Not much new in budget talks. The Senate recessed until Wednesday, and the House plans to take the whole week off. Budget negotiators should be talking soon, although they start from pretty much the same positions they had a few weeks ago, except that:
*The Senate dropped $1.6 billion and gas tax hikes for transportation.
*The Senate agreed to eliminate sales tax exemptions for utilities — that can pass them on to consumers — and telecommunications and transportation companies (but not US Airways).
The House budget also calls for a tax referendum. One of three GOP delegates opposed to it, Bob Marshall of Prince William County, managed to offend Catholics by saying the referendum is “the legislative equivalent of a Hail Mary pass in a football game.” Any comparison to the Virginia budget process is an insult in my book.
Del. John S. Reid (R-Henrico) is planning a public meeting on the budget fiasco next week. Want to bet he learns that folks want a referendum?
Let’s go back 30 years: This sound familiar?
Another GOP fight – in Fairfax
Dems to GOP: “Can you hear me now?”
Quote of the Day:
“The Republican Party of Virginia has moved forward and we will not be paralyzed by the past.”
–GOP statement on the civil lawsuit filed by Democrats for the GOP’s eavesdropping on conference calls.
We Virginians are grateful, since the GOP is already paralyzed by the present and future.