The Virginian Pilot describes the reaction to the House tax bill by the Senate Finance Committee as “chilly.”
The House vote was actually 53-45 with two independents abstaining. Del. Clay Athey (R-Front Royal) speculates that at least eight or nine of the 17 GOPers who voted for the bill “would favor whatever package the Senate sends back — no matter how high the tax increases.” That would flip the vote 45-53, leaving Senators trying to craft a package that could pick up six or seven more votes. Let’s hope we find out how “maverick” The GOP 17 are willing to be.
Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge, who heard broad support for the Governor‘s tax plan at four public meetings on the budget (go here and click on the highlighted “here” next to his meetings), still voted against the tax plan and blames the governor!
Apparently, the House adjourned for three hours yesterday at least in part to accommodate Del. Mark Cole (R-Spotsylvania) and one of the “no tax, no way” crowd. He had a business meeting he couldn’t miss. Why not a proxy? At least he’s not among those taking the per diem.
A Washington Post editorial calls for “true tax reform “
This is not a smart phone call.
In this sex case, the Hamptom Roads Daily Press says “go figure.”