RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Democratic strategist Paul Goldman will meet with Republican Governor Bob McDonnell Monday regarding his longtime plan to allow school districts to receive federal tax credits when they fix up historic school buildings.
"If the plan that we have would be in place now, places like Henrico would save more money than what they would get through raising their meals tax," Goldman said.
Currently, individuals receive federal tax credits when private homes and buildings are refurbished.
That does not however apply to historic school buildings, something Goldman said is a loophole that dates back all the way to 1986.
McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin sent CBS 6 political reporter Joe St. George the following statement:
"The Governor is looking forward to tomorrow's meeting. He has long supported updating federal law to encourage greater private investment in our nation's aging school buildings. This is as bipartisan an issue as you'll find today, and he wants to know what else we can do at the state level to get Congress to take action on this matter immediately."
Goldman, a former Virginia Democratic Party Chair, has already teamed up with Ken Cuccinelli to raise support for the proposal to include schools in the tax credits.
In an election year, that unlikely bedfellow has raised eyebrows by some within the Democratic party.
"If Terry {McAuliffe} wants to do a conference call with me on the subject I will welcome it," Goldman said.
The tax credit change would require Congressional Approval.
Goldman is hoping Monday's meeting with Governor McDonnell will allow for the Governor to work with other states in lobbying support.
Goldman says he has already received the support of Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner as well as Congressman Eric Cantor.
