Governor Kaine's 2007 Legislative Summary

Governor Kaine saw success with significant initiatives in transportation, education, health care, tax relief, public safety, and cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Transportation

Governor Kaine worked with the General Assembly to make the most significant investment in Virginia’s transportation network in a generation, including an historic investment in public transit.

The bill authorizes up to $600 million for transportation in locally imposed taxes and fees in Virginia’s two most congested areas – Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads – while dedicating equally significant funding to statewide projects. Through the funding bill, the Governor ensured that all new funding dedicated to transportation will be used only for transportation.

The bill also includes measures that build on the Governor’s landmark reforms in transportation and land use planning, expanding the scope and application of transportation impact fees for by-right commercial and residential development in communities with growing populations.

The Governor also succeeded with legislation to better regulate subdivision streets that are accepted into the state maintenance system, and he continued to ensure accountability in transportation management by creating the Transportation Accountability Commission.

Tax Relief

Governor Kaine won a significant tax cut for Virginia’s working families, taking over 140,000 low-income Virginians off of the tax rolls.

The Governor also negotiated important business tax reforms, preventing imposition of the business, professional, and occupational license (BPOL) tax on motor fuels tax payments and making taxation of machinery and tools used by manufacturers more consistent.

Finally, the Governor’s proposed constitutional amendment allowing local property tax relief for homeowners also passed the 2007 General Assembly and will be introduced for its second passage in the 2008 session.

Education

Through his budget amendments, Governor Kaine secured the state's share of a 3% salary increase for teachers and other public school employees. The Governor also won funding for a Start Strong pilot program to test ways to expand the availability of pre-kindergarten programs, as well as funding to expand the Early Reading Intervention program targeted at first and second grade students.

Health Care

Governor Kaine established a bipartisan Health Reform Commission to address those healthcare issues in Virginia that will require long-term strategies. He also took concrete steps in 2007 to expand access to prenatal healthcare; improve the quality of care for the elderly; and help encourage healthier living through childhood obesity programs and better wellness support for state employees.

The Governor’s successful legislative health care package also included an improved emphasis on women and minority health.

Public Safety

In further support of those Virginians who serve their state and their nation, Governor Kaine secured funding for room/board and textbook assistance for spouses and children of Virginians killed or severely disabled in service; increased pay and retirement benefits for law enforcement and corrections officers; and improved employment protections for National Guard and Reserve members.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

In continued support for Virginia's commitment to a clean Chesapeake Bay, Governor Kaine worked with the legislature to authorize $250 million in bonds to help localities upgrade sewage treatment plants throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.