Issues

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY WHILE PRESERVING OUR QUALITY OF LIFE
It’s hard to balance both goals, but Delegate Lewis believes our special way of life is worth the effort. He is committed to using our Broadband infrastructure to bring new and better jobs to our community. Jobs which fit in with our way of life.
TRANSPORTATION
Delegate Lewis believes that government should do only a few things and do them very well. One of those core functions is transportation. Delegate Lewis has supported efforts in the General Assembly to fix our Commonwealth’s transportation crisis and allow our Department of Transportation to adequately address problems in Hampton Roads, including Route 13.
PROMOTING THE MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL SPACEPORT
Delegate Lewis worked hard to make the $1.9 billion Orbital Sciences Project a reality in our area. Building on the great work and persistence of Billie Reed, Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and others, he is committed to building upon and expanding that success. “Success breeds success.”
HELPING OUR WATERMEN
In the wake of new regulations - Delegate Lewis worked to obtain $15 million in federal relief for our Watermen and their families and put through legislation to obtain free Community College tuition for our Watermen seeking new skills. In 2009, Delegate Lewis also sponsored legislation to promote the marine tourism industry to benefit our Watermen.
WORKING TO PRESERVE FARMING
Delegate Lewis is from a farming family. Farming sent him to college and law school. His great-grandfather began the family farming tradition. The most important thing to do to protect farming is to work to make farming profitable. Delegate Lewis has worked to ease regulation, protect property rights, increase funding for BMP cost share and fund purchases, for development rights programs. This is an ongoing priority and effort.
WORKING TO CLEAN THE BAY AND PROMOTE AQUACULTURE
As a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission Delegate Lewis works with legislators of both parties from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to develop and coordinate policy to improve the health of the Bay. Delegate Lewis continues to work to promote aquaculture as a new and important industry for our area and our Commonwealth. He has been consistently ranked as a leader in conservation.
EDUCATION
Delegate Lewis stood with Governor Warner in a historic commitment to public education in Virginia. He is an advocate for our Community College system. He has introduced legislation to make schools safer. He has consistently been endorsed by the Virginia Education Association.
CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE TUNNEL
Delegate Lewis believes there is no better symbol of the independence and uniqueness of the Eastern Shore than our Bridge Tunnel. Delegate Lewis has fought to maintain the integrity and independence of this facility.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Delegate Lewis has worked hard to promote public safety. With Governor Warner, he worked to increase salaries for our Deputies and Troopers . He worked across state lines to help rid our area of illegally licensed “Tennessee tags” and has worked to protect our Volunteer Firefighters in performing their service.