( – promoted by lowkell)
Amidst the controversy over the other scary legislation introduced by Delegate Dave Albo (R-42), this particular bill might get overlooked. If HB 1425 is passed, then sheriffs and private collections agencies can come after you if you’re three months late on your local taxes (the current law is six months). Most significantly, for the first time, this would also include real estate taxes.
When so many Virginians are struggling to make ends meet, I wonder if they will applaud Albo’s efforts to go after the real threat to our prosperity: those evil property tax evaders? In addition, HB 1425 would sure be a big moneymaker for certain collections agencies contracted with the Fairfax County government. Especially certain agencies who have been contributing to Albo’s campaigns.
Fairfax County’s Department of Tax Administration lists the three private collections firms that they use. One company, the Nationwide Credit Corporation, made phone calls for Albo in 2009. (Overall, they donated more to Democrats mainly thanks to $6000 in contributions to Dick Saslaw.) Another collections agency, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP, has donated 100% of their contributions to Republicans.
You don’t have to look much further to see that there are multiple donors to Dave Albo (and others) – payday lending companies, car title loan companies, and more – who make a living preying on the most vulnerable citizens. But regardless of who donated to whom, Albo’s legislation is not what Virginia needs right now.
Think this legislation is too harsh? Well, Albo’s looking out for you. People who are about to lose their homes can rest easy if Albo has his way with an additional bill: the creditors can take your home but they can’t take your gun!
Thanks to the Virginia Public Access Project for being a great resource for campaign finance data!
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