Monday, February 25, 2013
Democratic Sen. Janet Howell calls compromise — expected to raise $880 million a year for roads and mass transit —"truly the best we're going to get."
- GOVERNMENT
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Monday, February 25
By Stephen Nielsen Capital News Service A divided Virginia Senate this weekend passed Gov. Bob McDonnell’s signature issue of the 2013 legislative session — a bill to overhaul the state’s system for funding transportation. Just hours before the session’s end, the Senate voted 25-15 for a bill that would raise about $880 million a year more for roads and mass transit by increasing sales taxes while lowering fuel tax. The debate over how to increase revenue continued right up to the vote. Among Arlington's representatives in the Senate, state Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, voted against the measure. Sens. Janet Howell, D-Reston, and Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, voted for it. “This isn’t any bill. This is the only bill,” said Senate Majority …
Friday, February 22, 2013
Bill aiming to build consensus around Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to bring $3 billion to transportation projects met with mixed reviews.
- GOVERNMENT
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Friday, February 22
By Whitney Spicer Capital News Service Critics of the transportation funding compromise reached by legislative negotiators say the plan would place a huge burden on Virginia taxpayers. The Virginia House of Delegates on Friday passed House Bill 2313, which would raise about $900 million a year for transportation and transit projects. The 98-page compromise must win approval the Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. The legislative session ends Saturday. The new plan, which was hammered out by a 10-member conference committee over the past week, would potentially raise close to $900 million a year in transportation revenue. It could be the first transportation funding overhaul in Virginia since 1986 if it passes. The …
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Proposal would allow localities to impose a 1 percent income tax without voter approval.
Arlington County is keeping its eye on a bill that would allow certain localities — mostly in Northern Virginia — to impose a local income tax to fund transportation without voter approval. "We're aware of it," Arlington County Board Chairman Walter Tejada said. "We find it a very interesting concept. You never know how volatile it will get in the General Assembly." The state Senate passed SB 1313 earlier this month and it was placed on the House calendar this week. Under the proposed legislation, certain local governments would be allowed to establish an income tax of up to 1 percent without approval from voters — and for an indefinite period of time. The bill would affect the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
County also asks lawmakers to protect rights of women, elderly and immigrants.
The Arlington County Board wants the Virginia General Assembly to restore millions in local funding cut over the past five years and to force online travel companies like Expedia.com to pay their fair share of state and local taxes during the 2013 session. The county, too, has asked local legislators to oppose any efforts in Richmond to implement any Arizona-like immigration reform measures and to criminalize the financial exploitation of older or vulnerable adults. The board gave its final approval Tuesday to its 2013 legislative priorities, which it hopes to see realized during the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 9. The General Assembly will be in session for less than two months this year; it is scheduled to adjourn Feb. 23. …
