Richmond, Virginia (February 27, 2005) – Proclaiming his House Republicans to be the caucus of ideas, innovation, and progress, House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today recounted the success of his caucus’s legislative agenda for the 2005 Session. Joined for a Capitol news conference by Republican delegates and the leadership team of the House Republican Caucus, Speaker Howell touted the General Assembly’s approval of his caucus’s priorities on addressing transportation, providing tax relief, and increasing funding for education and the environment.

“Long before this session convened, House Republicans committed themselves to advancing an ambitious agenda addressing the Commonwealth’s critical long-term needs,” remarked Speaker Howell. “Today, I am happy to report that the majority of that agenda has been approved by the General Assembly. House Republicans have begun the process of reforming and improving our transportation infrastructure, provided tax relief by fulfilling our commitment to ending the state-portion of the sales tax on groceries, and made substantial funding increases to improve education and cleanup the Chesapeake Bay. By any objective measure, the success of our reform agenda has been impressive.”

Overall, the Virginia Senate approved nearly 80% of the legislation highlighted in a February 9. 2005 news conference held by the House Republican Caucus.