ABINGDON, Va. – Jobs, electric rates and a $4.5 million state budget shortfall were among the issues addressed in a telephone town hall meeting held by two Southwest Virginia legislators Tuesday.
Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, and Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, reported that 5,343 people called in for the legislative update from Richmond.
“Terry and I think you’re going to have to reduce your spending here in Richmond,” Wampler said, adding that they don’t believe in spending more than they have and, while spending cuts will be painful, so have they been for taxpayers cutting household budgets.
Kilgore said he hopes to impose budget cuts in a flexible manner that allow localities to look at their priorities and choose where to cut rather than having it mandated from the state. Still, he warned, “It’s going to be tough all the way around.”
Amid tough budget decisions, both legislators said they support investments they believe will create jobs – such as putting money into the development of broadband infrastructure to attract high-tech industry.
“That’s how you bring jobs back from India,” Wampler said.
Several constituents who had questions during the conference call were concerned about rising electric rates for customers of Appalachian Power and Old Dominion.
“The issue of [electricity] billing is one that we’ve been hammered with,” Wampler said, “and what we hear loud and clear from our constituents is they just can’t afford it.”
Kilgore said, “We are going to do something while we’re here in Richmond to address these rates.” He blamed a lot of the rate increases on federal mandates requiring installation of clean-air equipment on coal-fired power plants.
“We’re worried to death about cap and trade,” Kilgore said, referencing the proposed federal legislation that would limit carbon dioxide emissions and allow businesses to trade among themselves to keep the economy under that cap. “Our power bills would double what they are even now.”
Another concern raised was about growing federal restrictions on coal mining that could affect jobs in Southwest Virginia as well as the cost of electricity.
“Make no mistake about it: The Obama administration wants to shut down the coal industry,” Wampler said.
“That would have a devastating effect on our jobs in Southwest Virginia and also a serious question of national security… . “The last thing we need is for Washington to take a swipe at the coal-producing jobs that we have.”
dmccown@bristolnews.com | (276) 791-0701
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