I read with some surprise an article in last week’s paper criticizing the Democrats for trying to “punish VMI.” Investigating what this is all about, apparently it criticizes pending legislation addressing the failure of the Virginia Military Academy’s (VMI) to make changes in response to the 2021 study that reported “(1) that racial and gender disparities in how cadets are treated persist at VMI; (2) that VMI’s culture creates and reinforces barriers to addressing those problems; and (3) that as a state-funded institution, VMI must be held accountable to the taxpayers and the General Assembly and prove that it is implementing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) proposals.” This is neither a Republican nor a Democratic finding – it was an independent study.
As these problems are continuing, bipartisan legislation is being developed to help VMI move forward. The statement of VMI’s Superintendent reveals the appropriateness and the importance of this legislation “VMI is pleased to offer its support of HB1377 as amended on the floor of the House of Delegates today.” So – both parties and the institution itself – recognize the need for change. Although the bill originated from a Democrat (bills have to originate from someone), the bill reflects bipartisan efforts to improve an important Virginia institute of higher education. So why do we need to blame the opposition party?
Another current example of bipartisan work is taking place to consider removing or changing the tax breaks now provided to data centers. Virginia has given major tax breaks to data centers, starting in 2010, which certainly must have fostered our now leading the nation (and the world!) in housing these centers. Critics often argue that this was a bad decision – that they force the regular taxpayers to pay more than their fair share. Many believe too that these centers are a bad local land use, including demanding too much from our electrical networks. Others argue that they help the Commonwealth by providing jobs and strengthening our economy. Currently, several bills are being discussed to remove or change these tax breaks. Great to see is that discussions involve members of both political parties, with no clear position attributed to either political party. Clearly there are both advantages and disadvantages to providing financial benefits to attract data centers, and both parties seem to be wrestling with what best to do. Whatever legislation emerges promises to reflect a bipartisan effort to make Virginia a better place. Very encouraging too is that 88% (a percentage I’ve heard but couldn’t verify) of the legislative bills now being considered had bipartisan support – with none of the bills calling for raising taxes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of our local politicians focused on building our communities – rather than driving (and sometimes even fabricating) political divisions.
