The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis released a report (pdf) this morning which assesses the cost of Virginia's tax expenditures. Calling it a $2.5 billion drain on revenue, the Institute says that these expenditures - tax exemptions, exclusions, deferrals, credits, or preferential rates in the tax code - are implemented and then forgotten. In a … Continue reading The high cost of VA’s tax expenditures
Category: Politics
Nye voted no on healthcare
The emails from Saturday night's votes are flowing into my inbox. Most of them are congratulatory ones - for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Congressman Tom Perriello (D-5th), Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) - thanking them for their support of healthcare reform. Some of them are critical of my representative, Congressman Glenn … Continue reading Nye voted no on healthcare
A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts
In my earlier post, I mentioned some consultants who should never work in politics again. I'm not generally one to name names, but since he's been outed, David Petts is one of those guys. Told by Petts that his convincing primary win positioned him well with the Democratic base – core Democrats, northern Virginians and … Continue reading A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts
Potential challenger for Bobby Scott
The Virginian-Pilot political blog posted a blurb yesterday about a potential challenger for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd). Seems the original tip came from United Conservatives that Coby Dillard, who worked on the McDonnell for Governor campaign as Deputy Coalition Director (Veterans/African Americans), is considering a run. Dillard runs a blog called The Dillard Doctrine and, … Continue reading Potential challenger for Bobby Scott
A bloodbath
The map to the left, which I got from The Washington Post, pretty much says it all: yesterday was a bloodbath. While the map only shows the gubernatorial race, the other two statewide races maps don't look much different. The added loss of a net of six House of Delegates seats is a bitter pill. … Continue reading A bloodbath
Congratulations and condolences
The margin was greater than I expected, the result being the loss the number of House seats at the top of the range I anticipated. My congratulations to Gov-elect Bo McDonnell, LG Bill Bolling, and AG-elect Ken Cuccinelli. My condolences to Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon. Congratulations to new Democratic House members Luke … Continue reading Congratulations and condolences
Vote today
The polls are open from 6am to 7pm. If you are unsure of your voting place, you can check it here. Unlike prior elections, I will be casting my ballot at the polls today. I will be voting for the people who most closely represent my best interests, even though there are issues on which … Continue reading Vote today
32% increase in health insurance premiums
Just opened up my premium increase notice from Anthem. Mind you, I've got a sizable deductible with a health savings account. With virtually no costs to my insurance company this year (heck - I've not met my deductible yet - only $803 out of pocket), I'm facing a 32% increase in my premium. I saw … Continue reading 32% increase in health insurance premiums
New governor to face at least $1bil shortfall
While the conversation in this gubernatorial election has been focused on transportation and social issues, little attention has been paid to the looming budget deficit that the new governor is likely to face. According to a Virginian-Pilot article today, the budget deficit is expected to be $1 billion - and could be as high as … Continue reading New governor to face at least $1bil shortfall
Norfolk Commissioner taken to task by Treasurer
The front page, below the fold story in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot is a classic example of the inside baseball that Norfolk politics has become. Here we have two ticketmates - the Democratic candidates for Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer - engaging in what amounts to a he said/she said argument. At the end of the … Continue reading Norfolk Commissioner taken to task by Treasurer
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 