians and give it to a group of people who do not have a vested interest in the outcome. Politicians should not pick their voters before voters have a chance to pick them. I will continue to offer this legislation until it becomes a reality.

Pay Day Loans

For four years I have offered legislation to cap Pay Day loans at 36%. When I return to Richmond in January, I will offer a constitutional amendment to limit all loans in Virginia to 36%. We must stop this predatory practice.

Over the past four years, I have built a strong record of accomplishment in the General Assembly. I worked across the aisle to find common-sense solutions to Virginia’s most pressing issues. I greatly appreciate your confidence and support and I look forward to building on the foundation we have forged. Please keep in touch and share your ideas and concerns.

Sincerely,

Senator John Miller