General Assembly looks to repeal abusive driver fees
As the 2008 Virginia General Assembly session moves forward, delegates and senators from across the state are racing to repeal the abusive driver fees that took effect July 1.
The fees were designed to raise money for road upgrades around the state. They have come under harsh criticism because they apply only to Virginia residents and can cost drivers convicted of serious traffic violations up to $3,000 over three years.
Democratic State Sen. Creigh Deeds, whose district includes Buena Vista and part of Rockbridge County, wants to see the fees repealed but worries that legislators won't budget enough money to improve Virginia's roads and bridges.
"The fees are bad policy, but I don't know if the General Assembly has the stomach to deal with transportation in a meaningful way," Deeds said. "We have to have a 21st century transportation plan."
The fees are also on the minds of Rockbridge County voters.
James Bakner, who works at The Bookery in Lexington, said the fees shouldn't be used to punish people for bad driving habits.
"I don't think the government should tax people for their sins," Bakner said, "whether it's smoking or now speeding."
After months of supporting the fees, Gov. Tim Kaine said in his State of the Commonwealth speech last week that the fees should be repealed. The fees are not producing the expected revenue, he said.
By some estimates, the fees could have raised $65 million each year for road improvements. Deeds disagreed with those estimates.
"The fees would have never raised the amount of money suggested," he said.
Delegate Ben Cline (R-Lexington) said he voted against the fees last year because they applied only to Virginians and not to out-of-state drivers.
"I'm happy [Kaine] came around on it," Cline said.
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Lead Supervisor:
Prof. Brian
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Prof. Phylissa
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Reporting supervisors:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Prof. Pamela Luecke
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd