
VCU board looks at austere budget
The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors confronts an austere budget climate that could mean changes in how tuition is priced when it considers the 2013-2014 VCU spending plan for approval in May.

The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors confronts an austere budget climate that could mean changes in how tuition is priced when it considers the 2013-2014 VCU spending plan for approval in May.

Americans care more about the environment than ever before and the overwhelming majority of us acknowledges that climate change is real and human-induced. But still we continue to consume many more resources per capita than any other nation and refuse to take strong policy action to stave off global warming—even though we have the power to do so.

“If these are the early stages, I shudder to think what’s on the path ahead.” Two things brought that thought to mind.

As the 2013 General Assembly session draws to a close, the overwhelming majority of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s 2013 legislative agenda passed with strong bipartisan support, leading to the passage of the first sustainable and long-term transportation funding and reform package in 27 years, and sweeping K-12 education reforms. The House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia approved 88 percent of the amended bills the governor sent down.

During the Cold War, America capitalism was a positive influence, both as an idea and as a political force. The alternative was communism. The relative virtues were obvious.

The sequester that went into effect March 1 is a budget measure that cuts federal spending across the board to the tune of $85 billion, meaning every federal agency is affected and must reduce discretionary spending. Indeed, the cuts are already having a negative impact on everything from air quality monitoring to extreme weather response capability to staffing at national parks.

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today that Hollister Incorporated, a global company that develops, manufactures and markets medical devices, will invest $29.6 million to upgrade machinery and expand its manufacturing plant in Augusta County.

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced Red Sun Farms, a producer of high-quality hydroponic vegetables, will invest a total of $30 million to establish its first U.S. high-technology greenhouse production operation in Pulaski County. The company will erect climate controlled greenhouses on 45 acres of land in the New River Valley Commerce Park to grow quality greenhouse grown vegetables, creating 205 new jobs within five years. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project.

Food scarcity is a bigger problem than ever as human population numbers continue to swell, putting additional stress on already fragile food production and distribution systems. And it’s not just happening in far away places: A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the number of U.S. homes “lacking food security” rose from 4.7 million to 6.7 million in just the last five years.

Daikin McQuay, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd., announced Wednesday that it will invest $9.2 million to expand its operation in Augusta County.