Virginia's Public Square
Virginia's Public Square
“These milestones may sound like inside baseball, but what they signify is a Senate that is getting its appropriations process back on track; a Senate that is attending to vital priorities for our country,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said.
In an outstanding victory, Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock garnered 205 votes to Democrat challenger Jennifer Wexton’s 29 during a straw poll at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s annual political mixer held at Handley High School in Winchester.
As the problems with redrawing Virginia’s legislative districts continue, a federal court as decided that a court-appointed expert may be the solution if the October 30 deadline is missed. Nevertheless, it has led to the popularity of a non-partisan, independent redistricting commission to increase, but such a measure would require a constitutional amendment.
Will Governor Northam act to reform Virginia’s conforming tax code, or will he institute a sweeping welfare bonus paid for by middle-class Virginians?
Joseph Simons, who was nominated by President Trump last year to head the Federal Trade Commission, has signaled that antitrust action may be coming to industry giants, as well as addressing income inequality and lagging wages.
60 percent of residents in the Commonwealth prefer the tax plan from House Republicans, returning tax collections to middle-class taxpayers by allowing them to keep existing state tax itemizations they would lose under Governor Northam’s plan. Just 29 percent supported Northam’s plan of direct payments to low-income families who qualify for the EITC.
The Census Bureau released a study this week that the rise in median household income is due to people working additional hours, not increased wages. With a shrinking job pool, the hope for many economic analysts is that hiring companies will act to increases wages, enticing potential employees.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) today began airing their new ad featuring the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District, Jennifer Wexton, and her record on voting to raise taxes while in the Virginia State Senate.
Years ago, Wexton supported the largest tax increase in the history of the Commonwealth – almost $6 billion. The measure boosted the sales in the Northern Virginia area, delivering a blow to hard-working, middle-class constituents.
Furthermore, Wexton supported then-Governor Terry McAuliffe’s increased toll rates on Interstate 66, which skyrocketed to over $46 in April of this year. As well, this delivered a blow to middle-class voters in Northern Virginia who commute to and from work every day.
“Self-proclaimed tax and spend liberal Jennifer Wexton is dead-set on continuing her record of raising taxes on Northern Virginia,” said NRCC Communications Director Matt Gorman in a press release. “They couldn’t afford her in the State Senate; they can’t afford her in Congress.”
Of course, this is no surprise to her supporters as Wexton has been committed to raising taxes at every opportunity she has had during her career in the Virginia State Senate. The legislator has supported over 30 – yes, 30 – state tax increases.
The ad from the NRCC follows Congresswoman Barbara Comstock’s first ad, which also centers on taxes, a priority issue for the Northern Virginia middle class.
During her time in Congress, and before in the House of Delegates, Comstock has fought successfully for tax cuts, jobs programs, and education initiatives to bolster the economy of the Northern Virginia area.
On the other hand, Wexton’s record proves she is complicit with spending the hard-earned money of Virginians. Moreover, if Wexton gets to Washington, the child tax credit will be slashed in half, and overall she pledges to raise taxes on families in the Northern Virginia area by an average of $2,400.
Following attempts by Russia to engage in election interference, President Donald Trump will direct that sanctions be placed on actors that meddle in U.S. elections.
When it comes to creating jobs in the small business sector, President Trump is now tracking better than his idol Ronald Reagan.