In the News

Historic Polegreen Church Foundation Upcoming Events

Thursday nights in June, July and August from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm we offer the community admission to the Lawn Chairs and Liberty Performance Series. Music lovers may bring blankets and lawn chairs to Polegreen and enjoy the sound of terrific bands. The site opens at 5 to visitors and free parking is available along and across Heatherwood Drive next to the historic site. Catered BBQ and a variety of cold beverages are available for purchase. Because of the band contracts we offer no "Rain Dates." In June, we enjoyed approximately 300 people and families attend the En'Novation concert which performed Motown/beach music on June 26, 2014.  On July 24th, we host Party of Four, which is known as "America's #1 Tribute to Jangle Pop!" So get ready to relive all your favorite pop hits from the 80s and 90s! Visit: www.eastcoastentertainment.com/artist/party-of-four for more information.

Our most popular attraction will be Jackson Ward on August 21, 2014. Jackson Ward is Richmond's hottest new country band that offers classic tunes as well as original singles. Their new album debuts soon! For more information visit:  http://www.jacksonwardmusic.com/

Polegreen Family Day will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. The park is open to families to experience and enjoy in new ways. Activities including face painting, an ice cream vendor, food, and crafts, and children's silhouettes will be available for $10 each. The silhouette artist is being sponsored in part by the Foundation to offer more affordable pricing to families. Read more about our silhouette artist here:  http://www.pavisnet.com/billiewills/

Living histories will be also presented of Patrick Henry and is always a hit.

 

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Statement of House Republican Leadership on Governor Terry McAuliffe's Budget Actions

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Chairman Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax), Majority Whip Jackson Miller (R-Manassas), Deputy Majority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) issued the following statement Friday: “As soon as we receive them, the House will review all of Governor McAuliffe’s vetoes on the budget bill passed by the General Assembly last week. The Constitution and Supreme Court proscribe specific limits on the Governor’s line-item veto authority. We will review these vetoes to determine if they fall within the narrow scope of that authority, and once that review is complete the House will act accordingly.

“The Governor has no authority to expand Medicaid unilaterally or without the specific approval of the General Assembly.  The Governor’s attempt to usurp the constitutionally proscribed powers of the legislative branch is a dangerous threat to the rule of law, separation of powers, and foundation of representative democracy that we simply cannot allow. We are prepared to challenge this blatant executive overreach through all available avenues, including the court system.

“Some of the other vetoes appear to be petty and politically motivated. The continuity and operation of our judicial system is of paramount importance, and should not be subject to political gamesmanship. Governor McAuliffe signed the bipartisan ethics bill; his decision to veto this funding is counterproductive and unnecessary. The House of Delegates will act accordingly when it convenes on Monday.”   

Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million in State Matching Funds for Transportation Projects

Localities throughout Virginia will receive approximately $180 million in state matching funds, which advances nearly $880 million in transportation projects to improve roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails and traffic lights in their area. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the funding through the state’s Revenue Sharing Program during its meeting in June.  “Localities across the state, from rural counties to large urban cities, are able to make critical transportation improvements in their communities with state dollars,” said Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “The Revenue Sharing Program provides a unique opportunity for the state and local governments to work in partnership to responsibly invest transportation dollars and support projects that enhance economic development opportunities in their locality.”

“The Revenue Sharing Program is an essential funding source for localities to proceed with their transportation priorities,” said Charlie Kilpatrick, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “The state’s contribution of $180 million advances projects valued almost five times that investment. Many projects will move forward to improve transportation throughout the commonwealth.”

Below is a partial list of projects that will advance under the Revenue Sharing Program

  • widen Lee Highway from two to four lanes from just east of Blevins Boulevard to just west of Alexis Drive in the City of Bristol 
  • repave several sections of unpaved roads in Culpeper County and new sidewalk construction in Albemarle County 
  • widen Morris Road/Mudd Tavern Road to four lanes and construct two double lane roundaboutsfrom the bridge over Interstate 95 to just east of the bridge over I-95 in Spotsylvania County 
  • widen Courthouse Road from two to four lanes from Winding Creek Road to Cedar Lane in Stafford County
  • widen Rosemont Road to four lanes from Lynnhaven Parkway to Dam Neck Road in Virginia Beach
  • bridge replacement on Main Street over the Expressway in the City of Lynchburg
  • widen Lee Highway from Legato Road to Shirley Gate Road in Fairfax County
  • extend Riverside Parkway in Loudoun County from Lexington Drive to Loudoun County Parkway
  • citywide repaving in the City of Richmond and construction of additional bikeways and trails as part of 2015 World Cycling Championship event
  • Franklin Road bridge replacement and citywide repaving in the City of Roanoke
  • construct four lane extension of Snowden Bridge Blvd in Frederick County just east of Route 11

A full listing of projects is located at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2014/june/Resolution_Agenda_Item_5_Allocations.pdf.

Localities apply for funding under the Revenue Sharing Program each year.  VDOT recommends projects for funding and the CTB approves the final list of projects and allocation amounts for each.

For more information on the Revenue Sharing Program go to http://www.virginiadot.org/business/local-assistance-access-programs.asp#Revenue_Sharing.

Speaker William J. Howell announces over $7 million in legislative branch savings

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker and Chairman of the joint House-Senate Committee on Rules William J. Howell (R-Stafford) announced Thursday $7,356,129 in legislative branch savings that will be returned to the general fund at the end of fiscal year 2014. This includes over $3.7 million in savings from legislative branch agencies and over $3.5 million in savings from legislative commissions and councils. Speaker Howell made the following statement on the announcement:   “These savings reflect the fiscally conservative and responsible approach to governing that Virginia taxpayers demand. The people of Virginia expect its leaders to set priorities, make tough decisions and ensure that government lives within its means.   “I want to thank the agency heads, legislative branch employees and the board and commission members who have been efficient and effective stewards of taxpayer resources over the last several years. Since 2010, the legislative branch has returned over $19 million in savings to the general fund. Since 2003, the House of Delegates alone has returned over $5 million in savings.   “The savings announced today are especially important given the potential budget shortfall for the current fiscal year and the next budget biennium. I am encouraging all legislative branch agencies to be very mindful of the resources and constraints due to this potential shortfall and will continue to demand nothing less than the utmost efficiency and effectiveness in the future.”   A detailed list of balance reversions is listed below:

Auditor of Public Accounts

$900,000
Division of Capitol Police

$1,048,248
Division of Legislative Automated Systems

$702,416
American Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission

$3,349,781
Division of Legislative Services

$645,617
Chesapeake Bay Commission

$1,306
Joint Commission on Health Care

$25,000
Virginia Commission on Youth

$16,672
Virginia Disability Commission

$18,736
Joint Commission on Technology and Science

$120,000
Small Business Commission

$11,893
Autism Advisory Council

$6,300
State Water Commission

$10,160
Legislative Department Reversion Clearing Account

$500,000
TOTAL:

$7,356,129

 

 

Day 88: Everything is on hold

Today is day 88 of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Obamacare budget crisis.

As the tock clicks toward June 30, Governor McAuliffe's top allies in the Senate seem oblivious to the harm they are inflicting on Virginians.

Senator John Edwards (D-Roanoke) says there has been "no great outcry" to end the budget crisis, and now Senator and budget conferee Janet Howell (D-Fairfax) is leaving the country until June 24.

Meanwhile, for local governments and school boards, everything is on hold:

Superintendent Scott Brabrand sounded a note of worry about the not-yet-passed state budget during a Lynchburg City School Board meeting Tuesday night.  In theory, school board members will vote to finalize the 2014-15 school year operating budget June 17, so Brabrand presented a budget summary document for their review. He cautioned the board may not be able to move ahead with finalizing the budget at that last planned school board meeting of the fiscal year, if state lawmakers don’t approve their own budget in the meantime.  “We are not in a position yet to approve this budget until the state gives us guidance,” he said. “Everything really is on hold.”

Governor McAuliffe and Senate Democrats have held the budget, and the eight million Virginians who depend on it, hostage for 88 days in an effort to bring Obamacare's Medicaid expansion to Virginia. They are refusing to fund our schools, roads, first responders and local governments unless they get their way on Obamacare.

The budget crisis is creating tremendous uncertainty for local governments and threatens Virginia's AAA bond rating. With the Commonwealth facing a budget shortfall in excess of $1 billion, their refusal to act could leave budget writers without access to the rainy day fund, forcing significant cuts to core functions of government.

House leaders have offered a clear path to resolution: set aside Obamacare's Medicaid expansion and pass a budget immediately.  This position is supported by over 100 local governments, school boards, business groups and local elected officials. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce says lawmakers should "set aside" any issue that may create an impasse and pass a budget to protect Virginia's reputation as a great state for business.

 It is long past time to end this budget crisis. Governor McAuliffe and his allies should drop their demands for Obamacare, compromise and pass a clean budget right away.

 

 

Statement of Speaker William J. Howell on Veto of House Bill 1212

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement Friday on Governor Terry McAuliffe's veto of House Bill 1212: "At a time when all Virginia elected officials should be working hard to restore the public's trust, Governor McAuliffe's decision to veto a bipartisan ethics reform bill that unanimously passed both the Republican House and Democratic Senate is a disappointing and unfortunate step in the wrong direction. This legislation was a key part of the General Assembly's efforts to strengthen and improve Virginia's ethics, transparency and disclosure laws."

BACKGROUND

House Bill 1212 and its identical Senate counterpart SB 650 would have prohibited the Governor, his campaign committee, and any political action committee established on his behalf from knowingly soliciting or accepting a contribution, gift, or other item with a value greater than $50 from persons and entities seeking loans or grants from the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund. The bills also restrict such gifts and contributions from persons and entities seeking loans or grants from the Fund.

The Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund is used to provide grants and loans to businesses to relocate to Virginia or expand in the state. The Governor has broad discretion in making awards, and awards are made without competitive bidding. The Fund presently has a balance of approximately $35 million, and could receive additional funds when the General Assembly completes action on the 2014-16 state budget.

Each bill passed the General Assembly unanimously. HB1212 was co-patroned by Delegates Jim LeMunyon (R-Chantilly) and Scott Surrovell (D-Mt. Vernon). SB650 was co-patroned by 24 Senators, including Democrats Dick Saslaw (R-Fairfax), Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax) and John Edwards (D-Roanoke).

Day 80 of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Budget Impasse

Today is day 80 of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Obamacare budget impasse. For 80 days, Governor McAuliffe and the Democrat-controlled Senate have refused to pass a state budget unless it includes Obamacare's Medicaid expansion. They are holding hostage funding for schools, first responders and local governments, and threatening Virginia's AAA bond rating over one of the most controversial political issues in decades.

Now, Virginia localities are preparing for the worst.

Some local government officials in Virginia are starting to consider contingency plans for worst case scenarios as a budget impasse drags on toward a possible unprecedented state shutdown on July 1.  There are concerns that state government offices could be shut down if a budget isn't passed. The effect will also be felt locally because Virginia provides more than $8 billion a year to cities and counties to help pay for public schools, law enforcement salaries and mental health services.Lee County in the southwest receives one of the highest shares of state aid. It lost it's only hospital last year.Board of Supervisors Chairman Charles Slemp Jr. said he's a longtime Republican who sides with McAuliffe on Medicaid expansion, saying his constituents need the help.

But Slemp that while he'd like to see Medicaid eligibility expanded, he'd rather have a state budget passed first.  "Go ahead and pass the budget, let's get going with it," said Slemp, who added that Lee County has delayed passage of its own budget while it waits for the state.

Regardless of how you feel about Obamacare's Medicaid expansion, there is no justification for holding up the entire budget over a single issue, especially one as controversial as Obamacare. Virginia's teachers, first responders, and state employees are too important to be caught in the crossfire of a political fight.  Candidate McAuliffe was right when he said "stop using the threat of a government shutdown as a bargaining chip in other negotiations, including over the healthcare law."

The clear path forward is to set Medicaid expansion aside and pass a budget now.  Over 100 local governments, school boards, business groups and local elected officials have passed resolutions or written letters calling on the Governor to separate Medicaid expansion from the budget. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce says we should "set aside" any issues that may create an impasse.  It's time to end the stalemate. Governor McAuliffe should drop his demands for Obamacare and let Virginia pass a budget.

 

Virginia Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commission, announces the "Legacy Symposium,"

1812 Page 2 Virginia Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commission The Virginia Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commission, announces the "Legacy Symposium," the Commission's 2014 signature event, on June 19- 21, 2014, in Hampton, Virginia.

On Thursday, June 19, 2014, Fort Monroe will host "Music by the... Bay," at 6:45 p.m., which is open to the public. On Friday, June 20th, the Educators Institute will be held at Fort Monroe, and on Saturday, June 21st, the Historians and Scholars Session will be held at Hampton University. Registration information concerning the Symposium can be found at http://musem.hamptonu.edu/

Please also refer to the Commission's website for additional information at http://va1812bicentennial.dls.virginia.gov/

 

Day 47 of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Budget Impasse

Today is day 47 of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Obamacare budget impasse. A new poll from Christopher Newport University shows that Virginia voters solidly oppose Medicaid expansion and overwhelmingly want the Governor and Senate Democrats to agree to a compromise that avoids a government shutdown.

Fifty-three percent of voters oppose Medicaid expansion while 41 percent support it, according to the poll. Among independents, 55 percent oppose expansion and 35 percent support it. Even in deeply Democratic Northern Virginia, support for expansion is mixed at best and within the margin of error.

“Democrats are losing the debate on expanding Medicaid in Virginia,” said Dr. Quentin Kidd, director of the Wason Center for Public Policy. “This is mostly because they are not convincing Independents that it will work. Voters seem to be moved by Republican skepticism. Significantly, even in the Democratic-friendly territory of Northern Virginia, support leads opposition by only 2%.”

Not surprisingly, Virginia voters overwhelmingly want to see an end to the threat of a government shutdown. According to the poll, 71 percent of voters want to see a compromise that avoids a state government shutdown.

The results of this poll speak for themselves. Virginia voters oppose Obamacare's Medicaid expansion and they want to see a compromise that avoids a government shutdown. The clear compromise is to immediately pass a clean budget that keeps state government open and continue the debate over Medicaid expansion later.

Virginia Chamber: Set aside any issue that may create an impasse

RICHMOND, VA - In a letter to House and Senate budget conferees, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce is urging lawmakers to "set aside any issue that may create an impasse" and pass a timely state budget. Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell issued the following statement Friday: "This letter is a strong and clear indication that the business community believes the best path forward is for the General Assembly to set aside the debate over Obamacare's Medicaid expansion and fulfill our obligation to pass a state budget. The Chamber is also explicitly rejecting the Governor's current proposal to expand the traditional Medicaid program.

"Governor McAuliffe and Senate Democrats have delayed the state budget for 20 days now. They have wrongly injected a separate and distinct policy debate into budget discussions. They have admitted on multiple occasions they are using the budget as leverage in an effort to expand Obamacare in Virginia.

"Their actions have created tremendous uncertainty for our local governments, school boards, institutions of higher education and the business community, as well as threatened Virginia's AAA bond rating.

"The Chamber is joining over 50 local governments, school boards and local elected leaders representing over 3.8 million Virginians in calling for the Governor to decouple Medicaid expansion from the state budget.

"Holding the budget hostage over any issue, especially one as controversial as Obamacare, is wrong. Republicans and Democrats disagree on Obamacare, but that disagreement should not delay funding for our teachers, roads, public safety officials and local governments.

"It's time to end the gridlock. We can continue the ongoing and vigorous debate over Obamacare in a separate special session after we have completed work on the state budget."

The full letter can be read here.