Court rules transportation taxes unconstitutional
Delegate Bob Marshall
Published: February 29, 2008
Updated: February 29, 2008
RICHMOND _ A regional authority created by the General Assembly to levy taxes for northern Virginia transportation projects is unconstitutional, the state Supreme Court ruled Friday.
In a unanimous opinion, the court said legislators improperly delegated taxing powers to the unelected members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The ruling invalidates about $300 million in bonds financed by the taxes.
Justice Bernard S. Goodwyn wrote that “the General Assembly has failed to adhere to the mandates of accountability and transparency that the Constitution requires when the General Assembly exercises the legislative taxing authority permitted by the Constitution.“
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Reader Reactions
Awww, somebody defunded Marty’s sandbox. Come on boys and girls if you’re going to tax us at least have the stones to put it to a vote, put your names to it and either reap the rewards or suffer the consequences. This is what happens to cowards.
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