Rascovar: Showdown over health insurance
Miller says this extra tobacco tax revenue will be needed to close the state’s $1.5 billion budget deficit next year. He also notes the tobacco tax is a declining source of revenue that won’t come close to covering the cost of the House health-coverage bill. He says it will add to the state’s deficit woes.

Study calls for postponing ICC
A land conservation group on Wednesday released the latest attempt to derail the Intercounty Connector.

To the Editor: Reasonable approach to HSAs
It is not unreasonable to expect students to understand basic math, science, government and English before they leave high school.

House votes to close tax loophole
But Senate President Thomas Mike V. Miller said the measure is not likely to win passage in his chamber this year, and more likely would be considered for a broader plan to close a projected $1.5 billion shortfall next year.

Year of the environment?
The green fund bill would levy a surcharge on new developments that build impervious surfaces, such as paved sidewalks and parking lots.