Democrats Lily Franklin and Trish White-Boyd have both called for eliminating the tax. Their Republican opponents, Chris Obenshain and David Suetterlein, say this is just a political ploy.

Markus Schmidt
Markus Schmidt is a reporter for Cardinal News. Reach him at markus@cardinalnews.org or 804-822-1594.
New General Assembly Building brings more office space, newer technology — and a pizza oven
The construction of the new General Assembly Building is part of a $300 million project that also included the restoration of Richmond’s Old City Hall and the construction of a parking garage for state employees.
Franklin, Obenshain clash on abortion, climate, guns and taxes
The candidates for a House of Delegates seat in parts of Montgomery and Roanoke counties met in a forum sponsored by Cardinal News and the Blacksburg Library.
Some voters don’t believe candidate Tim Griffin lives in his district. They have hired a PI to investigate.
In April, the Bedford County general registrar determined that Republican Tim Griffin met the requirements of a legitimately registered, practicing voter. But some GOP voters still aren’t convinced that the candidate actually lives where he says he does.
From parkway closure to farm loans, federal government shutdown would touch Southwest and Southside in multiple ways
More than 25,000 federal workers in Virginia’s 5th, 6th and 9th congressional districts could be furloughed.
Police execute search warrants in 9 Southwest Va. counties in drug, money laundering investigation
No arrests have been made in what authorities said was an “extensive, ongoing criminal investigation” centered on drugs and money laundering by retail establishments.
Del. Fariss indicted on two felony charges in hit-and-run case
The charges stem from an alleged hit-and-run that injured a woman he was seeing romantically and led her to obtain a protective order against him. A trial date has been set for Jan. 19.
General Assembly ends 5-month budget stalemate
Legislators who were called to Richmond for a special session approved a slate of amendments to the state’s biennial budget. Included among the spending priorities: $18 million for flood relief in Buchanan and Tazewell counties, and $10 million to begin work on an inland port in Southwest Virginia.
Budget details released; includes money for flood relief, inland port and Central Virginia Training Center
The General Assembly will convene in a special session Sept. 6 to approve amendments to the current two-year budget.
Jed Arnold wins special election to House of Delegates
He will fill the remainder of former Del. Jeff Campbell’s term. He’s also running unopposed in November.