Politics Notebook: Kaine talks Social Security, new Obama TV ad
Kaine discusses Social Security in Martinsville On Tuesday, Tim Kaine met with retirees and seniors in Martinsville as part of his two week tour to discuss ways to strengthen Social Security and Medicare and other issues of importance to older Americans.
At each tour stop, Kaine has called for commonsense reforms like allowing the government to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries. He has also emphasized the need to strengthen existing Social Security benefits and prevent a shift in Social Security dollars to private accounts that are vulnerable to volatile market forces. Read more
David Reynolds: The Virginia Reel
This is how it’s done. First, you take a short walk. Then you sashay, a step where the left moves off to the side, only to be chased by the right. Then you go in the opposite direction, with the right leading being chased by the left. Then you act like children, you do some skipping. First to the right, then left. This allows both sides to face one another, each backing off when one goes forward. Then everyone moves around in a big circle. Finally, both sides smile, join hands and return to their original position.
Ladies and Virginia gentlemen, this is how the Virginia Reel is conducted. It is also how the Virginia General Assembly conducts its own dance of legislation. Read more
McDonnell signs emergency autism legislation
Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday signed House Bill 1106, which covers providers of applied behavior analysis under last year’s autism insurance legislation, into law.
After the 2011 General Assembly adjourned, the Attorney General’s office notified the Board of Medicine they were not authorized by the underlying legislation, House Bill 2467, to promulgate regulations for the licensure of Certified Behavior Analysts. Certified Behavior Analysts provide Applied Behavioral Analysis, the preferred method of treatment, to children diagnosed with autism. Read more
Democrat warns of cut to health-care safety net in state budget
At a news conference in Richmond this morning, Del. Bob Brink (D-Arlington), member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Joint Commission on Health Care, outlined the eroding support for vital safety net services in Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposed budget. Nearly $5.4 million in aid to various programs is on the chopping block.
“Gov. McDonnell’s budget would slash funding for the health care safety net by 50%,” said Del. Brink. “It literally would rip the safety net in half.” Read more
‘Amazon loophole’ bill would level the playing field for retailers, advocates say
State Sen. Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach) is the chief patron of legislation submitted today to fix the Amazon loophole in the state sales tax collection system. The legislation, Senate Bill 597, is needed to clarify that retail companies in Virginia that have a physical presence in the state, such as a warehouse and distribution center, cannot use complex corporate structures to avoid collecting and remitting the state sales tax from customers. The bill is co-sponsored by a strong bipartisan group of senators.
“The legislation will create a more level playing field for Virginia retailers,” said Wagner, who is the chief patron of the bill. “Companies with a physical presence in the state should all play by the same rules.” Read more
Bolling: I will vote to break Senate ties
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling said today that there are no constitutional limitations on his ability to vote on State Senate organizational matters, including the election of Senate leaders and committee chairs and members.
“I recognize that senators on both sides of the aisle may be disappointed with my conclusions, albeit for entirely different reasons. However, throughout my service as lieutenant governor, I have tried to preside over the Senate in a fair and impartial manner, and I will continue to do so,” said Bolling, announcing that he intends to vote on such matters to break tie votes as necessary.
Senate Democrats have been trying to put public pressure on Bolling to back away from voting on matters involving Senate organization. The November elections left the chamber equally divided with 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats seated in the 40-member legislative chamber. Read more
David Reynolds: Our next governor
Posted by afp on February 21, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Filed under Blogs · Tagged with bill bolling, bob mcdonnell, david reynolds, ken cuccinelli, republican politics, virginia politics