HB 437 (Tata) was tabled on a voice vote in the Higher Education Subcommittee of House Appropriations on January 23. Subcommittee member Delegate Chris Jones made the motion to table the bill, noting that it was “laudable,” but citing concerns about the fiscal impact. Speaking on behalf of the bill in addition to the VCCS were representatives from SCHEV, Virginia 21, and the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities in Virginia.  There were no speakers opposing the bill. 

The Senate transfer grant bill (HB 85) co-patroned by Senators Barbara Favola and Emmett Hanger will be heard tomorrow in the Senate Finance Committee.

Delegate Lacey Putney has introduced HB 1239, which would increase the state sales tax by one penny.  Currently, 4 of the 5 cents of the state sales tax are returned to the state and 1 cent is returned to localities.  Putney’s bill would be subject to the approval of the voters in a statewide referendum this fall. Half of the money raised by the new increment in the sales tax would be earmarked for transportation; the remaining half would be divided between K-12, mental health, and higher education.  The bill is described in this article in the Roanoke Times. 

 Posted by Ellen Davenport