Valley Delegates Preview Major Issues Before Next Week's General Assembly

Delegates Steve Landes and Tony Wilt spoke with people at a town hall meeting in Bridgewater on Tuesday night. They spoke with them about some of the big issues they're going to face heading into the General Assembly.

When the General Assembly begins next week in Richmond, both Delegate Landes and Wilt agree that working to balance the budget is the top priority. Wilt says we can expect to see a copy of that budget later in the session. He said he aims to make the best use of the taxpayers' money.

"Try the best we can to make sure that our needs are met for our citizens, also good use for the money that they pay," said Wilt.

Another issue that may be brought up is the expansion of Medicaid, a policy both Republican delegates say they're against. Wilt said, "We've been over that issue and so the facts prove out how detrimental it would be to the state."

Virginia's Democratic Governor, Terry McAuliffe, said he wants to make education a top priority. Landes is the chair of the House Education Committee. Landes said more money going toward education is a good thing for the Commonwealth.

"The Governor has included a lot of additional dollars for education, we'll look at those and make sure we're in agreement with the priorities that he's set," said Landes.

The General Assembly will last for 60 days after it reconvenes on January 13.

If you would like to meet with Delegate Steve Landes, he is going to have two more opportunities just like this, the details are below:

Delegates Landes & Cline Joint Town Hall

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Blue Ridge Community College

Plecker Center, Room P 126A

One College Lane, Weyers Cave

Delegate Landes Town Hall

Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Lodge at Old Trail, Main Dining Room

330 Claremont Lane, Crozet