John Miller Has Had Some Small Successes
Sen. John Miller, D-Newport News, is just two weeks into his new career as a legislator and so far, so good. His most controversial bills have yet to be heard, but he's succeeded with a few of his smaller measures. And if you're a freshman, that ain't bad.
The Senate has approved a bill that would broaden an existing tax relief program in Newport News for the elderly and disabled, bringing it into line with several other cities in Virginia. He also won passage in the Senate of legislation that allows the Newport News Economic Development Authority to form corporations, partnerships or other legal entities.
On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee quickly endorsed a bill that would amend the Neighborhood Assistance Act. It would allow individuals to get a tax break for donating stocks to organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula.
That pleased Steven S. Kast, chief executive officer of the Peninsula organization.
"This will allow people to give marketable securities," Kast said. "They don't have to pay capital gains taxes because they gift it to charity, and they get the tax credit, which is 40 percent of the total donation."
OK, none of this is wildly headline-grabbing, but take a look at any of the bills filed up here. A lot of them are like this.
Of course, Miller still has legislation on abolishing the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. That one may, um, take a while.
Published in The Shad Plank on January 24, 2008