RICHMOND—Isle of Wight County won’t be instituting a cigarette tax, at least not this year. Legislation that would’ve allowed the county and others across the state to levy a tax on cigarettes was killed in the General Assembly.
Delegate William Barlow, D-Smithfield, argued that cigarette taxes, which he classified as “user fees,” could bring in significant revenue — especially considering state budget cuts.
“The localities are going to suffer tremendous cutbacks in state money coming back to the localities, and this would be a way of them getting some revenue to provide services for our citizens,” he said.
Regardless of political persuasion, every Virginian should be pulling hard for Bob McDonnell in his quest to become the “jobs governor.”
New jobs will cure most of what ails the commonwealth. Gainfully employed citizens will require less public assistance and commit fewer crimes. They will spend more money with Virginia businesses and pay more taxes, alleviating budget crunches for state and local governments and allowing much-needed investment in transportation and education improvements.
By Philip Walzer
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 28, 2010
More than 1,000 people on Wednesday jammed a job fair targeted for workers of the soon-to-close International Paper mill.
“We have as many people here, if not more, than for our graduation,” said Randy Betz, vice president of workforce development at Paul D. Camp Community College, which held the fair.
Those who attended mostly spoke positively about the number and scope of companies that were recruiting.
“I’m encouraged, but until that offer is made to you, that encouragement is somewhat limited,” said Lloyd Edler, 48, of Hampton, a paper mill employee for 15 years.
