RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Virginia's new governor, Terry McAuliffe took questions from listeners in the monthly "Ask the Governor" radio show. The topics today ranged from education to energy.
The radio segment has become a long-standing tradition here in the Commonwealth, as it offers anyone the chance to get inside the mind of our state's leader.
McAuliffe led the discussion on Richmond's WRVA radio show. The Governor hit on several key points, to include offshore drilling, a plan to sign legislation legalizing Sunday hunting on private property and the need to revise Standards of Learning tests for all students. McAuliffe said it's in the best interest of Virginia students to reexamine the standardized testing.
Another big issue taken on, centered around something that affects all of us--healthcare. Specifically McAuliffe said he wants to look into how the costs for those seeking care can be lowered. He added the only way to close the coverage gap, would require bipartisan support.
"You can't get to an agreement if you have a closed mind on a topic," McAuliffe said. "Compromise is not a bad word, we have to do it every single day; come together for the common good of Virginia."
McAuliffe also took on the topic dealing with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's decision to strike down a bill that would have allowed business owners the right to deny services to gay and lesbian customers, based on religion. Brewer, a conservative Republican, said she weighed the arguments on both sides before issuing the veto. Supporters of the bill argued the measure allows for religious freedom. While opponents said it encourages discrimination against gays and lesbians and would hurt the state's economy. McAuliffe weighed in saying no state-including Virginia-should have discriminatory policies in place.
"What people need to understand and I've said this while on the campaign, I want Virginia to be open and welcoming to everyone," McAuliffe said. "A vast majority of our Fortune 100 and 500 companies, they have non-discrimination policies in their corporate bi-laws."
Happening yesterday during a radio appearance in Washington, McAuliffe added his signature to legislation to repeal the state's fee for hybrid vehicles, which will save drivers of the fuel-efficient vehicles the $64 annual fee.
