Category Archives: Economy

Northam Administration Still Avoiding Discussion of TCI

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Stephen D. Haner

Why do Virginia’s leaders run away from the Transportation and Climate Initiative? Could it be because the first state legislature to consider it, in reliably Democratic Connecticut, just adjourned without even taking a vote on the proposed carbon tax compact, despite strong support from Democratic Governor Ned Lamont? Continue reading →

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With Tax Revenue Exploding, Virginia Should Boost Standard Deduction, Index for Inflation

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Stephen D. Haner

One of the big financial winners with the May 1 Virginia minimum wage increase is the state itself, because the entire raise is subject to a 5 percent state income tax. With its low standard deduction and personal exemption amounts, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Government Reform, State Government, Taxes | 1 Comment

May Day Brings Virginia’s Labor Revolution

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Stephen D. Haner

Four major changes in Virginia’s labor laws delayed at the beginning of the COVID-19 recession will all take effect May 1. All were approved by the 2020 General Assembly once Democrats controlled both legislative chambers and then delayed at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, State Government | 1 Comment

Northam Compromise Still Taxes Most PPP Money That Saved Jobs

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Stephen D. Haner

A week ago, Governor Ralph Northam’s Administration was adamant that it would be unfair, in fact a double tax benefit, to allow Virginia employers with forgiven Paycheck Protection Plan loans to also deduct any expenses used to qualify for forgiveness. This week, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economic Development, Economy, State Government | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Employer Escape From Green Energy Costs Blocked

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Stephen D. Haner

Virginia’s major energy-intensive industries will not get a requested path to avoid some of the coming cost shock from the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). The bill that sought them a lifeline was tied to an anvil and sunk in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Energy, Environment, Regulation | Comments Off on Employer Escape From Green Energy Costs Blocked