The veto session this past April was noted for many things, but I think what comes most readily to mind is the discussion on unemployment benefits.
But they also would not accept additional federal stimulus money of $125 million to extend unemployment benefits to jobless part-time workers. They rejected the proposal because it was an unfunded mandate. As a precondition to receiving the federal dollars, Virginia had to pass a law which permanently expanded the benefits, and doing so would have raised taxes on small businesses.
Republicans wanted to accept the benefits, but Democrats wouldn’t enact the sunset clause.
And Gov. Tim Kaine was not pleased.
Immediately Kaine began a media blitz and photo-op tour – and issued a threat that he would call a special session at the end of the month.
The head of the Democratic National Committee and chief Obama campaigner governed one of the first states to rebuff some of the president’s federal stimulus package.
Embarrassment is an understatement; the governor was “visibly angry” and “quivering”.
But what is equally embarrassing is what Kaine failed to do as governor while he was busy trying to save-face with the national establishment.
While Kaine was trying to figure out how to convince people that increasing taxes during a recession is a good idea, he ignored pleas from lawmakers to fix an amendment which would have led to 3,000 permanent jobs for Southside Virginians.
Apparently Apple was all set to come to Virginia, but an amendment to a Sen. Creigh Deeds tax bill that would have exempted Apple from certain taxes on purchases related to a data center they wanted to construct was not appropriately crafted by the governor.
Kaine’s Department of Taxation noted the issues, but Kaine did nothing.
Perhaps between brow-beating about unfunded mandates and spending 30% of his time on DNC business, he forgot.
In the meantime, North Carolina took advantage of the situation, properly crafted the legislation, and lured Apple and its estimated 3000 jobs and $1 billion to their state.
“During these tough economic times, it’s important to make the investments that create jobs in areas that need them the most,” said North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue (D).
Indeed it is, governor. Would you mind reminding your lame duck partner to the north? That is, if you can reach him…in Hollywood or anywhere but Virginia.
