Yesterday Delegate Steve Shannon and I spoke to the local chapter of National Association of Retired Federal Employees at the Vienna Community Center.   

NARFE is an organization which tracks issues for Federal retirees (civilian and military) and keeps them up to speed on what's going on.  It has many, many members in Fairfax County. 

The primary topic was Governor Kaine's recently-unveiled transportation plan which includes a 1% tax increase on the purchase of new cars, as well as a 1% regional sales tax increase.   Without going into details, there was a mixed reaction to the plan.  

The general feeling in the room was that Fairfax County pays enough in taxes.  We need to adjust the formula, not raise taxes. 

As a general rule, retirees are not big on paying more taxes.  That's logical because their income is usually fixed.  And it's hard to see the benefit for a plan to build projects 10-20 years down the road.

Right now, times are tough.  Prices are rising fast.  Incomes are flat and home values are falling.  By the same token, there is a critical need to replace the "lost revenue" from HB 3202.  Otherwise, all our transportation money defaults to maintenance -- and we remain stuck in the same rut. 

My opinion remains the same.  Any transportation funding deal must:

1.  Address the critical issues at the state level
2.  Encourage conservation and promote transit
3.  Return a proportionate share to Northern VA

I'm not afraid to raise taxes but any deal must include the above principles. 

We have six weeks prior to the special session on June 23rd to find a consensus on transportation funding.  Right now, there is none. 

It may well be that we get "half a loaf" this year and return for more in 2009.  Either way, my friends at Vienna NARFE will be watching closely.