Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on 10th Anniversary of Bombing of USS Cole

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.  The USS Cole was based out of Naval Station Norfolk.
 
The brave Americans we lost are memorialized at the USS Cole memorial in Norfolk.  The Virginia Wall of Honor in Richmond, dedicated to Virginians who have lost their lives defending our nation in the Global War on Terror, is etched with the names of the several Virginians who perished aboard the ship.  I have had the opportunity to meet some of their families.  Their loss will never go away.  Neither will our love for them, and our commitment to finding and destroying the evil forces who perpetrated this cowardly act.
 

Today, Virginians continue to serve worldwide in the Global War on Terror.  They defend the eternal principles of liberty, freedom and equality for all that this nation was built upon and stands for.  The terrorists who targeted the USS Cole hate that liberty, despise that freedom, and reject that equality.  As a nation we cannot rest until those terrorists are no more.  Freedom is not free.  On this 10th anniversary of the suicide bombing of the USS Cole we resolve to never forget those we lost, and to always remember those who serve."

Delegate Peace delighted to join Congressman Wittman as he speaks with Government Students at King William High School

Central Virginia - On October 26, 2010, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R- Hanover) will join Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) as he speaks to over 130 senior government students at King William High School about the importance of continued civic engagement as students continue on after graduation.  “Parents and educators across the Commonwealth are doing important work; teaching our young people about the importance of democracy in the United States and the Commonwealth along with the role we, as citizens, play in the process,” Peace said.

Peace further asserted, “One of these exemplary educators is King William High School’s AP government and history teacher, Connie Plum.  She ensures that eligible students are registered to vote.  Mrs. Plum gives her students voter registration applications upon their 18th birthday.  She believes her students are our future community and business leaders and works diligently to encourage them to be active in the political process and the development of public policy.”

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The 97th District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

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Virginia Retail Merchants Association Names Delegate Christopher K. Peace Legislator of the Year

Peace receives second statewide honor this year

CENTRAL VA - The Virginia Retail Merchants Association’s Legislative Committee awarded Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) their Association’s 2010 Legislator of the Year on October 1st at the Hilton Hotel in Short Pump.  Delegate Peace represents the Virginia House of Delegates’ 97th District and serves on the prominent Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions, General Laws and Finance Committees.  Delegate Peace was chosen by the Virginia Retail Merchants Association due to his superior legislative efforts and ongoing support of the retail community throughout this tough year. 

The Virginia Retail Merchants Association was established in 1905.  VRMA is a not-for-profit trade association representing retailers to educate, inform, and serve as a resource. VRMA and its retail member associations represent more than 5,400 retailers and other associated businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Laurie Aldrich, President of VRMA, said “This year was a difficult one given the economy…Many legislators assisted us, but no one went to bat for us like Delegate Peace.”  She went on to say “Delegate Peace fought for us in a year when the legislature was a lonely place for the retail community.”

VRMA works with retail merchants in correspondence with legislators to amend and improve the operation of the retail community.  Virginia Retail Merchants Association is the only statewide broad based retail association in Virginia.

Speaking to the honor, Peace stated his privilege to represent the business community which provides his community with thousands of jobs. “As a legislator, I must work to ensure that Virginia maintains a positive climate for business and investment. At this critical time, we must protect our #1 national ranking for business through lower taxes and less burdensome regulation. The private sector is the one which will ultimately stimulate Virginia’s economy and create jobs and not the government. To that end, I am grateful to VMRA for their work and for this recognition.”

Delegate Peace was elected by the people of the 97th in 2006 and currently serves in his third term.  Peace’s leadership skills have been similarly acknowledged by the State Police Association, Virginia Sheriff’s Association (2006), Virginia Assisted Living Association (2007) and Virginia Council for Private Education (2009), and Virginia Housing Coalition (2010) to name a few. 

 Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County. 

Governor"s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring

Simplification and Operations Committee of the Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring Backs Plan; Heads to Full Commission for Monday Vote

The Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association Endorses Effort; Joins Growing List of Individuals and Organizations  Supporting Privatization

RICHMOND- The Simplification and Operations Committee of the Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring today officially approved adoption of the governor’s ABC privatization plan, with several amendments and changes. Those changes are highlighted by:

  •  Eliminating the proposed 2.5% optional restaurant convenience fee
  • Eliminating the proposed 1% wholesale license fee
  • Adding a fourth tier of 100 licenses, as a subset of the 250 licenses in tier three, for small stores with less than 50 employees statewide. The plan as approved keeps the number of licenses at 1,000 statewide
  • Allowing winning bidders in levels 2, 3, and 4 with less than 50 employees statewide to pay for retail distilled spirits licenses over a 3-5 year period
  • Providing performance based incentives for licensee holders who hire current ABC employees

Further information regarding the plan as adopted by the Committee can be found here: http://www.reform.virginia.gov/Meetings/ under the heading: “Summary of proposed modifications to proposed ABC privatization model agenda.”

 The full Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring will vote on the ABC privatization proposal Monday.

In addition to today’s vote, the governor’s effort to eliminate an outdated government monopoly, and put over $500 million into transportation without raising taxes, gained additional statewide support with the influential Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association announcing its backing of the effort. In recent weeks a broad range of groups and individuals have endorsed the governor’s plan. Among the groups and individuals joining the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association in endorsing ABC privatization to date:

  • The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
  • Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
  • Virginia Retail Merchants Association
  • Virginia Fraternal Order of Police
  • Virginia Wineries Association
  • Americans for Prosperity
  • Americans for Tax Reform
  • Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance
  • Old Dominion Highway Contractors Association
  • Associated General Contractors of Virginia
  • Heavy Construction Contractors Association
  • Virginia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association
  • Richmond Area Municipal Contractors Association
  • American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia
  • Jerry Falwell, Jr
  • Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
  • Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli
  • Former Governor and Senator George Allen

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Peace Statement on Governor’s VDOT Performance and Financial Audit Identifies Unused Funds Available for Transportation Projects Across State

Central Virginia - On September 23, 2010 Governor McDonnell delivered on his campaign promise to conduct a performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  In his press conference, the Governor announced the discovery of substantial operational inefficiencies and financial mismanagement at VDOT over the last two years. Governor McDonnell also announced the presence of $1 billion in funding available for transportation projects in the Commonwealth that had been neglected by the previous administration. As a result of the audit, approximately $614 million will be used to award construction and maintenance contracts within the next 12 months. The remaining $440 million can be utilized to accelerate projects in the Six-Year Improvement Program. Responding to the audit results, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) said that he was “concerned” by the discovery of substantial mismanagement and irresponsibility in VDOT at a time when state agencies are strapped for cash and many transportation projects have remained partially completed.  Steps are now being taken to efficiently allocate the money to transportation projects across the state.

“During the campaign, the Governor pledged to bring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the Capitol and Virginia state agencies- I am delighted that Governor McDonnell has taken another step closer to fulfilling this promise by demanding better stewardship by state employees and more responsible utilization of our state funds. Individuals and families all over the Commonwealth of Virginia are adapting to these difficult economic times by tightening their belts and changing spending habits- our state agencies should be doing the same,” stated Peace.

The Governor’s official press release containing a summary of the details of the audit’s findings may be found at:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=397

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The 97th District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

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Statement of House Speaker William J. Howell on Governor McDonnell's VDOT Performance Audit Results

-- Substantial inefficiencies and mismanagement uncovered over the last two years---- $1.4 Billion in funding identified for highway maintenance and new transportation construction --

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today said it was "sobering news" that the McDonnell Administration's outside performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) found substantial inefficiencies and mismanagement in their timely deployment of available funds in both highway maintenance and new transportation construction over the last two years. Speaker Howell also was "delighted" that the audit findings allow for the immediate obligation of over $1.4 billion in additional funding for maintenance and new transportation construction projects across Virginia.

"Today's major announcement by Governor McDonnell of VDOT audit findings is sobering news to lawmakers, taxpayers, commuters and job creators who are grappling daily with still uncertain economic times. I commend Governor McDonnell for not tolerating gross inefficiencies in one of state government's largest agencies.

"The results of the audit clearly demonstrate the validity of the long- and often-expressed concerns of mine and so many other reform-minded leaders that additional scrutiny of VDOT's  timely and efficient use of funds was not only required but overdue. While House Republicans repeatedly championed a whole host of VDOT reform bills over the last four years, some simply tried to dismiss our efforts as nothing more than an excuse for not doing anything, like raising taxes. Today's audit findings show just how wrong they were.

"Like all Virginians, I welcome the removal of obstacles to a more timely, efficient and well managed VDOT. While it is always prudent to maintain financial reserves, especially in tough economic and fiscal times, the multi-hundred million dollar amounts found languishing in VDOT coffers were almost triple normal industry standards for cash reserves. That money is now going to be put to much more productive uses.

"Because of the persistence of Republican legislators and strong leadership of Governor McDonnell, I am delighted that $1.4 billion in funding has been identified for highway maintenance and new transportation construction. Allowing for the immediate obligation of over $1.4 billion for transportation projects across Virginia will mean more bang for taxpayer bucks, more relief for congestion-weary drivers and more jobs and economic opportunities."

# # #

Governor’s VDOT Performance and Financial Audit Identifies $1.45 Billion Available for Projects in 6 Year Transportation Program

Independent Study Produces 50 Recommendations; Criticizes Past VDOT Practices that Delayed Projects and Left Funding Unutilized

***$877 Million Left Unspent over Past Two Fiscal Years***

Post-Audit Action: $800 to $900 Million of Maintenance and Construction Contracts to be Awarded by December 31st

Governor: “Virginia’s transportation infrastructure needs require a comprehensive approach, including greater management efficiency, more innovation and new sources of funding. We must demand better stewardship and utilization of existing funds. That is why I ordered this comprehensive performance and financial audit shortly after I took office, and why the findings are so important. This audit demonstrates that available funding has not been effectively used in the past few years. That is unacceptable. Money has been sitting in the state’s wallet while Virginian’s have been sitting in traffic.”

 RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell released today the results of the independent financial and performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that he ordered shortly after taking office. The audit, conducted by the respected firm of Cherry, Bekaert and Holland, LLP beginning in April 2010, examined VDOT’s operations to identify cost-savings strategies, organizational efficiencies, and performance and operational metrics. Among the top findings: the presence of $1 billion in funding available for transportation projects in the Commonwealth, but not utilized to date.  The governor was joined at the afternoon press conference at the State Capitol by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley, and a number of members of the General Assembly.

 The full audit is available at: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/tempContent/CBH_Performance_Audit_Report-VDOT.pdf. 

 A summary of the audit is available at: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/tempContent/VDOT-Performance_Audit_Summary.ppt.

 Among the more than 50 audit findings are:

  • Approximately $1 billion in funding is currently available for VDOT’s maintenance and construction program that has not been used.  This is not new funding, rather it is funding that would result from better leveraging and management of current resources
  • Federal funds should be obligated earlier during the fiscal year to eliminate current delays. Over the past two federal fiscal years, less than 10% of available amounts had been obligated 6 months into the year.
  • Monitoring of inactive projects must be improved to release unused funding for other VDOT projects as soon as possible.  In FFY10, $163 million in federal obligations on inactive projects were released (20% of annual obligation).
  • More closely monitor locally administered safety and regional projects to ensure funding is utilized in a timely and cost effective manner
  • Over $100 million in projects were delayed due to partial funding and other administrative issues found in the audit.
  • Approval should be obtained from the Federal Highway Administration to use the over $400 million in toll credits available to Virginia. Toll credits allow VDOT to use 100% federal funds on a project and eliminates the state match requirement, thus freeing up a like amount of cash.
  • The $524 million federal revenue reserve should be eliminated to better leverage existing resources. Adding back these reserves to the budget will accelerate the planning of projects in the Six-Year Improvement Program
  • Revise cash reserve policies to reduce from a 5.5-month reserve to a 60-day reserve, freeing up $200 million for immediate use on transportation projects

 Speaking about the audit, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Virginia’s transportation infrastructure needs require a comprehensive approach, including greater management efficiency, more innovation and new sources of funding. We must demand better stewardship and utilization of existing funds. That is why I ordered this comprehensive performance and financial audit shortly after I took office, and why the findings are so important. This audit demonstrates that available funding has not been effectively used in the past few years. That is unacceptable. Money has been sitting in the state’s wallet while Virginian’s have been sitting in traffic.  We will move immediately to put this funding to work building roads and reducing congestion statewide. VDOT will award $800 to $900 million in contracts by December 31st, and we will get long overdue construction underway. We will not tolerate inefficiency or mismanagement at VDOT or any other state agency.”

The governor continued, noting, “Our transportation funding challenges, deteriorating pavements, aging bridges and the vital link between transportation and our economic prosperity required us to thoroughly examine VDOT policies and programs to find ways we can better manage Virginia’s highways. This audit provides an objective set of recommendations upon which we can improve the administration of Virginia’s transportation program. It is just one part of the comprehensive approach to transportation that we are taking. Through effective utilization of existing funds, and the procurement of new funding strategies, such as  gaining $500 million or more from the privatization of our ABC stores, we will get traffic moving faster in Virginia.”

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling added, “Many of us have been calling for an independent, external audit of VDOT for several years.  We wanted to make certain that VDOT was spending the taxpayers money as efficiently as possible.  While we felt that significant operational inefficiencies existed with the Department, this audit has revealed that the problems were even more serious than we thought.  Fortunately, we have now identified those operational inefficiencies and we are moving to correct them as quickly as possible, and in the process we have freed up significant additional resources to help address Virginia’s highway maintenance and construction needs.  This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to build a transportation system for the 21st century.”

The money identified in the audit comprises state and federal funds that are available for projects but not currently programmed.

Since 2009, the state had cut approximately $2.8 billion from the Six-Year Program citing falling revenues due to the economic downturn.  Of the identified $1 billion, approximately $614 million can be used to award construction and maintenance contracts within the next 12 months.  The balance of $440 million can be programmed to accelerate projects within the Six-Year Improvement Program.  As one of the largest procurement agencies in the state, spending over $2 billion annually on contractual services, adding these funds into the program will improve our transportation system and the Commonwealth’s economy as a whole.  Citing studies by the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, the governor recognized how VDOT’s rate of spending can impact the economy and job growth.

“Our transportation program is intended to enhance the mobility and safety of our citizens and businesses. In addition, every $100 million spent on highway construction and maintenance projects adds 3,000 jobs created or supported, $250 million in economic activity and $25 million in revenue for the commonwealth,” McDonnell said.

 The report cites several major contributing factors that led VDOT to its current situation:

  • A change in philosophy in managing maintenance projects beginning in 2006 which ignored the annual aspects of the maintenance budget.
  • Loss of focus on managing the maintenance and construction operation during 18-month agency reorganization
  • The economic downturn which caused VDOT to become extremely and overly hesitant in committing available funds, causing $877 million to remain unspent
  • Burdensome internal processes and financial controls for project development

  Maintenance Spending

 The study found significant opportunities to improve the way VDOT spends its available dollars to maintain Virginia’s 58,000 miles of roadways.

During fiscal year 2009, VDOT had available $1.58 billion for maintenance. However, it spent only $1.23 billion, resulting in it carrying over $348 million. During fiscal year 2010, VDOT had available $1.66 billion for maintenance. However, it spent only $1.13 billion, resulting in it carrying over $529 million. This compares with $8 million carried over at the end of fiscal year 2005.

 “Every penny we have available for transportation should be quickly used for construction, paving, bridge and other maintenance contracts,” said Sean T. Connaughton, Secretary of Transportation. “We cannot begin to address how we fund transportation in the future until we are maximizing the use of transportation revenues we currently receive.”

The audit identified a lack of budget accountability from 2006-2009 within the maintenance program as the primary reason funds were not being spent in a timely fashion.

Project Development and Execution

The audit identified VDOT’s one-size-fits-all approach to project development and execution as a reason many projects are slow to develop. Major interchange projects are managed the same as small turn-lane or repaving projects. It cited burdensome fiscal controls that slowed project development, particularly the practice of developing every maintenance project as though it would be eligible for federal funding. This practice required all projects to undergo the rigorous environmental, funding and design reviews required of federally funded projects, even if they ultimately ended up being paid for by less restricted state funds.

The report suggests VDOT develop a tiered process to manage projects according to their complexity and risk, with corresponding levels of controls.

The report also identified procurement processes that take too long. Recent reviews by VDOT’s own inspector general were referenced, stating that it could take over one year to hire an engineer to design a project. The audit recommends re-evaluating the processes and procedures that slow procurement and focus only on what is legally required.

Funding

Acknowledging that transportation funding is a highly complex process with multiple funding sources and eligibility rules, the audit recommends a more aggressive funding strategy that reduces cash balances, cuts federal reserves and accelerates the obligation of federal funding as soon as it becomes available. It also instructs VDOT to develop consistent processes to monitor inactive projects so that funding does not remain on projects that are not moving forward.

 Reorganization and Staffing Changes

The audit recommends additional analysis to identify processes that can be changed to make the new organizational structure within VDOT work. It also encourages VDOT to quickly hire key staff and implement the functions necessary to make the new organizational structure work.

 VDOT should also develop more robust policies and performance metrics to manage the outsourcing of work that comes with the new organizational structure.

 Next Steps

 “This review confirms many of the financial management concerns we have heard from industry experts and elected officials,” said Connaughton. “It is time for us to take action to address the issues raised and reroute our transportation program to the right path for our future.”

The governor has given Connaughton and VDOT Commissioner Gregory A. Whirley 45 days to develop a full action plan to address the audit findings. The administration has already taken numerous steps to improve accountability, focusing on delivering projects faster and improving how VDOT functions. This includes a new management team and changes in executive management duties and responsibilities.

Governor McDonnell recently appointed Charlie Kilpatrick as VDOT’s Chief Deputy Commissioner and VDOT’s nine district administrators now report to Kilpatrick. He is charged with holding them accountable for maintenance spending, project delivery and emergency response.

A new Chief of Planning and Programming has been established to put more focus on the development of the construction program, and the agency has advertised for a new Chief Financial Officer.  

VDOT will hire new state construction and maintenance engineers to provide clear leadership and to implement the findings of this audit in these areas.

To learn more about VDOT or these audit findings, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.

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The Wall Street Journal: Op/Ed: "The Case for a 'Repeal Amendment' "

Virginia will consider proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow two thirds of the states to repeal a federal law. By RANDY E. BARNETT AND WILLIAM J. HOWELL

On Sept. 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed. The celebration of Constitution Day this year takes on renewed significance as millions of Americans are objecting to a federal government that has bailed out or taken over banks, car companies and student loans while it prepares to take charge of the practice of medicine. Unfortunately, because there is no single cause for this growth of federal power, there is no single solution.

One cause is political, with elected officials promising solutions to social problems that are beyond their power to deliver. Another is judicial, with federal judges who have allowed the Congress to exceed its enumerated powers for so long that they no longer entertain even the possibility of enforcing the text of the Constitution.

Also responsible are two "progressive" constitutional amendments adopted in 1913. Both dramatically increased the power of the federal government at the expense of the states, creating a constitutional imbalance that needs to be corrected.

The 16th Amendment gave Congress the power to impose an income tax, allowing it to tax and spend to a degree previously unimaginable. This amendment enabled Congress to evade the constitutional limits placed on its own power by effectively bribing states. Once states are "hooked" on receiving federal funds, they can be coerced to obey federal dictates or lose the revenue.

The 17th Amendment provided for the direct election of U.S. senators by the voters of each state. Under the original Constitution they were selected by state legislatures and could be expected to restrain federal power. Whatever that amendment's democratic benefits, the loss of this check on the federal government has been costly.

In its next session beginning in January, the legislature of Virginia will consider proposing a constitutional "Repeal Amendment." The Repeal Amendment would give two-thirds of the states the power to repeal any federal law or regulation. Its text is simple:

"Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed."

At present, the only way for states to contest a federal law or regulation is to bring a constitutional challenge in federal court or seek an amendment to the Constitution. A state repeal power provides a targeted way to reverse particular congressional acts and administrative regulations without relying on federal judges or permanently amending the text of the Constitution to correct a specific abuse.

The Repeal Amendment should not be confused with the power to "nullify" unconstitutional laws possessed by federal courts. Unlike nullification, a repeal power allows two-thirds of the states to reject a federal law for policy reasons that are irrelevant to constitutional concerns. In this sense, a state repeal power is more like the president's veto power.

This amendment reflects confidence in the collective wisdom of the men and women from diverse backgrounds, and elected by diverse constituencies, who comprise the modern legislatures of two-thirds of the states. Put another way, it allows thousands of democratically elected representatives outside the Beltway to check the will of 535 elected representatives in Washington, D.C.

Congress could re-enact a repealed measure if it really feels that two-thirds of state legislatures are out of touch with popular sentiment. And congressional re-enactment would require merely a simple majority. In effect, with repeal power the states could force Congress to take a second look at a controversial law.

Americans revere their Constitution but have also acted politically to improve it. The 13th and 14th Amendments limited the original power of states to violate the fundamental rights of their own citizens, while the 15th and 19th Amendments extended the right to vote to blacks and women. The 21st Amendment repealed another "progressive" reform: the 18th Amendment that empowered Congress to prohibit alcohol.

The Repeal Amendment alone will not cure all the current problems with federal power. Getting two-thirds of state legislatures to agree on overturning a federal law will not be easy and will only happen if a law is highly unpopular.

Perhaps its most important effect will be deterring even further expansions of federal power. Suppose, for example, that Congress decides to nationalize private pension investments. Just as it must now contemplate a presidential veto, so too would Congress need to anticipate how states will react.

The Repeal Amendment would help restore the ability of states to protect the powers "reserved to the states" noted in the 10th Amendment. And it would provide citizens another political avenue to protect the "rights . . . retained by the people" to which the Ninth Amendment refers. In short, the amendment provides a new political check on the threat to American liberties posed by a runaway federal government. And checking abuses of power is what the written Constitution is all about.

Mr. Barnett is a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and author of "Restoring the Lost Constitution: The Presumption of Liberty" (Princeton 2005). Mr. Howell is the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.

The URL for this op/ed in the September 16, 2010 edition of the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Page is:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703466704575489572655964574.html#printMode

 Copyright 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Governor McDonnell Announces $1.5 Million in New Funding for Virginia’s Comprehensive Prisoner Re-Entry Program

Includes Supplemental Grant from Verizon to Provide Mentoring for Women with Substance Abuse Issues in Southwest Virginia Will Establish Re-Entry Docket Pilot Program for Coordinated and Comprehensive Planning and Programming

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today announced initial funding for his strengthened prisoner re-entry program currently under development.  Under the leadership of Banci Tewolde, appointed by the Governor to serve as the state’s first prisoner re-entry coordinator, the Commonwealth has secured federal funding for three components of the Governor’s comprehensive prisoner re-entry initiative.  Delegate Christopher K. Peace was appointed bu Governor McDonnell to the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “We are working diligently to develop a comprehensive prisoner re-entry program in Virginia that utilizes the efforts of non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as local governments, while providing support and coordination from the state level.  Ninety-five percent of all prisoners incarcerated today will eventually be released and return to communities.  An effective prisoner re-entry program can effectively reduce recidivism, improve public safety and improve integration by offenders into their communities.  Today we are announcing the first steps in securing funding for our statewide efforts and we will continue to make announcements over the months ahead as our Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council continues to meet and develop their plan.”

Virginia has been selected to receive $750,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice under the Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative.    Funding from the award will go to six areas of the state that have established local reentry councils to coordinate services for those leaving prison or jail.  These include Albemarle/Charlottesville, Culpeper, King George and Planning District 16 (Caroline County, Fredericksburg, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford), Norfolk, Richmond City and surrounding counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover and fourteen localities of far Southwest Virginia.  The federal grant award along with a $750,000 in-kind match of services from Virginia localities and state agencies will result in a $1.5 million reentry project for the Commonwealth.  Funding will be used to assist individuals as they transition back into the community through services such as job training, temporary housing, literacy classes, mental health and substance abuse programs, education programs and family reintegration services. 

“Our criminal justice system is in a self-perpetuating crisis,” said U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA). “This funding made available for re-entry programs will help break the cycle and provide critical assistance to individuals transitioning back into our communities. At the federal level, I will continue to push for a bipartisan commission to review the nation’s criminal justice system.”

Through the Second Chance Act, Virginia received $136,692 to create the Norfolk Circuit Re-entry Docket (NCCRD) as a pilot. This project has critical state and local support necessary to foster successful reentry court, including Norfolk Sherriff Bob McCabe, Office of the Executive Secretary, Secretary of Public Safety, and wide support from local and state agencies. The Circuit of Norfolk was chosen as the pilot site for this project due to its history of innovative court projects, and existing community collaborations for reentry efforts.  The Norfolk Circuit Re-entry Docket (NCCRD) will provide coordinated and comprehensive reentry planning, supervision, substance abuse treatment, case management, and judicial oversight with the goals of reducing recidivism, increasing public safety, and increasing participation in targeted services to meet offender needs.  The NCCRD will be the first of its kind in the state of Virginia.

“This grant will enable the Norfolk Circuit Court to give recently released offenders services necessary to make a successful transition back into society," said U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3).  “Without some form of support, nearly two-thirds of released inmates return to prison. This program will reduce crime and save money for the taxpayers.”

Speaking about funding for NCCRD, Norfolk Sherriff Robert McCabe noted, “I believe as responsible stewards of taxpayers’ dollars, it is incumbent upon all of us in local and state government, especially on the corrections side, to incarcerate those offenders who are a risk to the public. At the same time, it is responsible and cost effective to assist non violent offenders who have paid their debt to society, to re-enter with the best opportunities for success. This is both fiscally prudent but also makes sense from a penological perspective.”

Another federal grant, totaling $300,000 will target female offenders who are currently receiving drug treatment in Virginia Department of Corrections facilities who are returning to the more affected Southwest Virginia counties of Tazewell, Russell and Buchanan.  In private and public partnership, Verizon donated $10,000 to supplement the grant to be used specifically for women with history of domestic and sexual abuse.   Grant money will be used to develop community assistance for women linking them to: family, child and individual counseling; medical services; social services; job skills training and job placement services; residential treatment if need; housing; and, transportation services.  Additionally, this program will start prior to release through video-conferencing during incarceration to facilitate parenting skills and a family therapy process to prepare female offenders, their children and family member for successful reintegration upon release.  A Client Advocate position with the Community Service Board will facilitate seamless continuity between the prison-based program and access to community-based services for targeted drug abusing female offenders in the three counties.

“Verizon Wireless is proud to continue our long- standing partnership with the Virginia Governor's Office and support this innovative program that will help women and families rebuild their lives,” said Mike Maiorana, regional president, Verizon Wireless. “We are able to fund important initiatives like this, in part, due to the generosity of Commonwealth residents who have recycled their old cell phones through HopeLine, Verizon Wireless' phone recycling program focused on domestic violence prevention.”

In May the Governor issued Executive Order #11 that establishes the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council, with the intent to promote collaborative re-entry strategies for adult and juvenile offenders.  Executive Order #11 can be found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Issues/ExecutiveOrders/2010/EO-11.cfm. 

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Commonwealth Posts 5.3% Revenue Growth in August

Fifth Month out of Last Six with Increase in Revenue Collections over Prior Year

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that August revenue collections increased by 5.3% over the prior year. This is the fifth month out of the last six in which state revenue collections exceeded the previous year’s amount. The revenue increase was primarily driven by withholding and sales tax collections, a very good sign for the state. The two revenue sources, which are most closely linked to current economic activity in the Commonwealth, extended their string of consecutive monthly increases to four and five months.  However, adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, total state revenues grew 3.3 percent through August, lagging the economic-base forecast of 4.2 percent growth.  September collections will complete the first quarter of the fiscal year and will be critical in assessing current trends and the most likely path for total general fund revenues.

Speaking about the latest revenue report, Governor McDonnell noted, “The increase in revenue collections this August is a small, but positive, sign for Virginia’s economy, especially in light of the performance of withholding receipts, the largest source of revenue for the general fund. However, this remains a tough fiscal environment overall. In looking at the year to date we are slightly trailing the revenue forecast. We will know far more about our revenue picture, and what impact it will have on the biennial budget, after we see September’s numbers. The key to turning around our economy remains putting in place policies that free our entrepreneurs and businesses to create the good jobs Virginians need. That is the focus and mission of our Administration.”

 The August revenue numbers are available at this link:

http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2009-2010/2010ReportsList.cfm

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Governor McDonnell Issues 'Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer' Proclamation Marking 9th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

***Calls for Statewide Moment of Silence at 9:39AM Tomorrow ** Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff StatewideGovernor Also Encourages Virginians to Participate in Statewide Food Drive Marking Anniversary

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation in honor of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  In addition, he called on all Virginians to observe a moment of silence tomorrow at 9:39am, the same time that American Airlines Flight 77 impacted the Pentagon.  The Governor also encouraged Virginians to participate in the statewide food drive sponsored by the AARP, Ruritan and Federation of Virginia Food Banks that will mark the anniversary as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. For more information about the food drive please visit: http://www.vafoodbanks.org/newsroom.html

A copy of the governor's proclamation is attached and below.  The proclamation can also be found online here

 http://www.governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/2010/911Remembrance.cfm

9/11 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER

                WHEREAS,  the events of September 11, 2001 have profoundly affected-and continue to affect-all aspects of our society, and the lives of Virginians, Americans and free peoples across the world were changed forever following the destruction of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, the attack against the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of Flight 93 in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania; and

                WHEREAS,  nine years later the citizens of our Commonwealth and these United States continue to mourn for the more than three thousand innocent voices that were tragically silenced-including 184 in Virginia at the Pentagon-by terrorists on that infamous day of human death and destruction; and 

                WHEREAS,  it is imperative that we never forget our shock and revulsion at the needless destruction, the bravery of our first responders who risked all for their neighbors, our anguish from the sudden loss of so many precious lives, or how we as a people did not succumb to a state of fear as the terrorists intended but instead set aside our differences and united as patriots in our country's hour of need; and

                WHEREAS,  while we reflect upon the memory of the departed, it is important that we also take pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of all those members of our armed forces-including approximately 221 Virginians-who have fallen in the line of duty and all members of our military who have volunteered to bring those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and their supporters to justice during the Global War on Terror; and

                WHEREAS,  prayer has long served as a measure of our nation's strong heritage of faith and has been an indispensable source of moral and spiritual guidance for citizens throughout our Commonwealth's history, and it is fitting that our Commonwealth reserve a day in which our citizens may reflect and mourn-consistent with their own faith traditions-with those who have suffered as a result of terrorism, to humbly ask God for the strength and fortitude necessary to protect our lives, liberty and property from future transgressions, and to give thanks for the freedoms with which we as a people are fortunate enough to be blessed;

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize September 11, 2010 as a DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and

                FURTHERMORE, I urge all citizens of our Commonwealth to display the flag of the United States of America wherever possible in reverence to the freedoms upon which our nation was built; and

                BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED that I invite all Virginians to witness a one-minute, statewide Moment of Silence starting at 9:39 AM-when American Airlines Flight 77 impacted with the Pentagon in our County of Arlington-and I encourage all Virginians to reflect upon the lives lost and heroic sacrifices made on that furious eleventh day of September.

Governor's flag order for the for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Pursuant with President Barack Obama's Presidential Proclamation to lower the United States flag honoring those who died during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, I do hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and of the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be flown at half-staff on all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of the victims who died as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.

I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, September 11, 2010, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

Ordered this the 10th day of September, 2010.

Sincerely, Robert F. McDonnell

STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING ON ABC PRIVATIZATION PROPOSAL

RICHMOND - Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today issued the following statement regarding Governor McDonnell's official staff recommendationfor ABC privatization in the Commonwealth:

"I'm pleased with the ABC privatization proposal that has been recommended by the Governor's staff.  This proposal will generate $450M in new funding for highway construction and maintenance, and provide a reliable revenue stream to replace lost ABC profits on an ongoing basis, all without raising taxes.  In addition, the proposal will keep Virginia well below the private state average of outlets selling distilled spirits and make certain that these outlets adhere to high quality control standards.  If folks give this proposal objective consideration, I think they will like what they see."

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Department of Motor Vehicles to Suspend Acceptance of Employment Authorization Document as Proof of Legal Presence

DMV Seeks Attorney General Opinion for Legal Presence Verification

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend acceptance of the federally-issued Employment Authorization Document (I-766) as proof of legal presence in the United States, a condition of obtaining a driver's license or identification card in Virginia.  This precautionary action is the result of concerns over the document's reliability as evidence of an individual's federal government authorization to be in the country.  The card, issued by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service arm of the Department of Homeland Security, is obtained by individuals temporarily authorized to work in the U. S., even if the individual is in a pending deportation status.                                                    

The concerns surfaced in August after an alleged drunk driver was charged in Prince William County with a fatal crash in which one person died and two others were critically injured. Police say 23-year-old Carlos Martinelly Montano from Bolivia had been reported to ICE after two previous drunk driving convictions in 2007 and 2008, but was released pending a deportation hearing.

Police report that Montano received an Employment Authorization Document in January 2009 while federal deportation actions were pending, and subsequently used the document to prove legal presence while applying for a Virginia ID card in accordance with current Virginia law.  It is important to note that Montano did not have a Virginia driver’s license at the time of the crash.

Speaking about the decision to suspend use of I-766 documents, Governor McDonnell commented, “The integrity of the credentials issued by the Commonwealth is of the utmost importance.  We must ensure that documents accepted as proof of legal presence are reliable.  Virginia law is clear in the requirement that an individual be lawfully in the United States to be eligible for an identification card or to have the privilege to drive.”

DMV will seek additional guidance from the Attorney General regarding federal documents that should be accepted going forward as proof of legal presence. 

Of the 21 documents DMV continues to accept as proof of an applicant's lawful status, 20 are issued by the federal government, including 12 issued by U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. 

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DMV's response to the VITA/NG Outage

I am pleased to report that the Department of Motor Vehicles started processing applications for driver's licenses and identification this morning.  I want to share with you some of the steps that our agency and our partners in state and local government are taking to meet our customers' needs and to mitigate the inconveniences that they have experienced as a result of the recent VITA/Northrup Grumman service outage. 

Beginning today, DMV offices will offer extended service hours, and all hands will be on deck to help our customers.  Specifically:             •  All 74 of DMV's Customer Service Centers (CSCs) will stay open until 6:00 PM today, tomorrow, and Tuesday through Friday of next week..             •  Fourteen of the agency's CSCs will offer extended hours on Saturday, September 4th.  Rather than closing at noon, these CSCs will remain open until 6:00 PM. (For a listing of the fourteen CSCs please clink the following link: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/general/news/news.asp?id=6037). Per request of the Governor, these fourteen CSCs will also be opened on Sunday, September 5th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and on Monday, September 6th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.             •  DMV will closely monitor customer traffic in each of the CSCs through next week, and will extend service hours on an as-needed, day-by-day basis.              •  The Department will be bringing in additional staff to support CSC operations during this recovery period, including part-time trained personnel.  Over the past week office managers have sent many of the agency's part-time staff home in response to the decline in customer traffic.  The resulting savings have given DMV the resources to deploy those staff strategically now that they are acutely needed.   In addition to these steps, I will be executing my authority as Commissioner to issue licenses for up to eight years.  As a result, the validity periods of most licenses and ID cards that expired during the service disruptions will be extended by 20 days.  For example, licenses that expired August 25, 2010 will be valid until September 14, 2010, allowing customers added time to renew prior to the new expiration date.     
Along with all the steps DMV is taking, I am happy to report that State Police and local law enforcement are supporting our efforts during this challeging period.  Representatives of state and local law enforcement have stated that Virginians whose licenses expired during the service outage will not be ticketed for an expired credential until they've had a reasonable opportunity to apply for a renewal.  DMV welcomes this commitment from law enforcement, which will relieve one of the principal concerns that many Virginians have had about the consequences of the outage.