Secretary Suit Applauds Attorney General Cuccinelli’s Opinion Regarding Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

-Attorney General better defines criteria for special disabled veterans tax exemption- RICHMOND – Secretary of Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security Terrie Suit today applauded the recent legal opinion issued by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli regarding real estate tax exemption eligibility for certain disabled Virginia veterans. This opinion was in response to a request by General Assembly members asking for clarity on the new constitutional amendment adopted by Virginia voters last November. The question raised was whether or not the new tax exemption applied to veterans rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with a “total disability rating.” This rating is given to any veteran with a service-related injury or mental disability who is unable to engage in “substantially gainful employment.” The Attorney General’s opinion diverges from previous interpretations that sometimes denied certain veterans by citing that they did not meet the criteria for being “100 percent totally disabled.”

“Virginia’s veterans are some of the most outstanding citizens, neighbors and leaders in the Commonwealth. Any time we can do something on a state level to help give back to them and show our appreciation for their sacrifice it is a positive thing,” said Secretary Suit. “Virginia’s voters spoke overwhelmingly in favor of this constitutional amendment last November and Attorney General Cuccinelli has done a great job of affirming this new exemption’s applicability to all veterans who have been rated 100 percent disabled by the VA.”

The VA rates disabilities at varying percentages when determining the overall level at which a veteran’s service-connected disability should be. Employability can be used as a factor in determining that percentage and was a grey area prior to the Attorney General’s opinion which finds that veterans are in fact eligible regardless of how the VA accounts for their rating. Further information regarding this opinion can be found on the Attorney General’s website.

Governor McDonnell Announces Commonwealth Posts $311 Million Revenue Surplus for Fiscal Year 2011

--Follows FY 2010 Revenue Surplus of $228 Million-- $146.6 million to go to Rainy Day Fund; $4.3 Million for Tornado Relief; $32.2 Million to Water Quality Fund; After Other Obligations, Governor Will Direct Additional Funds toward Strengthening Virginia Transportation and State Retirement Systems

--Awaiting FY 2011 Spending Numbers to Calculate Total Surplus; Will be Released in August--

RICHMOND – For the second straight year, the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached the end of the fiscal calendar in the black. Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the state concluded Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 with an approximately $311 million surplus from general fund revenue collections and transfers. Total revenue collections rose by 5.8% in FY 2011, well ahead of the revised revenue forecast 3.5% growth. The main drivers of the revenue increase were growth in individual income tax receipts from both payroll withholding and non-withholding, key economic indicators.  A comprehensive breakdown of the FY 2011 revenue surplus is attached to this press release.

 

The final FY 2011 surplus number will be adjusted upward in the month ahead after the addition of final tabulations of savings recognized through greater operational efficiencies and incentives to control spending throughout state government. In FY 2010 the revenue surplus for the year was $228 million. The final FY 2010 surplus, including savings, was $403 million. The final surplus figure for FY 2011 will be released in August. The governor made today’s announcement at an afternoon press conference at the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square in Richmond. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Secretary of Finance Ric Brown. It’s the second fiscal year in a row that Virginia has concluded the fiscal year with a revenue surplus. This is also the first year since 2008 that there has been actual revenue growth over the previous year.

“The great challenge of our time is getting our economy back on track, putting our people back to work, and getting our fiscal houses in order at the local, state and federal levels,” Governor McDonnell said. “For too long, elected officials from both parties have overpromised and overspent, and the result is the fiscal crisis we see unfolding in Washington D.C. Here in Richmond, we are committed to implementing a culture of fiscal responsibility and restraint in our state government. Working together, Republicans and Democrats have made some very tough choices. We have reduced spending, not raised taxes and focused government on its core functions. As a result, we have seen back-to-back years of revenue surpluses. The Commonwealth, like our families and businesses, is living within its means.”

The governor continued, “Many factors have led to this surplus. We have budgeted conservatively and we have kept taxes low. Additionally, our targeted investments in job-creating programs in the areas of economic development, transportation and higher education, along with our strong Right to Work law, pro-business environment, and commitment to keeping litigation and regulation to a minimum, have continued to make Virginia more and more attractive to job-creating businesses. Our unemployment rate has now fallen to 6 percent, the third-lowest rate east of the Mississippi, and more Virginians are working again. As Virginians work and spend, it translates into increases in incoming revenues to the Commonwealth. State government must continue to do its part to control spending and look for new opportunities to innovate, restructure and save taxpayer dollars. We still have much work to do before we are completely out of this tough economic period, and unfortunately federal issues continue to threaten the positive advances we are making in the states. It is great to see revenue growth return to the Commonwealth after 2 years of declining general fund revenue collections. Clearly the bipartisan effort in Richmond to rein in spending and rev up the private sector is producing positive results. Despite the positive news, no one should believe Virginia’s fiscal challenges are over. Virginia faces massive unfunded federal mandates of over $10 billion in environmental, health care and mental health requirements and significant unfunded state liabilities in the unemployment insurance system and state retirement system.

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling added, “Needless to say, we are delighted to have closed the most current fiscal year with a $311 million revenue surplus.  This surplus, in addition to last year’s budget surplus, means that we have enjoyed total budget surpluses of more than $700 million during the first two years of our Administration.  This is a very positive result, which is much better than most states in the nation.  It is a significant improvement over where we were when we took office.  While we can be pleased with the success we have enjoyed in getting the Commonwealth’s financial house back in order, we will continue to face significant budget pressures in the years to come, most significantly the uncertain economic environment on a national basis.  Therefore, we must continue to be frugal with how we spend the taxpayer’s money, and we must direct those resources we have to the state’s highest priorities and to addressing some of the structural challenges we face in other areas, such as VRS.  If we continue to exercise fiscal discipline and focus on creating jobs and growing our economy, I am hopeful that we will continue to experience positive economic news such as this in the future.”

At today’s press conference, Secretary of Finance Ric Brown detailed the sources of the surplus funds and where they will be directed.  The overwhelming majority of the revenue is obligated to predetermined areas of the state budget due to the Virginia Constitution and state law which governs revenue allocation in the event of a surplus. Governor McDonnell will also direct funds to shoring up the Virginia Retirement System as part of his ongoing effort to reform and improve Virginia’s pension system to ensure its long-term viability.

Disbursement of FY 2011 Revenue Surplus (All numbers are approximate and subject to revisions):

$146.6 million: Revenue Stabilization Fund Deposit from FY2011 Surplus (Subject to Final Audit)

$32.2 million: Water Quality Fund

$23.0 million: Pay Transportation for its Share of the Accelerated Sales Tax

$8.9 million: Interest on Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund Due to Federal Government

$4.3 million: Tornado Relief

$7.5 million: For Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Obligations

$7.4 million: Supplemental Public Safety Funding for Sheriff’s Offices

From Remaining Funds:  Additional Contributions to the Virginia Retirement System to Help Ensure Long-Term Viability and Stability of the System and to Transportation Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

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Delegate Peace urges Congress to pass the Balanced Budget Amendment

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Letter calls for a United States Constitutional Amendment mandating passage of a balanced budget each year Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) announces a joint initiative with many of his General Assembly colleagues who have signed a letter strongly urging Congress to pass the Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA).  Rep. Bob Goodlatte (6-VA) introduced a joint resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced a similar resolution in the U.S. Senate.

Passage of this common sense measure would prevent Congress from spending more money than it takes in.  Nationally, all states, except Vermont, have some form of a balanced budget amendment, and the federal government be should required to follow the same mandate that states, businesses and individual families follow in order to ensure economic stability.

“As the American people, in these tough economic times, are tightening their belts and living within their means, government must do the same,” asserted Delegate Peace.  “Citizens are insisting that government, at all levels, practice fiscal restraint.  I am proud to join with Speaker Howell and my General Assembly colleagues to support this amendment.  Once passed, I will work with members of the Virginia House of Delegates to make certain that Virginia votes to ratify the amendment.” 

Further components of BBA are the limiting of Federal spending to 18 percent of gross domestic product, and the requirement of supermajorities, a 2/3 vote, in both houses of Congress to raise taxes or increase spending. 

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.

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Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Passing of Andrea Lohr

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following the passing of Andrea Lohr of Broadway. Andrea served on the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2003 until 2010. She was married to former Virginia state delegate Matt Lohr. Matt currently serves in the McDonnell Administration as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Andrea Lohr was a devoted mother, a loving wife, a dedicated member of her local church, an involved member of her community, and a wonderful person. For five years she battled cancer with incredible resolve and remarkable optimism. There was no defeat in Andrea Lohr. She was an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to get to know her and an example of how to greet every single day with thankfulness, joy and courage. Andrea leaves behind her two beautiful children, Caroline and Carson; her husband, Matt; a loving and close extended family and countless friends. In recognition of her exemplary life, Harrisonburg Baptist Church announced last spring that it would honor Andrea by building the ‘Andrea Lohr Legacy Center,’ and donations are currently being accepted. Andrea will be deeply missed. She lived a life based on love, and she loved life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt, Caroline, Carson and all of Andrea’s family in this extremely difficult time.” ###

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Fourth of July Holiday

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this afternoon in advance of the July 4th holiday in the Commonwealth.  “As people around the Commonwealth and country raise their American flags, march in community parades and gather with friends and families to celebrate our Independence Day, we honor those who fought for and declared our independence 235 years ago, as well as the brave military men and women who continue to protect our freedom and liberty serving overseas today.  We must always remember that freedom is not free.  We have the duty to ensure that the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, given by our Creator, penned by Thomas Jefferson and forever enshrined by our forefathers in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, are secured for generations to come.  These are the principles that for 235 years have guided our great nation. These are the principles the men and women of our armed forces serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world defend so valiantly today.  These brave men and women have selflessly put their lives on the line to ensure our safety and security.  We are forever grateful to them and pray for their safe return home. On this Independence Day, I wish all Virginians, residents of the cradle of American Democracy, heirs to a glorious past and architects of a prosperous future, a happy Fourth of July.”

Virginia Named America’s “Top State for Business” by CNBC

**Commonwealth Achieves Highest Point Total in History of CNBC Study** CNBC Release: “With an unprecedented fiscal crisis at the state level, never has it been tougher to stay competitive. But Virginia met the challenge on every level….”

Click Here for Detailed Information from CNBC.Com about Virginia’s #1 Ranking: http://www.cnbc.com/id/41665883/pgn/1/

MOUNT VERNON – Virginia has been named America’s “Top State for Business” by CNBC. The Commonwealth took the top spot in the extremely competitive yearly study, receiving the highest point total in the history of the rankings. Virginia finished in the top-half of every category ranked. The number one ranking comes on the heels of Virginia receiving the highest ranking of any state east of the Mississippi in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s economic competitiveness ranking of the states, which was released last week.

Speaking about Virginia’s top ranking, Governor McDonnell stated, “Every Virginian deserves a quality job in the community that they call home. Our focus, from day one of this administration, has been to put in place the policies that will help private sector businesses create those jobs in the Commonwealth and get our economy back on track. We’ve done that by keeping taxes low, getting government spending under control, having a strong Right to Work law, and making smart investments in transportation, economic development and higher education. And we are telling the Virginia story to job-creators from Beijing to Boston. It is paying off. CEO’s and entrepreneurs have responded to our efforts and found that Virginia is a great place to start and grow a business. The unemployment rate in the Commonwealth has dropped from 7.2% in February of 2010 to 6% today; over three points below the national average. We’re honored that CNBC has named Virginia the “Top State for Business” and that the Commonwealth received the highest score in the history of this study. Virginia is wide open for business.”

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who also serves as Virginia’s Chief Job Creation Officer, added, “It’s a huge honor for Virginia to be ranked #1 in CNBC’s annual list of America’s Top States for Business and we are very proud of the recognition.  Virginia has been working hard to attain this status through a series of efforts including reducing spending, investing in job creating programs, improving workforce development programs, and selling Virginia around the world.  This ranking is proof that our efforts are paying off.”

In their official release announcing the top ranking, CNBC noted, “With an unprecedented fiscal crisis at the state level, never has it been tougher to stay competitive. But Virginia met the challenge on every level, achieving the highest point total in the history of our study, and finishing in the top half of every category.”

According to CNBC, to determine the rankings for America’s Top States for Business each state was scored - using publicly available data - on 43 different measures of competitiveness.  States received points based on their rankings in each metric, which were then separated into ten broad categories: Cost of Doing Business, Workforce, Quality of Life, Economy, Infrastructure & Transportation, Technology & Innovation, Education, Business Friendliness, Access to Capital and Cost of Living.

Governor McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bolling will be speaking with radio stations statewide tomorrow morning about Virginia’s top ranking. A schedule of their radio appearances can be found below.

 Governor McDonnell Talks about Virginia’s #1 Ranking

Richmond

WRVA 1140AM

8:05a.m.

Harrisonburg

WSVA 550AM

8:10a.m.

Charlottesville

WCHV 107.5FM and 1260AM

8:20a.m.

Hampton Roads

WNIS 790AM

8:30a.m.

Northern Virginia

WMAL 630AM

8:36a.m.

Roanoke

WFIR 960AM

Interview Will Run Later in Day

Lieutenant Governor Bolling Talks about Virginia’s #1 Ranking

Lynchburg

WLNI 105.9FM

7:37a.m.

Danville

WBTM 1330AM

8:30a.m.

Charlottesville

WINA 1070AM

8:40a.m.

Governor signs Peace bill to enhance services to at risk youth

Measure to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Outcomes for Offenders Returning to Communities Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) is pleased to announce Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed his legislation that strengthens re-entry policies in the Commonwealth and further enhances commitments to ensuring a strong focus on prisoner re-entry in Virginia.

The legislation will become law July 1, increases to 90 days the amount of time in which the court services unit must consult with the local department of social services before a juvenile is released from juvenile facility.  House Bill 2036 pertaining to juveniles reentering society from commitment was unanimously passed by the House and Senate. 

“The foremost priority of government is public safety,” Governor McDonnell said. “As a prosecutor, state delegate, attorney general and as governor, I have worked to make Virginia’s communities safer places to live, work and raise a family. One critical component to this is making sure Virginia has an effective prisoner re-entry strategy that includes strong, successful programs. An effective prisoner re-entry plan is good government. It improves public safety, reduces recidivism and victimization and improves the outcome for offenders returning to our communities. Everyone deserves a second chance. We must provide offenders who are leaving our prisons with the tools and resources they need to become productive, law-abiding members of society. We do not want to see offenders come back to jail; we want to see them go to work. That is good public policy that helps the offenders, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “Last year, I appointed Virginia’s first statewide prisoner re-entry coordinator and established a prisoner and juvenile offender re-entry council to assist state agencies in developing a coordinated statewide re-entry strategy. Smart re-entry practices require a unified effort.  Many of the re-entry services provided around the state are through faith-based and non-profit organizations, state and local agencies, and private partners. We must work together on this critical issue, and adopt policies and legislation to make sure our inmates are better prepared upon their release. Working together, we can further reduce recidivism, foster successful transition from prison back into society, and better provide valuable evidence-based re-entry services.”

This legislation emerged from the Commission on Youth’s Study of Juvenile Offender Reentry.  A major finding from this study was that additional planning time is needed for juvenile offenders who are reentering into their community from the Department of Juvenile Justice.  This is especially true for foster care youth who are committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

House Bill 2036 increases the amount of time that a Court Services Unit (CSU) is to consult with the local Department of Social Services (DSS) from four weeks to 90 days services prior to a juvenile’s release from the Department of Juvenile Justice who was previously served in foster care.  These changes are consistent with the development of the juvenile’s mental health transition plan.

In addition, the bill requires the development of a transition plan by the Court Services Units and the local Department of Social Services working collaboratively together.  The transition plan will identify the services necessary for a successful reentry and describe how the services are to be provided.

Speaking to the bill Peace stated, “This legislation is a positive initiative to reduce recidivism rates for juveniles simultaneously under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Social Services and assist in creating a more successful transition to a less restrictive environment. It helps kids and will reduce the cost burdens on the system.”

This bill will allow local departments of social services additional time to investigate whether there can be a safe placement with family members in lieu of returning the juvenile to foster care, to commence a foster care review or a permanency planning hearing, and to initiate the Medicaid application process and assess the availability of other applicable benefits or services.

The Commission on Youth endorsed the measure. The Commission is a bipartisan, legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly in which Delegate Peace serves as vice-chair.

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.

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ALEC Report: Virginia’s Economic Outlook Improves

ALEC “Best States, Worst States” Ranks Virginia’s Economic Outlook Third Best in Country, Virginia’s Highest-Ever Ranking Report Credits Governor McDonnell for Reducing Spending to Close Budget Shortfalls

RICHMOND – The American Legislative Exchange Council has released the fourth edition of “Rich States, Poor States,” rating states in 15 categories of economic competitiveness.  Virginia’s rank in “economic outlook” has improved from eighth in the nation last year to third in the report released yesterday.  Virginia now holds the highest ranking east of the Mississippi River and is the only Mid-Atlantic state to rank in the top 20. 

The report credits Governor McDonnell for facing Virginia’s budget shortfall head-on, saying, “One solution many governors, including Chris Christie of New Jersey, Rick Perry of Texas, and Bob McDonnell of Virginia, have implemented is to reset budget baselines to 2007 levels to reflect the “new normal” of mediocre revenue collections.  We think nearly every state will need a budget reset back to 2007 or 2008 levels to avoid permanent deficits.”

Speaking on the “Best States, Worst States” report, Governor McDonnell remarked, “I am pleased to see Virginia recognized for the effectiveness of our pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. We are keeping taxes low and litigation and regulation to a minimum. We’re a right to work state and home to world class colleges and universities. In my first year in office we closed $6 billion in budget shortfalls by reducing state spending to 2006 levels and not raising taxes. That conservative approach produced a surplus last year, and we are on track for another this year as well. Our unemployment rate has fallen to 6 percent, third-lowest east of the Mississippi, and over three points lower than the national average. We are focused on helping the private sector create the good-paying jobs our citizens need and deserve. Our fiscal discipline gives us a great story to tell to CEOs and entrepreneurs looking for the best place to do business in a competitive global marketplace. Virginia is truly open for business.”

The “Rich States, Poor States, ALEC-Laffer Economic Competitiveness Index” report is available online at http://www.alec.org/AM/pdf/tax/11rsps/RSPS_4thEdition.pdf

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is the nation’s largest nonpartisan individual membership association of state legislators, with nearly 2,000 state legislators across the nation and more than 100 alumni members in Congress. ALEC’s mission is to promote free markets, individual liberty, and federalism through its model legislation in the states.

Governor McDonnell Ceremonially Signs ‘Top Jobs’ Higher Education Reform Legislation

Early Review of Enrollment Projections Indicate Virginia Institutions Adding 6,000 New Slots for In-State Students this Fall Because of Legislation McDonnell Also Announces Expansion of Center for Excellence in Education’s National Lab Skills Initiative in Virginia Governor: “In order to get a good job, you need a good education. This is a jobs bill.” RICHMOND – Flanked by students from Virginia colleges and universities, Governor Bob McDonnell today ceremonially signed the “Preparing for the Top Jobs of the 21st Century: The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011” during a morning bill signing at Dominion Resources in Richmond. During the bill signing, Governor McDonnell announced that as a result of this new legislation, based on an early review of enrollment projections, Virginia institutions of higher learning will be adding approximately 6,000 new slots for in-state students this fall.

The ‘Top Jobs’ legislation will increase access and affordability of higher education in the Commonwealth, creating a pathway towards awarding 100,000 more degrees over the next 15 years and will bring more innovation and accountability and STEM concentration to Virginia’s colleges and universities.

Governor McDonnell also announced this morning the expansion of the Center for Excellence in Education’s National Lab Skills Initiative (NLSI) in Virginia. The expansion of NLSI aligns with the goal of Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment and the ‘Top Jobs’ legislation to better align higher education and business leaders in increasing degree access for jobs of the future.

The NLSI initiative will:

· Provide a clearinghouse of content rich programming to urban and rural underserved teachers

· Host “Share-A-Thons” to work with Virginia teachers to share and develop lab activities that are cost effective, replicable, scalable, and may involve public/private partnerships in Abingdon, Manassas, Richmond and Norfolk

· Disseminate cost-effective lab activities developed by teachers for teachers in Virginia

Virginia’s partners on NLSI include George Mason University, ExxonMobil, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Systemic Solutions at Northern Virginia Community College the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and many other scientific organizations.

Speaking at today’s bill-signing ceremony, Governor McDonnell commented, “It has only been a little over three months since this legislation was passed and we are already seeing the results of the ‘Top Jobs’ higher education legislation. Because of the reforms implemented through this bill, 6,000 more in-state students will be able to enroll at one at a Virginia college or university this fall. This legislation will help more Virginia students receive a college education. That is a great first step toward our goal of awarding 100,000 more degrees over the next 15 years from Virginia’s public, private and for-profit higher education institutions.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “In order to get a good job, you need a good education. This is a jobs bill. Our administration is focused on ensuring that good jobs come to Virginia. We must make sure that we have the highly educated workforce needed to fill those jobs. This legislation will make certain that we do. Every Virginian deserves the opportunity to access one of our higher education institutions. Our ‘Top Jobs’ legislation puts in place policies that makes sure our students are better prepared for the high-quality, high-paying jobs of the future by placing a greater emphasis on STEM and other high demand subjects. Additionally, it increases access and affordability by putting in place the framework for sustained reform-based investment; reigning in rising tuition costs; and, better utilizing facilities, technology and resources year round. Finally, through partnerships such as Virginia’s partnership with the NLSI, we are better aligning higher education and the business sector to increase access to best programs, information and labs for our students. I have said many times before that ‘Virginia is Open for Business.’ This legislation will go far to ensure that is the case by putting in place a higher education policy which attracts new employers and new good-paying jobs to the Commonwealth.”

Senator Edd Houck commented, “We have to find new pathways for additional numbers of Virginia students to receive degrees, and provide incentives to our already efficient higher education institutions to increase innovation to make a college education more affordable for Virginia families. This legislation provides a clear roadmap to begin addressing these challenges to strengthen our workforce and prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century.”

Delegate Kirk Cox noted, “The opportunity for more Virginia students to attend our top colleges and universities has been a priority of the General Assembly for some time. Various approaches have been considered. This legislation adopts an incentive-based approach encouraging our institutions to make additional slots available to in-state students, and we are already seeing a positive response.”

Former University of Virginia Rector Thomas F. Farrell II, who is Chairman, President and CEO of Dominion Resources and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, added, “When businesses look at where to open, one of the top requirements is that there is a workforce qualified to fill the jobs. Through the ‘Top Jobs’ higher education reform legislation, Virginia will award 100,000 more degrees in the next 15 years, making Virginia one of the most highly educated states in the nation. Additionally, this legislation ensures our children are prepared for the future by placing a greater emphasis on the science, technology, engineering mathematics and other high demand subjects that 21st century jobs require. These reforms are essential to business recruitment and will help continue Virginia’s economic growth for years to come.”

James Madison University President Linwood Rose concluded, “The college and university presidents are grateful to Governor McDonnell and the General Assembly for their commitment to the absolute need for a strong and vibrant higher education system. The ‘Top Jobs’ bill articulates a number of reforms that will expand Virginia's capacity to be a leader among states in possessing a highly educated workforce. Only by providing an accessible, affordable and high quality education for all qualified Virginians will we have sustained economic growth and the prosperity with which it is associated.”

About the “Preparing for the Top Jobs of the 21st Century: The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011”: Based on recommendations of Governor McDonnell’s bipartisan Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment, which offered recommendations in 3 major areas: greater economic opportunity and impact; reform-based investment; and affordable access for all capable and committed Virginia students.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND IMPACT

· Provides a roadmap for achieving an additional 100,000 undergraduate (associate and bachelor’s) degrees for Virginians over the next 15 years by (1) increasing enrollment of Virginia students, (2) improving graduation and retention rates, and (3) assisting students with some college credit to complete degrees through public and private higher education institutions in Virginia.

· Focuses additional degree attainment in high-demand, high-income fields (e.g., STEM, healthcare) that are keys to top jobs in 21st Century economy. Provides for creation of a not-for-profit STEM public-private partnership to fully engage the business and professional communities in the strategic direction and promotion of STEM initiatives. Incentivizes public-private collaboration on STEM-related and other commercially viable research.

· Higher education’s return on investment is second to none. The Weldon Cooper Center’s study for the Virginia Business Higher Education Council shows that every 1 dollar currently invested in Virginia’s public higher ed system yields 13 dollars in increased economic output. College graduates on average earn twice as much as those without college degrees.

REFORM-BASED INVESTMENT

 · Provides for sustained reform-based investment and innovation in delivery of higher education services, as well as extending college degree opportunities to more citizens in creative, cost-effective ways. Institutions’ six- year plans will address strategies and use of incentives for:

o Year round use of physical facilities and instructional resources

o Technology-enhanced instruction and resource-sharing across the higher ed system

o Innovative and economical degree paths

 o Ongoing restructuring and managerial reforms

 · Reverses the dramatic funding reduction cycle to higher education through a new comprehensive funding model framework with four components: basic operations and instruction; enrollment growth funding; need-based financial aid (for low- and middle-income families); and financial incentives to promote innovation and increased economic impact.

 · Establishes a comprehensive and streamlined six-year planning process to aid college, university, and executive and legislative branch officials in implementing the long-term policies of the “Top Jobs” Act and in improving coordination among institutions and the Commonwealth.

 Creates a collaborative Higher Education Advisory Committee consisting of executive and legislative branch representatives and representatives of higher education institutions to develop performance criteria for incentives, institution-specific base funding policies, economic opportunity metrics for degree programs, opportunities for additional, cost-saving managerial autonomy and efficiency reforms, and other key policies.

AFFORDABLE ACCESS

 · Provides enrollment-based funding to increase access for qualified Virginia students at public and private colleges and universities.

 · Enhances long-term affordability through a three-prong strategy: (1) puts in place a model for stable and predictable state funding support, relieving the upward pressure on tuition over time as state funding rebounds; (2) provides for development of need-based financial aid options aimed at middle-income as well as low-income families; (3) provides for development of a Revenue Stabilization Fund (higher education rainy-day fund) to help buffer higher education funding against future cuts that produce sudden and sharp tuition spikes during economic downturns.

To learn more about the legislation signed today, SB1459/HB2510: “Preparing for the Top Jobs of the 21st Century: The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011,” please visit: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=111&typ=bil&val=sb1459

Governor McDonnell Announces 60 New Jobs in Chesterfield County

~Emerson Ecologics to open distribution operation~ Project marks Emerson Ecologics’ first operation in Virginia RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Emerson Ecologics, LLC, the leading provider of professional-grade nutritional supplements to the healthcare practitioner market, will invest up to $1 million to open a distribution facility in Chesterfield County. The project will immediately create 35 new jobs, growing to a total of 60 jobs over the next three years.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project marks Emerson Ecologics’ first operation in Virginia. Chesterfield County offers an available facility that meets the company’s needs, as well as a strategic location that allows access to their customer base within a two-day delivery cycle. I am confident that Emerson Ecologics will find success in the Commonwealth.”

“We welcome Emerson Ecologics as a corporate partner that is new to both Chesterfield County and to Virginia,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company’s goal is providing solutions for optimal patient health, and its newest location will help quickly reach customers in the mid-Atlantic region.”

Emerson Ecologics is the leading provider of products and services to the professional integrative healthcare community, distributing over 20,000 products from hundreds of industry leading manufacturers.

“The Richmond area was selected for our new Eastern distribution center based on many factors, including the ability to reach a majority of our East and Midwest doctors via small parcel ground shipping in two days. We take pride in our two-day delivery commitment and strive to achieve this as efficiently and reliably as possible,” said Andy Greenawalt, CEO of Emerson Ecologics. “As we investigated the region, we were impressed by the business-friendly climate, as well as the access to well designed, climate-controlled facilities that met our needs. Our new facility will result in a 50% increase in our overall distribution capacity, which is critical in supporting our future growth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

"We're delighted that Emerson Ecologics has chosen Chesterfield County as the site of their new distribution facility, and pleased that the venture will create exciting new employment opportunities for residents from throughout the region," said Chesterfield County Administrator James J. L. Stegmaier.

To learn more about Emerson Ecologics or their employment opportunities, visit www.emersonecologics.com  or contact the Virginia Employment Commission.

Commonwealth Posts 17.9 Percent Revenue Growth in May

14th Month out of Last 15 with Increase in Revenue Collections over Prior Year RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that May revenue collections increased by 17.9 percent over the prior year. This is the fourteenth month out of the last 15 in which state revenue collections exceeded the previous year’s amount. It is the sixth out of the last seven in which year-over-year revenue growth was greater than 9 percent.

The revenue increase was primarily driven by a 49 percent increase in nonwithholding receipts (individual final payments based on 2010 tax liabilities). On the other hand, growth in two large sources, payroll withholding and sales tax, slowed. On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 5.8 percent, slightly ahead of the revised annual forecast of 3.5 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 7.3 percent, ahead of the forecast of 5.5 percent.

Speaking about the latest revenue report, Governor McDonnell noted, “The growth in state revenue is a positive sign that Virginia’s economy continues to improve. However, while 17.9 percent revenue growth is great news, it does not mean we have fully turned the corner from the deep and long-lasting recession that has impacted every Virginian. Like some national economic indicators, our payroll withholding and sales tax collections slowed last month. This means there is still much work to be done before we find ourselves with the full and robust economic recovery our Commonwealth and nation needs.”

The governor continued, “Even though our revenue collections continue to increase month after month, too many Virginians are still out of a job. That is unacceptable. We must work to ensure that every Virginian can find a good-paying job to support their families and afford the goods and services they need to live a healthy, happy life. While more Virginians are back to work, families and businesses still face high gas prices and increasing commodity prices, forcing them to tighten their belts. Just as families are doing, our administration will continue to reign in government spending, better utilize hard-earned taxpayer money, and exercise fiscal responsibility in managing the state. At the same time, we remain committed to putting in place aggressive policies that encourage economic growth, help bring private sector jobs to every region of this state, and get our economy turned around for good.”

The May revenue numbers are available at this link: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2010-2011/May2011RevenueLetter.pdf

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the Celebration of Flag Day and Commemoration of the Anniversary of Establishment of the U.S. Army

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today in recognition of June 14 as Flag Day, and as the 236th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. The governor has also issued a proclamation for the U.S. Army anniversary, which can be found at http://governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/2011/236thBirthday.cfm. “When the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes banner designed by Betsy Ross as our young nation’s flag in 1777, it provided an enduring symbol representing the ideals upon which our nation was born. While our founding fathers dreamed of a country built on liberty, personal freedom, and opportunity for all of its citizens, surely even they could not envision the world leader and bastion of hope that the United States flag has evolved to represent today.

“President Woodrow Wilson first formally established a day to recognize the adoption of our nation’s flag in 1916 when soldiers from around the globe were battling tyranny in a conflict that would become known as World War I. Today, our flag flies above soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq, and throughout the world who are fighting to protect those same freedoms from agents of tyranny, oppression and evil.

“June 14 is also the 236th anniversary of when Congress adopted ‘the American continental army,’ America’s first standing military organization. As our soldiers celebrate the Army’s birthday on bases at home and abroad and as Americans fly their U.S. flags around the globe in recognition of their patriotism, let us pause and reflect on the ideals our flag represents, and thank those past and present who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms for which it stands.”

G. Paul Nardo Elected Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia House of Delegates today unanimously elected G. Paul Nardo as Clerk of the House of Delegates and Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth. In keeping with tradition, Mr. Nardo was escorted by a special committee of delegates to the well of the House immediately following his election. There, the Honorable Cynthia D. Kinser, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, administered the oath of office, beginning immediately Mr. Nardo's service as the 21st Clerk of the House. Mr. Nardo has served as Chief of Staff to Speaker of the House William J. Howell (R-Stafford) since 2002. His experience in government spans more than two decades, including 17 years working on Capitol Square in Richmond. Prior to being tapped as Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mr. Nardo served as Director of Government Relations and Communications for the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV), as speechwriter for George F. Allen during his tenure as Governor, and as Legislative Director for the late Congressman Herbert H. Bateman (VA-1).

"Paul has the knowledge, skills, and fair-minded temperament to be an outstanding Clerk of whom we all can be proud," declared House Majority Leader M. Kirkland "Kirk" Cox (R-Colonial Heights) in his speech nominating Mr. Nardo for the post. "Paul understands that the Clerk is responsible for ensuring that all constitutional, statutory, and policy requirements are followed when the House of Delegates conducts the people's business. His organizational skills and attention to detail, combined with his open and outgoing demeanor, are a perfect fit for the Clerk's position."

"Not only is he a hard worker, a good listener and a leader who loves the House of Delegates, but Paul also understands better than most the central role the legislature plays in impacting the lives and livelihoods of all Virginians," noted Delegate Kenneth C. Alexander (D-Norfolk), who seconded Mr. Nardo's nomination as Clerk. "He has demonstrated good management skills, professionalism, organization and a solid knowledge and understanding of administrative, legislative and regulatory affairs. Paul intends to continue the tradition of the Clerk's Office being a non-partisan one. The Clerk's Office is a well-run and successful organization with many accomplished professionals. Paul will keep it that way."

"This is an immense honor for me and a tremendous responsibility, and I will devote my every energy to providing each delegate, and the citizens of the Commonwealth they serve, with the professional, effective and efficient services they expect and deserve," Mr. Nardo said. "The faith that has been placed in me by the delegates with whom I have worked for nearly a decade is truly humbling. As a student and lover of history, being given the opportunity to serve an institution that was the model for representative government in the New World is a privilege for which I am extremely grateful."

"I am looking forward to continuing my work with the highly skilled public servants who work in the Office of the Clerk. We have done so together for many years now, and they have been a valued resource and enormous help to me during my tenure as Chief of Staff to the Speaker. They are a remarkable group of professionals and I know they are ready to continue our teamwork as I undertake this new challenge," Nardo concluded.

As Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mr. Nardo has been responsible for ensuring the timely implementation of daily administrative, policy and communications decisions by the Speaker as the presiding officer of the House. In that capacity, he worked with his immediate predecessor as Clerk, a highly respected and talented leader, to ensure an efficient, effective operation of the House that promoted innovations and implemented cost-savings. Mr. Nardo also has worked extensively with delegates, senators, the three gubernatorial administrations that spanned his tenure as chief of staff, the Capitol's press corps, lobbyists and the public. At the Capitol, he has earned a reputation for being open and accessible, for his attention to detail, and for working long hours. He also is known for having an intense and devoted love of history.

"It is essential to the success of our citizen legislature that we have an effective, professional staff working in the Clerk's Office," Speaker Howell remarked. "Having worked with him throughout my tenure as Speaker, I know Paul is the ideal choice to lead that important office. We have 100 delegates representing 8 million Virginians. All delegates necessarily rely on the Clerk's Office, both when we are in and out of session. The confidence they have placed in Paul today is testimony to the respect he has earned and the dedication he has shown to this institution."

Responsible for the administration of the Virginia House of Delegates under the direction of the Speaker, the Clerk serves all 100 delegates in a non-partisan manner. Overseeing a staff of 30 permanent employees, this legislative leadership position manages an annual budget of $21 million and is responsible for ensuring that all constitutional, statutory, and policy requirements are followed when the House conducts its business. As Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth, the Clerk also is responsible for the official certification of all Acts of the Assembly. The successor to the House of Burgesses, which first met at historic Jamestown in 1619, the Virginia House of Delegates has been operating for 235 years.

G. Paul Nardo, 45, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from the College of William and Mary in 1988. He currently serves on the Governor's Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment, and on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Mentoring Partnership. A member of the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Richmond, #69, Mr. Nardo will serve as the Club's 100th President in 2013.

Married to Mary Augusta Barham of Portsmouth for 15 years, Mr. and Mrs. Nardo have a son, Barham Reed Tyler, age 12. The Nardo family worships at St. Alban's Anglican Church, for which Mr. Nardo previously served as organist, senior warden and a member of the Vestry.

Speaker Howell Welcomes $6 million in Legislative Branch Savings

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today welcomed legislative actions that return over $6 million in legislative branch savings to the general fund by June 30, 2011. The Joint Rules Committee, which the Speaker chairs, voted this morning to return $5,584, 395, including $1.3 million from the Auditor of Public Accounts, $2.3 million from the Virginia Capitol Police, $727,344 from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and $673,266 from the Division of Legislative Automated Services, among other legislative branch agencies. This afternoon, the House Rules Committee voted to return $500,000 to the general fund as agreed to earlier this year in the current Appropriations Act. Since 2003 when Howell became Speaker, the House alone has returned over $6.0 million to the General Fund. "As the national economy continues to limp along, state lawmakers must make the same difficult decisions as families which means trimming budgets, saving wherever possible and doing more with less," said Speaker Howell. "Reforming government and reducing costs are high and ongoing priorities for me and my colleagues in the House. We are pleased we've been able to reduce government spending, in turn easing the financial burdens weighing on taxpaying-families, businesses and citizens across the Commonwealth. Perhaps Washington also will recognize that reducing the size, cost and scope of government requires similar actions to those we've taken today."

The Republican-led House of Delegates, under Speaker Howell, has made reduction of costs and increased governmental efficiency a top priority, without undermining fulfillment of the House's constitutional duties.

Since 2003 when Speaker Howell was first elected to his current leadership position, Virginia has improved its national ranking - dropping from 40th to 46th in the nation in per capita spending on its legislature, according to data compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Virginia is the 12th largest state in population.

In the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the budget for the General Assembly and all legislative agencies was less than one-half of one percent - 0.46% - of the total General Fund budget of $14.8 billion.

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Open Letter of thanks to Caroline County Residents

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Dear Residents of Caroline County, Caroline County has always had a special place in my heart. My grandfather served as Post Commander of Fort A.P. Hill and my mother sat on the bench in the Caroline Juvenile Court for six years. Since January 2006, you have offered me the equally great privilege of representing part of Caroline County in the Virginia General Assembly. Representing citizens from Dawn to Ladysmith provided me as a new legislator with an opportunity to learn about the real needs of a growing community, which include investing in infrastructure, putting a priority on economic growth while preserving rural integrity and committing to our future through education so that the children are ready to work the jobs of the 21st century. While much has happened in a short time, there is much more work to be done to keep Caroline on a sustainable path.

Since the General Assembly passed its redistricting bill which means I will no longer represent Caroline, I have been recalling and writing down the events, people and places, and milestones I have been honored to witness and participate in over these last five years. Let me share a few with you in no particular order: dedicating the Dawn wastewater treatment plant; opening of the State Fair of Virginia and Secretariat's birthday celebration; groundbreaking for the new McKesson plant; dedicating the new skate park; visiting Reedy Church, Madison, and Caroline Ruritan club events; breakfasts at Aunt Sarah's for Caroline Rotary; honoring fallen state troopers with highway markers; visiting A.P. Hill; attending a gang awareness forum at Second Mt. Zion Church; fighting rate hikes by Aqua VA; participating in the Bowling Green Christmas Parade with Rob Wittman; driving a car in the Frog Level Parade; enjoying the historic houses of Port Royal, Green Falls, Moss Neck Manor and Mulberry Place; ribbon cutting at the Union Bankshares green headquarters; the Caroline Hunt gala; commending Robert Farmer upon his retirement; creating a scholarship at Caroline high School for aspiring teachers; touring Ladysmith Fire Station; guest speaking at 5th grade graduation ceremonies at Lewis & Clark and Madison Elementary Schools; touring the construction of Carmel Christian's new school building; always working for interchange improvements at Route 207 and I-95; helping constituents with the bureaucracy of state government; and from time to time even golfing at Pendleton and Mattaponi Springs. Caroline is truly an "All-American" place.

Last weekend I attended a kick-off event for friend and Supervisor Jeff Sili. There the guests of the event presented me a plaque thanking me for my service which read "No matter where you go, you will always be our Delegate." I can assure you that the people of Caroline County will always have me as a friend and advocate through this year and into the future. Thank you again for the great honor it has been to be your Delegate for the 97th District. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance in the future.

Chris Peace Delegate, 97th District