COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

HOUSE OF DELEGATES
RICHMOND

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
M. KIRKLAND “KIRK” COX APPROPRIATIONS (VICE CHAIRMAN)
MAJORITY LEADER RULES
SIXTY-SIXTH DISTRICT

For Immediate Release: Contact: Camm Tyler

February, 23 2011 (804) 698-1166
ctyler@house.virginia.gov or
delkcox@house.virginia.gov

Statement of Delegate Kirk Cox

--On unanimous passage of House Bill 2533--

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox (R-Colonial Heights), House Majority Leader, today issued
the following statement on the passage of House Bill 2533, a bill that would start the process of increasing the
availability of community-based services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“The unanimous passage of House Bill 2533 sends a strong message that the House of Delegates is dedicated to
increasing the availability of community-based services in Virginia. This bill is also a solid first step in addressing
some of the issues raised in the Department of Justice’s report. The initial investment of $30 million represents a
solid commitment to dedicating the much-needed funding for transitioning from institutional care to community-
based care.

“While there is still much more work to be done, I am positive that we will move forward to remedy the issues
raised in the Department of Justice report. For example, the need to eliminate the urgent care waiting list for
community-based care still remains. Those who are on the urgent care waiting list face an immediate risk of
unnecessary institutionalization.

“I would like to thank Governor McDonnell, Secretary Hazel, the nearly seventy co-patrons, and the Arc of
Virginia for their work to advance this important legislation.”

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Room 948 • State Capitol • Post Office Box 406 • Richmond, Virginia 23218