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PBS could lose
state funding
The House Appropriations Committee has recommended eliminating the state’s contribution to public broadcasting stations.
The proposed cut comes as a response to the state's $3 billion budget shortfall.
Both the Senate Finance Committee and Gov. Tim Kaine (D) recommended cutting only 10 percent of public broadcasting's funding.
“The House Appropriations Committee took a much more drastic approach,” said A. Curtis Monk, president of the Community Idea Stations, which operates the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio stations in Richmond and other cities. “It has voted to zero out funding for public broadcasting in Virginia, leaving only the instructional services grant that supports our K-12 educational efforts."
The funding cuts total about $3 million.
The General Assembly hopes to finalize the budget before the legislative session ends Feb. 28.
Derelict
building bill
approved
A bill designed to allow local governments quicker response in repairing or demolishing derelict buildings passed the House of Delegates 80-17 and is currently in a Senate committee.
House Bill 1671 defines a derelict building as “... one that has endangered public health and safety, been vacant, boarded up, and without lawful utilities.” After a period of six months, local governments would be authorized to provide tax breaks and refunds to property owners to either renovate the building or remove it.
88.1%