An earlier version of this article misstated the rate of the grantor's tax. This version has been corrected.
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New, Higher Taxes Part of Senate Plan
Sen. Janet D. Howell (D-Fairfax) listens as Senate Finance Chairman Charles J. Colgan (D-Prince William) makes a point during a news conference at the state Capitol.
(By Steve Helber -- Associated Press)
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The Senate would drop higher vehicle registration fees, a tax on automobile repairs and other revenue measures that had been included in the NVTA plan.
Senate Democrats also are pushing for a statewide solution to an estimated $400 million shortfall in that part of the budget used to maintain roads. They are calling for a 3 percent tax on wholesale gas sales over three years and an increase in the car titling tax from 3 percent to 3.5 percent.
When fully phased in, those statewide revenue measures would raise a projected $550 million a year for road work.
During a news conference yesterday, Kaine did not endorse the Senate Democrats' proposal outright, but he said it appeared to address his concerns about the regional transportation plans and statewide road maintenance. Asked whether he should present his own proposal, Kaine said, "I am being just as active as I feel like I should be."
House Republicans, who have shown little interest in a statewide tax increase, said they doubted that the Senate proposal could be enacted by tomorrow.
"Obviously, we are talking," said House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem). "But I do think it is fair to say the House is not likely to pass a tax increase in the next few days or in a special session."
NVTA members were dismissive of the House proposal to shift more of the burden of transportation funding to local governments. One member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D), called it "dead on arrival."
Craig reported from Richmond. Staff writer Anita Kumar contributed to this report.
