Bacon's Rebellion

Bacon’s Rebellion addresses various public policy topics in Virginia, focusing particularly on the state budget, taxes, infrastructure, land use, transportation, energy, environmental issues, K-12 education, higher education, and community health. Our goal is to equip Virginia residents with the information and insights they need to create thriving, enjoyable, and sustainable communities.

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Some Small Victories for Good Government

4 days ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by James A. BaconVirginians can argue all day long about the proper size and scope of state and local government. But we should be able to agree upon one thing: that whatever it does, government needs to do its job as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. So, it’s good news to hear that the state Office of Transportation has generated $105 million in savings, according to Dave Ress with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Solving the Greatest Mystery in History

5 days ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by James A. BaconEaster, the holiest day of the Christian calendar, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The historic underpinnings of Christian doctrine have long fascinated me, and I have spent many years of amateur study of Jesus’ life and times in an effort to achieve a greater understanding of this seminal moment in human history.
Who Should Lead Virginia?

6 days ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by Gordon C. MorseIn roughly six months, Virginia will elect a new governor, and her name is Abigail Spanberger. That appears to be the consensus view and, based on the circumstances (money, history, money, Trump and money), the logic favoring Spanberger, a Democrat, appears convincing. So where does that leave Spanberger’s GOP opponent, current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears? In need of a compelling, un-risk adverse message. She will have to take some chances.
Where’s the Local Media on This National Story?

6 days ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by James A. BaconA big national story has landed in Virginia, and state media, which could help the public sift through conflicting charges and countercharges, has been totally silent. In a 2022 trial heard around the world, New York Attorney General Letitia James famously secured a $354 million judgment against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization for submitting inflated property valuations to secure favorable loans.
Case Study: How to Slant a Routine News Story

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by James A. BaconThe Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors yesterday named Thomas “Teddy” Gottwald as interim president of the school’s governing body, succeeding former president John Adams who resigned for personal reasons last week. Gottwald disclaimed any desire to continue serving as president beyond June. Although VMI has been embroiled in controversy — most recently the board declined to renew the contract for Superintendent Cedric T.
Business Needs Certainty. So Do Voters.

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by Chris BraunlichAsked nearly 40 years ago what he needed most, less regulation or lower taxes, a small manufacturer of machine tools replied: “We need both,” he said, “but the thing we need most is certainty.”“Businesses have to plan out months and years,” he said. “We have to plan for employee salaries, tax rates, benefit costs, energy prices, selling cost, and the value of the dollar if we export or import.
Academic Armageddon

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by James A. BaconThe Trump administration has thrown the U.S. higher-ed sector into a blind panic by directing institutions to dismantle their DEI programs and limit the percentage of federally funded research grants that can be applied to overhead.
Big Church Vs. Little Church

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by Chap PetersenLast Thursday, my law firm filed a First Amendment appeal with the Virginia Supreme Court to protect a small congregation in Fairfax County at risk of losing a $4 million dollar property due to an archaic legal principle favoring national denominations, which neither own nor invest in their members’ properties. Shalom Presbyterian Church was an independent church formed by Korean-speaking immigrants in 1988. Soon after forming, it bought land to build a future church home.
DEI Enforcers Muscle VA Beach Schools

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by Kerry DoughertyOh look. Far-left Democrats in the General Assembly want to play FAFO. For those unfamiliar, that means “eff around and find out.”And they’re gambling with Virginia Beach public schools to do it. If you have kids in those schools you should be on the phone telling those radicals to back off and mind their own business. If they want to run the schools let them run for school board. Four members of the local delegation to Richmond: Sen. Aaron Rouse, Del. Alex Askew, Del.
More Fairfax Tax Hikes Coming

1 week ago | baconsrebellion.com | James Bacon

by Arthur PurvesFor the past 25 years, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has been increasing real estate taxes three times faster than household income. That trend continues this year. Residential assessments increased by an average 6.2% this year, which means that unless the supervisors adopt a reduced property tax rate, the average homeowner’s real estate tax will increase 6.2%. However, a 6.2% tax increase is not enough for the Board of Supervisors.