Local lawmakers respond to Kaine’s address

Danny Marshall, R-Danville
“I don’t agree with releasing non-violent prisoners; it’s the wrong thing to do. This includes drug dealers and child pornographers who have been sentenced by a judge. It’s just bad public policy to let prisoners out to save money. I agree 100 percent with the governor that we need to keep K-12 money in the classroom, keeping young people challenged. I agree we should cut funding for administration and keep the money for teachers and their classrooms.

We need to keep funding the Virginia Economic Development Partnership so we keep bringing our area new jobs.”

Don Merricks, R-Pittsylvania County
“I thought it was a good speech, with good initiatives in general, but I can’t support a 30-cent tax increase on a pack of cigarettes. Tobacco is still the number one agricultural product in Pittsylvania County, and (tobacco farmers are) struggling to make a living, too. I also think the proposal to parole prisoners early needs to be reconsidered. Non-violent offenders could include child molesters.

“We could benefit from the renewable energy initiatives. With projects at the Institute (for Advanced Learning & Research) and in Gretna, and with what the Tobacco Commission has just committed (to energy initiatives), that could be a great opportunity for us.”