2009.11.01
Editorial: Roanoke Valley and state endorsement roundup
Endorsements for 2009
Virginia voters will decide the direction of the state for the next four years. Choose wisely.
Citizens of Virginia will elect a new governor and attorney general Tuesday and decide whether the House of Delegates will continue to be controlled by Republicans who have refused to take real action on the transportation crisis facing the state.
Many national pundits want to make this campaign a referendum about President Obama a year after his historic election.
A recent poll showed that Virginia voters are smarter than that. Only about 30 percent said Obama would factor in their decision in any way. Most Virginians know Tuesday's vote is about their home state, not the nation.
The direction Virginia could take in the next four years is certainly what weighed most heavily on members of The Roanoke Times editorial board as we deliberated our endorsements.
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Please explain in detail your endorsement( THE ROANOKE TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF) of Sarah Goodman over Ed Elswick, in the Windsor Hills Roanoke County Supervisors race?
Goodman is way too green to be of any real affect, concerning local County endeavors---she is pretty week in her experience level, a school teacher, by profession, with 4 children, and a single parent, how could she have time for this time of managerial type of position?
Goodman has NO financial background at all. No real leadership positions, and has not been active in any area of Roanoke County politics, not even any Civic league involvement.....
Who is really behind, Ms Goodman's campaign---might it be Brian Lang, the Roanoke County Democratic chair? Mr Lange is seen with Ms Goodman on a regular basis.. ....you have to wonder, if Goodman is elected, that Brian Lange will run the show???
Welcome any comments??
Anyway, what's so wrong with Elswick, he looks like the only guy out there that has the nerve, to question most anything the County decides to do with our tax money---
One's responsibility is to question, and then follow up to get answers....even if you may not agree with every decision made...at least you have the right, and make the effort, to question.
That my dear friend is our RIGHT as a US citizen, and a voter in Roanoke county.
The Administrator, Ths Board of Supervisors--- WORK for US!
Comment by mountain star — November 1, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
A few comments:
The RTEB is pretending that 30% of voters who are influenced by 0bama's horrific performance isn't a huge number. If McDonnell has 55% of the vote, then 30% of the electorate works out to nearly 60% of McDonnell voters saying they're influenced by their disapproval of 0bama.
I guess it's conceivable that some of the 30% are leftwing ideologues who would say 0bama is the reason they're supporting deeds, but there can't be many like that.
Comment by Suzie — November 1, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
@1 Here's a link to our full endorsement in that race.
Comment by C. Trejbal — November 1, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
And again, since the conservative positions on holding the line on taxes, abortion on demand and gay marriage are in line with the majority, the idea that these GOP candidates are extreme is false. The extremists are those who hold the opposite view on these issues.
This point needs clarified every time it is misrepresented.
Comment by Suzie — November 1, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Mountain Star,
Save yourself some time. Goodman has a "D" beside her name. Elswick has an "R". When an RTEB choice defies common sense, that's always the reason.
Comment by Suzie — November 1, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
@Suzie #5: Guess that's why we endorsed the two Republican incumbents in that race. Don't let that inconvenient fact stop you from bashing us, though.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 1, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
The SPIN machine is crankin' already and it's only midday Sunday...this isn't a referendum on Obama--DARN RIGHT IT ISN'T!! This IS a referendum on the role of government in every facet of your life, your business, employment, your income, the delivery of your healthcare. OBAMA is nothing more than the breaking of wind in a sandstorm. IT IS ABOUT political philosophy and whether or not Virginia wants to step toward the failure found in NY, MASS, Cal. and Mich.
And as far as the GOP led house of delegates taking a pass on transportation, maybe the leadership abilities of Warner and Kaine as governor were found lacking. Why was it they couldn't fight for legislation to fund roads etc? Could it be they didn't have the vision and ingenuity to bring the necessary funding?? If Virginians agreed with the plans our departing dem governors had been demanding, Griffith wouldn't be house leader and McDonnell would finish 2nd this Tuesday.
Comment by BUD — November 1, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
Griffith wouldn't be house leader and McDonnell would finish 2nd this Tuesday.
From your lips to God's ears.
Comment by Art Hill — November 1, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
Dan #6
That's why I expressly used the words "when an RTEB choice defies common sense" party is always the reason. Don't let your misreading stop you from misrepresenting, though.
Comment by Suzie — November 1, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
Boy the RTEB sure is working hard at "not telling people who to vote for" this year. First you spend a month publishing your endorsements and then, for the first time I can remember, publish at least 3 or 4 summaries and reitierations of how you you think people shoudl vote. The liberal media spin machine must be in full-on panic mode at the recognition that Virginia has awakened and pulled the wool from its collective eyes after last November's debacle. Sadly though, stamping your feet and endlessly repeating your endorsements doesn't seem to be working.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL01_20091031-222608/302949/
Comment by Another Chris — November 1, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
AC,
I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about with the statement that we have "publish[ed] at least 3 or 4 summaries and reiterations of how" we think people should vote. We published the one summary today. We did do a roundup of our endorsements for the blog, which we have bumped to the top once or twice. Is that what you're talking about?
Beyond that, we've done nothing differently than in past years.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 1, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
The RT already reported in an article it didn't write but carried in the print edition that the BH0 admin is already putting the spin on this race to distance BH0 from the results.
RTEB us just carrying the BH0 flag on this one. Marching orders to the press from the democratic part.
Of course it is a Virginia referendum on BH0.
And just last November the RTEB was writing that Virginia was a red state? What could have possibly changed? Uh, think January 20.....
Comment by Bob H — November 1, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
I think the RTEB is extremely biased....not sure why it took several months to decide who this newspaper would endorse---having a "d' beside your name, makes it almost a shoe-in for the Times to give that D candidate their endorsement.
The only exception I see currently, is with the BOS races in Roanoke County...the Times went with Altizer and Flora, a pretty safe bet, if you look at those guys records, they are pretty close to acting, and voting like an extreme moderate Republicans.
The Elswick/ Goodman race is a bit unique, neither is an incumbent, but Goodman walks the same path as her fellow democrats, Gwen Mason, and in particular, Charlotte Moore.
Charlotte Moore probably comes out the real winner here, no matter who gets in.
That race could prove interesting, and fairly close to call.
Comment by mountain star — November 1, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
This quote is still the biggest side-splitter of all:
Democrat Creigh Deeds...has a clear vision for Virginia.
Yet he has no plan on the supposed biggest issue the state faces; transportation. But he has the best ideas for the crisis, even though he has, well, no ideas.
Comment by Suzie — November 1, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
Compared to ??Mcdonnell??
Comment by Richard — November 1, 2009 @ 11:03 pm
Richard,
McDonnell revealed his transportation plan. What was Deeds' plan that it could be said he has a clear vision?
You're tripping over yourself just like the RTEB did. LOL.
Comment by Suzie — November 2, 2009 @ 12:00 am
McDonnel's plan is a farce that will not work. We all know the plan than is needed and you have lambasted Deeds for it by lableing him tax and spend. Good luck with McDonnel's plan should he win the election. More years of bad roads unless he begs Obama for stimulus money.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 7:16 am
#17,
More years of bad roads? How many years has the democratic party occupied the governor's mansion? 8?
Careful you don't trip on your own words.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 8:16 am
And how many years has Morgan defied the Govornor? Will Morgan continue his No to everything approach under McDonnel?
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 8:36 am
#19,
MG is but ONE delegate. Surely you don't profess that the speaker of the house of delegates is as powerful as the governor? Read your state constitution. What powers are given to the speaker that are greater than those given to the governor? If Kaine hadn't been so busy signing unconstitutional legislation, commuting death sentences, allowing hackers into the medical records, and trying to get a certain number of acres of land "conserved", he might just have been able to do something about the problem of transportation (oh, I left out being the DNC national chair which meant he had to take more time filling out expense vouchers so the public couldn't see when he was acting as governor and when he was DNC chair).
But, blame the Republicans. That seems to be all that the dems have and it doesn't appear to be working this election. We will know tomorrow.
When the heck are the dems going to take some responsibility for the condition of this state after they have been in the governor's mansion for 8 years?
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Don't give me that bull that Morgan hods little power. He has twisted so many Republican legislaters arms that you can hear the squeals from Roanoke. Those that dared to vote against him are now gone, lost their committees, and were bansihed to the woodshed.
Kaine has accomplished much. For one he has dealt extremely well with a crushing recession and a recalcitrant House of Delagates. He has managed to keep the schools running, law enforcement going, and all major parts of the state running in spite of the hugh shortfall in funding. At the same time he has promoted VA, sought to bring in business and attempted to keep our highways running. I believe it was you, Bob, who just the other day admitted there was no excess fat in the state budget. Indeed, Kaine has done a very creditable job of managing state finances where there is no funds to cut.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 9:25 am
There is always a little fat. Even Kaine has his sacred cows.
I told you to show me, CONSTITUTIONALLY, that MG has more power as the governor. I am not surprised you don't cite any specifics to that "fact" because there are none.
Kaine has been too busy refusing to sign constitutional amendments that he campaigned that he would sign, and a host of over things. He gets kudos from you for keeping the schools running and law enforcement going (your words)? Boy, you have to reach deep to be able to praise someone for doing that which they are supposed to do and call it "progressive".
Kaine got the job based on the popularity of Warner, but he has been far from that in office. Deeds is finally campaigning with him today figuring he has nothing to lose at this point but has kept his distance from him otherwise (I am sure you have see the "comparison to Warner" ads).
yep, the dems keep blaming people like MG and the wascally wepubwickans. Time to look at the log in your own eye.
If tomorrow is the debacle it is predicted to be, you don't need to look at Republicans to blame, you need to look in the mirror.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 9:57 am
I must disagree Bob. MG does indeed have the COnstitutional powers to operate his Party and the Delagates just as he has. He is certainly very within the law to do so. I do not have anything against him for that, it is his Constitutional rights as leader. However, at the same time do not bad mouth Kaine for not being able to stop oor over ride him. kaine has tried. I think you will see that until the recession hit, kaine was well on his way to being the progressive Govorner I voted for. With the budget where it is, he has done an excellent job just keeping the state afloat.
Unfortunately, your side will win the PR wars on this, but that is the luck of the economy on politicians. Daddy Bush did some good things, but Reagan gets all the credit. What can you say?
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 10:19 am
You don't think the state would have "stayed afloat" with Kilgore as governor? Sheesh!
Nope, sorry to pop your bubble. The RTEB likes to blame MG for being obstructionist (defined as he didn't let Kaine have it the way Kaine wanted it) and you have bought it. There are no constitutional powers vested in one person greater than those vested into the chief executive office of the commonwealth. It wouldn't make any sense otherwise.
You should thank your lucky stars that MG stood up to Kaine and said NO. We aren't going to spend $ we don't have. That MG didn't believe that rosy forecast that (now candidate for LG) Wagner submitted. That we would now be on the hook now to spend lots of $ that we don't have.
But, MG makes a convenient target for the "progressives".
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 10:52 am
Bob,
Griffith didn't say no to spending - he said no to raising the money we needed.
As a result, the state has less money than it would have otherwise, though the need remains the same.
That is not responsible.
And you should read up on separation of powers. There's little Kaine can do to enact an agenda if the House of Delegates balks. Griffith was one of the prime movers behind that balking.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 2, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Bob, you just said it, MG stood up and stopped it. How can you argue both sides. Personnly I like MG. He has done several things for me. Do I like all that he does, no. He doesn't like all that I do either. But he is a very powerful politician, much the same as Dickie Cranwell was. He uses his power for what he believes in and in many cases for what I do not believe in. But that is politics and voting. Looks like your party will win this round and Kaine will take a beating for what he did not create, but as I said, that's politics.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Bob H, Griffith has the power to stop any legislation he wants stopped. And Griffith is happy to do so, even when it harms the state.
Comment by gdad — November 2, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Dan (I didn't know you were Richard-:)),
You know full well the speaker of the house does not have as much power as the governor.
The state still has the same amount of money as it would have had before. It is just that more of it is in the hands of the populace than in the state treasury bank account. Same amount of money as before, just different geography.
I know you will never see this because you are too "progressive". But, you see, the state doesn't have any of its OWN money. It All belongs to US, because it all came from US. MG just wants us to have more of the possession of our monies in our own bank accounts.
By not raising the "funds" MG was saying NO to the spending. Kind of the same way that democrats were for the troops but didn't want to fund the war. You remember that....
It does work both ways.....
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 11:11 am
I remember all too vividly how George Allen and Dick Cranwell locked horns years ago. Allen was so disgruntled by Cranwell that he undertook the effort to unseat Cranwell by running "Trixie" against Cranwell.
When Trixie couldn't defeat Cranwell, Allen made sure that his seat was eliminated by re-districting.
Allen..what a piece of work.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 11:15 am
@Bob #27: Speaker of the House? I thought we were discussing Morgan Griffith, the House Majority Leader?
In any case, yes, I do know that the governor has more power than the majority leader - or the speaker of the House, for that matter.
I also know that a determined majority leader, or speaker of the House, can effectively stifle any agenda by blocking it in the House.
Or perhaps you know of a way the governor, powerful as he is, can pass legislation without the cooperation of one of the chambers of the General Assembly?
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 2, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Bob, it is the US that need the roads, schools, police, etc. It is the US that have to pay for them. It is the US that suffers from less opportunity when infrastructure fails. It is the US that has kept VA taxes one of the lowest in the Country but who now is suffering from failed infrastructure. It is the politician who panders to our selfishness to get elected by disavowing taxes when they know the State needs them to keep up.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 11:26 am
Semantics. Sheesh.
If the House majority leader has power not granted him by the constitution of the state then it is so because that position was in DEMOCRAT hands for over 100 years.
The governor can do executive orders than the HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER cannot.
The governor can also LEAD. Something that is completely foreign to the present (but not for long) governor. His idea is not to lead but to go whining (wah wah) to the press that he didn't get his way. And the press, being the good "progressives" that they are, lap it all up like a kitten in front of a saucer of milk.
John Dalton had a democratic state legislature but much was accomplished. HE LEAD. Allen was under similar circumstances. Even Warner the great dealt with MG but he also LED.
Kaine, because of who he is, because of the kind of governor he has been, was too busy whining every time he didn't get his way to instill cooperation and partisanship for the good of the commonwealth. He was too busy setting aside death sentences handed down by juries who were AT THE TRIAL because Kaine knew more than they did. He was too busy figuring how to posture on the same sex marriage amendment than signing it as he promised he would do as "candidate Kaine".
I don't know who will win tomorrow, McDonnell or Deeds, but the state will be the winner because Kaine will be leaving office finally.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 11:28 am
Bob,
Kaine attempted to lead, but Republicans dug in their heels. They saw what happened after Warner convinced them to do the right thing in 2004: He left office with a 70 percent approval rating and ended up in the U.S. Senate. The GOP was not about to let Kaine get any credit for accomplishing anything, so they blocked him at practically every turn.
By the way, what do you think Kaine could accomplish with transportation by using executive orders? Could he increase any taxes to provide revenue for transportation by executive order? Could he shift money appropriated for other things to transportation by executive order?
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 2, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Allen and Gilmore were probably the worst governors the Commonwealth of Virginia have ever had in her history.
How we ended up with the likes of Morgan Griffith is still beyond me. Having known him from college days...OMG...and it hasn't gotten any better today.
None of them have done anything to promote the health and well being of the state. I find it so sad that with the loss of jobs in the southside of the state, that NOTHING has been done to really promote the workforce there and to bring meaningful manufacturing jobs back to the region.
Places like Tupelo MS can get Toyota...Mobile AL can get Airbus...Smyrna TN can get Nissan...N Charleston SC can get Boeing.
I don't care who wins but whoever wins better get off their duff fast and start promoting Virginia to obtain the manufacturing jobs that it needs in order to sustain minimal levels of service and stability.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Will,
Did I mention Gilmore?
Allen's popularity as governor followed him to Washington, where, he would still be if he had learned to keep his mouth shut.
Revisionist history already, in less than a decade and a half......
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 11:52 am
#33
Wilder took money from the DGIF that it never got back.
The executive branch does the budget doesn't it?
Those wascally wepubwickans! It is all their fault that Kaine didn't sign the same sex marriage amendment that he promised to sign as a candidate. It is their fault that Kaine set aside jury death penalty sentences.
Do you hear what you are saying? This is the kind of stuff that people see that makes one's approval ratings go down. People see Kaine for the whiner he is even if the "progressives" do not.
Not to mention the hacking of the medical records that happened on his watch that the progressive press gave him a "get out of jail free" card on.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 11:57 am
Keeping VA taxes and spending low is a way to attract business and not over-burden it's citizens. This advantage will disappear with big spending Democrats. You especially can't afford higher state and local taxes ON TOP OF what will soon be higher Federal taxes under the Obama administration.
Comment by Jim — November 2, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
Bob, you are picking and choosing on the death penalty issue. Kaine, like all govorners have had to deal with issues relating to innocence after jury decisions. He did in fact allow the death penalty be carried out in several cases and he did in fact review the particulars for each appeal to him. Before the election he was very clear on his views but followed through with his promise.
As to the same sex marriage, he promised to sign a bill that was appropriate. Legislature failed to provide a bill he thought was constitutional and apprpriate.
As far as medical records, he like Warner before him have dne more to speed security on records than any other governor. VA has excelled in its technology, unfortunately, identity theft is an international problem that is not soon to be fixed.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
@32...Bob..
You may think Allen and Gilmore were the bomb...but I sure don't. Gilmore raped the property taxes on vehicles but never had a plan to replenish the revenue that was being taken away.
Tell me one thing that Allen did that helped the Commonwealth? According to UVa's Lawrence Schack, Allen's tenure as governor can be described as follows:
"For the most part, contemporary governors are skillful practitioners of "communication, conciliation, compromise, and cooperation. They inform legislative leaders of their intentions, welcome their counsel on strategy, tactics, and substance, and exercise personal and political restraint." During his first two years in office, Virginia Governor George Allen ran against this line of thought."
As a senator...thankfully, Allen was always in the shadow of John Warner (one of the best senators this state has produced).
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
Will #39 ARE YOU READING THE POSTS?
Where did I mention Gilmore?
UVA is heavily liberal minded and that is that man' OPINION. It is far from fact.....
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
#38,
Kaine's commuting death sentences had nothing to do with guilt or innocence. It also was something that CANDIDATE KAINE said he would not do as governor (and then promptly did).
"As to the same sex marriage, he promised to sign a bill that was appropriate. Legislature failed to provide a bill he thought was constitutional and apprpriate." Oh really? The legislature actually changed the wording to make it more palatable to him (at his request) so that he "could" sign it. But even then, he would not because he had to posture himself correctly.
And the medical records hacking that occurred on his watch via the internet "czar" that he appointed?
Only a few more months and either Deeds or McDonnell is in and they would be much better than Kaine.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
Then let's concentrate on Allen.
Tell me one thing as either governor or senator that that man did that benefited the Commonwealth?
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
#37 Keeping taxes low is of course crucial to attracting business. But, not having infasruture, not having schools, police, and other services is just as crucial. You have to have a balance and VA is losing its balance because of the House of Delagates.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Jim...
I agree that you can't overtax...but by the same token, if people aren't working, there's no tax revenue to be had at all. Get the companies to come in...and give them a reason to come. Strong work force, good work ethic, dependable work force...ease of getting product to market which requires good roads and decent air service.
Sometimes you'll have to spend a little to get something in return. The tax burden needs to be divided fairly between the business and the employees.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
#37 Obama has cut taxes on those making less than $250,000 and has kept his promise to not increase their taxes. From all indications from his administration, he will continue to keep that pledge. Those making more will barely be touched by the increases unless they are receiving their income from dividends and capital gains. In that case, they will be put back to where they were before Bush gave the house away to them. Finally some equity to our tax laws. ANd even now, these changes have been held off while we are in a recession. So Obama has not raised any taxes so far and continues to pledge to only raise those he campaigned on.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
Will, is that the same Lawrence Schack who once worked as an attorney for the Democrats in the GA a few years ago, and is now a VP at Penn, Schoen and Berland? I am not sure he would be an unbiased source.
And you guys complain about Fox?
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
@ Richard #45
"Obama has cut taxes on those making less than $250,000 and has kept his promise to not increase their taxes"
Really??? I was unaware of any tax bill that had been enacted yet. Can you please let us know what bill (now law) enacted a reduction in my income tax?
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
#42,
Truth in sentencing laws where criminals recieve the sentence given them by a jury for one.
The 3 strikes and your out (actually in, as in prison) rule for multiple offenders.
That's just for starters.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
@48...
So it's now costing the Commonwealth more to keep people in prison...kinda like a by-product of his administration. I'm not saying that the convicted folks shouldn't be there...but his administration hiked costs for the commonwealth.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
Mike...
There is no such thing as an "unbiased" opinion. Those two words are mutually exclusive; however, his characterization of Allen's administration as governor seems to be pretty well spot on.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
#49,
And what to the commonwealth do you suppose was the cost of crime?
I forgot to add that Allen also ran on a platform of abolishing parole (which he did do after his campaign pledge, something foreign again to Kaine). Ms. Terry, who at one time had a 29 point LEAD in the race for governor (she was a 2 time defending Attorney General after all) proposed basically only more gun control laws in her campaign.
The populace saw quickly through the saran wrap that Ms. Terry was indeed a "progressive" that thought the way to fight crime was to further punish the law abiding citizenry (with gun control, note, most outlaws don't follow the rules). The result was that Allen won the "squeaker" of an election that was "too close to call" 58% to 42%, a whopping 45% change in the final numbers from whre they had started.
Allen was an extremely popular governor. He defeated 2 time incumbent Chuck Robb easily for the senate, riding the wave of his gubernatorial popularity. Allen was an effective conservative well before he and john warner became a team.
Robb, who had admitted to a nude massage from Tai Collins, was thrown out of office mostly because people felt that showed very poor judgement- to have had the msaage and not done the dirty deed (which, we all pretty much know he did). Editorializing here in this last paragraph.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
#47 - Title I of Division B of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Pub. L. No. 111-5, enacted February 17, 2009
Up to $2,400 of unemployment compensation benefits received in 2009 are excluded from gross income.
Qualified motor-vehicle taxes paid or accrued in 2009 on or after February 17 (the date ARRA was enacted) may be added to the taxpayer’s basic standard deduction.
The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (CARS), Pub. L. No. 111-32, enacted June 24, 2009,
For 2009 and 2010, the I.R.C. § 529 definition of qualified higher education expenses includes expenses for computer technology and equipment
to be used by the designated beneficiary
The monthly exclusion for employer-provided transit pass and van-pool benefits is increased to $230 a month for March through December 2009
The percentage exclusion for qualified small business stock sold by an individual is 75% for sales of qualifying stock acquired after February
17, 2009 (the date of ARRA’s enactment), and before January 1, 2011.
The maximum AMT exemption amount for tax years beginning in 2009 is $70,950 for married individuals filing a joint return
annual estimated tax payment for tax years beginning in 2009 is limited to 90% of the tax liability shown on the prior year’s tax return. A qualified individual is an individual whose AGI for the preceding
tax year was less than $500,000
onetime economic recovery payment of $250 generally is authorized for most adults who were eligible for social security
refundable income tax credit is authorized for 2 years (tax years beginning in 2009 and 2010) equal to the lesser of 6.2% of an eligible individual’s earned income or $400
A $250 refundable credit ($500 for a joint return if both spouses are eligible) is authorized only for 2009 for individuals who receive a government pension or annuity
The EIC percentage for families with at least three qualifying children increases to 45% for 2009 and 2010.
The threshold amount of earned income for calculating a refundable child tax credit is reduced to $3,000 for tax years beginning in 2009 and
2010.
The American Opportunity credit is a new version of the Hope credit for tax years beginning in 2009 or 2010.
The homebuyer credit applies to qualifying home purchases in 2009 before December 1, 2009, and the maximum credit amount is $8,000 ($4,000 for
a married individual filing separately).
Energy-efficient exterior windows, doors,and skylights
■ Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning
systems
■ Insulation
■ Water heaters (natural gas, propane or oil)
■ Roofs (metal and asphalt)
■ Biomass stoves
The $50, $100, and $150 credits are replaced by a credit based on 30% of the property’s cost,and the $500 lifetime cap for the dwelling unit
and the $200 lifetime cap for windows
Alternative Motor-Vehicle Credits
Refueling Property Credit
Additional First-Year Depreciation
I.R.C. § 179 Expensing
The built-in gains recognition period is shortened to 7 years for gains recognized in tax years beginning in 2009 and 2010.
Deferral of Income from Restructured Debt
Deductions after Ownership Changes
OID Deduction on High-Yield Obligations
Work Opportunity Credit
Renewable Electricity Production
Investment Credit Election ARRA §§ 1102; I.R.C. § 48 Effective for facilities placed in service after 2008
CO2 Sequestration Credit ARRA § 1131; I.R.C. § 45Q Effective for CO2 captured after February 17, 2009
Build America Bonds ARRA §§ 1401 and 1531; new I.R.C. §§ 54AA, 1400U-2, and 6431
School Construction Bonds ARRA § 1521; new I.R.C. § 54F Effective for bonds issued after February 17,2009, and before 2011
Zone Academy Bonds
are the most important ones that might affect you
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
#42 That hasn't worked anywhere its been tried. Judges, DAs, everyone thinks it is terrible. Legislature should make the laws and the Courts and police will enforce them. The States with 3 strikes are spending more on their prisonpopulations than they are the schools.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
The cost of nonviolent crime is minimal in VA except for the police and court time taken to arrest and prosecute. Most of these are petty larceny and drug crimes from out infamous way on drugs. We have spent a fortune on that and got nothing but mobsters in return.
Violent crime has plenty of laws and stiff sentences. The Parole bill put forth by ALlen was the same Right wing political crap that they used in California which is bankrupting them now. Scare everyone to death that their child is going to be raped, drugged, and mugged, and promise to be tough on crime. We imprison more of our citizens than any 1st world country yet complain about China and Russia. We should be ashamed.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
#53, #42 was YOUR post.
Naturally the judges are not going to like not being able to legislate from the bench. Easy to see why they don't like it.
#54, according to whom? How much non violent crime happens that is never even rpeorted? Sources?
I give you facts and you give me opinion.
This "progressiveness" is really something.....
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
@ Richard #52
That's not a tax cut for those making under $250k/year. Those are a series of tax credits for people who engage in certain behaviors/activities.
Unfortunately, I am not on Social Security yet, I do not participate in a van pool, I am not affected by the AMT, I did not buy a biomass stove (Really?) 'etc, etc.
I am not sure what site your list was copied and pasted from, but you may want to let them know that the income tax rates for those making less than $250,000/year have not yet been reduced.
Perhaps that campaign promise will be met one day, but it hasn't yet.
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Mike,
Don't let things like facts get in the way......
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Sorry, Mike, but you're wrong. It wasn't much of a tax cut - and I'd argue that the stimulative benefits are next to nothing. But Obama did cut taxes for about 95 percent of working Americans by about $400 a year.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — November 2, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
56 Perhaps you do not understand tax law. Those credits and the many other tax deductions do apply to those making less that $500,ooo (Joint) $250,000 (Single) and to small businesses. Substantial tax cuts for those individuals and businesses. Callyour local CPA if you can't understand. Or maybe you subscribe to Ron Reagan's tax cuts, "leave the middle tax rates the same and take away all the middle class deductions". Ask your CPA about those.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
Thanks, Dan, that's what I was looking for. It appears we (those of us making less than $250k/year) did get a tax break.
To your point, it's hard to feel it, but it sounds like it's there.
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
#5 Read Jim Webb's report on crime and prisons. All the info you need. and your quote on judges is just a Repub sound bite.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Dan, the savings to small business is much more substantial due to the addition of 1st year depreciation and the 179 election, built in gains on sun-s elections, etc. It will save some thousands of dollars this year.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
@ Richard #29
I appreciate your (or at least the site from which you copied and pasted) expertise on tax law. There is a big difference, however, between the tax cuts Dan cited and your laundry list of incentives that only apply to people who engage in certain behavior.
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
63 mike, all tax law is passed with incentives to change. For instance Ron Reagan pased the 86 Reform Act to stop Real Estate Tax Shelters and put many a realtor and contractor out of business. Or the Domocratic Congress twisted GW to put Energy Tax Credits in the Law that Obama has expanded as an incetive to save Oil in exchange for tax cuts for the oil companies.
The Alt Min Tax will affect many taxpayers in the middle income range. These changes save these taxpayers dollars. The Child Tax credit change will affect you if you have a child under 17. The School credits will save you thousands if you have a child in College. They are huge for some, not so much for others. But they do affect mainly those under $500,000 in gross income.
Comment by Richard — November 2, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
@ Richard #64:
I understand what you are saying now, but it's completely different from your claim in other posts.
You said that Obama had cut taxes for those making less than $250k/year. I asked you to tell me what law had passed to make that happen.
Instead, I got a laundry list of tax incentives that did not do what you claimed. A tax credit, exemption, or loophole, is not an across the board cut. Even something as broad as a child tax credit does not affect 'everyone who makes less than $250,000 per year' as you claimed earlier.
Fortunately, Dan was able to point to the law in one post so you don't need to use a seventh post in an attempt to replicate his answer.
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
#61 You consider democrat Webb an objective source? I don't.
Not sure about the republican sound bite, but you call your response a rebuttal? Given that argument then the RTEB endorsements mean what since they were all for dems in statewide races against republicans?
Apply some standards to yourself.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
@51...
Great...he was popular. What did he do that provided benefit to the state in terms of increased jobs, increased stability in the state's economy, better education scores...those things that tend to make a difference in a state.
If you really want to talk personal infidelity...there's not enough room to capture all that from either party on this thread.
I'm seriously interested though it what you deem are his greatest accomplishments as governor of the Commonwealth because for the life of me...I can think of none.
Comment by Will — November 2, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
#67
Maybe you need to get that "progressive" log out of your eye and look objectively? How much searching about Allen's accomplishments have you done on the internet?
I can assure you that the state was in better financial shape than when Allen took over (as compared to when he left) and better than it will be when (soon to be citizen) Kaine leaves. But maintaining the status quo, while you seem to feel that justifies kudos for Kaine, doesn't make an "accomplishment" for me.
I could also add standards of learning but one could debate endlessly about whether that was an accomplishment. I would say I applaud the attempt made to try to bring some responsibility to public educators even if the results weren't as wonderful as intended.
Comment by Bob H — November 2, 2009 @ 5:07 pm