Dear General Assembly Member:
On behalf of the more than 9,000 Virginia members of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I urge you to reject two proposed tax-increase packages currently under consideration. SB 6009 and HB 6055 both threaten taxpayers in a time of great economic uncertainty, and must not be enacted.
When policymakers seek to improve transportation infrastructure in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, tax increases are often their first resort. However, they shouldn't lose sight of the fact that there are other ways to improve funding for transportation. Among NTU's recommendations are:
- HJR 6007, which would lock up the transportation fund so that dollars allocated to transportation are not diverted from their intended purpose and frivolously spent elsewhere.
- Implementing the 2002 Wilder Commission efficiency recommendations, which would raise $1.1 billion annually with no service cuts.
- HB 6032, which would set up a permanent state oversight commission to identify inefficiencies in the system and eliminate them.
- HB 6049, which would allow for naming rights for those willing to sponsor the development of roads and buildings, similar to the process with stadiums.
These viable options will avoid the unnecessary tax hikes being promoted by both Democrats and Republicans in Richmond. With the rising costs of gasoline and food, the last thing your constituents need is to shell out more of their hard-earned money for yet another tax increase. They will long remember those who stood up to protect taxpayers at this critical decision point.
Sincerely,
Joshua Culling
State Government Affairs Manager