|
SOCIAL ACTION LINKING TOGETHER (SALT)---2009
CANDIDATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SURVEY
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear General Assembly Candidate:
Greetings from Social Action Linking Together (SALT) and its over 1,000 social justice advocates throughout Northern Virginia. SALT works to bring the social and economic justice teachings of the faith communities to bear on public policy and legislation, especially at the state and local levels.
With the November elections only a few months away, this is a critical time for the Commonwealth. Virginia faces a multitude of significant challenges in 2010, with many worthy issues vying for attention and creative solutions. Among them are issues of particular concern to SALT, which focuses on poverty, the working poor, housing, and homelessness.
To learn more about your positions on these issues, we have enclosed a short candidate survey that we would greatly appreciate your completing and returning to us. In addition to asking about our issues, we have included an opportunity for you to identify other issues you feel strongly about that may be of interest to our members.
Please type your answer to each question in a separate document that you can send to me by e‑mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(you do not have to re-type the questions). Your response will be shared with our members and others via mailings and our website (www.S-A-L-T.org) as a helpful guide in their choice of candidates. Your answers will be used in toto, not abbreviated or taken out of context. Please return your answers within 21 days to assure your comments are included.
We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions about this survey, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Thank you for taking the time to help educate your SALT constituents concerning your positions.
Sincerely yours,
SALT Coordinator ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ THIS QUESTIONAIRE REQUESTS YOUR POSITIONS ON SALT’S TOP LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2010. Your responses will be shared with our members and others via mailings and our website (www.s‑a‑l‑t.org) as a helpful guide in their choice of candidates. Your answers will be used in toto, not abbreviated or taken out of context. Thank you for your commitment to public service and for your willingness to share your opinions with SALT.
Your Name: __________________________
District: __________________________
1. RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Over 40 percent of those who are currently living in homeless shelters in Virginia have jobs, but their wages are insufficient to afford housing. Virginia is one of the least affordable states in the nation for renters—in every region of the Commonwealth, low-income Virginians cannot afford the cost of housing. SALT supports legislation with funding to create a 3-year rental assistance pilot program, which would provide grants to roughly 800 working families to bridge the gap between their wages and the local cost of housing. Rental assistance can be provided for about half the cost of emergency shelter, and it has been shown in other states to be a cost-effective means of assisting workers in gaining self-sufficiency. Do you support funding of a rental assistance pilot program in Virginia? If not, what strategies do you propose to help close the gap between low wages and the rising cost of housing? Please explain.
2. TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: Virginia families on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) have received only one increase in their benefits since 1985, a 10 percent increase in 2000. Meanwhile, inflation over that same period has equaled nearly 100 percent (24 percent just since 2000). A family of three receives only $3,840 a year, about a fifth of the poverty level. For the last several years, SALT has advocated an increase in benefits for TANF recipients, to be funded primarily from a Federal block grant, and the indexing of future benefits to annual increases in the cost of living; but the General Assembly has not approved an increase. What steps would you support to ensure a meaningful level of time-limited assistance to Virginia’s needy families? Please explain.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: There are currently few controls on how “TANF Programming” money can be used. Virginia has grown dependent on TANF funds to balance its own budgets, using them for “everything under the sun,” as Welfare Reform architect Ron Haskins put it. This means there is too little available for needy families, those whom TANF is intended to benefit. We urge stricter requirements about how funds can be used when they are diverted from cash assistance to “TANF programming.” Do you agree with SALT that funds dispersed through TANF programming grants and transferred to other block grants should be dispersed through a competitive process, rather than being dispersed based on executive and legislative discretion, leading to critical gaps in program and geographic needs? Would you support full restoration to TANF of the funds diverted to other purposes in recent years? Please explain.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: In 2005, the General Assembly enacted legislation to lift the lifetime ban that had prevented persons convicted of a drug-related offense—unlike persons convicted of any other crimes—from ever receiving food stamps, even after they had paid their debt to society. Now such persons can receive food stamps if they are eligible. However, they are still prevented from ever receiving TANF benefits. SALT believes it is critical for Virginia to join 36 other states to lift this lifetime ban on TANF as well, since it has the effect of punishing the ex-offender’s family and hindering the person’s successful transition back into society. Providing these services will support families, decrease recidivism, and provide assistance to those trying to rebuild their lives. Do you support extending the eligibility of ex-offenders for food stamps to TANF benefits as well? Please explain.
5. REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): SALT supports a Virginia refundable EITC to enable hard-working families to escape poverty. Backers of the refundable EITC say that higher income is pro-business because it results in greater productivity and job satisfaction and less worker turnover. The EITC is pro-family as well. Approximately 570,000 Virginians live below the poverty level. Do you support a refundable state EITC based on 20% of the federal EITC for Virginia low-income workers and their families? Please explain.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
THIS QUESTIONAIRE REQUESTS YOUR POSITIONS ON SALT'S TOP LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2010. Survey responses are posted in the order received (as follows):
Name: __Dave Albo (Incumbent)
District: __43
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: I support it, if it is not based on some distribution formula that has NOVA paying the $ and getting only a fraction of the rental assistance. Especially since the need for rental assistance is much more acute in NOVA
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: I support it. But something seems weird in this question. Why has the Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee refused to increase this if it is Federally funded? Is it b/c there is a state matching requirement? If so, where do you propose cutting, in order to fund this benefit increase?
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: If they were diverted, I support full restoration of TANF funds that were diverted. What do you mean by competitive process?
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: It depends on the crime. I don't, for example, support giving tax payer welfare to child molesters, murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders. That is an insult to the taxpayer. But for non-violent offenders, I don't have much of a problem. 5. REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): We already passed an earned income tax credit in VA a number of years ago. What is the problem with the existing system? ***************************************************************************************************************************
Your Name: David Bulova (Incumbent)
District: House of Delegates, 37th District
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Yes, I support a pilot program. It is far more desirable (socially and economically) to make up the gap between income and housing costs in order to keep someone from becoming homeless. I have supported these bills over the last several years as a member of the Housing Subcommittee and am disappointed that they have been tabled in Appropriations.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: I would support an increase in TANF funding. The first hurdle to achieving this is the Appropriations Committee. I am happy to be an advocate for SALT's position to the appropriate Appropriations subcommittee members.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: I agree that TANF needs to be open, accountable, and targeted to those it is supposed to serve. I can't say that a competitive process alone would necessarily result in more efficient or equitable dispersement of funds - especially in terms of geography. I think that it is a critical discussion and I welcome being a part of it.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Yes, I would support extending TANF benefits for those ex-convicts who demonstrate a commitment to their families and to transitioning back to society. This would mean applying similar conditions as were provided to those receiving food stamps in HB 1761 (2005 Session). This includes, but is not limited to, complying with all obligations imposed by a criminal court and other reasonable requirements.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): I support the concept of the refundable EITC and understand that of the states that provide EITC (which is slightly less than half - a majority do not provide it at all), that we are almost alone (save one) in not making it refundable. Given the status of our current budget and anticipated additional cuts, I would want to discuss with SALT the relative priority of all of the initiatives and to determine which ones would have the most significant impact in a resource-limited environment.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
Thank you for your advocacy! I have enjoyed working with SALT during the past four years and believe that SALT's efforts have made a real difference in the lives of Virginians.
While there are many important issues, affordable and accessible health care and stewardship of our natural resources will continue to be particular focus areas of mine. I am also passionate about consumer protection issues and protecting our residents from identity theft. In particular, identity theft disproportionately affects our senior citizens and families in need who do not have the resources to protect themselves from the impacts of ruined credit ratings.
*******************************************************************************
Your Name: _______Delegate Dave Marsden ____(Incumbent)
District: __________41________________
Marsdenfordelegate.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
703-323-4733
9322 Jackson St Burke, VA 22015
1. RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Yes, I support funding of a rental assitance pilot program. Not only is rental assistance cheaper than providing emergency shelter, but it also provides the help that these families need. Emergency shelter is a short term solution but providing assistance allows these families the short term support needed for a long term solution.
2. TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: Raising TANF benefits would help families across the Commonwealth. I would support increasing the benefits a certain percentage each year over the next 5 years.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: Yes. It should not go for administrative costs or overhead.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Yes, after a person has paid their debt to society, we are obligated to help them transition back into the community in order to help them from repeating the same mistakes.
5. REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Yes, the EITC has proven to be effective in helping families move above the proverty line and I support a refundable state EITC based on 20% of the federal EITC for Virginia low-income workers and their families.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
I would like to tell SALT constituents about a pilot program I started. In 2007, I introduced legislation that passed which created a pilot program in 4 counties, including Fairfax, that works with delinquent spouses to keep them out of jail so they can pay child support. This program is proving to be successful. It is saving money, reducing jail populations, and getting financial help to families. By keeping people out of jail, we are saving the state money. In addition, when both parents are able to provide financial support to their families, we have seen families who are able to go off of TANF. I will be working to have this program expanded statewide.
**********************************************************************************************
Your Name: Josh Ruebner (Non-Incumbent)
District: 47th--Arlington
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: The rental assistance pilot program described above would be one that I would support as one means to help Virginia's working poor. One of my central concerns as a delegate in Richmond would be to pass a state-wide living wage bill. Even with the new federal minimum wage going into effect, many hard-working Virginians still toil for poverty wages. This is unconscionable, especially as Virginia is one of the wealthiest states in the country on a per capita basis and is consistently ranked the state most friendly to business interests. As a delegate, I would work to double the current low rate of a 6% flat tax on corporations to help pay for additional programs to benefit those in need, such as the rental assistance program described above. Changing Virginia's regressive state tax structure, which currently has the working poor paying 50% more in taxes than the wealthiest corporations, would be one of my top priorities if elected to serve in Richmond.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: As a delegate in Richmond, I will be a strong advocate for increasing TANF benefits and indexing them to annual cost-of-living increases. In addition to using federal block grant money for this purpose, some of the additional revenue raised through getting corporations to pay their fair share of taxes could be used to help those Virginians most in need of these types of services.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: I think that it is disgraceful that Virginia is misappropriating funds which are supposed to be designated as cash assistance to help close its budget deficits. TANF funds should only be used as they are supposed to be-for assistance to those in need-and should be disbursed in a transparent way. I would support the full restoration of TANF funds for cash assistance rather than their diversion for other purposes.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: I wholeheartedly support extending the eligibility of ex-offenders for food stamps to TANF benefits. Denying ex-offenders the ability to access TANF funds serves as an unnecessary and unjust punishment against a person who has already paid her/his debt to society for any former misdeeds. This discriminatory treatment of ex-offenders is a perfect example of how this state's judicial and penal system is designed to punish rather than rehabilitate.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): I would support a refundable state EITC for Virginia's low-income workers and families as another part of my commitment to help lift people out of poverty. Combined with the rental assistance program and my priority of enacting a state-wide living wage, I am convinced that together we can make a tremendous dent in alleviating poverty in Virginia.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
In addition to some of the social justice priorities that I indicated in the survey, here are some of my other top priorities:
* Promoting a clean energy future for Virginia by emphasizing the development of renewable solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal energy sources, and by placing a moratorium on mountaintop-removal coal mining, the construction of additional coal-fired electricity plants, and the expansion of nuclear power.
* Abolishing the death penalty. Virginia has executed the second highest number of people since the Supreme Court reauthorized this immoral human rights violation.
* Enacting comprehensive campaign finance reform to get corporate money out of the political process. From payday lending to dirty coal, Richmond is awash in corporate contributions accepted by both Democrats and Republican alike, negatively influencing the policies adopted by the legislature.
* Insuring non-discrimination in access to education. Currently, children of undocumented workers are denied the right to in-state tuition at Virginian's educational institutions even if they were born in and went through the school system in this state. This discrimination should end-education is a human right.
*************************************************************
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Your Name: __Vivian E. Watts ___(Incumbent)
District: ___39th Va House of Delegates
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: I definitely support rental assistance funding as a humane and rationale alternative to emergency shelter and public housing. I remain concerned, however, that the need in Northern Virginia will not be addressed unless there is very thoughtful work on how state funds are allocated. The budget amendment needs to spell-out how the number of families in which the gap between wages and the local cost of housing exceeds a certain percentage will be determined and then allocate the pilot fund monies proportionate to the number of families.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: I would support any means to address this issue. We cannot expect to foster healthier parenting if the parent has virtually no resources to provide for her/his family. Such a truly hopeless situation does nothing to break generational cycles that occur within dysfunctional families of mental illness, substance abuse, crime, domestic violence, and/or lack of schooling.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: Yes and thank you for this question. My attempts to get TANF benefits for persons who have served their time for a drug offense (see next question) have been stymied by such diversions.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Absolutely and I would continue to carry the bill and/or budget amendment to do so. We were able to lift the ban on food stamps because there was no cost to the state - not necessarily because legislators understood the merits of the reasons you have articulated. Unfortunately, although it is a relatively minor cost to lift the TANF ban, there is little will to fund it.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Yes and will continue to actively support (as co-patron or patron if needed) this important measure which not only significantly increases the progressivity of Virginia's state income tax but supports personal dignity and financial responsibility.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
(1) In SALT's 2007 questionnaire I raised concern about "the impact of repeated tax cuts that do not create greater equity or progressivity" making "it very difficult to achieve social justice." I specifically cited "the over $120 million annual cost of eliminating the estate tax." Given that for only the 3rd time in 50 years, Virginia is experiencing a actual loss of state revenue (not just a downturn in growth), it is even more critical that groups such as SALT actively engage in how we will balance the state budget.
(2) I would urge SALT to look at the issue of establishing nursing home staffing standards. Virginia is one of the few states that does not have staffing standards. This is particularly critical because Virginia controls Medicaid costs by setting high thresholds for nursing home admission, i.e., Virginia Medicaid nursing home patients are less able to function on their own. There are over 30,000 people in nursing homes in Virginia. Most are on Medicaid and are the poor for whom SALT would advocate if they were not elderly. The magnitude of the suffering is demonstrated by the projected Medicaid cost if Virginia were to adopt even a minimum staffing of 3.5 hours of direct care per patient per 24 hours (rather than the nationally recommended 4.1 hours that has been demonstrated to prevent physical deterioration.) This cost has always killed my legislation but it reflects the degree to which many nursing homes in Virginia are significantly under-staffed.
******************************************************************************************
Your Name: ____Charniele L. Herring______________________
District: __________46th________________
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM:
I support funding of a rental assistance pilot program. I filed a floor amendment to HB 1600 for the rental assistance pilot program which was narrowly defeated. I will continue to fight for rental assistance.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE:
Considering the state's economic situation and severe shortfalls, I would support a bill that gradually increases the level of benefits from federal funding.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE:
I do support dispersing funds through a competitive process to fill critical gaps. Full restoration of diverted TANF funds may not be possible. A program should be punished due to the decisions of the General Assembly to approve an appropriation. Instead, I think we should concentrate our efforts on forward looking legislation.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: .
Provided that we have improved safeguards in place to help with job placement and with rehabilitation services, I would support such legislation.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC):
Yes, I do support a refundable EITC. Returning tax credits into the hands of families would be a way to assist families in these tough economic times, it would also help stimulate the economy. I trust families to spend or invest their own money in a way that serves their own needs.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
I am an adamant supporter of programs that end homelessness. Having personally experienced homelessness in my teens, I have an intimate knowledge of the effects on the development of a child and the cycle of poverty. That experience informs me as I approach policies aimed at eradicating poverty and homelessness. By assisting families before they fall into a situation where they are homeless, our state will save money, in the long run and our economy will be stronger.
************************************************************************************************************
PATRICK HOPE
DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE
VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES - 47TH DISTRICT
- Rental Assistance Pilot Program - Yes, I am a strong proponent of fully funding the State's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and dollars could be diverted to adequately funding a rental assistance pilot.
- TANF Benefit Increase - I strongly support SALT's request to annually index TANF increases to reflect the cost of living. Paying for the additional expense will be an area of intense debate. I support a thorough examination of the VA Tax Code to ensure fairness and equity for all payers.
- Putting Standards in Place - I strongly support using TANF monies to support the neediest families. Any effort to redirect those funds elsewhere is a practice I strongly oppose and support effort to make certain TANF remains fully funded.
- TANF Benefits for Certain Ex-Offenders - I strongly support lifting the lifetime ban for convicted drug offenders from receiving TANF benefits. There is no rational reason to keep the ban and doing so not only hurts the offender and probably in the long-run leads to a higher cost. Therefore, I support lifting the ban on ex-drug offenders from receiving TANF aid.
- Refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - I strongly support a Virginia EITC as a way to lift more families out of poverty and reduce the number of families seeking government assistance.
YOUR ISSUES:
My top priority will always be to push the state to do more to help those most in need. Through its family assistance, health care, unemployment and other programs, state government already has the tools to respond to Virginians in times of crisis, but we must act with greater speed and determination. Given the economic downturn, the number of our fellow citizens who need help finding work, meeting their mortgage or rent payments, and even putting food on their tables has risen dramatically. Over the coming months, the Commonwealth should do everything it can to use federal stimulus dollars in existing and new programs to help people get back on their feet. However, if I am elected I won't be satisfied with the state merely being a conduit for federal funds; I'll fight to put Virginia on the offensive. For years, the state has saved money for a rainy day (technically, the Revenue Stabilization Fund). Well, that rainy day is here and now is the time to use it. Arlingtonians can count on me to work tirelessly to make sure Virginia government is doing whatever it can to help anyone in a time of need.
********************************************************************************************************************************
Name: Matt J. Cholko
District: 39th House of Delegates
1) While I feel for anyone who is unable to afford housing, I cannot support any government program that provides rental assistance or any other type of housing subsidy. As an alternative, I believe that we should allow workers to keep more of the money they earn by greatly reducing taxes. This will help the working poor by leaving them more money to spend on housing or other necessities. Additional assistance should come from private charities.
2) I believe that families in need will receive far more effective assistance from private charities than from government. We should immediately reduce taxes, so that needy families can keep more of their own money, and so that higher income people will have more funds available to support private charities.
3) I believe that all funds held by the State should be expended only for their legally intended purpose.
4) So long as TANF benefits are available, people convicted of drug crimes should not be excluded from receiving them.
5) I support significantly reducing the tax rates paid by all Virginians.
My Issues - Ending the Drug War
I believe that we must work towards legalization of drugs, as our war on drugs has clearly failed. Current policies tear apart the lives of non-violent drug offenders, and many laws seem to disproportionately affect minority groups. Further, taking the drug business out of the hands of criminals will reduce gang activity substantially. Further still, our prisons are filled with non-violent drug offenders, causing overcrowding and unsafe conditions. Ending the drug war will solve this problem too.
************************************************************************************************************
Your Name: John Bell
District: 13th House of Delegates
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM:
I will vote for a program like this that provides support to working families. A pilot rental assistance program would help provide a hand up rather than a hand out to hard working Virginians who are struggling in these tough economic times.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE:
The Virginia Legislature should move on providing assistance to families that are working hard to make ends meet but are falling short. This kind of temporary assistance does need to keep pace with inflation and needs to be evaluated on a yearly basis to account for changing economic realities.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE:
I support restoration of TANF funds to be spent exactly how they were meant to be spent. Diverting funds from one line item to another after the budget has been agreed upon is a sign of irresponsible budgeting, especially in a time of financial crisis. We should not divert resources away form hard working people who need a helping hand in tough economic times.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: .
Yes.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC):
I support providing relief to hardworking families and a refundable EITC is a great way to provide a "hand-up" versus a "hand-out."
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
The way out of this economic crisis to grow our economy and develop jobs. We must support businesses in their efforts to be successful as they provide the vital jobs that support our tax base. We need to look to economic development as the solution rather than raising taxes. I will always favor programs that reward people who make an effort to be a contributing member of our society.
*****************************************************************************************
Your Name: Kaye Kory
District: 38th House of Delegates
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM:
Yes.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE:
Introduce budget amendment to increase TANF funds.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE:
Yes, TANF funds should be used as they are intended. Yes, I would be willing to work with appropriations staff to try to restore funding.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: .
Absolutely Virginia should be working to keep the recidivism rate down. Shutting out es-offenders only hurts the Commonwealth long-term
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC):
I would support Virginia moving from a non-refundable credit State to a refundable credit State, yes.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
I am concerned with protecting pre-k-through 12th rade funding. We must use higher education as the stepping stone to economic recovery and workforce development.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions!
******************************************************************************************
Your Name: __Chuck Caputo____________
District: ___67th District_____________
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM:
I would continue to promote creating a Virginia Affordable Housing Trust Fund, encourage developers to include plans for affordable housing, and help localities pursue their affordable housing goals. This past session, I sponsored a statewide study of affordable housing incentive options in order to help advise localities.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE:
It's outrageous that the General Assembly failed to accept the federal stimulus money for unemployment benefits earlier this year. As our economy changes and evolves, it is important to not only get better TANF benefits for those adversely affected by our current recession, but to provide unemployment benefits that give support for workers undergoing job training in order to give Virginia's families the ability to move forward.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE:
While I agree that we must remain resolute in delivering TANF funding directly to those who need it most, I think we must also - during our current recession - keep all options open in determining how funding can best serve those who need it. That said, we must also use unemployment benefits to both encourage and support the unemployed to get new job training, especially in Northern Virginia, which would require revisiting the TANF distribution formula.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS:
We must first ensure that we are effectively enforcing the law as it is written in regards to food stamp programs. I also think incorporating TANF benefit restoration into the current system that reinstates voting rights to convicted felons who have paid their debt to society is a good place to begin further conversation.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC):
The challenge with instituting such a tax credit during this current economy is what would we cut in order to pay for it? Transportation, education, law enforcement, healthcare? I think it's important that at this time we continue working to improve our economic outlook and revisit these issues once we return to a stable economic situation.
**********************************************************************************************************************8
Your Name: Mark Keam
District: VA-35
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Please explain.
Yes, I would support funding for a rental assistance pilot program in Virginia.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: Please explain.
I will support legislation aimed at providing an increase in benefits for TANF recipients. Additionally, I would use my office as a bully pulpit to advocate for broader support of Virginia's families in need of assistance.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: Please explain.
I agree that the funds dispersed through TANF programming grants and transferred to other block grants should be dispersed through a competitive process that minimizes gaps in program and geographic needs.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Please explain.
I support extending the eligibility of certain ex-offenders for food stamps to TANF benefits to better help them re-enter our communities once they have paid their debt to society.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Please explain.
I support a refundable state EITC based on 20% of the federal EITC for Virginia's low-income workers and their families to benefit both our local economies and help working families escape poverty.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
In the 35th district, we are beginning to face tremendous traffic congestion problems as a result of the anticipated Metrorail extension to the Dulles Airport which will impact the major roads in my district, and the expansion of the I-66. There are other transportation concerns as well such as HOV lanes, use of mass transit buses and other modes, expanding use of telecommuting, and well-planned growth along public transportation routes. I acknowledge that no one elected official can solve these huge issues alone, but I will constantly make this my priority in dealing with other government officials and stakeholders, to ensure that we adopt long term solutions and needed funding to address these issues.
Fairfax County has a reputation for having great public schools, which is one reason that so many families continue to move into our county. Yet, just below the surface, there are danger signs pointing to problems that face our schools, such as low teacher pay that leads to attrition, budgetary constraints that lead to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of support for non-teacher professionals on campus who serve a vital role in a child's education. I will work with the local school board, county officials, teachers, parents and others to develop innovative solutions to these problems so that we can continue to make our schools what they ought to be.
The national economic downturn is beginning to impact our local economy as well. We need to do all we can to turn the economy around by encouraging more credit to be made available to local small businesses and to continue to bring new jobs into the district. We also need to think about the opportunity that this moment presents to spur a new green economy. We cannot continue to rely on traditional sources of energy that is leading us to continued dependence on foreign oil and to environmental concerns. Instead, we need to move toward innovative renewable and alternative sources of energy as well as to develop strong standards on conservation and efficiency.
. ******************************************************************************************
Your Name: Greg Werkheiser
District: HD-42
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Please explain.
Yes, I would support a pilot program for rental assistance, and if it proves successful in reducing homelessness and the costs to the Commonwealth, I would be help explore scaling the program with nonprofit, private and public partners.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: Please explain.
I support efforts to provide meaningful levels of time-limited assistance to Virginia's needy families and would work to ensure that TANF benefits would be increased and indexed to provide consistent support to those in need.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: Please explain.
Yes, I agree that funds for TANF programming should be dispersed through a competitive process and not go towards administrative costs, overhead, or other needs for which they were never intended.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Please explain.
I do support extending the eligibility of ex-offenders for food stamps to TANF benefits, as well. By denying access to TANF benefits to one class of ex-offenders who have completed their sentence, we illogically increase the difficulty of reintegration into society, which would result in reduced long-terms costs to the Commonwealth's citizens.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Please explain.
Yes, the EITC has been shown to be effective in helping families escape poverty and I support a refundable state EITC based on 20% of the federal ETIC for Virginia's low-income workers and their families.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
I grew up in a working class family--my mother was a domestic and my father was the janitor in our local prison. As the recipient of a gift that changed my life, I understand the power that one individual can make in the lives of others. A generous stranger stepped forward to help me pay for college when it was financially out of reach for me and my family. I have tried over the past seventeen years to repay this gift by helping to make a difference in others' lives. My wife, Marion, left our law practices in 2006 to co-founded The Phoenix Project, a statewide not for profit that promotes sustainable solutions to socioeconomic problems in Virginia distressed communities by educating and empowering emerging social entrepreneurs to work in Virginia's most impoverished communities to help improve the lives of Virginia's needy families.
It is these personal and professional experiences and my desire to repay the opportunities provided me in Virginia that I am campaigning to serve in the General Assembly. I support efforts to help improve the lives of all Virginians through programs and policies that will create jobs, improve public transportation, and support our schools, all of which are essential to creating a healthy environment for individuals to lift themselves out of poverty.
******************************************************************************************************************
Name: SCOTT A. SUROVEL
District: 44TH HOUSE OF DELEGATES
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Please explain.
YES, I SUPPORT THIS.
- TANF BENEFIT INCREASE: Please explain.
I DON'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT THIS TO HAVE AN ANSWER. I SUPPORT INCREASING ASSISTANCE. I'M AWARE THAT VIRGINIA IS LAST IN THE COUNTRY IN TERMS OF RECEIVING FEDERAL GRANTS. WE CAN DO BETTER.
I DON'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT THIS TO HAVE A POSITION, BUT I'M HAPPY TO DISCUSS IT WITH YOU AND BECOME MORE INFORMED ABOUT IT.
- TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS: Please explain.
- REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Please explain.
PROBABLY, BUT I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE COST, ELIGIBILITY AND LOGISTICS.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
RELATIVE TO YOUR INTERESTS, I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU ON ADDRESSING THE POVERTY ON U.S. 1. THERE ARE 5 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ON U.S. 1 WITH MORE THAN A MAJORITY OF CHILDREN ON SUBSIDIZED MEAL PLANS. FOOD BANKS ARE STRETCHED THIN. FORECLOSURES ARE PRESSURING OUR COMMUNITY NETWORKS. U.S. 1 HAS A SUBSTANTIAL HOMELESS POPULATION THAT NEEDS ASSISTANCE.
WE NEED BETTER OPTIONS. I NEED TO WORK WITH YOU ON COMING UP WITH SOLUTIONS.
I SUPPORT BETTER FUNDING OF HEAD START. I SUPPORT STATE SUBSIDIZED KINDERGARDEN. I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND THE METRO.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Your Name: Robert F. McDonnell
Office: Governor
1. RENTAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM: Please explain.
Unfortunately, the cost of housing is actually dropping throughout Virginia due to declining real estate prices. A companion issue is job loss. While declining home prices and apartment rental fees would normally make it easier for those who are homeless to find housing, rising unemployment levels point to increased difficulties for those who may move in and out of homeless situations. For that reason, one of my top priorities is job creation in Virginia, a central issue in this campaign. Jobs are best created in the private sector by ensuring an environment that is friendly to business, especially ventures by small businessmen and entrepreneurs. When we
are successful in the implementation of our vision for job creation, everyone will benefit, including those who struggle with homelessness.
TANF Benefit Increase: I am very concerned with those who are chronically homeless. I am particularly supportive of programs that provide supportive housing with necessary services to the chronically homeless, a disproportionately large number of whom struTggle with mental illness or substance abuse. Addressing the challenges of this population can be accomplished with resources currently available and will be a focus as we prepare the next biennial budget. Additionally, your recommendation of a rental assistance pilot program has merit, especially for the temporarily homeless and when compared to the cost of constructing and operating permanent shelters. As you know, state budgets are under severe strain, but my administration will review the efficacy of such an approach and looks forward to discussing it in further detail with you and other advocates for the homeless.
Further, I will assess and act on the veteran homelessness review being conducted by JLARC at the request of Delegate Kirk Cox. The Commonwealth will examine the current level of services provided to homeless vets in Virginia, identify gaps in service, and evaluate the need for and costs of additional services. Building upon the success in other areas, such as San Diego, Virginia will engage in a proactive Homeless Vet program and explore how Virginia can pursue federal grant money and work with the private sector to see that these veterans are provided for.
My administration will conduct a review of safety net programs serving Virginians in need. We will review the needs to be met and how the full range of Federal and state programs address those needs. We will also invite public participation in this review. The results will provide us with valuable information on adjustments that should be considered as we plan for the future.
3. PUTTING STANDARDS IN PLACE: Please explain.
It is my view that Federal funds received by Virginia in the form of a block grant for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families should be spent consistent with the intent of Congress, which clearly stated the purpose of TANF in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 H.R. 3734-9). The purpose, embedded in the law, is to provide the State with flexibility in operating a program designed to: (1) provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage; (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies...; (4) encourage the formation and maintenance or two- parent families. In Virginia we have been successful in achieving the work
related component of PRWORA, reducing the TANF rolls by over 53%. We have not been as successful in efforts to promote marriage and two-parent families, and the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies continues to grow. In addition to our review of the social safety net, I assure you that if there are TANF block grant resources being redirected to programs that do not fulfill the intent of Congress, I will direct them back to efforts focused on achieving the original TANF goals, including the largely neglected goals of promoting marriage and two parent families.
4. TANF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN EX-OFFENDERS Please explain.
This is a question that would be addressed in my administration's review of the social safety net in Virginia, as outlined above. As you know, the purpose of cash assistance to needy families, as outlined in PRWORA, is to ensure children may
be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. The care of children is the focus of the law, and rightly so. As part of our review, we will examine the impact a lifetime ban on TANF benefits for an ex-offender may have on children, assuming the ex-offender regains custody of the children after release from prison. This issue also intersects with my strong interest in the issue of prisoner re-entry and improving reintegration into the community for those who have paid their debt to society.
5. REFUNDABLE VIRGINIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC): Please explain.
I am a supporter of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. I believe it provides exactly the type of incentive for work that is called for in welfare reform and is a needed and effective supplement to the 1996 PRWORA. For instance, using as an example that family of three referenced in Question 2, headed by a single parent, the EITC is very helpful. If the parent enters the work force earning the minimum wage of $6.55 per hour, the EITC will provide another $5,028 from the Federal government, or an extra $2.50 per hour worked. When combined with other income supplements, such as the refundable child tax credit, actual pay for the parent may top $10.00 an hour. The EITC is a valuable tool in lifting people out or poverty.
In these challenging economic times, with state budgets under enormous pressure, I am placing a top priority on creating jobs and encouraging economic growth, with adjustments to the tax code focused on the productive sectors. Regarding a refundable state EITC, we will examine that approach as part of our safety-net review discussed above.
YOUR ISSUES: What are some issues you feel strongly about that you would like to share with your SALT constituents?
Please see my website (www.bobmcdonnell.com) for additional policy proposals in areas of education, job creation, transportation, veterans, the environment, etc.
|
