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| Legislative Watch | 
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Virginia |
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3/29/07-Gov. Tim Kaine and Republican leaders in the statehouse have struck a tentative deal on a long-term road-building plan. The Legislature will decide next week whether to accept the governor's changes to the plan.
Kaine preserved key elements of the GOP-authored transportation package. The compromise would allow $3 billion in bonds for various transportation projects. Republicans initially had sought $2.5 billion.
The governor kept a provision in the bill - HB3202 - that would dig into the general fund account to pay off the borrowing.
The bill includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees. It also would increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents.
Other elements of the plan rely on higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
The revised transportation plan now must receive a favorable recommendation from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. The Republican leadership signaled that approval of the compromise is likely when lawmakers gather at the Capitol for a one-day session Wednesday, April 4, to act on legislation the governor has amended and vetoed.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
3/1/07-With time running out on the regular session, lawmakers in the House and Senate were able to reach agreement on a long-term transportation package. The plan that was crafted by key members from both chambers would allow $2.5 billion in borrowing for roads, rail and transit projects.
The 105-page Republican-authored package passed the House on a 64-34 vote. The final tally was much closer in the opposite chamber where the Senate voted 21-18 to advance the final version to the governor's desk where it is expected to see numerous changes.
Of particular interest to truckers, the bill includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees. Removed from the bill was a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents.
The most pivotal aspect of the funding feature is $2.5 billion in bonds to be used through 2016 for various transportation projects. Removed from the final version of the bill was a direct diversion of $250 million a year from the state's general fund.
Instead, the bill - HB3202 - would dig into the general fund account to pay off the borrowing.
Other provisions include in the plan rely on higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/15/07-A select group of House and Senate leaders were appointed Wednesday, Feb. 14, to negotiate a deal on a long-term transportation package. The action is the result of House lawmakers earlier in the day rejecting the Senate's alternative plan.
The Senate Finance Committee made changes to the transportation funding bill earlier in the week before forwarding it to the Senate floor where it was approved on a 23-17 vote. The bill - HB3202 - originally penned by a handful of Republicans in the GOP-led House and Senate, now heads to a conference committee to try to iron out differences.
Instead of tapping into the state's general fund for $250 million a year for roads, rail and transit projects, the Republican-led Senate opted to add a one-time $150 registration fee for new vehicles coming into the state and newly purchased vehicles.
Other elements of the House plan that were included in the Senate version rely on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
The bill includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
Tense negotiations between senior lawmakers are anticipated in the conference committee. The group has until the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment Feb. 24 to resolve disagreements.
If an agreement is reached, the compromise version would go before the House and Senate for an up or down vote. No amendments could be made.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/14/07-The Senate Finance Committee voted 9-6 Feb. 13 to approve a long-term transportation funding bill after making some changes to it.
HB3202, originally penned by a handful of Republicans in the GOP-led House and Senate, now heads to the floor of the Senate.
If senators approve the bill it would head back to the House for reconsideration. Tense negotiations between senior lawmakers to resolve the disagreement before the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment Feb. 24 are anticipated.
Instead of tapping into the state's general fund for $250 million a year for roads, rail and transit projects, the panel opted to add a one-time $150 registration fee for new vehicles coming into the state and newly purchased vehicles.
Other elements of the House plan that remain in the Senate version rely on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
The bill includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/7/07-House lawmakers voted 61-37 Tuesday, Feb. 6, to approve a bill that would tap into the state's general fund for $250 million to go for roads, rail and transit project. It also relies on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
That same day, which was the final day for the House and Senate to act on their own legislation, senators chose to return a transportation funding bill to committee. It called for a 5 percent sales tax on fuel purchases and less money from the general fund.
HB3202 includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The 40-page plan includes about $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to place tolls on new or upgraded roads.
HB3202 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
1/24/07-Republican leaders in the statehouse have reached a tentative deal for how to pay for transportation needs in the state.
A handful of GOP House and Senate members recently unveiled their plan that relies on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
HB3202 includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The 38-page Republican plan includes about $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion.
As introduced, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to place tolls on new or upgraded roads.
Other sources tapped for funding include dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds and tapping into the general fund for another $250 million.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
Kaine preserved key elements of the GOP-authored transportation package. The compromise would allow $3 billion in bonds for various transportation projects. Republicans initially had sought $2.5 billion.
The governor kept a provision in the bill - HB3202 - that would dig into the general fund account to pay off the borrowing.
The bill includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees. It also would increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents.
Other elements of the plan rely on higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
The revised transportation plan now must receive a favorable recommendation from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. The Republican leadership signaled that approval of the compromise is likely when lawmakers gather at the Capitol for a one-day session Wednesday, April 4, to act on legislation the governor has amended and vetoed.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
3/1/07-With time running out on the regular session, lawmakers in the House and Senate were able to reach agreement on a long-term transportation package. The plan that was crafted by key members from both chambers would allow $2.5 billion in borrowing for roads, rail and transit projects.
The 105-page Republican-authored package passed the House on a 64-34 vote. The final tally was much closer in the opposite chamber where the Senate voted 21-18 to advance the final version to the governor's desk where it is expected to see numerous changes.
Of particular interest to truckers, the bill includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees. Removed from the bill was a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents.
The most pivotal aspect of the funding feature is $2.5 billion in bonds to be used through 2016 for various transportation projects. Removed from the final version of the bill was a direct diversion of $250 million a year from the state's general fund.
Instead, the bill - HB3202 - would dig into the general fund account to pay off the borrowing.
Other provisions include in the plan rely on higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/15/07-A select group of House and Senate leaders were appointed Wednesday, Feb. 14, to negotiate a deal on a long-term transportation package. The action is the result of House lawmakers earlier in the day rejecting the Senate's alternative plan.
The Senate Finance Committee made changes to the transportation funding bill earlier in the week before forwarding it to the Senate floor where it was approved on a 23-17 vote. The bill - HB3202 - originally penned by a handful of Republicans in the GOP-led House and Senate, now heads to a conference committee to try to iron out differences.
Instead of tapping into the state's general fund for $250 million a year for roads, rail and transit projects, the Republican-led Senate opted to add a one-time $150 registration fee for new vehicles coming into the state and newly purchased vehicles.
Other elements of the House plan that were included in the Senate version rely on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
The bill includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
Tense negotiations between senior lawmakers are anticipated in the conference committee. The group has until the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment Feb. 24 to resolve disagreements.
If an agreement is reached, the compromise version would go before the House and Senate for an up or down vote. No amendments could be made.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/14/07-The Senate Finance Committee voted 9-6 Feb. 13 to approve a long-term transportation funding bill after making some changes to it.
HB3202, originally penned by a handful of Republicans in the GOP-led House and Senate, now heads to the floor of the Senate.
If senators approve the bill it would head back to the House for reconsideration. Tense negotiations between senior lawmakers to resolve the disagreement before the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment Feb. 24 are anticipated.
Instead of tapping into the state's general fund for $250 million a year for roads, rail and transit projects, the panel opted to add a one-time $150 registration fee for new vehicles coming into the state and newly purchased vehicles.
Other elements of the House plan that remain in the Senate version rely on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
The bill includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
About $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds are included in the plan. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to use tolls as well as levy fees and taxes specifically to pay for local transportation projects.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
2/7/07-House lawmakers voted 61-37 Tuesday, Feb. 6, to approve a bill that would tap into the state's general fund for $250 million to go for roads, rail and transit project. It also relies on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
That same day, which was the final day for the House and Senate to act on their own legislation, senators chose to return a transportation funding bill to committee. It called for a 5 percent sales tax on fuel purchases and less money from the general fund.
HB3202 includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The 40-page plan includes about $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion and dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds.
In addition, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to place tolls on new or upgraded roads.
HB3202 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.
1/24/07-Republican leaders in the statehouse have reached a tentative deal for how to pay for transportation needs in the state.
A handful of GOP House and Senate members recently unveiled their plan that relies on long-term borrowing, higher fines for the state's worst drivers, tolls, tax and fee increases, surplus money and possible regional taxing authorities.
HB3202 includes a provision to increase the state's 16-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to 17.5 cents. It also would boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The 38-page Republican plan includes about $1.4 billion annually in state and regional funds. It also authorizes bonds totaling $2 billion.
As introduced, regional authorities for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia would be authorized to place tolls on new or upgraded roads.
Other sources tapped for funding include dedicating nearly $230 million of the state's surplus funds and tapping into the general fund for another $250 million.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.