Is the Speaker’s Job in Jeopardy?
After this Virginia General Assembly concludes, one has to wonder if Speaker Bill Howell’s job will be in jeopardy in the next session.
“There are many of us . . . who are not in lockstep in believing that the House is fully funding the needs of the commonwealth,” said Jim Dillard (R-Fairfax)
Yes, GOP moderates might not like his stance on taxes, but their number in the House is few – and becoming fewer with each election.
But now the conservatives are voicing concerns, reports The Washington Post.
“There is no rudder — there’s nothing guiding us,” said Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William). “We’re like the Titanic, floating around.”
And now that the referendum idea has blown up in their faces, The Post reports:
Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) said he “would venture to say that no one in the [Republican] caucus likes the idea” of a referendum. Albo said he supports the idea only as a negotiating position that might help the Senate understand that the House isn’t about to give in.
Howell said it is natural at this point in the session for members to voice some discontent. “I’m not crazy about the referendum idea.
He’s not crazy about the idea? No, he’s just crazy. Or at least not carrying anybody’s water very effectively, including the right’s. Will they want him back next year — an election year for delegates?
Dr. No
Speaking of Albo, in the same story The Post quotes him: “The sales and income tax is no no no no,” he said. “I’m willing to sit here until June 30. I’ll give up my law practice before I vote for that.”
Dave, we’ll meet you halfway. Give up your seat in the House and go back to your day job.
Behind Closed Doors
Wonder what will go on in the conference committee that will try to hash out a compromise? Read today’s terrific article by Mike Hardy and Jeff Schapiro in the Richmond Times Dispatch.
They pull no punches, starting one paragraph, “Nine white male lawmakers…”
Lobbyist J. Douglas Koelemay is quoted, “It’s like a game; it’s not connected to reality. It’s a tragedy.”
Tax Them, Not Us
While Democratic Party Chair Kerry Donley and his counter part in the GOP, Kate Obenshain Griffin, exchanged pleasantries (he compared her to Newt Gingrich, which is the first time I’ve heard a Democrat besmirch the former House Speaker’s good name), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the House leadership saying it didn’t like the referendum idea (being burned once is enough), thought the Senate plan raised too much, liked the amount the House plan raises but didn’t like how it does it, i.e., taxing businesses.
Why are Democrats rejecting that last idea out of hand — the one about eliminating sales tax exemptions for businesses? As a plan alone, it’s clearly not enough, but why shouldn’t business, which has escaped anyone looking at the low corporate tax rate during these budget and tax negotiations, pay a little bit more?
Editorializing in a Story
I’m no fan of Morgan Griffith, but this AP story uses a questionable adjective: “Why are the governor and his allies in the Senate so upset with this referendum idea?” House Republican Leader H. Morgan Griffith asked in a rambling floor speech.
A “rambling speech”? Some man’s ramblings is another man’s “fiery” defense of the motherland, which is the adjective The Washington Post used in its story.
Getting the Word Out
The First Cities Coalition, a group of 15 of the older cities in Virginia, did a good job of planting stories yesterday of how the state budget impacts their localities, including:
*Newport News & Hampton
*Fredericksburg
*Lynchburg
Illegal Immigrants Can Still Go to School
The Senate Education and Health Committee rejected a bill that would bar admission to the state colleges for illegal immigrants.
H.B. 156 was on the short end of a 12-2 vote.
“It’s kind of hard to pass a bill like this and then tell kids this is the ‘land of opportunity,'” said Sen. Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax County.
And Abortion Clinics Can Still Perform Abortions
The Senate Education and Health Committee also shot down several House bills designed to restrict abortions, including one requiring underage girls to get a parent’s permission to get “emergency” contraception.