A nominee of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has offered to reduce his salary if he is allowed to remain on the boards of several corporations. As secretary of commerce and trade, Robert Sledd would oversee 13 state agencies and help the governor carry out business-related policies. Sledd is on the board of directors of three companies … Continue reading McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards
Category: Politics
Long term care included in health care reform
Until I saw this article reprinted in today's paper, I was unaware that long term care had been inserted into both the House and Senate versions of the health care reform bill. The program would create a voluntary long-term care insurance program to be run by the government.Voluntary, yes. But workers at participating companies would … Continue reading Long term care included in health care reform
McDonnell: change budget cycle
I just received an email from Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in which he discusses the need to change the budget development cycle to odd-numbered years. The Governor made his proposal with only 28 days left in his single four-year term, carrying out his obligation as determined by our current budgetary calendar. Unfortunately, the current budget development … Continue reading McDonnell: change budget cycle
LTE: Celebrate; don’t complain
There was a letter to the editor* in Sunday's Virginian-Pilot that has yet to make its way to the website. Since it was written by a citizen, I don't think I'm violating any copyright laws here by republishing it. (And if I am, I'm sure I'll hear about it.) For those who are upset about … Continue reading LTE: Celebrate; don’t complain
Senate passes healthcare reform bill
In an early morning session, the US Senate voted 60-39 in favor of healthcare reform. All 58 Democrats plus two Independents supported the measure while all of the Republicans voted against. Republican Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky was absent from the vote. Upon its passage, Sen. Mark Warner issued the following statement: I voted in … Continue reading Senate passes healthcare reform bill
What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges
Dominion Power overcharged its customer $524 million, according to this article. The commission staff found that Dominion had earned much more than it needed in order to make a reasonable profit in 2008. They determined that the company's return on average equity, a measure of profitability, was 19.12 percent last year. Dominion should be earning … Continue reading What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges
Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?
The economy is in the tank. Norfolk is facing a $39 million shortfall. The light rail starter line is 41% over budget, requiring an additional $38 million to $40 million to complete this once-again delayed project. The Commonwealth is facing a $4.2 billion revenue shortfall, a significant portion of which will be borne by the … Continue reading Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?
Senate health care bill moves forward
Around 1:15am this morning, the Senate voted for cloture on the manager's amendment. All 58 Democrats along with the two Independents voted in favor, with all 40 Republicans voting against the measure. This allows the health care bill to move forward. It is anticipated that the vote on the final bill will take place Thursday, … Continue reading Senate health care bill moves forward
Kaine’s budget proposal link
Given the weather around the Commonwealth (although not here in Hampton Roads), perhaps you'd like to spend some time perusing the budget Governor Tim Kaine put forth yesterday. The details can be found here. Or you can use this break from politics to do something else - like take a nap 😉
Governor’s budget: no car tax
I just watched the last of Governor Kaine's budget presentation to the money committees. One of his proposals is to eliminate the car tax reimbursement that the state pays to the localities and which costs the state approximately $950 million. Saying that the car tax is inherently a local tax, the governor said he believes … Continue reading Governor’s budget: no car tax
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 