Veto session wrapup

Leading up to yesterday’s veto session, I wrote about my positions on the big three issues that the General Assembly would have to tackle: the smoking ban, the expansion of the death penalty, and the transportation bill.

The passage of the transportation bill, as amended by Governor Tim Kaine, was virtually assured going into the session. From Democratic Caucus Chair Brian Moran:

This clear endorsement of the Governor’s work by both parties proves that the Governor has developed a responsible solution to our transportation crisis. I applaud my Republican colleagues for supporting Governor Kaine’s plan today.

Let it be a start, not an end, to solving Virginia’s transportation problems.

The legislature overrode the Governor’s veto for most of the bills regarding the expansion of the death penalty. The sole exception was the “triggerman rule” bill. With the entire GA up for re-election, this action doesn’t surprise me. No one wants to be portrayed as “soft on crime.”

I would like to applaud those legislators who voted against the smoking ban. I’m no fan of heavy-handed government. One answer to the smoking ban issue was put up in a post I read somewhere: loosen the Dillon Rule to let localities make this decision. I actually like that idea. Local governments are closer to the people – and the people are closer to their government. I would like to see Richmond give up some of its power over the localities and this would be a good place to start.