I missed this when it was first reported, but I’m reminded of it by a communication from the Virginia Club for Growth:
Yesterday, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted to block an emergency clause on, SB 1, the repeal of the abusive driver fees, sponsored by Democrat Ed Houck. The emergency clause would have made the bill effective upon Governor Kaine’s signature, instead of January 1, 2009, which is when legislation without the clause becomes active.
Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw told the Washington Post he voted against the emergency clause because he didn’t think enough votes would be in the House of Delegates for its passage. Other Democrats who voted against the clause include Senators Marsh, Howell, Lucas, Edwards, Reynolds, Puller and Deeds.
The seven Republicans on the Courts of Justice Committee all voted for the emergency clause. They include Senators Stolle, Quayle, Norment, Cuccinelli, Obenshain, McDougle and Hurt.
I know I’m late blogging this, but after bashing Republicans for instigating and supporting Abuser Fees, I felt I had to tell the rest of the story. Looks like the main reason the Dems opposed the fees was so they could flail Republicans at election time. But when it comes to actually parting with the revenue, they just can’t bring themselves to do it.
Update: According to an anonymous comment on this post, this legislative maneuver may not be what it seems, and I may have totally misinterpreted its significance. Read the comment and decide for yourself.
