Governor McDonnell Announces Sales Tax Holiday to Help Citizens Prepare for Upcoming Hurricane Season

~Virginians can save 5 percent on designated Emergency Supplies May 25-31~

RICHMOND – Wherever you live in Virginia, chances are you were affected by severe weather during the last year as the Commonwealth was hit by tornadoes, an earthquake and its aftershocks, and Hurricane Irene. The 2012 hurricane season begins June 1 and Governor Bob McDonnell is again encouraging residents to stock up on supplies – tax-free – to help get them through bad weather and other emergencies.

During Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31, shoppers can purchase essential items without paying the 5 percent state and local sales tax. There are 22 categories of smaller items, including batteries, flashlights, bottled water, tarps, duct tape, cell-phone chargers, smoke detectors and first aid kits. As long as each item costs $60 or less it is tax-free. Portable generators and inverters priced at $1,000 or less are also tax-free during the holiday. For a full list of eligible products, answers to frequently asked questions, and guidelines for consumers and retailers, visit http://www.tax.virginia.gov.

“The safety of our families is critically important for all Virginians,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is essential that citizens, as well as government and emergency response agencies, make appropriate preparations to deal with anything Mother Nature sends our way. The best way to protect yourself and your family is by assembling an emergency supply kit and developing emergency plans for your loved ones. With the 2012 hurricane season just around the corner, I encourage residents to take a few minutes to evaluate what items they still may need to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. This tax-free holiday will make it easier and more economical to assemble an emergency kit now which may make Virginian’s lives easier in the event of a major storm or emergency.”

During this seven-day period, retailers may also choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any nonexempt items and pass the 5 percent savings onto their customers.

Virginia also has two additional sales tax holidays – one for school supplies and clothing in August, and one for Energy Star and WaterSense products in October. The 2012 General Assembly renewed this tax-free hurricane preparedness holiday through 2017 after successes of previous campaigns.

 

Governor McDonnell Signs SB 1 and HB 9 and Issues Executive Order

Governor Directs State Board of Elections to Send Every Virginia Voter a Free Voter Card Between Now and Election Day

Ensures All Virginia Voters Will Have ID to Vote in November

Governor: “We will be sending every voter in Virginia a free voter card between now and Election Day to ensure they have at least one form of ID to bring with them to the polls. On Election Day this year, every Virginia voter will have at least one valid ID.”

Governor’s Executive Order is Available Here

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell signed today legislation that the General Assembly sent him that will expand the forms of acceptable identification for voting, and change the procedure when someone votes without presenting identification, requiring them to vote provisionally and later present an approved ID to their local registrar through email, fax, mail, or hand delivery.  Governor McDonnell also issued an executive order today directing the State Board of Elections to take a number of steps to implement this legislation.  Among other things, the executive order directs the State Board of Elections to send every Virginia voter a voter card, a valid form of ID under state law, before Election Day, so that every registered Virginia voter has a valid ID to present at the polls.

Virginia’s Voter ID law has been in place since 2000. This legislation only deals with individuals who do not bring an approved form of ID with them to the polls when voting.

“Open and secure elections are the cornerstone of a free democracy and are essential for citizens to have faith in their government,” McDonnell said.  “Every qualified citizen has the right to cast one vote. Not two votes; not zero votes. It is our duty as a democracy to ensure that is always the case. For a dozen years, Virginia has already required voters to bring identification to the polls.  This legislation does two things. It increases the forms of identification that can be used for purpose of voting, while helping to further prevent voter fraud and ensuring Virginians that they can have faith that votes have not been fraudulently cast.”

The executive order issued by the governor directs the State Board of Elections to take a number of steps regarding implementation of this legislation.  First, the State Board of Elections will issue voter cards to every Virginia voter between now and Election Day.  Second, the State Board of Elections will coordinate a public education campaign to help raise awareness about the need to bring an approved ID to the polling place on Election Day, and the process for obtaining a free voter card if someone does not have a form of ID.  Third, the State Board of Elections will make clear that localities may contact voters who vote provisionally without an ID about the need to provide ID prior to noon on Friday after the election.  Lastly, the State Board of Elections will collect data regarding provisional ballots cast and the number of voters who vote without an ID.

“The additional steps my administration will take to implement this legislation will ensure that no voter is overly burdened by the provisions included in this legislation,” Governor McDonnell continued.  “Some have argued that there are voters who do not have any form of ID to bring to the polls.  For that reason, we will be sending every voter in Virginia a free voter card between now and Election Day to ensure they have at least one form of ID to bring with them to the polls. On Election Day this year, every Virginia voter will have at least one valid ID.”

On April 9, 2012, the governor submitted a number of proposed amendments to the General Assembly to improve the legislation, and most were approved.  One set of amendments would have created a system for simple signature comparison that would have allowed someone’s vote to be cast without any follow up action required on the part of the voter; however, the General Assembly regrettably did not accept this set of amendments.

“While I think the legislation would have been improved with the signature comparison provision that would have virtually eliminated the need for nearly anyone to have to return with an ID later in the week, the legislation returned to me, coupled with the above additional steps to be implemented by executive order, is an important step in securing our elections and preventing any possible fraud,” Governor McDonnell remarked.  “I was pleased that the General Assembly approved my remaining amendments, particularly my proposal to extend the time a voter has to transmit or present their ID after Election Day until Friday at noon after the election.”

Virginia first implemented a voter identification requirement in 2000.  Virginia has never required, nor does this legislation require, photo identification to vote.

Under this legislation and existing law, the following are acceptable forms of ID for voting:

 

  • Virginia voter registration card
  • Social Security card
  • Valid Virginia driver's license
  • Any other identification card issued by an agency of the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States
  • Any valid student identification card issued by a Virginia institution of higher education
  • A valid identification card issued by an employer containing a photograph of the voter
  • A copy of a current utility bill
  • A copy of a bank statement
  • A government check
  • A paycheck that shows the name and address of the voter.

Virginia’s current voter ID law commands broad compliance. While comprehensive statewide statistics are not available, a survey of localities from the last presidential and gubernatorial elections in 2008 and 2009 indicate a compliance rate of well over 99%. Only a handful of voters per precinct, on average, do not bring an approved ID document. The intensive voter education initiatives contained in this Executive Order will increase compliance and continue Virginia’s tradition of honest elections. The Governor strongly encourages all voters to register and vote in the important elections this year.

Commonwealth Posts 10.6 Percent Revenue Growth in April

~ April Revenue Collections Are Up, Including Leading Edge of Final Tax Payments for Tax Year 2011 ~

RICHMOND— Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that April revenue collections rose 10.6 percent over the same month a year ago. April is a significant month for revenue collections. In addition to regular collections of withholding and sales taxes, final payments for tax year 2011 and the first estimated payment for tax year 2012 were due from corporations on April 17. Also, a large portion of estimated and final payments from individuals, which are due May 1, are typically received in April.  May, however, normally contains the high income tax returns, therefore April and May payments need to be looked at together.

On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 5.9 percent, ahead of the revised annual forecast of 4.6 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 5.6 percent, ahead of the economic base forecast of 4.7 percent growth.

The April revenue gains compared to last April were driven by strong individual nonwitholding receipts, with all major sources contributing to the growth. These include, individual income tax withholding which rose 2.4 percent, collections of income tax non-withholding which rose 17.5 percent, sales and use tax collections which rose 1.4 percent, and collections of corporate income taxes which rose 1.0 percent. Also contributing to growth was a 4.9 percent decline in income tax refunds issued as compared to last April. This overall 10.6 percent growth rate follows a 7.6 percent growth rate last month.

“With our pro-business policies, low unemployment, and well-managed government, Virginia continues its recovery from the challenging economic period and continues to demonstrate why it is one of the best places in the nation in which to do business and live,” Governor McDonnell said. “Our bipartisan effort enact pro-business policies focused on job creation continues to foster a recovery more robust than elsewhere in the nation. However it remains too soon to celebrate and lose focus on our fragile economy. We must redouble our efforts to ensure our government is running at peak efficiency, and we must continue to aggressively pursue new business investments and job-creation strategies in Virginia to fan the flames of this recovery and put back to work the 250,000 Virginians still in need of good-paying jobs. May and June are also very important months for revenue collections, so we should see more data in the coming months that will confirm whether Virginians can expect this recovery to return us to prosperity again.”

The Commonwealth issued its general fund revenue forecast in December, revising total general fund revenues to grow by 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2012.

The April revenue numbers are available at this link: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2011-2012/2012ReportsList.cfm

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Governor McDonnell Asks for Amendment Regarding Funding Formula for Area Agencies for the Aging to be Withdrawn

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RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell has officially asked for a budget amendment to be withdrawn that would have aligned state funding for Area Agencies for the Aging with recent census numbers. Instead, funding for the agencies will continue to be allocated in the same manner as prior years. Recent census numbers showed a smaller growth rate of Virginians in certain areas who are eligible for the types of services provided by the agencies. Using the formula that determines funding allocations, the governor’s amendment would have simply shifted a portion of the funding from areas with no or slow elderly population growth, and reallocated those funds to areas with higher growth rates.  The governor’s decision to request that the amendment be withdrawn was made following input from a number of groups and care providers that a change to the existing formula to account for population shifts would have a disproportionate effect on the work done by Area Agencies in a number of Virginia communities. The governor believes these agencies do tremendous work and he supports their efforts. He is committed to ensuring they are well funded. He appreciates the information received over the past week and believes that it is in the best interest of Virginia’s seniors to keep the system in-place as it currently exists.

 

Governor McDonnell Recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week in Virginia

WEYERS CAVE – Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation recognizing Virginia Teacher Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia. During the statewide “Virginia: Growing Strong” tour this week, the governor and members of his cabinet are holding 15 events with Virginia teachers and education professionals highlighting education in the Commonwealth. At one of those events yesterday, Secretary of Education Laura Fornash had lunch with teachers at P.L. Dunbar Middle School for innovation in Lynchburg and congratulated 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year Meg Smith and met with other national, state and local award-winning teachers. Senator Tom Garrett, Delegate Kathy Byron and Delegate Scott Garrett joined her on the visit.

*The governor’s proclamation is below and can also be found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/docs/Virginia%20Teacher%20Appreciation%20Week.pdf

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers are entrusted with the education of the Commonwealth's children; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers strive to instill a love of learning in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers seek to open students' minds to new knowledge and ideas while laying a foundation for life-long learning; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers model good citizenship by making positive and lasting contributions to society; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers fill many roles as motivators, explorers, mentors and listeners, and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers, through academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities and social interaction, lead students to develop independence, morality and character; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers work tirelessly to increase learning and achievement and to help each student meet the Commonwealth's high academic standards; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers help students to develop and reach their goals while recognizing that each student is an individual with different needs for growth and success; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers' commitment to academic excellence is reflected in annual increases in student learning and achievement and in the numerous national recognitions earned by the Commonwealth's public schools;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize May 7-11, 2012, as VIRGINIA TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

 

 

Governor McDonnell Signs Agriculture and Forestry Development Legislation

~Bills Create Ag & Forestry Economic Development Incentive Fund, Place Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry and Technology on VEDP Board~

Both Measures Part of Governor's Jobs and Economic Development Agenda

Virginia Agricultural Exports Hit Record High in 2011

WEYERS CAVE – During a visit to Cave View Farm in Weyers Cave today on his “Virginia: Growing Strong” statewide tour, Governor Bob McDonnell signed agriculture and forestry development legislation passed during the recently concluded 2012 session of the General Assembly.  All four pieces are part of the Governor’s jobs and economic development legislative agenda.  The Governor was joined by members of the General Assembly, representatives from the agriculture and forestry industries as well as local economic development associations and chambers of commerce. During the event he signed legislation establishing the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund which will function similar to the Governor’s Opportunity Fund.  He also signed legislation adding the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the Secretary of Technology as voting members of the board of directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority to increase coordination among economic development entities.

Cave View Farm is a 2,000 acre dairy and crop farm, with 1,100 cows and the highest silo in Virginia, which stands 148 feet high.  In 2010, Cave View Farm received the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s “Shenandoah Basin Clean Water Award.”  Governor McDonnell first visited the farm as a candidate for governor in August 2009.

Speaking about the legislation signed today, Governor McDonnell said, “Three years ago we came to this farm to discuss our vision for how to grow Virginia’s agricultural and forestry industries to help create more good paying jobs for our citizens. Today, we can point to the results of that work. Virginia agriculture exports reached an all-time high in 2011, as we exported a record $2.35 billion worth of products.  Working with the General Assembly, we’ve significantly increased international marketing funds to help us capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities in countries like China and India and other key regions in the global marketplace.  These efforts are helping our producers and agribusinesses achieve new successes.  Since 2010, we’ve helped to facilitate deals that have added more than $150 million in new agricultural exports from Virginia, including major new shipments of soybeans and wine to China; livestock to Russia and Canada; and wine, seafood, and specialty foods to the European Union.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “All this great news emphasizes the importance of agriculture and forestry to Virginia; they are the state's two largest industries.  Together, they have a combined economic impact of $79 billion annually and provide more than 500,000 jobs across the state.  But, we can do more to help spur more economic activity in agriculture and forestry.  That is one reason we’ve created the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.  This new economic development tool will help incentivize the creation or expansion of businesses that utilize Virginia agricultural and forestry products, thus providing more opportunities particularly in rural areas of the Commonwealth.  Recognizing the industries’ importance to Virginia’s overall economic well-being, we also asked the General Assembly to approve legislation that adds the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, along with the Secretary of Technology, to the board of directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership so that we can further capitalize on agribusiness and technology potential in Virginia – two important and growing industries in the Commonwealth.  All of the legislation being signed today will further strengthen our agriculture and forestry industries, create greater coordination and promotion of the industries by Virginia, and help our growers and producers thrive in the Commonwealth. And all of that means more jobs for our citizens.”

Delegate R. Steven Landes (R- Augusta) added, “I applaud the Governor’s commitment to making agriculture and forestry key components of his overall economic development and jobs creation agenda.  Agriculture and forestry are the largest industries in Virginia and a vital part of our economic revitalization and growth going forward.  It is critical that we continue to develop and grow our agriculture and forestry industries, as well as provide tools to help current operations succeed.  The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund will enable us to bring new opportunities to the Commonwealth, as well as help bolster agriculture and forestry’s continued growth and prosperity across Virginia.  A vibrant agriculture and forestry industry in this state means a stronger economy in Virginia.”

Senator Bill Stanley (R-Glade Hill) noted, “We are seeing an agricultural boom in Virginia and the Governor’s focus on growing the industry is showing results.  With so much exciting news about exports and growth being announced over the last two years, it is further testament that this is a critically important industry in Virginia.  By implementing measures that better coordinate economic development entities in the Commonwealth to help grow the agriculture and forestry industries, we will be able to attract new agribusiness to the state and export more of our products and goods to emerging markets.  This will lead to new opportunities for the agriculture and forestry communities and result is more record growth of Virginia’s largest industries.”

Bills Signed Today

 

HB766 (Landes)/ SB128 (Stanley) – Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund

  • Creates the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
  • The bill establishes an economic development grant and loan program targeted specifically at agricultural and forestry operations.
  • Despite agriculture and forestry being the two largest industries in the Commonwealth, this legislation is the first to create an economic development incentive targeted specifically at these industries.
  • AFID is structured much like the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, but is specifically designed to accommodate the unique aspects of agriculture and forestry projects.
  • AFID will provide grants for projects that utilize Virginia grown products in value-added or processing facilities.
  • These agriculture and forestry value-added or processing facilities can have tremendous impacts on the regions in which they locate.
    • Areas where these facilities typically locate are rural with higher unemployment
    • Agriculture is already a core economic driver in the area, so facilities of this kind can build on the region’s existing strength.
    • These facilities have a greater economic ripple effect as a result of growers in the region having a new market in which to sell products.
      • Farm revenue increases as a result of these facilities
      • Jobs are created on the farm and in the facility
      • Greater opportunities to increase farm profitability lead to more farmland preserved
      • The entire region sees an economic benefit from revenue generated on the farms and at the facility

HB292 (Scott, Ed)/ SB405 (Hanger) – Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority; increases membership of board of directors

  • Adds the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry (SAF) and the Secretary of Technology (SOT) as voting members of the board of directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority
  • Legislation continues the Governor’s strategy to fully integrate agriculture and forestry, the two largest industries in Virginia, into the broader economic development and job creation efforts of Virginia.
  • Having SOT on the VEDP board will bring insights regarding emerging technology markets and provide technical insight into the type of infrastructure necessary to support technology adoption.
  • SAF membership on VEDP board indicates to prospective companies that agriculture and forestry interests are important parts of Virginia’s economic development efforts.
  • As a VEDP board member, SAF will play an even greater role in shaping the programs and policies which will further investment and job creation in agribusiness and related sectors.
  • Technology remains an economic engine in the Commonwealth and SOT’s presence on the VEDP board will provide valuable opportunities to leverage expansion/relocation activities in the IT sector into valuable job opportunities.

 

 

Governor Announces Planning Grant Awards As A Result of Peace Education Reform Measure

- College Lab Partnerships Now Provide Educational Options at the Commonwealth's Private Colleges & Universities-

Central Virginia- Building upon his successful legislation in 2010, Delegate Chris Peace successfully patroned a second phase of the Governor's "Opportunity to Learn" legislation in 2012 with House Bill 765 to allow for private institutions of higher education in Virginia to operate a college partnership laboratory school.

"Laboratory schools allow local divisions to offer greater opportunities for innovative instruction and assessment methods - customizing and improving the educational experience for all of our students. Providing educational options through utilizing the strengths and talents at the Commonwealth's colleges and universities are necessary steps toward assuring academic success for our youngest citizens,” said Peace.

Today the Governor announced the winners of the first round of planning grant awards for such ventures. These awards will enable colleges and universities in Virginia to team with approved teacher-preparation programs in an effort to establish college partnership laboratory schools throughout the Commonwealth.  With this legislation and subsequent awards, partnerships will be established between Virginia's higher educational institutions and K-12 public divisions, increasing choices for K-12 students statewide.

The winners of the 2012 Virginia College/University Partnership Laboratory School Application Planning Grants are:

•George Mason University ($145,500)

•James Madison University ($228,000)

•Longwood University ($86,000)

•Virginia State University ($140,000)

Eligible applicants were public institutions of higher education that operate a teacher education program approved by the Virginia Board of Education. Administered by the Office of the Secretary of Education, the planning grants are designed to enhance teacher education and training as part of the Governor’s “Opportunity to Learn” agenda to improve K-12 education and will provide more flexibility, innovation and autonomy outside the traditional public school system.

A College Partnership Laboratory School is a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school established by a public institution of higher education operating in the Commonwealth which maintains and operates a teacher education program approved by the Board of Education.  Virginia currently has 14 approved sites including but not limited to James Madison University, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University. Lab partnerships offer options and innovation for all Virginia school children, but especially those who are disadvantaged or at-risk.

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Governor McDonnell Signs Bills to Fight Back Against Cancer

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Legislation Expands Commonwealth’s Support for Cancer Research, Treatment and Education

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today signed six pieces of legislation that expand the Commonwealth’s support for cancer research, treatment and education. The governor was joined by legislators, VCU President Dr. Michael Rao, representatives from Women’s Clubs of Virginia, patient advocates and representatives from the Medical Society of Virginia, the National Patient Advocate Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. In addition to the legislation signed today, state support in the biennial budget for Massey has increased to $7.5 million annually, with the opportunity to apply for additional funding through the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund as stipulated in House Bill 1182 (Cox). The budget also includes more than $2.3 million annually for the University of Virginia for cancer research.

Speaking about the legislation, Governor McDonnell said, “The legislation signed today expands Virginia’s support for advancing the life-saving cancer research at institutions like VCU Massey Cancer Center,” said Governor McDonnell. “While we can celebrate that more and more Virginians are surviving cancer today because of the work of cancer organizations like Massey, we must continue to work to find a cure. With the Commonwealth’s support, that important work will continue and expand.”

Lieutenant Governor Bolling said, “Cancer impacts the lives of thousands of Virginians every year. In fact, my mom and dad, as well as Jean Ann’s dad, lost their lives to cancer. Unfortunately, our story is not unique. Every year, more than 35,000 Virginians are diagnosed with cancer. That’s why it is so important for us to do everything we can to combat this disease and promote effective programs to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. We can accomplish this goal by promoting healthy living, investing in cancer research and treatment, and advancing legislative solutions like those the Governor is signing today. Doing so is and will continue to be an important part of our effort to build a better and healthier Virginia.”

 Bills Signed Today

 HB1182 (Cox) Allowing Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Funding for Cancer Research

 

  • · Allows the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund to provide grants for scientific research performed at one of the Commonwealth's National Cancer Institute-designated research institutes designed to advance the treatment and prevention of cancers that directly impact the citizens of tobacco-dependent communities throughout the southside and southwest regions of the Commonwealth.

HB83 (Orrock) / SB544 (Edwards) Required Notice for Breast Density

· Requires the Board of Health to establish guidelines requiring licensed facilities or physicians' offices where mammography services are provided to

    • o include information on breast density in mammogram letters sent to patients and
    • o in mammogram letters sent to patients who have dense breast tissue, include a notice containing information about the potential effects of dense breast tissue on mammograms and explaining that patients may wish to contact their physicians for additional information

HB1273 (Peace) / SB450 (Vogel) Parity of Coverage for Oral Chemotherapy

· Provides parity for oral chemotherapy health care drugs to ensure fairness to patients undergoing cancer treatment

  • · These bills ensure drug access within the same health plan regardless of whether it is administered orally or intravenously

HJ120 (Sickles) Mesothelioma Awareness Day

· Designates September 26, in 2012 and in each succeeding year, as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Virginia.

About VCU Massey Cancer Center

VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of only 66 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, the Center conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It has one of the largest offerings of clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients in Richmond and in four satellite locations. Its 1,000 researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Governor McDonnell Asks College Presidents to Utilize New State Funding to Help Limit Future Tuition Increases

Governor’s Higher Education Package Provides $230 Million in New State Funds for Higher Education

Governor Writes: “I remain very concerned about the affordability of post-secondary education for the young people of Virginia…..I need your leadership now in holding down in-state tuition and fee increases.”

RICHMOND – Following General Assembly passage of a biennial budget that provides over $230 million in new funding for Virginia’s higher education system, Governor Bob McDonnell is urging college presidents and boards to voluntarily endeavor to keep in-state tuition increases for the upcoming fall semester and beyond to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. The Governor is committed to ensuring that every available higher education dollar goes to furthering academic opportunities at state-supported colleges and universities. The Governor made the request in a conference call with school officials in March, and again in a formal letter sent Friday. The average in-state tuition increase for the 2011-2012 school year in Virginia was 9.7%. The Consumer Price Index for the last 12 months, non-seasonally adjusted, was 2.7%. Virginia’s colleges and universities are currently determining tuition rates for the upcoming school year. Already the University of Virginia has announced a tuition increase of 3.7%, the lowest increase since 2001-2002.

In the letter, the Governor writes: “…I remain very concerned about the affordability of post-secondary education for the young people of Virginia. As I conveyed to you during our recent conference call, I need your leadership now in holding down in-state tuition and fee increases. During the last decade, Virginia students experienced on average, double-digit tuition increases annually. This trend is unacceptable and cannot continue. I, therefore, ask that you endeavor to keep in-state tuition increases for the fall semester and beyond to the increase in the Consumer Price Index, because we cannot let dramatic price increases be a deterrent to higher education for all qualified and motivated Virginians.

...We know in Virginia that 58% of students graduate with an average of over $23,000 in debt according to the Project on Student Debt. I heard directly from hundreds of students earlier this year and received petitions from thousands more prior to the session as part of Virginia21’s “What’s Your Number?” campaign focusing on reducing student debt. We must do everything we can to control operating costs, limit tuition increases, and reinvest state general fund dollars in our colleges and universities to reduce the amount of student borrowing. It is simply unsustainable for more of our young people to be saddled with decades of debt, which can impede their access to the cherished American Dream.

My introduced budget provided over $100 million in new operating funding for each year of the next biennium for higher education institutions. I also included $10 million in years FY 12, FY 13, and FY 14 to eliminate the reduction to higher education held in Central Appropriations since the 2010 legislative session. The significant total funding increase of close to $250 million was proposed despite modest state revenue gains, which meant setting priorities. The Budget finally passed on Wednesday generally supports my proposals by investing $230 million in new money into higher education, and I applaud the General Assembly for its partnership in this effort. I’ve just begun reviewing the budget in greater detail and may consider changes through executive amendments to clarify and strengthen these critical initiatives….

…We recognize that your institutions have not fully recovered from the reductions which began in 2007, but together we must continue to find internal operating efficiencies and implement best practices to educate more students in a more cost effective manner. It is my plan to continue to make new investments in higher education in future budgets as the economy improves. The more higher education institutions moderate in-state tuition and fee growth, the more likely it will be that I can secure additional state funding from the legislature. Keeping a lid on tuition increases is in the best interest of our students and families, as well as the future of our Commonwealth.”

The full letter is available here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/docs/Letter from Governor McDonnell.pdf

 

Delegate Peace Receives A Grade from State Chamber for Support of Business

-- Peace Scored a 98 on 2012 Business Legislative Report Card

-- VA Chamber of Commerce Names Peace a strong pro-business legislator --

Central Virginia - The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recently released its 2012 General Assembly report card.  Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was pleased to receive a score of 98 percent on the legislative report which informs citizens on key business related votes taken by the General Assembly during the 2012 session.  The Virginia Chamber compiles annual voting records of all General Assembly members on important legislation affecting business and industry.

Speaking about the Report Card, "The Legislative Report Card allows us to recognize and honor legislators who uphold free market principles and support the interests of the business community," said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber. "In addition, it provides analysis of a legislator's support for the business community's priorities."

"I appreciate, especially in these tight economic times, that all of my colleagues worked hard to be fiscally prudent and make targeted investments for long-term dividends for Virginians," noted Del. Peace (R-Hanover).  "We need growth and prosperity to come to Virginia bringing with it new jobs to our state which will be the ultimate path for sustained recovery."

Members of the House of Delegates, like Del. Peace, have partnered with Governor Bob McDonnell since his election to place a priority on creating a positive climate for job creation in Virginia.  The House has worked to pass economic development measures to reinvigorate programs proven to be effective in returning on investments made. Virginia remains the best state in the nation for business and to earn a living.

According to their website, the mission of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce is to be a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory and political arenas to act as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Please visit the Chamber website: http://www.vachamber.com/

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

 

Cost Savings Health Benefits Included in Budget

Peace champions Medication Therapy Management budget language for state employees

 Central Virginia- The Virginia General Assembly's biennial budget includes language, patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R - Hanover), which paves the way for a cost-saving Medication Therapy Management health care benefit for state employees.  The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management will develop a proposal for programming to be reviewed by the General Assembly in 2013.

Speaking to the budget language, Peace asserted, "Assuring our dedicated and hard working state employees access to quality and affordable healthcare, including needed medications, while passing a cost saving along to the employees and taxpayers, is important to me."

Medication Therapy Management is collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, and patients to help ensure that patients are taking the right medication, in the right dosage, at the right time.  MTM allows pharmacists to spend more time counseling patients, physicians to perform periodic chart reviews to ensure effective drug regimens, and patients to receive additional education about how best to manage their chronic conditions.

Medication Therapy Management services have demonstrated proven cost-savings across the country while simultaneously improving the quality of patient care.  Medication Therapy Management pilot programs have been instituted successfully in North Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.

In Iowa, a pharmacist provided Medication Therapy Management Program for state employees generated $2.5 Million in cost savings or avoidance in the first six-months of the program.  During that time period, Iowa realized $760,000 in drug product cost savings.  Per patient, Iowa is saving $731 per year as a result of Medication Therapy Management services.  In Minnesota, a pharmacist provided Medication Therapy Management program demonstrated cost savings of more than $400 per diabetes patient per year.

Independent pharmacists in Virginia hailed the news.  Pharmacist Tommy Thompson, owner of independent Mechanicsville Pharmacy, observed:  "This is a real opportunity for state employees to take advantage of using their local pharmacy in order to improve their chronic health conditions.  There simply is no substitute for the relationship local pharmacists have with their patients and treating physicians.  Medication Therapy Management will be a valuable added benefit to state employees. This is great work by Delegate Peace."

EPIC Pharmacies, a nationwide network of independent pharmacies, advocated in support of Delegate Peace's Medication Therapy Management initiative.  EPIC Pharmacies President Angelo Voxakis noted "I applaud Delegate Peace and the Virginia General Assembly for their leadership and commitment to Virginia's independent pharmacies and to the health of Virginia's state employees.  Through care coordination initiatives like this, patients win, community pharmacists win, and the taxpayer wins."

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

 

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House Republicans Urge Passage of State Budget

Emphasize the Importance of Passage During Tomorrow's Budget Session ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~RICHMOND, VA - Ahead of tomorrow's crucial vote on the Commonwealth's Fiscal Year 2012-14 budget, House Republicans emphasized the importance of quickly passing Virginia's biennial budget. House and Senate Budget conferees agreed to the conference report on the $85 billion budget before the Easter Holiday and localities, agencies and schools across the Commonwealth are waiting for final passage before creating their respective budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. This afternoon, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R - Stafford) issued the following statement urging passage of Virginia's financial blueprint for the coming biennium:

  "Under the leadership of Chairman Putney and Chairman Stosch, the House and Senate budget conferees produced a structurally balanced budget that strategically targets economic development priorities, funds the core functions of government and does not raise taxes," said Speaker Howell. "While the budgetary process advanced in an unconventional manner this year, tomorrow we have the opportunity to bring the budget process to an end with the passage of the conference reports for HB 1300 and HB 1301."

  The conference report includes additional funding to support higher education, to preserve the health care safety net, and to help spur job creation- all without raising taxes. Key investments include $110 million block grant for K-12 education, $122 million to moderate tuition costs in Virginia's public colleges and universities, $44.7 million for health and safety services, funding for 305 new Medicaid waiver slots and various economic incentives targeted to create jobs around the Commonwealth.

  "The budget conferees worked tirelessly to craft a fiscally prudent conference report in a timely manner," said Delegate Kirk Cox. "With many critical deadlines looming for state agencies and local governments, a vote against the budget at this time is a vote to put funding for our teachers, local governments, and roads at risk."

  Virginia's localities must enact a budget for local school divisions by mid-May for the upcoming school year. Localities also tailor their spending proposals on the funding levels set in the biennial budget. Schools and localities run the risk of inaccurately estimating and budgeting for the upcoming year if a budget is not in place as soon as possible. Critical transportation initiatives will also suffer absent budget passage this week - last week Virginia's Department of Transportation announced that 473 construction and maintenance projects from Fairfax to Abingdon would be shut down should a budget fail to pass. "Rejecting the conference report at this late juncture would require the House and Senate go back to the drawing board and start the budget process over from scratch. Given the time and effort required to craft and negotiate a budget, if the budget fails tomorrow we couldn't hope to have a budget ready again for weeks," said Howell. "This is a good budget and a good compromise. We hope that Senate Democrats recognize that schools, localities and agencies across the Commonwealth cannot afford to wait on us to pass a budget any longer and that they will join with us tomorrow in voting for the budget."

Commonwealth Posts 7.6 Percent Revenue Growth in March

~Strong Sales and Corporate Income Tax Receipts Drive Increase~

 RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that March general fund revenue collections rose 7.6 percent. The year over year increase was driven in large part by growth in sales and corporate income tax receipts. March is typically not a significant month for revenue collections.

On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 5.3 percent, ahead of the revised annual forecast of 4.6 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 4.9 percent, close to the economic base forecast of 4.7 percent growth.

The March revenue gains were reflected across nearly all major revenue sources except individual withholding, which declined by 5 percent. March had one less deposit day than March 2011, and one less Wednesday, which is usually the largest payroll withholding day of the week. Individual non-withholding grew by 5.9 percent. Sales tax receipts increased by 11.1 percent in the month. On a year to date basis, sales tax collections have risen 5.7 percent, compared to a projected annual growth of 1.8 percent. Compared to March 2011, corporate income tax receipts have grown 16.4 percent.  With March being a relatively non-significant month for tax collections, the April and May reports will have a much larger impact on the Commonwealth’s ultimate financial standing for the fiscal year 2012.  Final individual income payments for tax year 2011 and estimated tax payments for the current tax year are due on May 1.

Speaking about the March revenue report, Governor McDonnell noted, “This is a positive revenue report from a less significant month for state revenue collections. Sales tax receipts are up, and hopefully that reflects some improvement in overall consumer confidence, an important economic indicator. Also, corporate tax receipts grew in March, and that correlates with the improving jobs climate in the state. Unemployment is now at 5.7 percent, the lowest rate in over three years. More Virginians are working today, and this is a bipartisan accomplishment. It is good news, but there is much work left to be done before all Virginians will have the good work they need and deserve.”

The governor continued, “While this is an encouraging report, we must bear in mind that March is not a significant month for revenue collections in the Commonwealth. The April and May reports will give us a much more thorough and accurate reading of state revenues. It is evident that our economy is beginning to turn around. State fiscal policies will continue to play an important role in this recovery. It is imperative that we pass a budget tomorrow in order to ensure that this recovery is not hindered, and our state economy can continue to grow, creating good jobs for citizens in all areas of the Commonwealth.”

The March revenue numbers are available at this link: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2011-2012/2012ReportsList.cfm

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hails new law to increase patient access to oral chemotherapies

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Richmond, VA  – Legislation (HB1273 / SB450) that will provide better access to life-extending oral chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients in Virginia was signed into law by Governor Bob McDonnell on Thursday, April 5.  The law takes effect on July 1, 2012. “Oral chemotherapies are often the best – and many times the only – treatment option available for cancer patients,” said Sheri Coombs Lambert, Executive Director for the Virginia Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  “This new law, signed by Governor Bob McDonnell, will make these critical treatments more affordable for patients, and we thank Senator Jill Vogel and Delegate Chris Peace for putting this important issue before the General Assembly.”

Without mandating specific out-of-pocket costs for patients, the new law requires insurance plans to use consistent criteria when establishing co-payments for cancer medications, whether the treatments are administered orally or through intravenous injection (IV).

Currently, intravenous (IV) chemotherapy drugs administered at a hospital or clinic are typically bundled as a medical benefit under a patient’s health insurance plan, requiring a simple co-pay.   However, many oral drugs are defined under a patient’s pharmacy benefit and frequently require much higher out-of-pocket costs for patients.  The new law should result in more consistent patient access to cancer medicines.

“We would also like to thank our coalition partners who helped push for this important legislations, including the Virginia Medical Society, the American Cancer Society, the Virginia Pharmacists Association, Virginia Association of Hematologists and Oncologists, International Myeloma Foundation, International Cancer Advocacy Network and the National Patient Advocate Foundation,” said Coombs Lambert.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

 

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