Senate Democrats set agenda

Preserving pre-kindergarten; tax breaks for green energy and disabled veterans; and no-excuse absentee voting are among the items on Senate Democrats' legislative agenda during the 2009 General Assembly session.

The 21 members of the Democratic caucus also set as a priority cooperation with their 19 Republican colleagues in the Senate, knowing they must navigate jointly the national recession and a state budget deficit that already has reached $3.2 billion.

"We hit a few bumps last year," said Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, referring to the bickering during last year's debate on the 2009-10 budget. "We want to be as inclusive as we can, we've got a lot to do, and the sooner we start on it, the better."

Among the highlights of the agenda:

Education: Democrats said they are in favor of one-time budget cuts to K-12 funding rather than the structural approach favored by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. He wants to install a cap on the ratio of support personnel hired based upon the number of students.

Sen. R. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, also said Democrats will work diligently to preserve Kaine's pre-K initiative, which has been targeted by Republicans.

Green jobs: Democrats are supporting Kaine's proposals to provide tax credits for homeowners who install green energy systems and businesses specializing in green technology. There also will be initiatives to increase the use of biodiesel and to preserve rivers and streams by reducing fly ash.

Election reform: To reduce lines on Election Day and increase participation, Democrats will propose no-excuse, in-person absentee voting and push to allow registered voters to cast their ballots early.

Veterans: Democrats will propose a constitutional amendment to eliminate local property taxes for veterans who are 100 percent disabled.

Asked about making another attempt at a statewide transportation bill, the senators said this time it's up to the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, which killed the Senate proposal last year, to make the first move.

"We hope an effort is made," said Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington, the Democratic caucus chairwoman. "Let's see what they come up with."

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or .