RICHMOND — Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s proposed budget for 2008-10 will trim nearly $700 million from Virginia’s public education system.

RICHMOND — Motorists who drive on Albemarle County’s dirt and gravel roads may soon need to apply the brakes.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s proposed budget for 2008-2010 would trim nearly $700 million from Virginia’s public education system.

RICHMOND — In his final State of the Common-wealth Address, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Wednesday night outlined his plans to fix a nearly $3 billion state budget shortfall, as well as his ideas to stimulate Virginia’s weak economy and promote renewable energy.

RICHMOND — Legislators returned to Richmond Wednesday, but before they could even begin debate on how to plug a $3 billion hole in the state’s two-year budget, controversy had already started with the opening prayer.

A bill filed in the General Assembly on Wednesday would give Charlottesville and Albemarle County officials the power to hold a referendum on a sales tax solely for transit or other transportation projects.

The General Assembly at this hour kicks off the 46-day legislative session, but with only 99 members of the House of Delegates.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine tonight addresses both houses of the Virginia General Assembly with his State of the Commonwealth address.

Albemarle County may seek state lawmakers’ approval for a plan that could allow Albemarle and Charlottesville to enact a local sales tax to fund transit and transportation projects.

Nearly 100 residents of Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley showed up Thursday to a General Assembly hearing to weigh in on Virginia’s two-year spending plan, which is facing a $2.9 billion shortfall.

Local officials say they are certain that myriad transit and transportation projects could be funded by way of tax increases — but particulars remain a mystery.