Virginia
Both governor candidates want to end Virginia car tax
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -It’s called the single most-hated tax in Virginia.
And now, the two candidates running for governor this fall are on board with chopping the car tax, but it would have hefty financial implications.
Both candidates for Virginia governor can agree on one thing: the state’s “car tax” should be eliminated.
Last week, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears announced her “Axe the Tax” initiative at a campaign event. This initiative includes ending the car tax.
A spokesperson for Democratic Abigail Spanberger says that she, too, supports ending the tax and plans to work with both Democrats and Republicans to find a way to do so.
“I’m not a fan of the car tax or really any other taxes. We’re overtaxed as it is, so if we can get rid of a few of ‘em, let’s go,” one resident said.
The tax provides significant revenue for cities, towns and counties, which levy and collect it. If lawmakers want to kill it at the state level, they must find a way to reimburse the localities for all that lost revenue.
The state estimates that repealing the car tax in Virginia would cost between $2.5 billion and $3 billion a year.
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin tried not once, but twice, to repeal the car tax.
“But we have to be careful who we vote for and be very strategic and actually do background checks on the candidates as well. But I don’t believe getting rid of that and raising the tax prices on people, we’ll do anything,” said another Virginia resident.
But the Virginia General Assembly — mainly state Democrats — said otherwise during budget negotiations.
“Lowering taxes is always popular. Always has been. Always will be, although it causes fiscal problems for a state,” Political Analyst Larry Sabato said.
But political analyst Larry Sabato says that while the car tax has never been abolished in full, it has been chipped away at.
“‘No car tax’ was the winning slogan for Jim Gilmore, and it got him a landslide win in 1997. That should tell you. The appeal of a proposal like this,” Sabato said.
Most car owners had to shell out big bucks on their annual car tax bill, which was due on June 5.
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HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Engines roared and tires smoked at Virginia International Raceway on Friday as Hyperfest returned to Halifax County for a three-day festival that draws thousands of automotive fans to Southside Virginia.
The event is known for putting spectators close to the action, from drift cars to racing on the Patriot Course and off-road ride-alongs. Attendee John Campbell described the up-close experience: “You’re going to get rubber all over your face,” he said.
For some, the appeal is the unpredictability. “Chaos, and that’s the most fun thing you’ll ever do,” said attendee Dkoven Hunter.
SEE ALSO: Danville honors six fallen officers at annual Peace Officers Memorial Service
Hyperfest also features novelty events, including Barbie car races scheduled for the evening. Festival founder and director Chris Cobetto said the hands-on nature is what sets it apart: “You can come, and you can do stuff, and you can see stuff, and that’s what the fun part is.”
Organizers expect the weekend to bring more than 24,000 people to Halifax County, including visitors traveling long distances to attend. Bryer Schiesser, attending for the first time, said he chose Hyperfest over a traditional graduation ceremony. “Instead of walking at graduation, I decided to come here,” he said. Schiesser and his friends drove from Pennsylvania for the festival.
Attendee Haley Brennan called the event a standout for car enthusiasts. “It’s awesome, it’s just a great place to come if you love the car community, it’s just the best thing you can do!” she said.
Tickets cost $100 per day or $155 for the whole weekend.
Those honks you heard on I-66? They weren’t from cars.
Police officers in Northern Virginia herded a family of Canada geese off the highway Thursday afternoon, as lanes were shut down to keep everyone safe.
The geese were spotted on I-66 westbound near the exit for Sycamore Street. Metro Transit Police got to them first, and Arlington County officers and Virginia State Police also responded to help, acording to Arlington County Police.
Video shows police vehicles slowly following the geese — two adults with a cluster of fuzzy yellow goslings — as they waddled along the far right shoulder toward milemarker 69.6.
Lane closures were put into effect about 1:30 p.m., and police were able to escort the geese off the highway within about 15 minutes.
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County police quipped on Facebook: “What’s good for the goose…is probably to stay of I-66. 🪿 Virginia State Police , Metro Forward Police Department, Virginia Department of Transportation and ACPD officers worked together to assist a family of geese off a busy highway in a feat so great it gave us goosebumps!”
BRISTOL, Va. (WCYB) — More than 300 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1 million were seized this month in Bristol, according to the Virginia State Police.
Multiple search warrants were executed this month by VSP and the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force in at various areas across the city between May 1 and May 13.
On May 1, a search warrant was executed at a business on Euclid Avenue. Around three pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $13,500. The location was within a school zone and a childcare facility.
On May 6, another search warrant was executed at a warehouse in Bristol. Virginia State Police seized 250 pounds of marijuana (street value of $1,135,000), 192 marijuana plants ($576,000), 50 pounds of THC edibles ($22,700). Charges are forthcoming, police said.
Another search warrant was executed on May 13 at a business on West State Street. Around 25 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $112,500. Additional evidence was also seized.
In addition, another search warrant was executed on May 13 at a business on Paulena Drive. About 30 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $135,000. Additional evidence was also seized.
The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions.
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The Holston River Regional Drug Task Force includes the Town of Abingdon Police Department, Bristol Police Department, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Lebanon Police Department, as well as Virginia State Police.
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