https://www.pilotonline.com/government/virginia/vp-nw-virginia-tax-refund-checks-20190926-2r2spmofjbfc7ic3yt6thlzrfa-story.html

My son received his and my wife and I received mine. yippee.

Because the GA dragged its feet and didn’t bring the state standard deduction in line with the changes at the Fed level, I owed the state over $800 on May 1. And because I didn’t benefit from itemizing on the 1040, I HAD to take the VA standard deduction. The paltry $221 received doesn’t even come close to what the numbers should have been. I’m still out just under $600 as I have never owed the state more than $100 in any given year since 2008.

This is a feel good move by the state, primarily the GOP leadership in the GA, to say, “Hey, you got a windfall because we are so good at managing things.” Horse feathers!

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/24/business/coal-industry-neil-chatterjee-ferc/index.html

“Neil Chatterjee, Trump appointee as Chairman of the FERC said it himself: ” “I believe climate change is real. I believe man has an impact and we need to take steps to mitigate emissions,””

Dude, you are so gone.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/23/politics/america-in-one-room-political-discussions/index.html

Came across this today and found the idea interesting.

A small (526) representation of American voters brought together in Texas discuss the issues in a civil manner and come away a little better for it.

I will be interested to see the results of the exit poll as compared to the entry poll. A way forward on political discourse BY the people? Including here?

https://www.pilotonline.com/government/nation/vp-nw-trump-administration-blocked-whistleblower-20190920-pyeext7nmjcldajvx2wxx6hb2a-story.html

Once again, the administration is doing all in its assumed powers to prevent Constitutional oversight by the House.

If there is nothing illegal going on, why the obstruction? I thought the innocent have nothing to hide.

https://www.pilotonline.com/news/crime/vp-nw-mass-shooting-update-20190917-zpljlyhy7nhrdnzd6gxf6k5fae-story.html

Will the report from VBPD be enough to offer SOME sense of closure to the families of the victims? Will it take a complete report from the independent investigation?

The Hansen-monster is gone. Who will get the blame and pay the price in the end?

https://www.pilotonline.com/nation-world/ct-ent-cokie-roberts-dead-20190917-skiwbhjnpjb65ch2git6a6tmze-story.html

You may not have always (or ever!) agreed with her, but Ms. Roberts was one of the classier ones. She will be missed. (Or maybe not!)

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/vp-ed-column-wilson-0917-20190917-hrgyiicu6ze3rb3jax5ocoytha-story.html

While it is very true that many schools in VB are older and in need of repair, I take issue with the idea that only schools in wealthier neighborhoods are being replaced. Yes, the new Kellam HS is in the southern part of the city where the income levels are higher. Old Donation, which she cited is not. And the students that attend there are brought in from around the city.

If a building is sound, yet needs upgraded (a/c units, technology improvements, security, etc.), then budget for the upgrades. If a building is beyond useful condition, then plan and budget for replacement. Using bonds is a good way to go about that.

As a reminder, my daughter is a HS English teacher in one of the older schools in town. I am sure she would love a shiny new building to teach in, but upgrading the current one would be just fine with her.

It is an important piece, but I wish she had been a little more accurate and a little less hyperbolic.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/16/opinions/texas-key-abolish-electoral-college-alexander/index.html

A political science professor discusses the possibility that the opinions of the parties could shift after 2020 if Texas goes for the Dem nominee. Polling, while never trustworthy this far out (or ever?), indicates that could be possible.

Elizabeth Heng, who lost by 15 points in her California district in 2018, appears to take full credit for burning AOC to the ground and comparing her stances to those in Cambodia in 1970’s. And then claims that SHE is not a racist because of her Cambodian background.

Sounds to me like more proof the GOP is the party for racists.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/10/politics/bahamas-tps-protections/index.html

Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan says granting TPS to Bahamians would be “appropriate”. President Trump doesn’t agree.

The precedent has been set to grant Temporary Protective Status to those suffering from natural disasters, yet for whatever reason, Mr. Trump doesn’t see it as an appropriate humanitarian action.

Yes, parts of this REGION were impacted by Dorian. However, the devastation suffered by the Bahamas an the citizens there is immeasurable when compared to the flooding on Ocracoke.

Where is our heart?