McDonnell proposes 2 percent pay hike for teachers

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell joined Del. Kirk Cox and former Secretary of Education Jim Dyke, leaders from the Virginia School Boards Association, Virginia Association of School Superintendents, Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals and key business leaders on Thursday to announce part one of his 2013 K-12 education reform legislative agenda.

Report: Coal industry costs Virginians millions

AFP

The coal industry and coal-related activities cost Virginia $22 million more than was paid by these businesses in taxes, fees and other revenue to state coffers in fiscal year 2009, according to a report released Wednesday that is the first analysis of the full financial impact of the coal industry on the Commonwealth. Given the nature and extent of the costs associated with coal, and the relatively small amount of taxes collected from coal companies, it can be expected that the industry imposes a net cost on Virginia taxpayers in most years.

robert hurt

Robert Hurt: Remembering the Gettysburg Address

Robert Hurt

At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, we face a great challenge of putting an end to unacceptably high unemployment and getting the American people back to work. And for the future of this country, we face an even greater challenge of getting back on sustainable fiscal footing so that we may preserve the American way for our children and grandchildren.

McDonnell seeks federal assistance related to Sandy

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell today asked for federal disaster assistance to help 28 Virginia communities recover from the affects of Hurricane Sandy, an extremely large storm that brought high winds, heavy rains, coastal erosion and tidal flooding to the eastern portion of the Commonwealth and dropped significant snowfall in the west and southwest. Sandy caused three tragic deaths in Virginia.

Liz Updike: How Washington can help small business

AFP

With the 2012 elections now finished, it’s time that President Obama and Congress pay attention to what small business owners and entrepreneurs need and promote policies that will encourage growth on Main Street. One step the federal government needs to explore is expanding the range of eligible key investments that are exempt from capital gains taxes in small business from only C corporations to LLCs, consulting, financial services, IT, and engineering companies.