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The LATEST from VA
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- State Fact Sheet
The Trillion Dollar Gap: Virginia
Virginia needs to improve how it manages its long-term pension liability, but is doing a relatively good job of handling the bill coming due for its retiree health care and other benefits.
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- Report
- States' Fiscal Health
The Trillion Dollar Gap
States that ignored public sector retirement challenges now face growing bill coming due—bills that may have significant consequences for taxpayers. This report from the Pew Center on the States examined the roots of the problem and how the economic crisis is spurring states into action.
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- Stateline Story
New Governors Get Into Budget-Cutting Act
TODAY'S TAKE: Republican governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bob McDonnell of Virginia swept into power last November on promises of leaner, more efficient state government. Now they're trying to put their words into action, pitching budget plans that slash hundreds of millions of dollars from schools, health care and other fundamental state services.more -
- Stateline Story
2010 Elections: New Faces, Daunting Problems
Barack Obama won the presidency running on a platform of change in 2008, and change also will be the watchword in 2010 at the state level. Bruising budget battles could put voters in a testy mood and usher in a wave of new faces to lead state government, where Democrats now hold the majority of governorships and statehouses.more -
- Stateline Story
Is It Time for a New Fiscal Balance Between States and the Feds?
In his 1982 State of the Union address, President Ronald Reagan called for sweeping changes in the partnership between Washington and the states. His proposal for a grand swap of state and federal responsibilities would have relieved states of one of the fastest-growing burdens on their budgets today. Congress never acted on Reagan's proposal, and his idea to fundamentally rethink the financial ties between states and the federal government went dormant. Perhaps until now.more -
- Stateline Story
Virginia Senate Bans Health Insurance Mandate
TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Virginia Senate sent a strong message about health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C., on Monday (Feb. 1), passing a bill that makes it illegal for Virginians to be required to buy health insurance. Similar legislation is being debated in more than two-thirds of the states.more -
- Stateline Story
2010 Speeches Are Bleak for Most Governors
With nearly three-quarters of their seats up for election this year, the nation's governors are setting the stage for 2010 by warning that the economic downturn is far from over in the states, where tax collections are weak, unemployment is surging and the likeliest outcomes will be unpopular tax hikes and sharp budget cuts. more
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- Stateline Story
Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address
Inheriting a $4 billion budget shortfall, first-year Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) said on Jan. 18 he would rely on spending cuts instead of tax increases to get Virginia through its worst financial crisis since the 1930s. more
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- Stateline Story
Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2010 (McDonnell)
RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 18 - Following is Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2010 state of the commonwealth address: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Mr. Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly My fellow Virginians It is an honor to retu
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- Infographic
Legislative Control and Redistricting, 2010
Winning control of legislative chambers is especially important this year, because some state legislatures will be drawing new congressional and statehouse districts based on population changes revealed in the 2010 census. more
