McDonnell makes big, last push for lasting legacy - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

McDonnell makes big, last push for lasting legacy

Posted:

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Gov. Bob McDonnell is using his annual address to the state to make one big, last push for a lasting legislative legacy, urging lawmakers to embrace his education and transportation reforms.

He also threw in a surprise Wednesday, asking the lawmakers to approve bills that allow nonviolent felons' civil rights to be automatically restored.

McDonnell already has sketched out reforms that condition a 2 percent raise for teachers on new laws making underperforming faculty easier to fire, and his plan to replace Virginia's 17 1/2-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax with a sales tax increase to replenish dwindling road maintenance funds.

McDonnell also asks legislators to establish a process to restore rights to vote, serve on a jury and other privileges people forfeit for felony convictions. Only the governor can restore those rights now.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVVA.
All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Administrative Assistant Audrey Sluss at (304) 324-0659. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.