Taking $140 million from the rest of the state to build a Yellow Brick Road for a billionaire sports mogul, and then cutting income taxes for all of his rich friends while financing it all on the backs of the working poor, is all you need to know about Youngkin. The budget's not the only thing dead on arrival. Youngkin's sealing his own fate.
...and then using the car tax as the fulcrum to do it? Forget the middle finger towards rural Virginians. The substitution of a sales tax for the income tax will inevitably be more expensive and onerous than any two-time tax burden on a depreciating asset.
To dip into the cash reserves to make it work for the next two years only makes the problem worse for the next governor and General Assembly in 2026 when Youngkin is long gone. That no one -- and I mean no one -- was even consulted on the budget (left or right) is another telltale. Character matters.
I always think of the personal property tax on automobiles as a real estate tax on renters. Sure, rents are based on taxes, property values and the local market, but taxes on automobiles also allow localities to tax those who don't pay real estate taxes--the main source of income for most localities in Virginia.
In the broader architecture of state and local taxation, it has the additional benefit of stability during economic downturns.
Now if the method of taxation is too onerous (or if the tax is too high) then there's a more straightforward and elegant solution to the problem: lower the car tax and raise income taxes while allowing the economy to recover.
Yet let's not hide the football as to why Youngkin is making the move: (1) given the present economy, Americans are holding on to cars for 5-7 years rather than the traditional 3-5, (2) EVs are expensive, and (3) the gasoline tax just ain't what it used to be... then there's the tricky problem of (4) a movement in red states to move taxation towards sales -- where everyone has to pay up front -- rather than income.
As for the handful of tools counties have to generate income vs. cities, the grand solution is for Richmond to pick up more of its constitutional responsibilities to education rather than foist the responsibility on the backs of local real estate property taxes. I'd gladly pay an extra 1% in income tax if the LCI were turned into a maximum contribution expected by the Commonwealth rather than a minimum (which just about every school district in Virginia exceeds).
Who is in charge of fiscal policy, i.e., the purse strings for the country in the federal government?
Congress.
Like the majority of hardworking Americans, I'm weary of hearing about how Joe Biden is screwing up the economy when, in fact, it is the do-nothing republicans that hold the fiscal reigns in the House. Perhaps instead of investigating a private citizen (Hunter Biden) their time would be better spent doing the jobs they were elected to do. In the past 25 years, republicans in Washington, aka the "party of NO!" have refused to do anything that would move this already great country forward or help their countrymen. As a former republican (now Democrat), I'm beyond disgusted by how they conduct themselves.
It's past time to rid the political landscape of do-nothings (Rob Wittman I'm looking at you) and get folks into office who actually care about this country, vs. creating gridlock, and have the knowledge, education, and experience to get the job done.
The sad fact of the matter is that our elected officials really don't write the budgets or set the pace. A handful of congressional leadership backed by a handful of fourth branch of government (i.e. the bureaucracy aiding the congressional committees) sets the tone.
No one will set a budget for fear of backlash from constituencies who have been promised the moon. So we go with continuing resolutions in the hopes most people won't care so long as the checks cash (and most don't).
Don't blame the politicians; blame the people who keep electing them. ;)
But, (yeah, I know, you could disregard everything before the "but", but please don't - I do like all of the things mentioned, well done).
Still, it shows that even when clearly presented, well-written, and logically concluded - how interesting that someone can come to the right conclusions for the wrong reasons.
Although I'm not willing to dismiss Younkin's proposals out of hand for the Capitals/Wizard development; I think the numbers need a hard look before investing such monies.
Give the man and his idea an honest appraisal. He deserves to be heard (can't believe I'm saying that about Youngkin, but fair's fair). JLARC can do that. Then decide.
If the return on investment is sound, invest. If not, don't.
But improved rail connectivity to NOVA from here would be worthwhile. And full disclosure, as someone who used to have tickets to the local hockey team back home; I wouldn't mind having access to one a few miles up the road. Hockey, like soccer, and baseball - are much more enjoyable in person as compared to on TV.
Much has been made regarding the lack of high end entertainment options in this corridor compared to others surrounding DC. Rightly so. So it's worth a listen, but I do share your concerns. Still, the burden's on them to prove it.
Regarding the lack of notice from Youngkin, yes it is a weakness - his imperial manner; yet it has been present all along. "Conservatives" such as yourself didn't seem to mind it too much when it was successful. Only when it doesn't work, or they get caught doing something they ought not.
Which does seem to be a bedrock trait of today's "conservatives".
You think the homophobic character of the Zieglers is great, until you meet their girlfriend. DeSantis is a genius, until the wheels fall off. Falwell (father and son) sit at the right hand of God, until the boyfriends, girlfriends, and Nyquil revelations appear. And even when chastising book burnings and debate suppression on local school boards, you still tried to rationalize it.
And as you mention with Youngkin, likewise with Trump - even though you can see how wrong, how very wrong he is - the idea of rejecting him as long as he gives you any chance to hold onto power against "Democrats" (like they are some sworn blood enemy rather than your fellow citizens) is one you cannot break free from. I've seen few stronger condemnations of Trump written than the one you wrote in 2016 that you referenced a few months back. Yet here you and folks like Youngkin, Durant, Wittman, etc. are - walking lockstep in place to support him as your next nominee to an at least 4 year reign of terror.
What bipolar debates must rage inside a cranium to create such duality? Hypocrisy? Selective vision? I suspect it will keep scholars busy for generations, if such people are allowed to exist should you succeed.
I remain fascinated to see the evidence that you show, week after week. Truly.
Is it the Republican Standard, or your own personal quirk? I do not know.
You see all those who make subjective birth control decisions different from you as worthy of being burnt at the stake. Yet also recognize the need to support women and children if we want more women willing to have children. Yet never by mandate, only by choice (irony there, eh?); though that method has not ever worked, and will never work.
You'll sincerely plead for rich folk to donate to charities serving the line of hungry people or homeless sheltering along the interstate, yet dismiss even consideration of policies that would reduce the number of those in need.
Again, fascinating.
You are dead on regarding so many things, like the regression of the proposed sales tax hike in trade for an income tax cut for working people. Conservatives are justly right in joining progressives in dismissing such ideas, and the Governor shows tone deafness to the citizens of the Commonwealth in proposing it.
PS - Republicans always hold up "spending reform" as the solution when they are out of power, yet never seem to propose or enact it when they have it. Like the deficit, it only seems to matter when they are NOT in charge.
So I guess that will lead to today's earwig, from the Beatles, Revolution:
"You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan..."
Still, again - the QUALITY of today's piece was wonderful. Well done. If we can ever get you to do anything with the content, then we'll be getting somewhere.
Though, I fear, should that positive evolution ever happen - (as I suspect, in your heart of hearts, you do too); at that point you would no longer be a Republican and we'd have to go out and find another one, wouldn't we?
: )
PSS - yeah, that "Biden" economy - the inflation from Trump dumping trillions of free cash into the economy and locally Youngkin giving $200 regressive dollar checks to the wealthy without a means test (just as regressive as the sales tax we both dislike); finally getting under control, as he battles China, keeps Russia contained, supports Israel, invests in infrastructure, and keeps unemployment under control - all while fighting a large, yet very well monied minority that is set on overthrowing our Constitutional republic to save their idolized authoritarian leader who is obeyed without question, even as he remains charged with almost a 100 felonies.
I'd say not too bad for an 80 year old granddad. But what do I know, I don't belong to a cult...... : )
I hope conservatives and liberals in the General Assembly unite against this sports arena project, which is corporate welfare/crony capitalism at its finest. It would be the largest-ever public subsidy of its kind. Meanwhile, the proposed budget calls for measly pay increases for teachers and police. I don’t see how Youngkin can muster the votes for the sports arena project. Why would a legislator from, say, southwest Virginia support something like this?
Realize that with the exception of regions that include Blacksburg or Roanoke, their districts are, and have been as deep red as the reddest parts of Alabama or Mississippi, and have been trending that way since Reagan, and are wholeheartedly that way since Obama. Though they'll swear on a stack of Bibles that it is their fear of the immigrants Donald Trump and other Republican business owners hire, and not reactionary racism toward our 1st black President. No reason not to believe them, right? Everybody knows there are good people on both sides of a Klan rally. Donald says so.
Still, based on past experience - if he's a Kilgore, because there will be some pork in the pie for him. They do focus on bringing home the bacon like a WV Byrd.
From carbon capture schemes, to tobacco settlement money mismanagement, to protecting millionaire coal mine owner tax credits - if there are state slush funds to be found, there'll be a Kilgore nearby. They are a greasy bunch.
David Suetterlein will ask principled questions and likely vote against it.
Ballard and Head will likely follow the Christian Nationalist Party line, whatever it will be. Ballard to stay in his seat, Head with the zealotry of a Bob Good.
Wren Williams will be representing a county that (seriously) had Klan logos hidden in the Republican elephant's legs on their website, but sadly he is the more stable of the two primary candidates in that district.
He only went to Wisconsin as a lawyer to defend the conspiracies on Jan 6, his opponent was at the rally before the riot. Watching the two of them outnasty each other was entertaining. Not sure if the assault charge ever got resolved.
Terry Austin, like Suetterlein; will take a principled stand - but this may not be the hill he is willing to die on. He wouldn't survive in that region if he didn't choose his battles wisely.
Stanley shows glimpses of principle and morality at times, but again - he won't be staying long in Franklin County if he is seen being too willing to work with Democrats.
So yeah, if it will help the Republican Party as represented by Youngkin, even if it isn't good for the state, there are votes to be had there. Trust me, it can be done. Sad to say.
Clear, concise, informative. Points clearly made, referenced, written. I doubt anyone could do better. Okay, maybe Ms Uphaus, well, because she's Ms Uphaus, and that's what she does. And Mr S Watkins, because he's pretty good too, plus, what an excellent surname. Shows character and quality, IMO.
Of course, the elephant in the room is studiously ignored: The Democrats' 25% increase of the cost of living over the last 3 years. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) actually increased inflation by 6%, on top of the 15% of the previous two years. The money being thrown around by the federal government is all debt and printed money. Much of it came to Virginia, but at what price? The IRA and the infrastructure bills are both, debt and printed money that adds to the poverty of the poor, while propagandists (Kenney) scream "Look! Shiny!" about a sales tax that is nothing compared to the Democrats spending-on-the-cuff that further impoverishes Virginians. Kenney is just another 'tax the rich to oblivion' leftist who believes we never run out of other people's money.
Taking $140 million from the rest of the state to build a Yellow Brick Road for a billionaire sports mogul, and then cutting income taxes for all of his rich friends while financing it all on the backs of the working poor, is all you need to know about Youngkin. The budget's not the only thing dead on arrival. Youngkin's sealing his own fate.
...and then using the car tax as the fulcrum to do it? Forget the middle finger towards rural Virginians. The substitution of a sales tax for the income tax will inevitably be more expensive and onerous than any two-time tax burden on a depreciating asset.
To dip into the cash reserves to make it work for the next two years only makes the problem worse for the next governor and General Assembly in 2026 when Youngkin is long gone. That no one -- and I mean no one -- was even consulted on the budget (left or right) is another telltale. Character matters.
I always think of the personal property tax on automobiles as a real estate tax on renters. Sure, rents are based on taxes, property values and the local market, but taxes on automobiles also allow localities to tax those who don't pay real estate taxes--the main source of income for most localities in Virginia.
In the broader architecture of state and local taxation, it has the additional benefit of stability during economic downturns.
Now if the method of taxation is too onerous (or if the tax is too high) then there's a more straightforward and elegant solution to the problem: lower the car tax and raise income taxes while allowing the economy to recover.
Yet let's not hide the football as to why Youngkin is making the move: (1) given the present economy, Americans are holding on to cars for 5-7 years rather than the traditional 3-5, (2) EVs are expensive, and (3) the gasoline tax just ain't what it used to be... then there's the tricky problem of (4) a movement in red states to move taxation towards sales -- where everyone has to pay up front -- rather than income.
As for the handful of tools counties have to generate income vs. cities, the grand solution is for Richmond to pick up more of its constitutional responsibilities to education rather than foist the responsibility on the backs of local real estate property taxes. I'd gladly pay an extra 1% in income tax if the LCI were turned into a maximum contribution expected by the Commonwealth rather than a minimum (which just about every school district in Virginia exceeds).
Who is in charge of fiscal policy, i.e., the purse strings for the country in the federal government?
Congress.
Like the majority of hardworking Americans, I'm weary of hearing about how Joe Biden is screwing up the economy when, in fact, it is the do-nothing republicans that hold the fiscal reigns in the House. Perhaps instead of investigating a private citizen (Hunter Biden) their time would be better spent doing the jobs they were elected to do. In the past 25 years, republicans in Washington, aka the "party of NO!" have refused to do anything that would move this already great country forward or help their countrymen. As a former republican (now Democrat), I'm beyond disgusted by how they conduct themselves.
It's past time to rid the political landscape of do-nothings (Rob Wittman I'm looking at you) and get folks into office who actually care about this country, vs. creating gridlock, and have the knowledge, education, and experience to get the job done.
The sad fact of the matter is that our elected officials really don't write the budgets or set the pace. A handful of congressional leadership backed by a handful of fourth branch of government (i.e. the bureaucracy aiding the congressional committees) sets the tone.
No one will set a budget for fear of backlash from constituencies who have been promised the moon. So we go with continuing resolutions in the hopes most people won't care so long as the checks cash (and most don't).
Don't blame the politicians; blame the people who keep electing them. ;)
Boy, the conspiracies just keep coming. The deep state is in charge and we are just not smart enough to see it. Wow.
Why do you hate us so much, etc?
We forget so soon.
But, (yeah, I know, you could disregard everything before the "but", but please don't - I do like all of the things mentioned, well done).
Still, it shows that even when clearly presented, well-written, and logically concluded - how interesting that someone can come to the right conclusions for the wrong reasons.
Although I'm not willing to dismiss Younkin's proposals out of hand for the Capitals/Wizard development; I think the numbers need a hard look before investing such monies.
Give the man and his idea an honest appraisal. He deserves to be heard (can't believe I'm saying that about Youngkin, but fair's fair). JLARC can do that. Then decide.
If the return on investment is sound, invest. If not, don't.
But improved rail connectivity to NOVA from here would be worthwhile. And full disclosure, as someone who used to have tickets to the local hockey team back home; I wouldn't mind having access to one a few miles up the road. Hockey, like soccer, and baseball - are much more enjoyable in person as compared to on TV.
Much has been made regarding the lack of high end entertainment options in this corridor compared to others surrounding DC. Rightly so. So it's worth a listen, but I do share your concerns. Still, the burden's on them to prove it.
Regarding the lack of notice from Youngkin, yes it is a weakness - his imperial manner; yet it has been present all along. "Conservatives" such as yourself didn't seem to mind it too much when it was successful. Only when it doesn't work, or they get caught doing something they ought not.
Which does seem to be a bedrock trait of today's "conservatives".
You think the homophobic character of the Zieglers is great, until you meet their girlfriend. DeSantis is a genius, until the wheels fall off. Falwell (father and son) sit at the right hand of God, until the boyfriends, girlfriends, and Nyquil revelations appear. And even when chastising book burnings and debate suppression on local school boards, you still tried to rationalize it.
And as you mention with Youngkin, likewise with Trump - even though you can see how wrong, how very wrong he is - the idea of rejecting him as long as he gives you any chance to hold onto power against "Democrats" (like they are some sworn blood enemy rather than your fellow citizens) is one you cannot break free from. I've seen few stronger condemnations of Trump written than the one you wrote in 2016 that you referenced a few months back. Yet here you and folks like Youngkin, Durant, Wittman, etc. are - walking lockstep in place to support him as your next nominee to an at least 4 year reign of terror.
What bipolar debates must rage inside a cranium to create such duality? Hypocrisy? Selective vision? I suspect it will keep scholars busy for generations, if such people are allowed to exist should you succeed.
I remain fascinated to see the evidence that you show, week after week. Truly.
Is it the Republican Standard, or your own personal quirk? I do not know.
You see all those who make subjective birth control decisions different from you as worthy of being burnt at the stake. Yet also recognize the need to support women and children if we want more women willing to have children. Yet never by mandate, only by choice (irony there, eh?); though that method has not ever worked, and will never work.
You'll sincerely plead for rich folk to donate to charities serving the line of hungry people or homeless sheltering along the interstate, yet dismiss even consideration of policies that would reduce the number of those in need.
Again, fascinating.
You are dead on regarding so many things, like the regression of the proposed sales tax hike in trade for an income tax cut for working people. Conservatives are justly right in joining progressives in dismissing such ideas, and the Governor shows tone deafness to the citizens of the Commonwealth in proposing it.
PS - Republicans always hold up "spending reform" as the solution when they are out of power, yet never seem to propose or enact it when they have it. Like the deficit, it only seems to matter when they are NOT in charge.
So I guess that will lead to today's earwig, from the Beatles, Revolution:
"You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan..."
Still, again - the QUALITY of today's piece was wonderful. Well done. If we can ever get you to do anything with the content, then we'll be getting somewhere.
Though, I fear, should that positive evolution ever happen - (as I suspect, in your heart of hearts, you do too); at that point you would no longer be a Republican and we'd have to go out and find another one, wouldn't we?
: )
PSS - yeah, that "Biden" economy - the inflation from Trump dumping trillions of free cash into the economy and locally Youngkin giving $200 regressive dollar checks to the wealthy without a means test (just as regressive as the sales tax we both dislike); finally getting under control, as he battles China, keeps Russia contained, supports Israel, invests in infrastructure, and keeps unemployment under control - all while fighting a large, yet very well monied minority that is set on overthrowing our Constitutional republic to save their idolized authoritarian leader who is obeyed without question, even as he remains charged with almost a 100 felonies.
I'd say not too bad for an 80 year old granddad. But what do I know, I don't belong to a cult...... : )
I hope conservatives and liberals in the General Assembly unite against this sports arena project, which is corporate welfare/crony capitalism at its finest. It would be the largest-ever public subsidy of its kind. Meanwhile, the proposed budget calls for measly pay increases for teachers and police. I don’t see how Youngkin can muster the votes for the sports arena project. Why would a legislator from, say, southwest Virginia support something like this?
Realize that with the exception of regions that include Blacksburg or Roanoke, their districts are, and have been as deep red as the reddest parts of Alabama or Mississippi, and have been trending that way since Reagan, and are wholeheartedly that way since Obama. Though they'll swear on a stack of Bibles that it is their fear of the immigrants Donald Trump and other Republican business owners hire, and not reactionary racism toward our 1st black President. No reason not to believe them, right? Everybody knows there are good people on both sides of a Klan rally. Donald says so.
Still, based on past experience - if he's a Kilgore, because there will be some pork in the pie for him. They do focus on bringing home the bacon like a WV Byrd.
From carbon capture schemes, to tobacco settlement money mismanagement, to protecting millionaire coal mine owner tax credits - if there are state slush funds to be found, there'll be a Kilgore nearby. They are a greasy bunch.
David Suetterlein will ask principled questions and likely vote against it.
Ballard and Head will likely follow the Christian Nationalist Party line, whatever it will be. Ballard to stay in his seat, Head with the zealotry of a Bob Good.
Wren Williams will be representing a county that (seriously) had Klan logos hidden in the Republican elephant's legs on their website, but sadly he is the more stable of the two primary candidates in that district.
He only went to Wisconsin as a lawyer to defend the conspiracies on Jan 6, his opponent was at the rally before the riot. Watching the two of them outnasty each other was entertaining. Not sure if the assault charge ever got resolved.
Terry Austin, like Suetterlein; will take a principled stand - but this may not be the hill he is willing to die on. He wouldn't survive in that region if he didn't choose his battles wisely.
Stanley shows glimpses of principle and morality at times, but again - he won't be staying long in Franklin County if he is seen being too willing to work with Democrats.
So yeah, if it will help the Republican Party as represented by Youngkin, even if it isn't good for the state, there are votes to be had there. Trust me, it can be done. Sad to say.
First, well done.
Clear, concise, informative. Points clearly made, referenced, written. I doubt anyone could do better. Okay, maybe Ms Uphaus, well, because she's Ms Uphaus, and that's what she does. And Mr S Watkins, because he's pretty good too, plus, what an excellent surname. Shows character and quality, IMO.
Still, do more like that. Well done.
Of course, the elephant in the room is studiously ignored: The Democrats' 25% increase of the cost of living over the last 3 years. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) actually increased inflation by 6%, on top of the 15% of the previous two years. The money being thrown around by the federal government is all debt and printed money. Much of it came to Virginia, but at what price? The IRA and the infrastructure bills are both, debt and printed money that adds to the poverty of the poor, while propagandists (Kenney) scream "Look! Shiny!" about a sales tax that is nothing compared to the Democrats spending-on-the-cuff that further impoverishes Virginians. Kenney is just another 'tax the rich to oblivion' leftist who believes we never run out of other people's money.