McDonnell announces initiative to eliminate state mandates on localities
Gov. Bob McDonnell, joined by members of the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review, today announced specific legislation to eliminate burdensome state mandates on localities.
Today’s announcement is part of a continuing effort to reduce burdensome state mandates on localities. In September 2011, McDonnell announced the creation of the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review. The five-member Task Force is a result of legislation introduced during the 2011 General Assembly Session by Sen. Steve Newman (R-Bedford County) to review state mandates imposed on localities and to recommend temporary suspension or permanent repeal of such mandates as appropriate. Continue reading “McDonnell announces initiative to eliminate state mandates on localities” »
It’s flu-shot season
Gov. Bob McDonnell gets his annual flu shot at the free flu shot clinic put on by the CommonHealth Employee Wellness Program on Wednesday.
The clinic is open to state employees and runs through Thursday at the James Monroe Building in Richmond.
Pictured here (L to R): Gov. McDonnell; Tim Colyer, pharmacy manager at the Walgreens Store on Ridgefield Parkway in Richmond.
Photo Courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer.
Virginia wine sales see boost
Sales of Virginia wine in fiscal year 2010 increased nearly 13 percent from 2009, according to numbers released today by the state.
Total sales of Virginia wine amounted to $1,604,387 in wine liter tax collections during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, whereas the total wine liter tax collected by the state derived from the sale of Virginia wine in FY2009 amounted to $1,428,216.
“The increase in the sale of Virginia wine is good news for our grape growers and wine makers, both of whom are responsible for producing the outstanding wines that Virginia is now being recognized for both here and abroad,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “The growth of the wine industry in Virginia means more jobs for our citizens and needed economic development in our communities, particularly in the rural areas of the Commonwealth. The increase in sales also means more funds will be dedicated to wine grape education and research and wine marketing initiatives that will help the Virginia wine industry continue to grow, and lead to more jobs being created in the years ahead.”
According to figures from the most recent economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs approximately 3,000 people and contributes almost $350 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis. The study reflected the impact of 120 wineries in 2005; today, there are nearly 180 licensed farm wineries in the state. In recent years, Virginia has become a nationwide leader in wine and is now fifth in the nation both for wine production and number of wineries. The governor has declared October Virginia Wine Month and encourages Virginians to support this thriving agricultural sector by visiting a winery or purchasing Virginia wine through their local restaurants, grocers and specialty shops.
The wine liter tax is applied at a rate of $3.60 per case of wine. The tax collection report is issued annually in a letter from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the House Appropriations Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Virginia Wine Board.
For more information about the Virginia wine industry, please visit www.virginiawine.org or contact the Virginia Wine Marketing Office at 804.344.8200.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Whirley named new VDOT commissioner
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today the appointment of Gregory Whirley as the new commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Whirley had been serving as acting commissioner under McDonnell since January. A VDOT veteran, Whirley also served as acting commissioner of the department in 2005 and had served as well as chief deputy commissioner, acting chief financial officer and inspector general.
Whirley is a certified public accountant with 35 years of public and private experience in auditing, investigations and financial management. As inspector general, he had coordinated the agency’s antitrust and internal and external audit functions to safeguard taxpayer dollars and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.
Before becoming inspector general, he directed the agency’s fiscal division, and managed external audits as controller of financial operations. He began work with VDOT in 1988. Whirley began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. and served as controller for the National Mental Health Association and the National Governor’s Association before joining VDOT. He is a graduate of Virginia State University.
McDonnell: ‘Slight increase in incoming revenue for the year ahead’
Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
The bad news: The state is facing down another massive budget shortfall.
The good news: According to Gov. Bob McDonnell, the state can expect to see more revenues in the coming year with the improving economy.
“I am pleased to report that the updated revenue numbers from the Department of Taxation project a slight increase in incoming revenue for the year ahead. I have made a conservative estimate of increased revenue based on the new information,” McDonnell said on Wednesday at a press conference detailing the latest revenue projections.
McDonnell said he will recommend to the General Assembly that the projected new reveunes be put toward K-12 public education, employee compensation and other core government services. He also called for a restoration of some of the proposed cuts to public safety and no further cuts to higher education. “Tough times call for setting priorities. Public safety and higher education have been cut significantly in recent years and cannot sustain further reductions,” the governor said. Continue reading “McDonnell: ‘Slight increase in incoming revenue for the year ahead’” »
Big Brother and local education
Column by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Big government has no place in local education. Does us no good to be sending dictates down from Washingon and Richmond with all manner of strings attached.
No Child Left Behind – bad idea. Standards of Learning – bad idea.
Freshman State Del. Dickie Bell’s proposed state mandate that local school boards allocate 65 percent of its operating budget to instructional spending – bad idea.
The initiative isn’t Bell’s alone. Bob McDonnell had the 65 percent threshold as part of his ’09 guberntorial-campaign platform. I can understand a pol like McDonnell getting something like this wrong, but not Bell, a public-school teacher when the General Assembly is not in session. Continue reading “Big Brother and local education” »
I can’t drive … 70?
Proposal to increase speed limit passes General Assembly
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to increase the speed limit in Virginia to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas was approved today by both chambers of the General Assembly.
The measure received broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. In the House, State Del. Bill Carrico, R-Galax, carried the bill. State Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, patroned the bill in the Senate.
Both bills are identical. Each bill must still be voted on by the other house prior to being sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.
“I thank Del. Bill Carrico and Sen. Steve Newman for their successful advocacy of this important proposal to speed up traffic in rural and less populated sections of Virginia,” McDonnell said in a statement. Continue reading “I can’t drive … 70?” »
Senate Democrats work through issues
Column by Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple
www.vasenatedems.com
Greetings from Richmond! As the Senate Democratic Caucus begins another lively session of the Virginia General Assembly, we are reminded that every year presents its own challenges and opportunities, and this year should offer plenty of both. As we consider the many bills before us, know that we are mindful of the challenges caused by the economic downturn and are seeking ways to spur economic development, increase employment opportunities, and help meet the needs of all Virginians.
On Jan. 18, Sens. Dick Saslaw of Fairfax and Mamie Locke of Hampton outlined our priorities in the response to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s first State of the Commonwealth address. The senators presented opportunities to work with the governor to address our challenges and called on him to lead his fellow Republicans as we seek solutions to our transportation crisis. They also asked the governor to reject permanent cuts to our public schools and to work with us as we try to find the resources our healthcare safety net and public safety professionals need. Continue reading “Senate Democrats work through issues” »
Bolling: Jobs and Opportunity Agenda good for Virginia
Column by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling
www.ltgov.virginia.gov
During this year’s statewide campaign, Bob McDonnell and I talked a lot about getting our economy moving again and creating jobs. We said then, and we reaffirm now, that this is the most important issue currently facing our state.
Over the past several months, we have worked to put together a comprehensive set of legislative and budget initiatives that will position Virginia to take full advantage of a future economic resurgence. On Jan. 26, we unveiled our Jobs and Opportunity Agenda in a press conference at the State Capitol that was attended by more than 300 legislative and business leaders.
Even though state government is current facing significant budget shortfalls, we have asked the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $50 million toward proven economic development and job creation programs. That means more money for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Film Office, the Department of Business Assistance and more. Continue reading “Bolling: Jobs and Opportunity Agenda good for Virginia” »
Tea, anyone?
Column by David Reynolds
Submit guest columns: freepress2@ntelos.net
Or should that be, “Tea, everyone?” A few million of my closest friends are having a party. Please join. But I must warn you, there are long lines forming from both the political right – and the left! Still, the bandwagon won’t leave without you.
Surprised? You need not be. What a week! It was also an early Ground Hog’s Day. Americans came out of their winter holes to see the light. And they discovered that they were not alone.
So, what happened last week? Of course, it was important because it started in Virginia. (Sorry, Massachusetts, that was a nice election day surprise party you put on, but as we like to say in Mr. Jefferson’s land, “I’ve been to Plymouth, it is no Jamestown.” Continue reading “Tea, anyone?” »
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber represented at Chamber Day at the Capitol
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce made its presence known in Richmond on Wednesday at the annual Virginia Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Day at the Capitol”. Twenty-six Chamber of Commerce and 58 statewide organizations, leadership programs and businesses descended upon the Capitol to express support for business friendly legislation and concern for legislation hampering job creation and capital investment in the Commonwealth.
Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and House Speaker Bill Howell each addressed the Chamber representatives. Participants spent the afternoon in the General Assembly Building meeting with local legislators. Chamber President Frank Tamberrino and members of the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee met with Senators Obenshain and Hanger and Delegates Lohr and Landes between the General Session and committee meetings. Continue reading “Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber represented at Chamber Day at the Capitol” »
The Rant | Give McDonnell a break
Posted by afp on February 19, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Video Essay by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Filed under Blogs · Tagged with AFP News, augusta free press, bob mcdonnell, bob mcdonnell bonuses, bob mcdonnell furloughs, bob mcdonnell state employees, chris graham, chris graham rant, daily rant, gov. bob mcdonnell, governor bob mcdonnell, virginia governor bob mcdonnell