Virginia Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Some Donations

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) on Friday vetoed a bill passed unanimously by the General Assembly that would have barred him from accepting donations from anyone seeking grants from an economic-development fund he controls.

 

The multimillion-dollar Governor’s Opportunity Fund provides cash grants and loans to companies that maintain or create jobs in the state. A ban would have blocked contributions or gifts worth more than $50 from applicants, but McAuliffe said more time was needed to avoid compromising applicants’ confidentiality.

 

Republicans and Democrats immediately criticized the governor’s action.