Category: Virginia

A look at the minimum wage

Democrats have made increasing the minimum wage an issue for the fall campaign season. The federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, and has not increased since 1997. Now, GOP members of the House are saying that they may have to vote on this issue soon. Seventeen states have minimum wage laws in excess of … Continue reading A look at the minimum wage →

Time to learn about podcasting

I'm a bit of a techie, but I've never gotten into the details of podcasting. However, if the folks at Colonial Williamsburg and the Smithsonian, among others, can figure it out, I know I can 🙂 Some historical podcasts, just in time for July 4: Colonial Williamsburg - check out the one with Thomas Jefferson … Continue reading Time to learn about podcasting →

Independence Day, 2006

As I was searching the internet for images for my July 4th post, I came across a website, Unity08, where the above image was displayed. Intrigued, I read a little further: Unity08 is a diverse group of Americans who believe that neither of today’s parties reflects the aspirations, concerns or will of the majority of … Continue reading Independence Day, 2006 →

Money and the Marshall/Newman amendment

Money in politics is nothing new. Seems that every year, more and more dollars are spent by candidates to run for office. Much of the money goes into advertising. With the coming vote on the Marshall/Newman amendment, opponents and supporters are gearing up for an expensive campaign: To help rally amendment opponents, the Commonwealth Coalition, … Continue reading Money and the Marshall/Newman amendment →

Welfare for farmers

The Washington Post is carrying a series on the farm welfare system. Fellow blogger Doug Mataconis wrote yesterday and again today about it. Just in case you somehow thought welfare was limited to the proverbial single mother with five kids, here's a chance to see another federal giveaway of our tax dollars. There’s alot more … Continue reading Welfare for farmers →

This and that from around the web

City attorney sues website owner On a website set up for women to talk about the men who wronged them - Don't Date Him Girl - a city attorney from Pittsburgh was dissed by two women and several anonymous posters. Doing what attorneys are prone to do, he sued the owner of the website for … Continue reading This and that from around the web →

Kaine budget vetoes

Apparently, Governor Tim Kaine has signed off on the budget, which takes effect at midnight tonight. He vetoed just four items. From the press release: The Governor also announced four line-item vetoes of technical language included in the re-enrolled appropriation bill. “My four vetoes are technical, but they are substantive in that they maintain the … Continue reading Kaine budget vetoes →

New laws aimed at underage drinking

Come Saturday, Virginia will join nearly 20 other states in making it illegal for adults to serve alcohol to youths in their homes. Violators face a misdemeanor charge and a fine. "This would require more personal responsibility from parents," said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), the bill's chief sponsor. "If an officer sees a bunch … Continue reading New laws aimed at underage drinking →