(I updated this post on June 24 at 2 pm to reflect the latest changes ... all these bills were referred to the Finance Committee which is meeting this p.m.)

The Assembly reconvened at noon today.  We passed a Procedural resolution, then processed to the House of Delegates to hear the Governor's opening speech which spelled out our task.

Back in the Senate chamber, a dozen transportation bills were handed up.  I have just come back from the Finance Committee hearing, where these bills were reviewed ad seriatim.  Here (in no particular order) are the primary State Senate solutions:

1.  Bill filed by Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-Annandale):  This bill is similar to legislation we passed in February.  It would increase the gas levy "at the rack" by a penny a year for six years.  That is estimated to raise eventually $300M, with one-third coming from out-of-state users.  Coupled with a 0.5% statewide titling tax increase and 0.25% sales tax increase, the statewide net total is eventually $720M over six years..  At the regional level, the "seven taxes" from last year are boiled down to a 0.5 sales tax which accounts for $330-4000M.   At least 25% of all this money is dedicated to transit, which is very important. 

2.  Bill filed by President Pro Tem Chuck Colgan (D-Manassas):  More progressive than Saslaw's as it actually rolls back the sales tax slightly while it increases the gas tax and titling tax.  It raises $620M statewide.  Nearly all funds are dedicated to shoring up our maintenance funds.  Then there's a regional plan with a similar funding matrix as Saslaw's and similar aggregate monies.  It also dedicates about 25% directly to mass transit in NoVA. 

3.  Bill filed by Senator John Edwards (D-Roanoke):  This bill eschews regional taxes for a uniform statewide plan which raises $1B through an "at the rack" gas levy and the titling tax.   The increases are partially offset by $100M in targeted tax relief through cuts in the sales tax on groceries and medicine and an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit.  The remaining net revenues are split between maintenance and new construction, with Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads receiving a significant "bonus" due to their unique issues.   All told, our area should receive about $400M annually. 

4.  Bill filed by Senator Ken Stolle (R-VA Beach):  A twist on the same theme.  This bill avoids new taxes but places tolls on existing highways to raise $500M in maintenance fundings.  One big problem -- the tolls here require Federal approval.  In light of that, this bill is probably premature at best. 

What do I think?

I have co-sponsored Edwards' bill which best meets the criteria I have tried to articulate (statewide, uniform,  taxes users, focus on mass transit).  Having said that, I will support the Saslaw and Colgan plans -- despite my reservations on a couple details. 

At this point, we need to move forward.  Flaws can be ironed out along the way.

The Finance Committee will vote on these bills tomorrow morning and I expect us to take them up on the floor Wednesday at the latest.

Stay tuned to this channel.