Kaine for the Coalfields

By: Brian
Published On: 9/23/2005 1:00:00 AM

  Nearly a month ago, Dickenson County dropped a bomb on the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) when it announced its intent to withdraw from VCEDA. 

This move was questioned by numerous people all over Southwest Virginia.  The leading argument against Dickenson County's proposition was VCEDA's suggestion that the region?s coal severance tax monies from Southwest Virginia would be spread across the state and made part of the general fund. 

About a week ago in a letter to various county officials, Tim Kaine agreed to put an end to that concern - when he is elected Governor. 

Here is the key text from the letter:

 
Virginia's local coal and gas severance tax provides much-needed capital for the southwestern Virginia's coal-producing counties.  Without the revenue stream provided by the local tax the affected counties would not be able to expand water and sewer infrastructure, build and repair local coal-haul roads, modernize public schools, or provide economic development incentives to attract business investment and jobs.

The last attempt to impose a state coal severance tax on coal extraction was in 1976 by the late State Senator Ed Wiley at the request of the late Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr.  That measure was killed in the House Finance Committee with many of that day noting that it was a so-called "Robber Baron" plan of taking monies from the highest per capita poverty-stricken areas of the state to spread among the wealthier.

Imposition of a state coal severance tax was wrong in 1976 and it remains wrong in 2005.  Virginia's coal-producing counties need this revenue to continue the mission to improve the quality of life of the region's citizens.

Therefore, as Governor I would veto legislation that would impose a state coal severance tax or place any portion of the funds into the state general fund.  These critical revenes are generated in Southwest Virginia and should stay in Southwest Virginia.

This is important for two reasons.  We now know that when Kaine is elected Governor, regardless of VCEDA, he will keep Southwest Virginia severance tax dollars in Southwest Virginia. 

Also, this reiterates Kaine?s continued commitment to Southwest Virginia.  Among the three candidates, Tim Kaine continues to show he is the best candidate for Southwest Virginia.

I hope Russ Potts and Jerry Kilgore will also join Kaine in his commitment to protect Southwest Virginia?s coal severance tax funds.

Comments



With Tim's wife bein (Chris from ASL - 4/4/2006 11:28:13 PM)
With Tim's wife being from Southwestern Virginia and his in-laws living in Wise, I can see no way he will forget about our coalfields area.


One more piece of ev (Teddy - 4/4/2006 11:28:13 PM)
One more piece of evidence that Kaine is the candidate who "trusts the people." Compare his response to Kilgore's big business-serving proposal to "reduce regulations" which would end environmental and safety protections for workers and families under the guise of "creating jobs." I hope the voters see through that idiocy and understand Kaine's proposals are designed for long-term job growth in SWVA.  Also, as a "Northern" Virginian, I perfectly understand SWVA's reluctance to use their special money to fund projects elsewhere in the Commonwealth.  Tell me about it.


It should also be no (Tabitha - 4/4/2006 11:28:13 PM)
It should also be noted that the bureaucrats who threatened to remove these tax dollars from SWVA proposed that TERRY KILGORE carry the bill to Richmond.

The counties should be able to discuss their problems with VCEDA (and there are many legitimate concerns) without the threat of "punishment". The corruption and scandals of this agency are not good for SWVA, and if concerned counties can make the agency more accountable and fiscally responsible, everyone should be thrilled they cared enough to do so, not criticize them for making the tough decisions they were elected to.



Tim Kaine really doe (Neal2028 - 4/4/2006 11:28:13 PM)
Tim Kaine really does seem to care about SWVa, and I appreciate that.  He's been here quite a bit (hopefully more before November), and seems to understand alot of our problems.

He has no problem courting votes in Kilgore's backyard, and promising to help the people of the region.  Could the same be said for Kilgore with Kaine's home area?  I think not..