On My Own Backyard, Kathy runs down all the times that Kilgore has spent the mythical surplus:
Kilgore Said the Rainy Day Fund was “An Appropriate Place” for the Surplus. “Virginia lawmakers said that a projected revenue surplus should be put in the state’s rainy-day fund and that the legislature should propose tax cuts next year if growth continues. … ‘The rainy-day fund is an appropriate place for [the surplus], but at the end of the day, it’s the taxpayers’ money,’ he said.” [Washington Times, 5/24/04]
Kilgore Said the Surplus Should be Used to Build New Roads, Bridges, and Other Transportation Projects. “Kilgore … accused the Warner administration of underestimating the surplus and said as much of the windfall as possible should be reserved for new roads, bridges and one-time capital construction. ‘I know this is a break with tradition of only funding transportation through certain user fees or the gas tax capital investments. But when we have a $1 billion surplus – and growing every day – I think it’s time we start talking about using that surplus for critical transportation needs already on the books,’ Kilgore said.” [Associated Press, 11/17/04]
Kilgore Supports Using the Surplus to Fund Full Phase-Out of the Car Tax. In a press conference, the Republican House leadership “cited the state’s robust economy and $1 billion surplus in arguing that the time is right to pursue the full phaseout of the reviled [car] tax. … Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, backed the House leadership. ‘Jerry Kilgore believes this is a promise to the voters that needs to continue on the course consistent [with ensuring] fiscal responsibility,’ said Carrie Cantrell, a Kilgore spokeswoman.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/26/05]
Kilgore Supports Using the Surplus to Increase State Spending on Education. “Kilgore spoke repeatedly Monday about the need for more state spending on education, saying at one point that ‘funding for K-12 and higher education has to be one of the priorities of state government.’ Asked afterward how he would pay for his education plans if elected governor, Kilgore said his administration would fight to ensure that education receives a large part of any future budget surpluses. Virginia finished the fiscal year that ended June 30 – before any tax increases took effect – with a nearly $324 million surplus, and Kilgore said he believes the surpluses will continue.” [Roanoke Times, 9/21/04]
Kilgore Called for Returning the Surplus to the Taxpayers with Tax Cuts. “Virginia lawmakers said that a projected revenue surplus should be put in the state’s rainy-day fund and that the legislature should propose tax cuts next year if growth continues. … Mr. Kilgore said that the growing economy means the increases weren’t needed and that next year, the state must offer cuts. ‘The rainy-day fund is an appropriate place for [the surplus], but at the end of the day, it’s the taxpayers’ money,’ he said.” [Washington Times, 5/24/04]
I hope this surplus is a lot bigger than we think it is.
“Vote for me, and I’ll eliminate taxes and buy beer for everyone! And also there will be a moonbounce! And also, women!”
Car Tax again? Didn’t I see that hanging in the The All Hail Jim Gilmore Hall of Fame?
Give Kilgore two years, and there will be no more surplus, book it. good research! Will
“… in arguing that the time is right to pursue the full phaseout of the reviled [car] tax”
I think it is safe to say that no one likes to pay taxes, but I wonder why this one gets so much attention. From my vantage point, we have a under funded transportation budget in Virginia and the car tax serves a double purpose to discourage multiple car homes and to fund future transportation initiatives (in an ideal world).