They can also deal with this problem too (Lowell - 4/25/2008 8:26:02 AM)
With regards to finally achieving some kind -- ANY kind -- of progress on transportation in Virginia, this headline says it all about: "Governor, lawmakers show no signs of reaching agreement."
Gov. Tim Kaine said on Thursday he expects to call lawmakers back to Richmond in mid-to-late June to address the state's lingering transportation funding crisis, a projected date creeping deeper into the summer as lawmakers and the governor show no signs of reaching a funding agreement.
Then we have this beauty: "No Clear Route to Compromise on Transportation: On Matters of Taxation, Democrats Disagree With One Another as Well as With GOP Lawmakers."
The Virginia General Assembly will return to the state Capitol in late June to tackle the state's transportation problems, but deep divides exist between and within political parties over how to fix them. Republicans are adamantly opposed to any statewide tax increase. Democrats, including Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, want to raise taxes across the state to provide much-needed money for road and transit projects. But Democratic lawmakers are split over which tax to raise. Many senators favor increasing the gas tax; many delegates prefer increasing the sales tax.
So, where does that leave us? Well, let's see: tax increases snuck in as "abuser fees" are out; a regional/balkanized solution is out (if not totally unconstitutional); tax increases are probably out (as long as Republicans are in control of the House of Delegates); there's not exactly a great deal of extra money laying around (in fact, the state faces large budget deficits); and the idea of raising regressive sales taxes to pay for transportation is simply...well, let's just say it's not the brightest idea I've ever heard.
In other words, all this leaves us stuck in gridlock. Where does it leave Tim Kaine's legacy as governor? So far, unfortunately, also stuck in gridlock. Remember, after Kaine was elected he vowed to deal with transportation. Year #1 (2006) went by, nothing happened. Year #2 (2007) went by and we got something, but it's now been almost completely scrapped and/or declared unconstitutional. Year #3 (2008) is underway, and so far...nada. Year #4 (2009) will be an election year in which Tim Kaine will be a "lame duck" governor; how much do you think will get done then?
In sum, it's very possible we'll end the 4-year Kaine governorship with no significant progress on solving Virginia's enormous transportation problems. And let's not even get started on the complete debacle known as "Metro to Dulles," which will probably be no further along in 2009 than it was in 2005 (or 2001, 1997, 1993...). And this is the BEST managed state in the country? I'd hate to see the worst!
P.S. I just noticed this: "Virginia's gasoline, retail and auto sales taxes rank among the lowest in the country, a Northern Virginia transportation group said in a report Wednesday that advocates greater funding for roads and transit." But nooooo...can't raise them at all, even to be in line with most other states. Much better to let Virginia descend into 24/7 gridlock that eventually kills the goose that laid the golden egg. Sounds like a plan!
If he can there is a fairly easy solution here: Just call them back, toss 'em all in the capitol building, and lock the doors. They can come out again when they have a solution.
Think about it - who would they complain to? If they go public they will find almost no support - the people of Virginia (bi-partisan) want a transportation solution and no one will feel sorry for the lawmakers if they are being forced to solve the problem they won't solve on their own.
1. Have the house Democrats identified what tax plan they are all willing to support?
2. Will someone please identify the 6 Republicans most likely to compromise, or at least the 6 most vulnerable to campaign attacks on this issue in 2009?
My guess based on geography (proximity to NoVA) is it includes Albo, Frederick, Marshall, Howell, Lingamfelter, Hugo, Miler, Rust, Cole.
Of those, I would say the chairman (Howell) is out.
Any other insight on this aspect? Unless the solution to transportation is finding $100m+ in "magic" or spending cuts elsewhere (not likely!), it's going to involve tax increases. The barrier to an increase is in the house, and that barrier is exactly six republicans high. That's where the Democrats should concentrate their forces. Identify the key districts, marshal forces within those districts, and start pinging on the delegates.
Michael
A sales tax increase of as little as one-quarter of one percent would be an almost invisible addition to the cost of most purchases, it would be paid also by those who travel by bus or train who, though they themselves do not buy gasoline do certainly consume products including groceries that are delivered to the stores they patronize by trucks that do run on gasoline. Regressive? Maybe so, therefore provide a graduated rebate of sales tax on the state income tax for those earning below a specified amount; and remember that higher income folks who buy high ticket items will pay a higher total sales tax (sales tax is actually a consumption tax). Sales tax might be highjacked for other items, or there is some constitutional quirk limiting on what it can be spent? Do whatever you have to do legislatively to limit or prevent such shenanigations.
It's the sales tax or a small addition to the state income tax, which is broad-based and the least "regressive" solution of all. IMHO. Ha.