Virginia Communication Tax

The measure is a "step toward tax fairness and equity," said Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan.

This story, by the Daily Press, reports that the Virginia Senate has passed a universal 5 percent tax on all communication networks. Satellite users will be taxed for the first time.

The Bill passed in the Virginia Senate, and was approved in the minutes of the House of Delegates. Now the Bill is being forwarded to Gov. Kaine.

The Bill was not without opposition:

Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, said the measure punishes rural Virginians who rely on satellite TV, which is not currently taxed. The satellite TV industry opposed the bill.