PRESS RELEASE - January 23, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2006

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ENDORSES IAQUINTO BILLS

Richmond- Lt. Governor Bill Bolling announced his strong support today for three initiatives introduced by Delegate Sal Iaquinto(R-84). These bills will become an official part of the Lieutenant Governor’s legislative agenda for the 2006 session.

"Lt. Governor Bolling and I share a strong concern for the safety and protection of all Virginia residents, whether in our neighborhoods or on our highways," said Iaquinto. "I'm pleased and honored that he would come out so strongly for these important bills."

The first bill is a proposed constitutional amendment guarding transportation dollars. A member of the transportation committee, Iaquinto says, "Transportation is one of the biggest issues facing the Commonwealth, and specifically the Virginia Beach area. I'm making it my priority to ensure that we come out of this session with marked improvements instead of just promises."

The second measure would allow judges to order, as a condition of probation or parole, that criminals convicted of a gang-related offense are prohibited from further associating with members of street gangs. "It's too easy for former gang members to return to criminal activity after their release when they're surrounded by that negative influence," Iaquinto said. "My goal with this bill is to work against the reorganization of these dangerous gangs."

The third bill bars any governmental body from condemning private property for the primary purpose of economic development and tax revenue. "There needs to be strict definitions of what the government is and is not allowed to do in cases of eminent domain," said Iaquinto, "We need to work to ensure the government cannot remove property owner's rights."

Said Bolling of the endorsements, "Passage of these initiatives will represent a major first step toward meeting [Virginia's] goals. I look forward to working with the members of the Senate and House of Delegates to enact this legislation."

Iaquinto represents the 84th House District in Virginia Beach, replacing the newly-elected Attorney General, Bob McDonnell. This session is his first in the General Assembly.

####