I have written in past columns about Virginia Democrats’ stated focus on affordability throughout the last general election cycle. It was obviously a very successful tagline – everyone wants prices to decrease and to keep more money in their pockets. What really matters though is if actions back up the promises that were given, and as of now, legislation put forth by Virginia House Democrats focuses on anything other than affordability.
For example, HB 900 would create a new 4.3% tax on Uber Eats, Amazon and other popular delivery services that you use often. Virginia is currently running a budget surplus, yet this bill would put a new tax on nearly every delivery made to your home. HB 550 would create a new sales tax on admissions to a wide variety of businesses. This bill pushes the state sales tax into service industries, meaning things like gym memberships and haircuts would now become taxable events. HB 378 would create a new 3.8% investment tax on top of state income taxes. Investment is what helps make Virginia’s economy so strong, and putting more taxes on investment income may lead to a chilling effect on those who may decide to call Virginia home for their families and businesses in future years. Democrats continue to fight against popular lawncare equipment and are seeking to ban gas leaf blowers. But while they want to restrict your choice to use these commonly owned lawn care items, they also want to create a new property tax for electric lawn care equipment. HB 557 would ensure that once your lawncare business complies with any local ordinance banning gas equipment, your new electric mower, weed eater, and leaf blower would receive a new property tax. In simple terms: if you want less of something, tax it!
Other legislation filed by House Democrats do not touch the issue of affordability but instead seek to align Virginia with deep blue states. For example, HB 863 would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed in Virginia. This includes the most heinous of rapes, murders and crimes against children. Mandatory minimums prevent activist judges from turning Virginia into New York or Minnesota, where violent felons can be released with little to no jail time. HB 493 would allow people to cast their votes electronically through the internet. Anyone who has ever had their password compromised knows what a bad idea this is – the internet is inherently insecure. Voting by internet is an open invitation to fraud. And HB 926 would prohibit outdoor shooting of a firearm on land less than five acres. This is designed to criminalize recreational shooting and would push anti-gun zealotry out of our cities and into rural areas.
As a member of the minority party in the House of Delegates, I feel that it is important for me to inform you of these bad ideas that House Democrats have submitted – and have the votes to advance. Republicans may not have the votes to stop these bills, but we certainly have the voice – and the obligation – to call them out to our constituents.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
