Brian Moran - Moran Memo

Brian proposes proven, common sense solution to transportation crisis

2008-05-13T12:00:00Z

On Sunday, the Virginian-Pilot published an op-ed by Brian that lays out a proven, common sense solution to our transportation crisis and one that doesn’t pile on costs at the gas pump.

Rather than increasing the gas tax, Brian’s op-ed proposes a 1-penny increase in the sales tax, much of which will come from the tourists and commerce that flows through Virginia.

Brian’s plan invests $1 billion in our statewide transportation infrastructure, with specific funds dedicated to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads

On Sunday, the Virginian-Pilot published an op-ed by Brian that lays out a proven, common sense solution to our transportation crisis and one that doesn’t pile on costs at the gas pump.

Rather than increasing the gas tax, Brian’s op-ed proposes a 1-penny increase in the sales tax, much of which will come from the tourists and commerce that flows through Virginia.

Brian’s plan invests $1 billion in our statewide transportation infrastructure, with specific funds dedicated to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads

More than one-third of the funds from this sales tax should be dedicated to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for projects of regional significance, including new roadways, transit rail systems and our federal matching funds for Metro. This means the money will stay in Northern Virginia, and the decisions on how to use it will be made in Northern Virginia.
Nearly one-quarter of this investment should go directly to Hampton Roads for a series of major projects, many of which have already been identified through regional planning processes. This would relieve traffic congestion, ease cargo movement from the port and protect the ability for emergency evacuations.

The remaining funds ~~- nearly half -~~ should be invested in statewide road safety, repair and construction. We can fund vital new construction projects in every region of the commonwealth, including the Coalfields Expressway and I-73, as well as new rail and transit projects of statewide significance. A portion of the statewide funds should be earmarked for projects that will attract additional private dollars for transportation.

And Brian’s proposal isn’t just to throw money at the problem. Brian proposes creating an Office of Responsible Growth that will be responsible for helping statewide planning work together with local land-use policies to create a forward-looking transportation program that works.

To learn more about Brian’s transportation plan, read his op-ed in yesterday’s Virginian-Pilot.

Brian Rallys Democrats in the 7th District

2008-05-12T17:00:00Z

Brian spoke to the 7th District Democratic Convention this past Saturday at Short Pump Middle School in Richmond. Brian was there to fire up Democrats for the 2008 election and rally support behind Anita Hartke for Congress and Mark Warner for US Senate.

Over 200 7th District Democrats gathered at the event and the air was electric. Brian also spoke to the 3rd district convention in Newport News. You can listen to Brian’s speech to 7th District Democrats below:

Transportation proposals to get Virginia moving

2008-05-12T15:07:00Z

This op-ed originally ran in the Virginian Pilot on May 11

A 1-cent sales tax increase can pay for investments in our roads, mass transit and rail.

Virginia needs bold action on transportation infrastructure investment to provide for a strong economic future. We need a long-term vision and a plan for a 21st century transportation system that helps grow our economy, gets traffic moving, and makes sure we can repair our roads and bridges.

The investment we need to jump-start our economy won’t come from raising the state’s gas tax. Hitting folks with higher prices at the pump at a time when gas prices are skyrocketing, putting the squeeze on middle-class families and those on a fixed income, is not the answer. Besides, soon Congress will increase fuel efficiency standards for our cars, and gas tax revenues will decline. The tax is not a sustainable revenue source on which to build our future transportation system.

More importantly, for too long this debate has been stalled in an ideological battle between proponents of the gas tax and those opposed to solutions. I’m offering another option that raises additional new funds for transportation without engaging in that old debate. First, we can get Virginia moving again by investing $1 billion in our statewide transportation system to ensure a bright economic future, strong job growth and a healthy economy. We can invest in our roads, mass transit and rail through a 1-cent sales tax increase. Estimates show that every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure could create 35,000 new jobs. To raise that much with a gas tax, the tax would need to increase 20 cents per gallon.

And, unlike a regressive gas tax that would raise the price of getting food to the market, this sales tax proposal would exempt food and prescription drugs.

Importantly, this new sales tax will apply to all the out-of-state visitors, from shoppers at Potomac Mills to tourists in Virginia Beach, to truck drivers traveling down route I-81.

More than one-third of the funds from this sales tax should be dedicated to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for projects of regional significance, including new roadways, transit rail systems and our federal matching funds for Metro. This means the money will stay in Northern Virginia, and the decisions on how to use it will be made in Northern Virginia.

Nearly one-quarter of this investment should go directly to Hampton Roads for a series of major projects, many of which have already been identified through regional planning processes. This would relieve traffic congestion, ease cargo movement from the port and protect the ability for emergency evacuations.

The remaining funds -- nearly half -- should be invested in statewide road safety, repair and construction. We can fund vital new construction projects in every region of the commonwealth, including the Coalfields Expressway and I-73, as well as new rail and transit projects of statewide significance. A portion of the statewide funds should be earmarked for projects that will attract additional private dollars for transportation.

Second, it is clear that roads and rails alone won’t solve our transportation crisis. We have to break the gridlock where growth and development put more cars on the road and continue to require a larger road network. We need to plan high-density development along mass transit lines and link our land-use decisions to our transportation planning.

We can break this cycle by creating an Office of Responsible Growth that helps statewide transportation planning sync with local land-use decisions. A fixed percentage of the new funding should be dedicated to rail and transit improvements across the state to lessen dependence on our cars.

Third, for years Virginians have been worried that transportation funds are diverted to other areas of government. To address this problem, we need a constitutional amendment to lock our transportation trust fund and ensure that what we raise for transportation goes to improve that system.

If we do these three things, we will improve our quality of life by keeping folks in traffic less and at home with their families more. Additionally, companies will be more likely to locate here if we have the transportation infrastructure that meets their long-term needs.

More than 20 years ago, Gov. Baliles used the sales tax to invest in our transportation system. It’s time to do that again.

Virginia Invests in Education

2008-04-29T23:02:00Z

Yesterday, the General Assembly approved the Higher Education Bond initiative that provides $1.5 billion in new capital construction to Virginia’s colleges and universities. As Brian Moran said:

“This funding will be a great step in our efforts to compete in the 21st century global economy,” said Delegate Moran. “Last spring I traveled to India on the Governor’s Trade Mission and toured the Indian Institute of Technology. India and China produce as many engineers each year as we will produce this decade. If we want to compete and win, we have to invest in higher education so we have the capability to do groundbreaking research in the life sciences and nanotechnology and biotechnology.
We have thousands of new graduates that want to go to Virginia’s public colleges and today’s effort will help make sure we have room for them.”

As the Washington Post reported:

Most of the money will be spent on projects for community colleges and universities, including George Mason University in Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia Community College system. An additional $1 billion will be borrowed to spend on planning for another 25 projects.
Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), chairman of the House Democratic caucus, said: "We've authorized the largest investment in construction at our colleges and universities in Virginia's history. This will help jump-start our construction industry while building capacity for our future."

The Washington Examiner also reported on the story.

MORAN STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION BOND

2008-04-29T20:30:00Z

RICHMOND – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran made the following statement after the General Assembly approved the Higher Education Bond initiative that provides $1.5 billion in new capital construction to Virginia’s colleges and universities. Delegate Moran joined Governor Kaine and University Presidents at the announcement of this initiative on December 13, 2007 at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“This funding will be a great step in our efforts to compete in the 21st century global economy,” said Delegate Moran. “Last spring I traveled to India on the Governor’s Trade Mission and toured the Indian Institute of Technology. India and China produce as many engineers each year as we will produce this decade. If we want to compete and win, we have to invest in higher education so we have the capability to do groundbreaking research in the life sciences and nanotechnology and biotechnology.

“Today we’ve authorized the largest investment in construction at our colleges and universities in Virginia’s history. This will help jumpstart our construction industry while building capacity for our future. We have thousands of new graduates that want to go to Virginia’s public colleges and today’s effort will help make sure we have room for them.”

Report from Shad Planking

2008-04-24T17:16:00Z

Last week some members of our staff traveled down to Wakefield to help out Mark Warner's Campaign in the infamous Shad Planking "sign war" and also have a booth for Delegate Moran. For most of the staff, it was their first Shad Planking experience, something they will never forget.

We arrived Tuesday afternoon and helped put up some signs along Main Street and 460. We then all took shifts for the evening, making sure no one was out there tearing down Mark Warner signs. Then after a great breakfast at the Virginia Diner, we put up more signs along 460 and then proceeded to the event to set up our booth and help the Warner Campaign set up theirs.

Our good friend, Hahn Deniston, brought a popcorn maker with her, so that we could hand out some popcorn with the sodas, water and Brian Moran cups we also were handing out. And in sticking with the spirit of this is Mark Warner¹s year, our staff was decked out in "Mark Warner is Good" t-shirts.

In the afternoon, Delegate Moran came out to Shad Planking. He spent a lot of time working his way around the crowd, had some shad, and ran into Mark Warner. This was a fun time and something we are all looking forward to next year! You can also check out more photos of our time at Shad Planking by going to our Flickr account.

Dominic Gabello
Political Director
Virginians for Brian Moran

8th Annual Pancake Breakfast

2008-04-21T20:57:00Z

Last Saturday was Brian’s 8th Annual pancake breakfast and it was a bigger success then ever before. Because of demand, we had to move out of the local middle school and into TC Williams – the big new high school in Alexandria. (Note: TC Williams is a LEED Certified Green Building. Way to go!). The event was sold out – nearly 400 people came. Brian welcomed the crowd and Jim Moran gave keynote remarks about the change in direction our country needs.

We had the Teddy the Clown and a magician. The kids had a great time. We were lucky to have most of the Alexandria City Council, our local Democratic chairs and leadership, and even some good friends from Richmond and as far away as Russell County.

Lowell Feld of Raising Kaine had this writeup:

Now, back to Brian Moran's pancake breakfast at T.C. Williams. Attendance was around 350, including a LOT of elected officials: Rep. Jim Moran, Sen. Patsy Ticer, Del. Bob Brink, Del. Kris Amundsen, Del. Margi Vanderhye, Del. Jennifer McClellan, Del. Mark Sickles, Del. Adam Ebbin, Del. Al Eisenberg, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Alexandria Vice Mayor "Del" Pepper, and many others. I also saw Fairfax County Democratic Committee chair Scott Surovell, Alexandria Democratic Committee chair Susan Kellom, and former FCDC chair Ginny Peters. Jon Bowerbank, who is planning to run for lieutenant governor in 2009, was there, along with advisors Brian Patton and Joe Puckett. Mame Reilly, Mark Warner's former political director and now director of Brian Moran's Leadership for Virginia's Future PAC, was there as well. By the way, Brian Moran is not yet a formal candidate for governor in 2009, but everyone knows he's running, so that pretty much goes without saying. Also, just for the record, I remain neutral in this race at the present time.
In his remarks, Brian Moran talked about the importance of family for him, particularly given that he is the youngest of seven children. Brian said that he learned from his older brother Jim the importance of public service, of not "sitting on the sidelines," of getting in the game and making a positive difference. Not surprisingly for an event at T.C. Williams High School, Brian talked about investing in Virginia's colleges and universities and about the importance of education in general. Brian concluded by saying that he's up for a challenge, isn't going to just leave it to someone else, and that "we can do great things together."

A Moment of Silence

2008-04-16T15:35:00Z

Today on this first anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech we grieve. We do so together for family members, for neighbors, for members of our community and our Commonwealth. The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the lives cut short. But it also can be an important memory of the overwhelming power of the "Hokie Spirit" that brought together the campus, this Commonwealth and our nation in the wake the tragedy.

We've made tremendous and significant steps forward on the policy issues that came to light from this terrible tragedy. But the focus today is on our communities and our families. Today we grieve with our friends in the Virginia Tech community and share our heartfelt sympathies with the families of those who lost loved ones on that tragic day.

I hope you will join Governor Kaine in a statewide moment of silence at noon today.

MORAN STATEMENT ON CHILD SEX PREDATOR’S ARREST

2008-04-10T23:06:00Z

ALEXANDRIA – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran made the following statement after the announcement from Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown that the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SOVA/ICAC) had taken a Waynesboro, Virginia resident into custody for sexually exploiting a local child. Delegate Moran sponsored “Alicia’s Law” to invest in local law enforcement’s ability to investigate and arrest online child sex predators like this one.

“The work of local law enforcement has ended an innocent child’s suffering,” said Delegate Moran. “I am proud of the work the Bedford and Augusta counties’ Sheriff’s Offices did as part of our ICAC team. As a former prosecutor and the father of two young children, I know there is nothing more important.

When the General Assembly acted this year, we had heard the story of Alicia and knew it was time to prevent her tragedy from becoming all too real for other children. We took a tremendous first step this year in our efforts to protect Virginia’s children from these violent, vile predators. Today’s news from Waynesboro makes our efforts to all the more critical.”

The Waynesboro man was charged with one count of manufacturing child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of attempted indecent liberties with a minor under the age of 14. A local child victim was identified and placed in the care of child protective services. The arrest was made by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, which is an affiliate member of the SOVA-ICAC.

Review the announcement from the SOVA ICAC here.

Brian Recognized for Work for Military Kids

2008-04-08T22:08:00Z

Brian's work on behalf of military familys was recognized by Our Military Kids on Monday. He received the award for his support of their program, which provides grants to children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and military Reserve personnel. When the program began, Brian helped the organization secure initial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“I thank the leadership of Our Military Kids for this recognition,” Delegate Moran said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with them to provide grants that help the families of those service men and women fighting overseas. These kids and families deserve our support as a tribute to their parents’ service to a grateful nation.”

BRIAN MORAN RECEIVES AWARD FROM “OUR MILITARY KIDS”

2008-04-08T21:52:00Z

Washington, DC – Virginia House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran received an appreciation award from Our Military Kids during an awards reception on Monday near the Capitol. He received the award for his support of their program, which provides grants to children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and military Reserve personnel. When the program began, Delegate Moran helped the organization secure initial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The award was presented by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

The program has provided over $1 million in grant funding to help children of deployed service members while their parents are overseas. They have provided 369 individual grants in Virginia. The grants are made to honor the sacrifices military parents make and to ensure that their children have access to activities and support that help the children better cope with the challenges that arise during a parent's deployment or injury recovery. The funds are often used to support youth sports programs, fine arts programs or tutoring.

“We are greatly indebted to Brian for his strong advocacy of the program,” Our Military Kids Co-Founder Gail Kruzel said. “Thanks to Brian, we have been able to provide additional benefits to the children of Virginia’s deployed. Virginia’s support of the program sets the benchmark for other states to emulate.”

Awards were also presented to former Virginia Governor Mark Warner and 11th District Congressman Tom Davis.

For more information on the awards see this statement from Defense Secretary Gates.

Brian Rallies Democrats in Staunton II

2008-04-01T21:49:00Z

Brian Rallies Democrats in Staunton

2008-04-01T16:00:00Z

Brian was in Staunton Sunday night talking to Democrats and getting people excited about upcoming elections.

Moran’s remarks focused on supporting Democratic candidates, a cause he said has been important to him in his role as caucus chairman. Soon, however, he, too, is expected to announce a candidacy. In January, Moran formed an exploratory committee to consider a possible bid for governor.
“Elections elect people who possess our principles and possess our values, and who will put them to work in the legislation,” Moran said to the crowd, stressing the need to elect Democrats.

Later, Moran said Democrats must reach out to Augusta County residents on issues that that they care about, such as health care and education.

“It’s important for us to promote issues that resonate in an area like Staunton and Augusta,” he said.

Brian also took the opportunity to note the great progress Virginia has made under Democratic Governors, and the importance of providing economic opportunity to all Virginians.

Moran, a Northern Virginia delegate, is expected to announce his candidacy for governor later this spring.
He said it is important for Democrats to continue to lead on the most important issues, such as education and transportation.

Moran told area Democrats that he is proud of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s battle to increase pre-K funding across Virginia.

“Science tells us the brain develops between age 0 to 5. We are making sure brains are stimulated the proper way,” he said. “That’s why he [Kaine] picked pre-K.”

Moran said a higher-education bond package is also crucial for Virginia’s future. The final numbers on that package will be agreed on soon by legislators.

“We must invest in our colleges and universities,” he said. “We are competing with India and China. This is a global environment. We must provide research, technology and science.”

Brian Profiled in News Virginian

2008-03-24T16:00:00Z

While Brian is concentrating on the transportation session right now, some are starting to look ahead to what comes after the session. The News Virginian has a great profile of Brian in today's issue, looking at the broad experience that has made him such an effective leader in the Assembly.

One of seven children, including brother Jim, a U.S. congressman, Moran worked numerous odd jobs while earning degrees from Framingham State College in Massachusetts and Catholic University Law School in Washington, D.C.

He bagged groceries, worked construction, tended bar and was a gas station attendant.

“It’s the American dream. You can apply yourself and work hard and be all you want to be,” he said.

Elected to the state House in 1995 after being urged to run by friend Mark Warner, the former governor and U.S. Senate candidate, Moran was named Democratic Caucus chairman in 2001.

Since Moran took over that post, Democrats have picked up 12 state House seats.

And Brian's leadership has extended beyond political success as he's been a leader in the Assembly on a number of issues that are key to Virginians.

Moran said he is pleased to see such major companies as Northrop Grumman and CGI come to Southwest Virginia.

He also spoke about the federal government’s presence in Northern Virginia and the port of Hampton Roads.

“The port is an enormous natural asset which generates more and more export-import business,” he said.

Moran said education is still Virginia’s top issue.

“Education resonates in every area of the commonwealth,” he said. “Everyone wants their kids to receive the best education. Only with a first-class education will they be able to compete for jobs.”

He said Virginia’s transportation woes are keenly felt in traffic-clogged Northern Virginia.

“This hurts job creation,” he said.

Moran believes Virginia can be an attractive state to manufacturers because of its employment base.

“We have excellent product, hard-working Virginians,” he said. “China is producing products but they are unsafe. They don’t meet our standards of quality.”

UPDATE: Vivian Paige has more...

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-20T14:00:00Z

Brian started off the week in green, as he joined the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Fredricksburg Sunday.

Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, his wife and two children also put in an appearance in a bright green Mustang. He’d met beforehand with about 50 people at a reception in the Princess Anne Building that was sponsored by the Fredericksburg Democratic Committee and the University of Mary Washington Young Democrats.
...

Moran told the group that he could talk about the current transportation stalemate in the General Assembly, but preferred instead to talk about how his Irish heritage instilled in him an intolerance for injustice.

“It’s incumbent upon us to remain vigilant,” he said, “and to fight for those who do not have the same opportunities.”

Early Monday morning, Brian joined local area law enforcement to announce a safe ride program to help prevent drunk driving in Virginia. You can watch him speak at the event in the video below.