Reps discuss General Assembly session
Monday, March 9, 2015
Stanley, of Glade Hill, said he supported successful efforts to put back about $50,000 into the budget for New College Institute to help offset a 7 percent across-the-board budget cut to every agency and sub-agency.
Stanley noted that 14 of the 30 bills he introduced are awaiting the governor’s final approval, and he expects to reintroduce several others next year. The bills that passed include one that establishes the Interstate 73 Transportation Compact between Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan to develop and plan for the construction and completion of Interstate 73, to advocate for federal and other funding resources for such projects, and facilitate plans and programs for such projects between the six states.
SB 846 provides access to financial literacy courses for all Virginians who receive public assistance, at no cost, while SB 1001 “closes the ‘puppy mill loophole,’ that allowed puppy mills to sell their animals (often over-bred and/or sick animals) on or in a roadside, parking lot, flea market or similar place, with certain exceptions,” according to Stanley.
Local Governments meet to discuss the Virginia General Assembly
March 5, 2015
Senator Stanley is working to find scholarships to pay off medical debt for doctors who make a commitment to be here for a minimum of five years.
“And that way once they come down, they will put roots down. They will see what a great place we know this place to be and they will stay here,” 20th District Franklin County Republican Senator Stanley said.
Bill Protecting Emergency Volunteer First Responders Heads To Governors Desk, Inspired By Two Fallen Firefighters
Posted: Mar 05, 2015 4:44 PM EST
“What we’ve had is real concern of people not wanting to volunteer because not only were they putting their lives on the line, but they were also putting their financial stability and that of their families on the line. So this protects them and lets them know that we appreciate the good job that they’re doing, and we will protect them since they’re protecting us,”said Senator Stanley.
Right to Try’ bill heads to Va. governor’s desk
Monday, March 2, 2015
“I want to ensure that any person who faces the struggle of a terminal disease has the right to try, and understanding the risks, has the right to utilize the cutting edge modes of treatment that may make it possible to either prolong or save their life,” said Stanley. “I want no parent, spouse or child to endure the loss that I still suffer from today, if there is a possibility that there is an experimental drug or treatment out there that could possibly save their loved one’s life. At a very minimum, we owe it to them to allow them the right to try.”
First-responder bill sent to governor
Thursday, March 5, 2015
“In rural areas such as ours, we depend on the dedication and service of volunteer first-responders to protect us,” he added. “These men and women serve our communities without pay and sacrifice their time with their families so that our families can be protected from fires and other emergency situations.”
“I believe it is our obligation to protect them when they are answering the call of service, from the firehouse to the fire,” Stanley said. “This legislation protects our volunteer first-responders from being sued for ordinary negligence when they are en route to perform their duties in the service of the public good.”
‘Right to Try’ bill on way to governor’s desk
If signed, the new law would allow access to experimental treatments
Friday, February 27, 2015
“The burdens imposed by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies on a person who has a terminal illness who is fighting to save his or her own life are a violation of that person’s personal liberties,” Stanley said when he introduced the bill at the beginning of session. “These people should have the option of accessing investigational drugs, which have passed basic safety tests, provided there is a doctor’s recommendation and they have given consent after being informed of all of the potential risks/rewards.”
State lawmakers target wood stove rules
Feb 25 2015
The Senate considered legislation introduced by Franklin County Delegate Charles Poindexter. The measure would prohibit the State Air Pollution Control Board from adopting or enforcing regulations that would limit emissions from wood heaters.
“The federal government…. forgets one thing,” said Senator Bill Stanley (R-Moneta). “When we make these regulations, what they end up hurting, they end up hurting the poor.”
PETA worker let go for taking dog off porch
February 24, 2015
The lobbyist was trying to stop delegates from passing SB1381. Senator Bill Stanley, who proposed the legislation, said the did so, in part, because PETA’s kill rate is “startling and unsettling,” about 80 percent of the animals it takes in.
So, why is there such vehement opposition to a bill that would change four words in existing state law? Griggs thinks she knows why: “[PETA] took in over 2,600 dogs and cats in 2014 and adopted 39. It does not appear they have a commitment to adopting out animals. So ,this really does threaten their operations,” she said.
PETA lobbyist: Bill could force shelter’s closure
February 23, 2015
But animal rights advocates who are critical of PETA’s high euthanasia rate say the bill would simply require the Norfolk-based animal rights group to make a better effort at adoption. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, called PETA’s Norfolk operation “a way station for death” and said he wants the group to reduce its high euthanasia rate.
NASCAR legend Wendell Scott honored in Richmond
Feb 19 2015
Members of Scott’s family joined Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam on the floor of the State Senate, while other relatives watched from the gallery.
Sen. Bill Stanley spoke of Scott’s skill as a driver, and his determination to compete in the face of overt racism.
Lawmakers optimistic on state budget
February 10, 2015
State Sen. Bill Stanley on Monday voiced satisfaction that House and Senate budget proposals unveiled Sunday are, in his opinion, “not very far apart.”
Del. Danny Marshall, R-Danville, expressed similar sentiments. “I think we’re closer than we ever have been,” Stanley, R-Glade Hill, said of the two legislative chambers, in terms of the spending plans they put forth.
“Right To Try” Legislation Could Be Good News For “Terminally Ill” Patients
Feb 09, 2015
Rustburg, VA- A new piece of legislation could mean great news for terminally ill patients hoping to try anything to help them get better. SB 732 deals with expanded access to experimental drugs. If put into law, it would allow those terminally ill patients a “right to try” experimental drugs.
Stanley bills advance to House
February 6, 2015
Several pieces of legislation by state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, are headed to the House of Delegates after passing the Senate.
One would expand scholarship coverage to medical school students who agree to enter practice in rural, underserved or underprivileged parts of the state. Another would coordinate an advisory council at the state level for patient-centered medical homes. The homes are ways for local patients to effectively receive care through their primary physicians.
Bill to Expand Med School Scholarships May Help Southside Doctor Shortage
Jan 28, 2015
In a statement, Stanley said the bill is “…an important piece of legislation that will help us in our region attract and retain the best and brightest primary care physicians and specialists, so that our citizens will have access to quality healthcare regardless of their income or zip code.”
Budget amendments would keep local tax money in county
Monday, January 26, 2015
“Our local government budgets are limited already by their ability to generate revenue,” Stanley said. “It is absurd to me that we at the state level demand that those revenues are turned over to Richmond, when our localities are struggling to pay for the core services of government that are essential to our area.”
Bill Stanley’s health care bills make it through Senate committee
“I have been dedicated this year to reform rural health care through legislative initiatives that will increase the efficiencies and effectiveness of the delivery of care to citizens in our rural areas, and, that in turn will bring down health care costs for patients,” the lawmaker said in a news release following the first full week of the session.
29 jobs coming to Henry County, average salary is $50,000
Jan 21 2015
“Brick by brick, step by step, we are revitalizing Southside’s economy,” said Senator William Stanley, member of the Tobacco Commission.“Another step in that effort is the Hardide project and the jobs the company will bring to the area. It is great to have this investment in Martinsville- Henry County.”
Sen. Bill Stanley seeks to restore program to attract doctors to Southwest Virginia
State Sen. Bill Stanley is also trying to expand the pool of candidates who would qualify to receive funds from a scholarship program
“Right now in our rural areas, we have a drastic shortage of primary care physicians and the physicians we do have are getting older,” he said, adding in his region the average age of a primary care doctor is over 57.
Legislation aimed at workforce and economic development
Friday, January 16, 2015
“This proposed legislation will encourage private businesses and individuals to form educational partnerships and invest in public schools located in rural and high poverty and unemployment areas of Virginia,” Stanley said. “The Board of Education would oversee the grant application process, dispersal of the funds, and public reporting of management of the funds.”
Local lawmakers mixed on governor’s proposals
Thursday, January 15, 2015
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta, said that although there were some good things about McAuliffe’s State of the Commonwealth address, such as his emphasis on job creation and work force training, Stanley was disappointed that the governor “once again engaged in partisan politics at a time where we need to be thinking about doing what’s right for Virginians.”
Prayer case heads back to court
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
“Since the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the people of Pittsylvania County three years ago to prohibit prayer from being given at the beginning of the meeting of the county’s board of supervisors, the members of the board have stood firmly against this unlawful intrusion,” Stanley said.
Stanley declares war on poverty
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The purpose of this legislation is to enable a better transition back into society, and allowing persons who are so convicted to maintain their employment and/or continue their education/job training during the serving of their debt to society, so they do not become a future financial burden to their community and the state if they were to lose their job.
If a person can continue working at their job or continue their educational pursuits despite their transgressions, they will be less likely to commit crime in the future and will be more likely to return to being responsible and productive members of society.
Prayer case heads back to court
January 14, 2015
State Sen. Bill Stanley filed a motion Thursday asking a federal judge to dissolve an injunction prohibiting Christian prayer at Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors meetings.
County officials, who have been involved in a three-year battle over public prayer, cited a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that said prayer is part of the nation’s heritage and tradition, and is intended to lend gravity to public proceedings and acknowledge the place religion holds in the lives of many private citizens
Tobacco commission awards $800,000 to medical school
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Martinsville City Council announced Tuesday that the Virginia Tobacco Commission has awarded an $800,000 Tobacco Regional Opportunity Fund grant to assist Integrative Centers for Science and Medicine & College of Henricopolis School of Medicine in proceeding with the development of a medical school in Martinsville.
111 jobs to be created over next three years in Martinsville
Jan 13 2015
“Because of this financial commitment by the Tobacco Commission, Dr. Boaz’s vision to create a medical school in Southside that will train primary care physicians who will treat people who live in underserved and underprivileged areas in Virginia, can now become a reality. This medical school will be a critical component of our ongoing efforts to ensure that all Virginians in both the rural and urban areas of our region have access to quality primary healthcare. As an ardent supporter of both Dr. Boaz and the Henricopolis School of Medicine, I know that this investment by the Tobacco Commission will greatly benefit the citizens of Southside for generations to come”, noted Senator Bill Stanley and Virginia Tobacco Commissioner.
Pittsylvania County asks federal judge to lift prayer injunction
January 9, 2015
State Sen. Bill Stanley filed a motion Thursday asking a federal judge to dissolve an injunction prohibiting Christian prayer at Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors meetings.
County officials, who have been involved in three-year battle over public prayer, cited a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that said prayer is part of the nation’s heritage and tradition, and is intended to lend gravity to public proceedings and acknowledge the place religion holds in the lives of many private citizens.
2015 big election year for Pittsylvania County
January 7, 2015
Pittsylvania County will have a big election year in 2015.
All seven seats on the board of supervisors and four seats on the school board will be filled.
In addition, county voters will elect a sheriff, commonwealth’s attorney, clerk of court, treasurer, and commissioner of revenue.
Voters also will fill seats in the General Assembly. State senators Bill Stanley and Frank Ruff are up for re-election along with delegates Les Adams and Danny Marshall.
Although November is 10 months away, it’s not too early for incumbents and challengers to be thinking about the election.
Stanley to introduce additional healthcare legislation
Bill would help terminal patients gain access to experimental treatments
Friday, January 2, 2015
Known as the “Right to Try” bill, the legislative initiative recognizes that Virginians should be free to exercise one of the most basic freedoms — attempting to preserve one’s own life.
Right-to-try law is well past due
Friday, January 2, 2015
Similar to the Compassionate Access Act that has been introduced, but not advanced, on a federal level in recent years, the purpose is to avoid the usually long process the FDA uses to determine whether a new drug is safe, and if it will work. That process can take many years, too long to wait for patients who are often struggling to survive day by day.
County to file motion to lift prayer injunction
December 23, 2015
The county also received a boost last month when a federal judge lifted a similar injunction against Forsyth County, N.C.
The Forsyth case was a cornerstone of the American Civil Liberties Union’s argument in seeking an injunction against the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.
Virginia ‘Right to Try’ Bill Would Nullify Some FDA Rules, Help Terminally Ill
December 17, 2015
Senate Bill 732 (SB732), the Right to Try Act, authored by State Sen. William M. Stanley, Jr (R-District 20), is the latest pushback against the FDA and their controversial methodology of approving drugs for mass consumption.
Stanley to introduce healthcare reform legislation
Five proposals aimed at offering citizens options to Obamacare
Monday, December 22, 2014
Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Glade Hill) will introduce a series of legislative initiatives for healthcare reform for the 2015 General Assembly session.
These legislative proposals include the creation of a Patient-Centered Medical Home Advisory Council, Private Health Insurance Exchanges, Regional Care Organizations for existing Medicaid patients, Medical Scholarships for doctors who practice in rural areas, and a Rural Healthcare Telemedicine Pilot Program.
County prayer appeal will be filed Monday
In a rough draft of the board’s motion to dissolve the injunction, its attorney Bill Stanley argues the district court’s ruling in the Pittsylvania case pertained only to the content of the prayers, “not the process by which the prayer giver was chosen.”
Animal bills get support
December 5, 2014
“It has been said that ‘sunlight is the best antiseptic,’ and I would hope that people will think twice before they commit such a serious crime, knowing that it would be on a public display that this list will provide. The public has a right to know who these very serious felons are, so that we can prevent animals from getting into the hands of the wrong people in the future,” he stated in a news release.
Stanley: New Law allows thousands to keep health plans
November 20, 2014
A recently-passed General Assembly bill will let thousands of Virginians keep their health insurance plans after being threatened with cancellation by the Affordable Care Act, said state Sen. Bill Stanley, R- Franklin County.
“The bill itself stops Obamacare’s shedding of health care plans in Virginia,” Stanley said. “This bill allows hardworking Virginians to keep the plans that they have.”
Stanley encouraged about I-73’s future
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
“The concerns before this meeting started were, ‘Does anyone have an interest in I-73?'” Stanley said following the Monday meeting at New College Institute in Martinsville. “I think we answered that today. … People in our region and people from West Virginia all the way down to South Carolina have an incredible desire to see this road built in our lifetimes.”
Is I-73 a feasible project?
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
But never underestimate the power of people working together. If enough supporters here and in other states collaborate on this project, it could very well materialize. That won’t happen anytime soon, but any project has to catch footing. Once it does, the momentum keeps building.
Is that meeting Monday a step large enough to help catch that footing? Time will tell.
Stanley encouraged about I-73’s future
November 11, 2014
The single largest challenge that I-73 faces, Stanley said, is the sheer cost of the project. There are several different funding resources to consider, he said, including road bonds and federal funds, though states also must be prepared to shoulder some of the burden. “If we want it, we have to understand that we’re going to have to pay for it,” he said.
“For too long, this has been a dream and a desire of our area, and today’s the first step, the building block in the foundation of making that dream a reality. … There can be no greater job program. There can be no greater economic revitalization for Southside and Southwest Virginia … than the building of this road.”
Groups to meet on I-73
Sunday, November 9, 2014
The joint committee will work with officials from North Carolina and South Carolina “in the building of the very important project,” Stanley said.
The panel will develop a “comprehensive plan for the commonwealth to construct and build I-73 over the next 10 years,” he added.
I-73 panel to hold 1st meeting Nov. 10
October 16, 2014
Created by Senate Resolution 32 sponsored by Stanley during this year’s General Assembly session, the panel is charged with formulating a plan to build I-73 through south-central Virginia within 10 years.
As Medicaid expansion falters again, Stanley introduces alternatives
September 22, 2014
Stanley presented several bills designed to strengthen rural health care, including plans to:
» create a statewide council to help increase quality of care;
» create a Medicaid regional care organizations;
» provide a private health insurance exchange program;
» expand medical school scholarships; and
» create a pilot program for telemedicine.
Taxpayers can’t afford Medicaid expansion
August 27, 2014
Senator Bill Stanley is committed to finding Virginia solutions to provide people with affordable health care.
We must support his efforts as he and others think “outside the box” to find solutions that will not weigh even more heavily on the taxpayers who already shoulder too heavy a load.
Stanley: Medicaid solution a passion
Lawmaker’s fix places impetus on state government to support its own medical needs
August 4, 2014
“Right now with the Medicaid program we have right now, it is 21 cents out of every tax dollar. So it is $19.6 billion every two years of our tax money that goes just to the existing program. We have 41,000 people on the waiting list. Without expansion, it grows at an annual rate of 8 percent per year.”
Sen. Bill Stanley to conduct rural healthcare tour
August 3, 2014
“In a little more than a month from now, the General Assembly will take up the issue of Medicaid expansion in Virginia,” Stanley said. “Currently, the existing Medicaid program in Virginia is a whopping 21 percent of the state budget, or over $18 billion every two years.”
According to Stanley, the program is growing at an average of 8 percent per year, or more than $1 billion every three years for Virginia’s taxpayers without the proposed expansion.
“To meet that existing requirement and its increasing financial obligation to the current Medicaid system, Virginia must either take the money from education and public safety, or increase taxes,” the senator said.
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors asks court to lift prayer injunction
July 23, 2014
“We are confident that we will win on the merits of this case, and prove once and for all that the members of the Board of Supervisors and their tradition of an opening invocation did not violate the First Amendment of the Constitution,” he said.
“This is just another step in the fight to protect religious liberty, and I am proud of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors for standing up for what is right.”
Stanley files motion to allow board to use Christian prayers
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
“We have always believed and argued in this case that the long-standing tradition of opening each board meeting with a prayer offered by a board member did not compel the members of the public in attendance to engage in an impermissible religious observance, and did not constitute an unconstitutional establishment of religion by the Pittsylvania County government,” Stanley said. “My clients and I feel vindicated by the Town of Greece Supreme Court ruling and believe that it renders that injunction null and void regarding the future conduct of the board.”
Adkins, Stanley differ on Medicaid
June 30, 2014
Governor’s veto ‘out of order’
June 25, 2014
Following long established legal precedent and the only course of action available to him, the speaker of the House of Delegates ruled that the governor’s veto of my budget amendment “out of order,” thus preserving the full and complete language in the amendment.
The “Stanley Amendment” was specifically designed to prohibit the unilateral implementation of Medicaid expansion by the governor without the approval of the General Assembly.
Most importantly, the amendment was crafted to be veto proof. With his ruling, the speaker agreed by rejecting the governor’s veto.
The budget returns to the governor’s desk with the amendment to prevent Medicaid expansion while preserving the bipartisan Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission established by former Gov. McDonnell.
Stanley hopeful for state budget
June 10, 2014
“It’s hard to say right now” what McAuliffe will do, Stanley said. “I hope he understands” that passing a budget “is bigger than political gamesmanship.”
Education called key to adding jobs
April 18, 2014
Stanley confessed that he had doubted that the Army Corps would issue the permit for Commonwealth Crossing.
“I think the difference was the leadership of Danny Marshall and the members of the tobacco commission pushing through a large investment to show that we’re serious about developing this property,” Stanley said.
“I think the leadership of our congressmen and senators in Washington was very effective. It shows that you can get things done on opposite sides of the aisle. … Turning over one spade of dirt today is turning a corner on the future of Southside Virginia. I think we’re poised to really have an economic upturn that will be a game-changer for all of us,” he added.
Senate action further delays local budgets
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
“Senate Democrats adjourned the Senate for the next two weeks without the slightest inclination to even present a (budget) bill to negotiate in conference during this time period,” said Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Glade Hill). “Local governments that have been clamoring for the new budget to be passed, now must be delayed further.”
Education, job bills killed in House money committee
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
“I am very disappointed,” Stanley said. “This bill focused on trades as an important part of our economic development. Developing these skillsets in the near term is critical to marketing our region as the place for new businesses to set up shop.”
Short-term unemployment bill awaits governor’s signature
Monday, March 17, 2014
“This is an important bill that helps to address both the needs of the employer faced with a temporary downturn of its business, and the needs of the employee who otherwise would experience a full layoff,” Stanley said. “It also saves Virginia money in reducing payments of unemployment benefits because the employee remains employed.”
