The 2022 General Assembly Session convened January 12, 2022.
It is important your voice is heard. The VASWCD is willing to assist with local SWCD outreach including the organization of zoom meetings or a local legislative tour. Uncertain who represents your area, check out the “Who’s Your Legislator“ tool for reference of elected officials by SWCD/locality.
The following VASWCD legislative items are also of importance:
- Legislative Agenda – As approved by members at the VASWCD Annual membership meeting on December 7, 2021 and to be used in advocating district needs.
- Legislative Handouts on SWCD Program Impacts: Admin/Ops Talking Points and VCAP
- Policy Book – As approved with edits December 7, 2021. Policies are normally approved every three years, however, policy changes were approved for one year allowing for additional review at our in person annual conference in December 2022. New policies adopted December 7, 2021 include septic repair and maintenance, paint waste, invasive plants, and turf replacement.
- General Assembly Legislative Tracking Report – This report will be posted during session and sent to the alldistirct list serve regularly. The VASWCD legislative tracking report is updated and posted during the General Assembly Session and tracks the status of legislation of interest to SWCDs. These reports provide a summary and impact of the legislation as well as the VASWCD position. Contact VASWCD staff if you have any questions or if there are additional pieces of legislation you wish tracked.
- Budget Amendments pursued by VASWCD in support of VASWCD Legislative Agenda:
- Senate – Admin/Ops – Increase by $3.6 million – Introduced by Hanger
- Senate – Admin/Ops – Increase by $3.6 million – Introduced by Ruff
- Senate – Dam Maintenance – Introduced by Hanger
- House – Admin/Ops – Increase by $3.6 million – Introduced by Bloxom
- House – Admin/Ops – Increase by $3.6 million – Introduced by Gooditis
- House – Dam Maintenance – Introduced by Gooditis
The VASWCD is also a member of VirginiaForever, a unique, diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts that advocates for increased government funding for water quality improvements and land conservation across the Commonwealth – including SWCD efforts. It is the only statewide organization that has a primary focus on increasing funding for natural resources protection.
We encourage SWCDs to review materials from the following zoom sessions held recently to help inform about session and budget expectations. If you are interested in joining the Legislative Committee please contact Kendall.Tyree@vaswcd.org.
- Legislative Training: Understanding the Legislative Process, the Work of your VASWCD & the SWCD Role and Impact. Additional material: Tips on Effectively Working with Congress (government relations/lobbying) by John Peterson, VASWCD Legislative Committee Co-Chairman
These legislative reports relating to SWCD funding and the organization of water quality programs are of importance:
- Chesapeake Bay Commission Technical Assistance Report – The report details the importance of technical assistance and the need for improved support and funding.
- Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Waters Clean-Up Plan Report – https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2019/RD585/PDF – The report in Chapter 4 encompasses the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s report of “Annual Funding Needs for Effective Implementation of Agricultural Best Management Practices” pursuant to subsection C of §10.1-2128.1 of the Code of Virginia. This report also satisfies reporting requirements in §2.2-220.1 of the Code of Virginia regarding the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.
- 2013 Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District Funding Study
Additional Information, bookmark these websites to quickly access legislation and General Assembly contact info:
- General Assembly (Members, meetings, budget, studies, commissions)
- Va. Division of Legislative Services (Current General Assembly session information)
- Code of Virginia