There are no good solutions or answers to this year’s budget crisis. Revenues are down significantly with no immediate prospects of increasing. Families are struggling, saving pennies and not purchasing, thereby reducing tax revenues and demand for goods and services. Altogether the economy is moving at a glacier’s pace and that means much less money available to be spent by the Commonwealth to provide for its citizens. Moreover, except for a few isolated voices that have called for a freeze in the car tax relief (which would provide more revenue for localities) and even for a renewal of the estate tax, there is no stomach in the legislature for increased fees or taxes, thereby eliminating yet another source of revenue.

With this in mind, the General Assembly tackled the biennial budget this last week. My goal was to try to insure that vital public services, particularly education and health care, were held harmless and that reduction in those services, if at all, were minimal and in non-critical areas. Public education is the backbone of a strong and vibrant democracy. Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed, both for their future and for the future of the Commonwealth.

Richmond Times Dispatch
March 1, 2010

"I think there is an atmosphere that is being created, regrettably brought on by the McDonnell administration."

-- Donald McEachin.

State lawmakers and advocacy groups today pushed for the passage of a bill that would do what Gov. Bob McDonnell will not—include sexual orientation as part of the state’s anti-discrimination policy.

...

McDonnell did not include sexual orientation in the executive order he issued on workplace discrimination, saying that adding the additional protection was a matter for the legislature to decide.

...

Perhaps unfortunately and unfairly, car dealers have a rather poor reputation. This year, however, the General Assembly seems determined to assist in that sordid endeavor. Legislation is pending that would allow car dealers to not disclose up to $5000 worth of water or flood damage repair that a car has incurred. Presently, dealers are required to disclose any amounts above $1000, but this bill would raise that amount to $5000.

If this law passes, Virginia will be unique, and not in a good way, with the highest amount of damage that doesn’t have to be disclosed. Most states require that ANY previous water damage to the vehicle be revealed, with a few states allowing our present amount, $1000, to be shielded.