State of Virginia Archives: on Technology
Bob McDonnell:
$4 billion for 6-year highway and rail project plan
Working across party lines last year we put the most new funding into transportation in a generation. Over $4 billion in new funding was provided in our six-year plan to support highway and rail projects. This funding has supported hundreds of projects
across the state and the advertisement and award of nearly $2 billion in new contracts in 2011. It has also made possible public-private partnerships including the Midtown/Downtown Tunnel in Hampton Roads and the I-95 HOV/HOT Lanes Project.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
Bob McDonnell:
$14B on 900 transportation projects, including more Amtrak
$14B on 900 transportation projects, including more Amtrak
We put the most new funding into transportation since 1986, while maintaining our 5% debt limit. The 2011 transportation legislation jumpstarted over 900 projects. A record $14 billion in projects are now in procurement or under construction, including
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
George Allen:
No online sales tax for out-of-state websites
Kaine indicated he was open to forcing online retailers to collect sales taxes, although he said the rates should not be onerous and some small businesses should be exempted.
Allen said he opposed asking businesses without a physical presence in a state to collect sales taxes.
Source: Washington Post coverage of 2012 Virginia Senate Debates
Jun 28, 2012
George Allen:
Keep taxes off Internet
KAINE: Gov. Allen called General Assembly members "dinosaurs, monarchical elitists," frequently name-called John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, when he served with them in the Senate. During this campaign he continues it. ALLEN: John Kerry and I really
don't agree on many issues, but we did agree on wi-fi. There are other senators who we rarely agree, but we worked together to keep taxes off Internet access on the national nanotechnology initiative, of which I was a leader, as well as cyber- security.
Source: CNN State of the Union on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 22, 2012
Justin Fairfax:
Transportation infrastructure crucial to state's economy
Fairfax believes that transportation is crucial to the state's economy. "You can't vote no on that [transportation] bill and then say
we need to invest in infrastructure," He said he would "entertain" a bill creating a regional transportation authority if localities want it.
Source: Free Lance-Star on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Oct 29, 2017
Ralph Northam:
Ensure universal broadband access
I'm laying out the roadmap to a competitive, brilliant future for all Virginians.Until we come together to ensure universal broadband access, we are keeping opportunity out of reach for entire communities in Virginia.
When a community doesn't have reliable Internet access, it can't attract businesses, support its home-grown entrepreneurs, keep its students up to date, or use telehealth to keep people healthy.
The ability to get online anywhere--that's what makes a Commonwealth of opportunity.
Weeks ago, I shared an ambitious budget proposal to speed up our progress and achieve universal broadband access within the next few years.
This is probably the number one issue I hear from Virginians as I travel around the state, and the number one issue I hear from legislators--both Republicans and Democrats.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Robert Sarvis:
21st-century transportation policy based on user-pays
Our bureaucratic approach to transportation was designed for the last century. We need a 21st-century transportation policy that's built to last. These are the principles that should guide reform of how Virginia does transportation policy:-
Decision-making needs to be less centralized. It makes no sense for Virginians to send enormous amounts of money to Richmond where a centralized bureaucracy determines which projects around the state get funded.
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Decision-making needs to be more transparent. VDOT's opaque decision-making process is too prone to manipulation by concentrated interests.
- Infrastructure should be paid for by those who use it. We should be moving toward user-pays funding,
but the recent Transportation Bill moved us AWAY from it, by shifting funding to the sales tax and other taxes unrelated to transportation.
Source: Virginia Governor 2013 campaign website, robertsarvis.com
Sep 21, 2013
Terry McAuliffe:
$4.2M to compete for high energy Electron Ion Collider
My budget proposal makes key investments in Virginia's research and technology infrastructure. I have included $4.2 million so that we can compete for a new Electron Ion Collider at the Jefferson Lab in Newport News.
That new $618 million facility would create more than 4,900 jobs within a decade and add $708 million to the commonwealth's economy.
It will also make Virginia a world leader in high energy physics.Our sole competition for the ion collider project is the state of
New York--and we simply cannot allow those New Yorkers to come down here to Virginia and take our collider project.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Launched Cybersecurity Commission & bioscience summit
Since the start of my administration, improving Virginia's state cybersecurity infrastructure has been a top priority. This is one of the few areas where the federal government will be making a major investment in the coming years, and we have a chance
to lead the way.Soon after taking office, I launched the Virginia Cybersecurity Commission, chaired by Richard Clarke, who has advised three presidents on national security. Their continued work and diligence, coupled with the vast array of cyber
assets already in the commonwealth puts us in a strong position to win the proposed federal cyber campus.
I am also working hard to make Virginia a leader in the bioscience industry. We just convened our first bioscience summit with Dr. Bob Langer,
the leading MIT researcher, so that we can better coordinate and leverage our great academic and private sector assets to compete in this emerging industry. If we work together, starting today, we can succeed where others have failed before.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Tim Kaine:
Force online retailers to collect sales taxes
Kaine indicated he was open to forcing online retailers to collect sales taxes, although he said the rates should not be onerous and some small businesses should be exempted.
Allen said he opposed asking businesses without a physical presence in a state to collect sales taxes.
Source: Washington Post coverage of 2012 Virginia Senate Debates
Jun 28, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Re-zoning to account for transportation infrastructure
Let's take the next steps towards smart growth management. Communities need clear authority to reject rezoning proposals when new developments would overwhelm the existing transportation infrastructure. We must protect the investments that we have
already made in critical transportation corridors by managing access to those roads in a way that promotes safe, swift travel. And we need incentives for new subdivision streets to be designed to reduce congestion and long-term maintenance costs.
The state should not automatically pick up the maintenance costs for new roads unless those roads are designed to move traffic efficiently.Creating a stronger connection between land use and transportation planning will help
us build better communities and slow the growth of congestion. Let's begin by finally guaranteeing Virginians that their transportation dollars from the Transportation Trust Fund will never be spent for any other purpose.
Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 10, 2007
Tim Kaine:
Protect Net Neutrality (equal access to Internet)
Q: Net Neutrality: Require internet providers to provide equal access to all users?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Voted to protect.
Corey Stewart (R): No public statements found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Transportation infrastructure spending as economic stimulus
Q: Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?Tim Kaine (D):
Yes. Particularly transportation infrastructure.
Corey Stewart (R): No. Generally opposes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Need to change the way transit & roads are funded
Transit systems, bridges, and roads enable Virginia to compete in a fast-changing global economy. It's no secret that the current way we fund transportation is simply not sustainable. It's good that people are burning less gas driving cleaner and more
efficient cars. But that means revenues are dropping, while transportation costs are rising. We need to reform transportation funding this session and start to make new investments in transit to help commuters and low-income people get to work.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Ralph Northam:
We need to invest $35 million per year in broadband
We also need to invest in broadband. Because the changing economy is about much more than moving people and goods--it's also about moving information. Broadband has become an economic necessity for business, for education, for healthcare, and for
everyday life. So I've sent you a budget that invests $35 million each year to get more communities connected. I ask you to pass it.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Ralph Northam:
Broadband is as critical now as electricity in 1900s
We need to take action on broadband. Broadband is as critical now as electricity was in the last century.
Making sure more Virginians can get access to it has been a priority since I took office. And the pandemic has highlighted how urgent this is--for workers, for businesses, for students, for telehealth.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Integrate technology and coding into course curriculum
As Governor, I will double down on efforts to ensure that students from all backgrounds--especially women, English-language learners and Black and Brown students--have access to computer coding education.
I will ensure teachers have the training and resources needed to teach coding courses and push the Department of Education to continue to integrate technology and coding into course curriculum.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
Invest in broadband infrastructure and access
As Virginia's next Governor, Terry will prioritize rural economic development and lift up every community. That includes building on Governor Northam's efforts and investing substantially in broadband infrastructure and access, getting
387,000 households in need online. As Virginia's 72nd Governor, Terry made agriculture and forestry -- Virginia's top private sector industries -- key components of his overall economic development plans.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
Prohibit tech companies from selling children's data
We can also choose commonsense when it comes to social media, and the ever-growing threat that the Chinese Communist Party poses to our national security, our privacy and our way of life in Virginia. We know that our children use technology at an
unthinkable, breakneck pace. But the data of our teenagers should not be used and manipulated by big tech companies. I'm asking you to pass a bill that prohibits tech companies from selling the data of children under the age of 18.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Amanda Chase:
Supported Transportation Lockbox: restrict diverting funding
HJ 41: The Virginia Transportation Revenue Lockbox AmendmentProposed Ballot Question:Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to require that funds designated for transportation purposes be used exclusively for transportation
purposes, unless directed for another use by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of each house of the General Assembly, rather than the current process by which funds may be redirected to non-transportation purposes by a simple majority vote?
Summary from Ballotpedia:The measure would have required that all revenue dedicated by law to transportation funds be spent on (a) constructing, maintaining, and operating transportation systems, (b) furthering the interests of highways,
public transportation, railways, seaports, and airports, and (c) operating state agencies related to transportation.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 77-22-1 on 2/8; Sen. Chase co-sponsored; defeated in Senate committee 7-9-0 on 2/27.
Source: Ballotpedia.org on Virginia legislative voting record HJ 41
Feb 27, 2018
Ben Cline:
Supported Transportation Lockbox: restrict diverting funding
HJ 41: The Virginia Transportation Revenue Lockbox AmendmentProposed Ballot Question:Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to require that funds designated for transportation purposes be used exclusively for transportation
purposes, unless directed for another use by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of each house of the General Assembly, rather than the current process by which funds may be redirected to non-transportation purposes by a simple majority vote?
Summary from Ballotpedia:The measure would have required that all revenue dedicated by law to transportation funds be spent on (a) constructing, maintaining, and operating transportation systems, (b) furthering the interests of highways,
public transportation, railways, seaports, and airports, and (c) operating state agencies related to transportation.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 77-22-1 on 2/8; Rep. Ben Cline voted YES; defeated in Senate committee 7-9-0 on 2/27.
Source: Ballotpedia.org on Virginia legislative voting record HJ 41
Feb 8, 2018
Nick Freitas:
Supported Transportation Lockbox: restrict diverting funding
HJ 41: The Virginia Transportation Revenue Lockbox AmendmentProposed Ballot Question:Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to require that funds designated for transportation purposes be used exclusively for transportation
purposes, unless directed for another use by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of each house of the General Assembly, rather than the current process by which funds may be redirected to non-transportation purposes by a simple majority vote?
Summary from Ballotpedia:The measure would have required that all revenue dedicated by law to transportation funds be spent on (a) constructing, maintaining, and operating transportation systems, (b) furthering the interests of highways,
public transportation, railways, seaports, and airports, and (c) operating state agencies related to transportation.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 77-22-1 on 2/8; Rep. Nick Freitas voted YES; defeated in Senate committee 7-9-0 on 2/27
Source: Ballotpedia.org on Virginia legislative voting record HJ 41
Feb 8, 2018
Nick Freitas:
Government barriers to expanding technology must be stopped
As someone who doesn't have broadband myself, I understand the frustration. An estimate to lay fiber optic cable from the road to my house have run as high as $22,000. The GA has already passed legislation in the 2017 session which will help alleviate
this problem by removing many onerous regulations and restrictions which have prevented broadband providers from being able to reach underserved areas. We need to continue to take down government imposed barriers to technological expansion.
Source: Culpeper Star Exponent on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Oct 26, 2017
Kirk Cox:
Social media platforms hare unfairly targeting conservatives
[On free speech restrictions]: "This trend has accelerated over the last few months with egregious actions by social media platforms, unfairly targeting conservatives. The silencing, the shaming, and the censorship are very real. And as Governor, I will
fight back. The public deserves to know the truth about how Big Tech operates," Cox said. "As Governor, I will take strong, reasonable steps to protect the First Amendment freedoms critical to the success of our public discourse and defend consumers."
Source: The Republican Standard on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Feb 2, 2021
Jack Ciattarelli:
No need to lay fiber to get statewide broadband
Elon Musk's SpaceX has been launching satellites into orbit to test if they can deliver reliable high-speed internet to rural and remote homes. "I do think it's humorous that we actually look to lay fiber when Elon Musk has solved this problem for us,"
said Youngkin. "We can get broadband access across Virginia, and it'll be cheaper than anything a government can actually do." Youngkin's campaign didn't answer questions about if he would put state funding toward satellite internet.
Source: The Roanoke Times on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Feb 1, 2021
Creigh Deeds:
Transportation improvements create jobs and generate wealth
Both candidates focus on transportation. "Transportation's going to be the first year's work I've got as governor because I'm convinced that's the way we can create the most jobs, generate the most wealth, create the most revenue to get things started,"
says Democrat Deeds.Republican McDonnell thinks transportation is important as well, which is why he says he supports off shore drilling. "Fifty miles off coast. Environmentally friendly. Safe in a way that generates billions in capital investment.
Thousands of new jobs. Hundreds of millions in royalties & tax revenue. And I want to put that money into transportation & alternative energy research," says McDonnell.
Following a public outcry due to the recent closing of rest areas, both candidates
have vowed to reopen them if elected. Deeds says they're a necessity. "If we're going to have a law that says you can only drive a truck for 10 hours in a 24-hour period, we're going to have to provide places to pull over and rest," says Deeds.
Source: WHSV-TV-3 coverage: 2009 Virginia gubernatorial debate
Jul 25, 2009
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026