RICHMOND
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine called for the repeal of new high penalties against abusive drivers and urged passage of reforms in education and mental health treatment during his State of the Commonwealth address to the General Assembly on Wednesday night.
Invoking April's fatal shootings at Virginia Tech, the Democratic governor asked legislators to tighten laws requiring police background checks before Virginians can purchase guns.
Kaine's 41-minute speech capped the opening day for this winter's two-month General Assembly session, at which lawmakers will be called on to pass a $78 billion two-year state budget.
The dynamics of the legislature changed in fall's elections when Democrats gained a majority in the state Senate for the first time in 12 years. Republicans still control the House of Delegates.
Seizing the new balance in power, Kaine called on lawmakers to create a new, bipartisan way of redrawing legislative districts after the 2010 census. In the past, the party in power has been able to expand its numbers by drawing districts to its likings.
Kaine smiled often in the speech and made a low-key appeal for bipartisanship. "Virginians have sent us here with high expectations," he said. "If we work together, we will not disappoint them."
The governor had outlined many of his proposals in the weeks leading up to his speech. His call for the repeal of the abusive driver fees, however, was new.
Lawmakers passed the penalties last winter, which range from $750 to $3,000 over three years for serious offenses such as reckless or drunken driving. The fees were designed to raise $65 million a year to improve transportation.
At Kaine's insistence last year, the law was written to apply the fees only to Virginia drivers. He said it would be difficult, if not impossible, to assess the penalties against out-of-state motorists.
The expense of the fees and their uneven application created a loud protest among Virginians.
Kaine, in his speech, said the fees are not producing promised revenues nor improving highway safety. "Virginians in huge numbers have told us the fees should be repealed," Kaine said. "We should listen to them."
Early in the speech, Kaine called for a moment of silence in memory of 28 Virginia serviceman who died overseas in the past year, and the 32 students and faculty members at Tech who were killed in a shooting rampage by Seung-Hui Cho, who then committed suicide. Cho had a history of psychological problems.
Several families of Virginia Tech victims were in the gallery while Kaine spoke, but the governor did not acknowledge them.
Kaine asked lawmakers to approve a $42 million increase in mental health spending to expand emergency and outpatient care. He also urged broadening the legal test under which a judge can involuntarily commit a Virginian to an institution.
"We must not only correct the historic underfunding of community mental health but also demand greater accountability in the provision of care," Kaine said. "... If we identify people with mental illnesses and provide them with proper treatment and support, we serve them and our communities better."
Kaine also took aim at a provision in law that allows some firearms at gun shows to be sold without an instant police background check on the buyer for felonies or mental health problems. One-on-one sales between individuals are exempt from the checks.
"If we fail to take this important step, we are leaving the door open for dangerous individuals to gain easy access to guns so they can harm people," Kaine said.
Kaine's bid to change the gun law is expected to face strong opposition in the legislature.
The governor also pitched his plan to expand pre-kindergarten classes for disadvantaged 4-year-olds. Currently, 13,000 children are enrolled at state expense. Kaine's $56 million proposal would allow the state to enroll 20,000.
"This is an investment in our commonwealth's future," Kaine said. "We must make it now so that our children can become the firefighters, police officers, teachers, delegates, senators and governors who serve the next generation of Virginians."
Kaine also asked legislators to put a $1.6 billion bond package before voters this fall for construction on college campuses, to help small businesses provide subsidized health care to about 5,000 Virginians, and to require credit card companies to notify consumers when sensitive databases containing personal information have been compromised.
He urged lawmakers to tread lightly on anti-immigration legislation - a passionate issue for many Republicans. Kaine noted that foreign companies made $750 million of new investments in Virginia last year and created 2,000 new jobs.
"We are in fierce competition for those jobs, and we cannot afford to give the world the impression that Virginians are not willing to engage with people from other countries in global commerce."
Attorney General Bob McDonnell, a Republican, said he was disappointed by Kaine's immigration stand.
"We need immigrants, but we can't tolerate having them come in illegally and pretend they're not a problem," he said.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican, applauded Kaine's proposal to end the abusive driver fees. The penalties "were poorly drafted," he said. "The right thing to do is repeal them and move on."
Staff writers Aaron Applegate and Kate Wiltrout contributed to this story.
Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com
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Big biz wants illegals!! They work cheap!
Big business wants illegal aliens here because they work cheap and can be exploited for more profit. Keep in mind that your employer pays part of your Social Security taxes so if you are illegal they don't pay that AND the illegals work for less money too. An Indian illegal with a PhD will work for what a High School Grad makes and be happy to have it. In Japan big business controls the government too, but they want highly educated, literate local workers so the Japanese kids have the equivalent of a US college degree when they graduate from high school. We need to keep the pressure on about illegals because big biz has all the bribe money!!
Keep the fines in place!
Just make them applicable to all drivers, from every state. Easily done. Now, this is definitely a device to raise revenue, but I don't care about that. Heavy fines do decrease infractions. It is proven.
And a $1000 fine really will induce crappy, impatient drivers to slow down and drive nice. When we add the 'out-of-staters' and advertise it widely, we'll slow their cars down as well. I have seen less of these idiots weaving back and forth at high speed along our interstates since this became law. That's enough for me. I'm less likely to die on the way to work now.
And again for the stupid people: If you don't speed, especially 20MPH over, then you have nothing to worry about here.
I don't drive that fast, I am never going to get one of these fines. 'nuff said!
Mr. Bailey
Have you read the U.S. Constitution? How about the Articles of the Commonwealth? This is NOT a socialist state, and should not be governed as it were.
It's one thing for all to pay taxes for emergency services/police/fire and rescue/ etc etc ad nauseum. It's another to ask you to pay for the cost of my family's medical care. Why should I ask you to pay for my place of residence, put food in my cupboards, and all the other things that government does, while at the same time you donate to the United Way and local charities that provice all the same functions?
The idea that the government should take all your money and redistribute it is a socialist idea, taken right from Karl Marx. It is not your responsibility, to provide for people who can provide for themselves. If there is an emergency, we have a multitude of services and charities available, The American red cross and salvation army are 2 very good examples. The more money the government extorts from it's citizens, the less money will go to these worthy causes, because quite frankly, there just isnt enough out of my check left after taxes, and taking care of MY responsibilities to give to charities any longer.
Fees a dumb idea from the start...
The Abusive Drivers Fees were a dumb idea from the start. Repeal 'em and forget 'em. There's plenty of blame to go around, to the Repubs, the Dems, and yes to Gov.Kaine himself. Bump up the gas tax a bit, or do whatever must be done to make transportation work and forget about the ridiculous fees and the bi-partison (or lack of)idiocy that brought them about in the first place.
Civil Abuser Fees
I hope that Civil Abuser fees are truly going away! They are unConstitutional (they violate the 8th Amendment) and uncharitable (think about them). They fill the bill for the old saying "let somebody else do it," preferably somebody we don't like--speeders and alcoholics. However, that law can also target people who might be Anyone. Anyone might forget to use their turn signals. Anyone might not get a good mechanic to fix their brakes or tires. But on the other hand, we also need to be alert that nothing worse replaces the fees.
blame a Republican,,, get a clue?
Every single new tax and bureaucracy in the roads bill has been republican approved by the then rep majority legislature that passed it. Kaine could not have signed it without their loyal support and belief in higher taxes.
Go figure...
Quote: "Gov. Timothy M. Kaine asked legislators Wednesday to repeal the high fees on bad drivers that took effect six months ago, conceding that they failed to make the state's roads safer." What do you want to bet the same things happens with that great piece of legislature for the "gun show loophope?" This guy really needs to get a clue and maybe do a little research before pulling more stupid tricks out of his hat or we will be taxed to death, and possibly not able to go outside without some welfare monitor present. Typical Dem... Scream about something being broken, "fix it", then watch as the system crashes and blame a Republican.
Kaine's new mean season
Kaine started this term of the Assembly the way he has before,by lying.Now HE wants to end the abusive driver fees,which he used to support,but now opposes,now that the election where he and his co-horts used this as a wedge issue is over.That's what the fees he helped inflict were really about in the first place,the election.He wants to ban private gun sales,at gun shows only,he claims,for now,but if he won this,he'd be back to ban all private sales next year.After all,as one poster said,no one needs 'all dem guns',just because he said they don't.Kaine's attempt to expand involuntary committment for mysteriously vague reasons is another way to make sure more people are restricted from access to a means of self-defense when killers look for new victims.Kaine also again wants 4 year-olds taken from their parents'for another year of bad schooling.Nothing new or substantial from this traditional big-government liberal tax and spender.Only more praise from a biased,inept reporter.
Cool points for trying....
....to end the abusive driving fees. He said "we should listen to the people" and end it, but he still backs off the illegal immigration issue, when poll after poll has shown 80 to 90 percent of the population wants the illegals out, not supported. Want to raise revenue? Stop supporting people who are here illegally, period. I remember years ago when the jobs illegals now dominate were called "summer jobs" for our youth. Lawn care, painting, hotel/resort work, some construction, some farming, etc. etc. Now, why hire the kids walking around with a lawn mower and a can of gas when you can pay a crew of illegal less? They are attracted to this place because they know they will be supported. Heck, even amusement parks know how to get people out at the end of the day, they turn off the "free rides". We should do the same.
Governor's Speech/State of the Commonwealth
It did not include,from what I read, anything about incentives for film companies to come here and shoot their films. Granted, there are a lot of very important issues on the ballots including the immigration situation and abusive driver's fees. However, if we really want a good deal of positive economic influence and impact for our state, then I sincerely hope that Gov.Kaine increases the amount of incentive funds in order to attract more film industry businesses here to our state. Virginia has so much to offer in the way of locations, film and production crews, production facilities, talent, and overall abilities to host film crews from other states. If the state wants to bring in more money, then film incentives are the way to go! Let's show Hollywood that we are serious, that we have what it takes to make movies!
That's Funny...
Kaine said "people responded with a loud voice" about the Driver Fees & we "must listen to them and repeal them", or something to that effect. Funny thing, people of VA Were just as loud about the Regional Tax Auth & he completely ignored us. But 1 person working for him said it best:
Del. Kenny Alexander, D-Norfolk, described Kaine as a sincere politician taking advantage of perhaps his best opportunity to leave a lasting impact.
This is the true face of politics. It's not serving the people w/ the "peoples" best interests. It's to take advantage of a situation to leave your mark. & this is the problem w/ modern politicians. Glad to see Kenny A. finally preach the truth. the big disappointment is he sees nothing wrong with it...
Kaine is an idiot. A thief and liar.
Not unlike the rest of them.
I'm still skeptical that the
I'm still skeptical that the level of increased spending on mental health care will net greater results. I think we can all agree that this is a knee-jerk reaction to the Virginia Tech shootings. However, there is no gaurantee that these services would have prevented Cho from committing his crimes. I question whether the Governor or the General Assembly would be taking up this cause with the absence of April's shootings? I agree that broadening the legal test for which a judge can commit an individual of questionable mental health can help. But spending a miniscule $42 million, when looking at the scope of the problem, seems more like a political statement than a legitimate solution.
Im glad kaine is finally
Im glad kaine is finally takeing care of the abusive driver fees. I live in williamsburg and I can tell you most of the cars I ever see getting pulled over or doing stupid stuff on the road are from out of state. A friend of mine was hit by a drunk driver who was here on vacation 2 weeks before graduation, luckily he wasnt hurt. I think the fine for a Dui should remaine the same and effect out of state drivers so maybe people will finally get the message to not drive while they are intoxicated.
There is no difference
There is no difference between the Democrats and Republicans. Either of the two parties can always come up with a scheme to part taxpayers of their hard earned dollars. The Abusive Driver Fees was a bad idea to start with because it affected only Virginia Drivers. Everyone agrees that bad drivers should be punished but this law hardly represented any common decency and fair equal justice. Most people including myself hate taxes and tax increases, but raising the tax on gasoline and diesel fuel a couple cents per gallon would have been a smarter move. Everyone including out of state drivers would pay for using our highways according to how much they drive.
OVER AND OVER AND OVER
The GUN issue: Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp? Guns are not the problem, first and foremost. It's the people, and the society that we PEOPLE have allowed to evolve into what it is today. Gangsta this and gangsta that all over pop culture, lyrics about gunning people down, video games that teach our children that violence is ok are all to blame. The gun (could be a knife, a bat, a car, a poison, whatever) simply becomes the tool in the violence transaction. Law-abiding citizens are not purchasers of handguns (or any gun) to be used in criminal pursuits for the large part. Sure, there are some that slip through the cracks, like Mr. Cho did prior to the VT massacre, but that is going to happen EVEN IF every single gun is outlawed. 99.99% of criminals don't buy guns at gun-shows, they don't buy them from gun dealers, and they don't buy them from the manufacturers. They get them on the street either through theft, purchase from another criminal, or and even from private individuals - none of these places is going to see a background check for the buyer. So, how will this legislation help? A: it won't! VA legislature: Enforce the laws that are on the books, and
wow... do people really think the way Mr. Bailey does?
Mr. Bailey, you MUST be a supporter of Billary and the socialist agenda that is slowly taking hold of this country. Statements such as "Welcome to the concept of cost sharing" are ludicrous in a free and capitalist society. Socialism has not worked around the world for centuries, so why should the US move in that direction? I don't mind paying my share for the cost of services such as building of infrastructure, its upkeep, fire, police, and other emergency services, but I get completely disgusted by the notion that wealth should be redistributed to those that don't bust their tails to make it in this world. Redistribution of wealth does two very damaging things: 1)it reduces the incentive to produce at ANY level, let alone at a high level, and 2) it perpetuates a class of takers, a class of folks that constantly live on government handouts with little incentive to improve their lot in life. It is not the government's job/responsibility to take care the public - folks need to take care of themselves!
My thoughts
$42 million for mental health is a necessity. Intervention can prevent a multitude of crimes, family abuse and ultimately reduce costs of prision costs to tax payers. Gun Control: Nothing has been done to re-evaluate this amendment since the 1800's and politicans have been scared to death to even consider changes. It isn't just gun sales at gun shows, but in antique shops and public auctions as well. Gun advocates don't want the right to bear arms they want the right to own an arsonal. There is no need for such a thing. To see people walk aroung with a gun on their hip is outrageous, and you are a scary group of people. I might suggest some "mental health care". Education of our youth is primary. We cannot afford to do less we must do more. Illegal immigrants: There is no excuse for illegals to be in our country. There should be stiff fines for people who hire them and rent to them. Send them back to where they came from. All legal immigrants are certainly welcome. Abusive driver fees: The only thing wrong with this law is it doesn't apply to out of state drivers.
Then Move Soon
So we can stop hearing your rants. It's funny how people spout about Kaine, like he doesn't measure up to the likes of the last two republicans we had for Governor, Allen and Gilmore. Between the two of those guys they couldn't even spell "cat", but they sure would've paid millions in state funds to hire someone that could do it for them. The truth is that the republicans ran the budget into the toilet and the last two democrats have brought it back out. So, if you want to live in a toilet again, then find another Allen or Gilmore.
her party disagrees with Kaine's agenda?
Well, that's certainly true. Kaine is trying to do something about illegal immigration, an issue that the conservatives ignored during their majority control of both sides of the legislature during eight years of the Gilmore, Warner and early Kaine administrations.
douglasg comments-please leave our state!
Please move to another state and let us know if it is any difference there. I'm sure you will find it much the same every where. BTW: I paid taxes to provide public safety service for you and your family. I don't feel I should have to pay for the things you use either but I do none the less. Welcome to the concept of cost sharing.
OMG!!!
People!!! Either stop this maniac, or declare Virginia a Socialist State! I work, to earn money for my family, not to provide for someone else! I work to provide medical and dental care for my family, as well as a roof over their heads, and food to eat, and clothes to wear! It is NOT my job to provide for every other family!! I donate all the time to worthy causes. Take your pick, I either stop donating my money so that I can pay it to taxes and let the Government pick and choose who gets it, and how, or we stop this idea that the government is supposed to take care of everyone, in every way, and let people who need assistance, get it through all the charities that we are all donating to!! People! Read the U.S. Constitution, read the Articles of the Commonwealth! It is not the job of the government to extort money from it's citizens and spread it around! Another reason why I will be soon leaving this state if at all possible!