Abuser Fees

Governor Kaine has been a strong and long-time supporter of them -- for several years now. Below are some of quotes and hotlinks that pulled together from Governor Kaine on abuser fees:

From his Jan 10, 2007 State of the Commonwealth address: "Both houses agree that abusive drivers should pay stiffer fines to be used for transportation needs. To solve our funding dilemma, I have proposed a basic transportation financing package. Three elements of the package—proper use of existing auto insurance premium taxes, charges to abusive drivers and a commitment to using surplus dollars for transportation—require no new revenues from law-abiding citizens."

For mor info., see -- http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/Speeches/2007/SOTC.cfm#3

From his Transportation Plan Announcement News Release of Jan. 4, 2007: "Imposes an abuser fee on motorists who drive under the influence, drive recklessly, or commit certain other offenses."

For mor info., see -- http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=319

From his Address to the Legislative Money Committees on Aug 28, 2006:

"Fourth, both Houses agree on abuser fees. The dangerous behavior of unsafe drivers threatens the safety of other drivers and causes accidents that create congestion. Those drivers should be financially accountable for their actions."

For mor info., see -- http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/Speeches/2006/JMC-Aug2006.cfm#9

From his First Transportation Plan, announced six days into office on Jan. 20, 2006: "This plan includes enhanced fees for abusive drivers."

For mor info., see -- http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=57

Also, Sen. Roscoe Reynolds carried SB 722 - 2006 Legislation introduced at the request of the Governor http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+sum+SB722 [NOTE: This bill would have had abuser fee revenues going to fund transportation maintenance costs. It also would have affected both in-state and out-of-state drivers, which is constitutionally impermissable since the Virginia Constitution says all fines shall be deposited into the Literary Fund.]