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Gov. Kaine Gives State of the Commonwealth

Stephen A. Hicks
Capital News Service

JAMESTOWN, Va. – Transportation and teacher salaries were among the main points emphasized in Gov. Tim Kaine’s State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night in Jamestown at the opening General Assembly session held at the Robins Foundation Theater.

Kaine called for bipartisan unity to reach resolutions on crucial issues facing the commonwealth such as transportation.

“Too many people spend too much time in traffic rather than at work or with their families,” Kaine said. “Too many of our first responders find clogged roads blocking their paths in times of emergency. Each of these problems is serious, and they are getting worse everyday.”

Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge, endorsed Kaine’s plea for bipartisanship.

“It was a good speech,” Lingamfelter said. “I agree with Kaine that we need a bipartisan approach to transportation, but I’m concerned for the taxpayer. When you’re fixing the leaky roof, you’re supporting a family. We have to protect the income of families.”

Education was another part of Kaine’s speech. He proposed raising teacher salaries by 3 percent. His plan also called for increasing the number of children in kindergarten and pre-K.

“Helping children succeed is a bipartisan Virginia value we all share,” Kaine said.
In his address, Kaine also spoke on the subjects of taxes and public safety.
The speech was telecast live from the Jamestown Settlement throughout the commonwealth. Kaine's address came hours after a speech by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney at Historic Jamestown, which officially opened the session of the 2007 General Assembly.

Members of the General Assembly and their spouses, along with the state's Supreme Court justices and the governor’s cabinet were in attendance.

The General Assembly is scheduled to be in session for 46 days. Republicans hold the majority but all 140 seats are eligible in November.
 

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