The Virginia General Assembly recently held a special summer legislative session to decide how to spend roughly $4.3 billion in coronavirus relief funding allocated to the commonwealth from the American Rescue Plan.
While roughly $1.1 billion remains unappropriated for future use, the approved spending measure provides millions to various public entities across the state, including:
- $38.1 million to provide a one-time bonus of $3,000 for sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers
- $2.5 million for a violence-reduction program and language requiring Department of Motor Vehicles offices to return to walk-in services that were halted during the pandemic
- $800 million to replenish the state’s unemployment trust fund
- $700 million for rural broadband
- $411 million for clean-water projects
- $353 million for small-business relief
- $250 million for school ventilation systems
Passed by the state House (78 to 20) and Senate (23 to 16), the legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam, who has already signaled his support for the bill.
"While other states are closing budget gaps, we are investing in Virginians,” Northam said in a statement. “We have consistently put resources into helping families, businesses, and communities recover from this pandemic and prepare for the future.”
While I'm sure Republicans and Democrats could each find something they like in the measure, the new spending is indicative of a larger problem facing the country.
As it currently stands, the United States has amassed a national debt of roughly $28.6 trillion. The fact that our federal government is shamelessly throwing around billions of dollars to states all across the country with no concern for future repercussions is unconscionable.
The spending habits of our federal officials have gotten so bad that every congressional spending spree has essentially morphed into Oprah's big giveaway: "You get a trillion! You get a trillion! You get a trillion!"
Needless to say, our federal government has a spending problem.
Luckily, the Founding Fathers left us the perfect tool to correct such a problem: an Article V Convention of States.
By calling a COS, Americans all across the country will finally be able to corral the out-of-control federal leviathan lurking in Washington, D.C.
Not only will we be able to pass an amendment mandating Congress to pass balanced budgets going forward, but we would also be able to place term limits on career-long public officials and construct restraints on the power of the federal government.
When you sign our petition (below), a copy will be forwarded to your state legislators to let them know you want them to use their unique role to call a Convention of States.
