Yesterday afternoon, Brian joined Lowell and everyone at Raising Kaine for a great conversation about the upcoming elections, and the Democrats’ plans for common sense legislation that will improve the lives and economic opportunity of all Virginians.

Brian answered questions about a number of policy proposals, including campaign finance, abusive driver fees, and early childhood education.

The good news in Virginia is our full disclosure laws that allows every Virginia voter to examine campaign contributions by going to www.vpap.org. Sunlight is the best disinfecttant.

One small positive steps we made a few years back was legislation to expand tax credits for those that make small political donations. The bill has been used successfully to level the playing field and I’d encourage anyone who can to send a $50 contribution to the candidate of your choice.

Last year, I also sponsored legislation cracking down on out of state groups that funnel money through Virginia – using Virginia as a Cayman islands of campaign finance.

I believe strongly that the overwhelming majority of Virginians reject this kind of Washington style gimmickry. We all know we have a transportation crisis, particularly in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. The voters of Virginia know that means real solutions not $1000 speeding tickets. It’s not a partisan issue, I think Democrats and Republicans will join together and vote against those that developed this proposal. We know we need a change of leadership in Richmond when this is the best they can do to solve our transportation crisis.

As the son of a veteran from the Second World War, I know we must do more to take care of those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan today. The Federal Government has truly let our veterans down.

I toured the PTSD facilities at the Hunter McGuire Veterans Care Center last fall and was down there just the other day for a new groundbreaking at that facility.

We have rolled out a Military Veterans Bill of rights because Virginia must step up to the moral obligation to care for those who put themselves in harms way to defend us.

The bill will provide quality medical and counseling care, protect Veterans against financial hardship from service, ensure access to education opportunities, protect military families financially while serving overseas, ensure they received high quality healthcare, and provide additional benefits for families of fallen soldiers.

Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs before a child turns five. We know that children who attend high-quality preschool are more likely to finish school, find good jobs, and are less likely to commit a crime. That’s why I’m partnering with Governor Kaine to invest in new Early Childhood Education intiatives that expand access to as many as 12,000 new Virginia children.

As the father of two young children who benefited from a quality preschool education, I’m entirely committed to this effort next session.

You can read the whole thing by clicking here.