Virginia's newly sworn-in governor, Timothy M. Kaine (D) last week announced his plan to raise $4 billion in taxes and fees on motorists. The state government already enjoys a $1 billion budget surplus, but Kaine intends to draw new funds to double the current subsidy of mass transit options for those who do not drive on a regular basis. His extensive transportation proposal is also designed to reduce congestion by placing restrictions on private property owners in order to limit development.

If approved by the legislature, the plan is expected to raise around $1 billion annually over the next four years with the following increases:

• Increase of 2% in sales tax on vehicles worth $1,664,200,000
• Increase of 2.25% in tax on auto insurance premiums worth $1,042,700,000
• Increase in fines for minor and major traffic infractions worth $401,400,000
• Increase in vehicle registration fees worth $296,120,000
• Adding toll roads to the area, cost to motorists unknown

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R) was less than enthusiastic about the new plan. "While there are many parts of the governor's proposal that I can support, I am disappointed that the governor's proposal relies heavily on tax increases," Bolling said. "I remain convinced that we can build a transportation system for the 21st century without raising taxes."