August 12, 2009
McDonnell Unveils Public Safety Plan: "Continuing the Commitment to Make Virginia a Safer Place to Work and Raise a Family"
Plan Highlighted by Proposals to Enact Intensive Lifetime Monitoring for Certain Violent Sexual Predators; Expand Drug Courts and Toughen Penalties for Repeat Drug Dealers; Improve Protective Orders to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
Bob McDonnell Joins Ken Cuccinelli as Both Pledge to "Continue the Commitment to Make Virginia a Safer Place to Work and Raise a Family"
NEWPORT NEWS- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today unveiled his comprehensive public safety plan to "Continue the Commitment to Make Virginia a Safer Place to Work and Raise a Family." He was joined by Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican nominee for Attorney General, who also announced his public safety proposals at the joint press conference. In addition, the two were joined by Polly Franks, a national advocate for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The press conference was held following remarks by McDonnell and Cuccinelli at the Virginia Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Newport News. McDonnell's plan continues his efforts as a prosecutor, delegate and Attorney General to keep Virginians safe in their homes and communities.
Highlights of McDonnell's "Continuing the Commitment to Make Virginia a Safer Place to Work and Raise a Family" Public Safety Plan unveiled today include:
Requiring a form of intensive lifetime monitoring of violent sexual predators not eligible for civil commitment but who continue to pose a danger to society
Proposing that the penalty for a convicted sex offender who fails to register for Virginia's Sex Offender Registry be elevated to a Class 6 felony
Creating a Domestic Violence Prevention Advisory Board to advise on domestic violence issues
Improving the protective order system by clarifying our current laws and simplifying the process
Making Virginia's protective order forms more consistent with neighboring states to enhance cross-jurisdictional enforcement
Making the commission of a violent crime in the presence of a child a separate Class 4 felony
Expediting the process to remove children from abusive and neglectful homes by having appeals for termination of parental rights go directly to the Court of Appeals rather than Circuit Court
Cracking down on career drug dealers by proposing tougher mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders
Breaking the cycle of addiction by supporting and encouraging the use of drug treatment court programs
Increasing mandatory fees for convicted criminals
Strengthening the juvenile justice system
Supporting growth and expansion of the Commonwealth Challenge Program for youth offenders
Requiring juveniles charged with repeat violent felonies to be tried as adults in circuit court
Cracking down on crimes against the elderly
Combating identity theft
Ensuring crime doesn't pay by strengthening asset forfeiture
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Lt. Governor Bolling's Campaign Notes Candidate Wagner's Shortfalls
August 11, 2009
Wagner's Budget Shortfall Grows
Friends,
Last week, Governor Kaine’s revenue advisory council estimated that Virginia will once again miss revenue projections in the current fiscal year, resulting in an additional budget shortfall of $1.5B. While this is disappointing news, it should not come as a surprise to anyone given the track record of the Kaine/Wagner administration for inaccurate budget projections.
Despite Lieutenant Governor Bolling's repeated warnings, the Kaine/Wagner administration has continued to base their budgets on overly optimistic revenue projections, the use of one time money to pay for ongoing government programs, spiraling amounts of state debt, raids on the rainy day fund and federal bailout dollars. Now, we are seeing the disastrous results.
As Secretary of Finance, Jody Wagner missed her revenue projections by more than 20 percentage points, resulting in $5B in budget shortfalls, with more on the way. In addition, the size of our state debt has doubled over the past seven years, and by the time this administration leaves office they will have totally depleted our rainy day fund.
When asked to explain her failures as Secretary of Finance in a recent interview, Jody Wagner was surprised and defensive. She denied any responsibility for the state's current financial troubles, but did admit to “tweaking” the numbers! I hope you’ll take a minute to listen to this interview on our website.
We are not the only ones to have noted Ms. Wagner's questionable fiscal management. Jeff Schapiro, a well known journalist with the Richmond Times Dispatch, called Wagner’s term as Secretary of Finance “years marked by muff-ups and miscalculation.” Schapiro wrote:
“There are legitimate reasons for taking a hammer to Wagner … The Kaine administration’s fiscal sins, perceived and actual, are numerous. Among them: pushing for higher transportation taxes even as the economy began its decline, and missing revenue projections by a mile – or two or three. Also, taking baby steps to balance the $77 billion budget more than a year ago, when perhaps more aggressive measures were justified” (9/21/08)
Amazingly, and despite her obvious mismanagement of the state's finances, Ms. Wagner claimed in a press release just two weeks ago that she had helped “restore fiscal responsibility to state government." She also boasted about her “responsible decision making” plans for the future of Virginia. After $5B in budget deficits, the truth is that Virginia can’t afford four more years of Jody Wagner.
Because of Ms. Wagner's fiscal mismanagement, the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor will inherit a financial mess the likes of which we have never seen. To put it bluntly, we cannot count on the same people who created this mess to clean it up. We need fiscally conservative leadership in Richmond, and Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling will provide that leadership.
While we’ve been busy talking about our plans to get Virginia's economy moving again and create jobs, our opponents have been engaging in partisan political mudslinging. Fortunately, the people of Virginia are seeing through our opponents smoke screen, and the latest polls have us leading our opponent in all regions of the state!
While we have no doubt that this race will tighten up as we head into the fall, these polls are a clear indication that the people of Virginia are fed-up with the status quo and they are ready for new leadership.
I hope you will join our campaign of new ideas and positive solutions by signing up to volunteer or making a generous contribution.
Additionally, please let your friends know that you are supporting Bill Bolling by putting a bumper sticker on your car and a yard sign in your yard. Simply email the campaign office and we will bring one out to you.
Thanks for all that you do. In 84 days, we will win a great victory for the people of Virginia.
Sincerely,
Matthew Wells
Bolling for Lt. Governor Campaign Manager
Wagner's Budget Shortfall Grows
Friends,
Last week, Governor Kaine’s revenue advisory council estimated that Virginia will once again miss revenue projections in the current fiscal year, resulting in an additional budget shortfall of $1.5B. While this is disappointing news, it should not come as a surprise to anyone given the track record of the Kaine/Wagner administration for inaccurate budget projections.
Despite Lieutenant Governor Bolling's repeated warnings, the Kaine/Wagner administration has continued to base their budgets on overly optimistic revenue projections, the use of one time money to pay for ongoing government programs, spiraling amounts of state debt, raids on the rainy day fund and federal bailout dollars. Now, we are seeing the disastrous results.
As Secretary of Finance, Jody Wagner missed her revenue projections by more than 20 percentage points, resulting in $5B in budget shortfalls, with more on the way. In addition, the size of our state debt has doubled over the past seven years, and by the time this administration leaves office they will have totally depleted our rainy day fund.
When asked to explain her failures as Secretary of Finance in a recent interview, Jody Wagner was surprised and defensive. She denied any responsibility for the state's current financial troubles, but did admit to “tweaking” the numbers! I hope you’ll take a minute to listen to this interview on our website.
We are not the only ones to have noted Ms. Wagner's questionable fiscal management. Jeff Schapiro, a well known journalist with the Richmond Times Dispatch, called Wagner’s term as Secretary of Finance “years marked by muff-ups and miscalculation.” Schapiro wrote:
“There are legitimate reasons for taking a hammer to Wagner … The Kaine administration’s fiscal sins, perceived and actual, are numerous. Among them: pushing for higher transportation taxes even as the economy began its decline, and missing revenue projections by a mile – or two or three. Also, taking baby steps to balance the $77 billion budget more than a year ago, when perhaps more aggressive measures were justified” (9/21/08)
Amazingly, and despite her obvious mismanagement of the state's finances, Ms. Wagner claimed in a press release just two weeks ago that she had helped “restore fiscal responsibility to state government." She also boasted about her “responsible decision making” plans for the future of Virginia. After $5B in budget deficits, the truth is that Virginia can’t afford four more years of Jody Wagner.
Because of Ms. Wagner's fiscal mismanagement, the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor will inherit a financial mess the likes of which we have never seen. To put it bluntly, we cannot count on the same people who created this mess to clean it up. We need fiscally conservative leadership in Richmond, and Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling will provide that leadership.
While we’ve been busy talking about our plans to get Virginia's economy moving again and create jobs, our opponents have been engaging in partisan political mudslinging. Fortunately, the people of Virginia are seeing through our opponents smoke screen, and the latest polls have us leading our opponent in all regions of the state!
While we have no doubt that this race will tighten up as we head into the fall, these polls are a clear indication that the people of Virginia are fed-up with the status quo and they are ready for new leadership.
I hope you will join our campaign of new ideas and positive solutions by signing up to volunteer or making a generous contribution.
Additionally, please let your friends know that you are supporting Bill Bolling by putting a bumper sticker on your car and a yard sign in your yard. Simply email the campaign office and we will bring one out to you.
Thanks for all that you do. In 84 days, we will win a great victory for the people of Virginia.
Sincerely,
Matthew Wells
Bolling for Lt. Governor Campaign Manager
Monday, August 10, 2009
Deeds Campaign on McDonnell's Record
August 10, 2009
Dear Friend,
I read in the paper yesterday that Bob McDonnell is telling people he won't focus on social issues as governor. That's pretty funny...
Talk is cheap, especially during campaign season. The best way to predict what someone will do in public office is by examining what they've already done. And throughout his career, Bob McDonnell's record and priorities have been crystal clear: he's focused on a narrow ideological agenda rather than expanding opportunities for Virginians.
Bob McDonnell and Creigh have very different views concerning a woman's right to choose. Creigh believes it is up to a woman, her family, her doctor and her spiritual advisor to make this decision. Our opponent believes government should make this decision, and supports outlawing a woman's right to choose even in cases of rape and incest.
But this is about more than just one issue. It's about priorities.
In the state legislature, Bob McDonnell sponsored not one, not twenty, but thirty-five bills restricting a woman's right to choose. Think about that for a minute. Thirty-five bills -- at least one a year, usually more.
He could have spent that time advancing resources for public education, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for it plenty of times. He could have spent all that time working to create jobs through economic development, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for the Governor's Opportunity Fund and other economy-growing initiatives. Instead, he spent all that time working to chip away at a woman's right to choose and single-mindedly advance his anti-choice agenda.
Virginians want a Governor who will focus on creating jobs, expanding opportunity for every family, and making our public schools the best that they can be. That's what Creigh has done his entire career. Bob McDonnell has not, and I'm counting on your help to communicate the truth about his record.
Thanks so much for all of your help. Together, we'll bring hope and prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth and keep Virginia moving forward.
Joe Abbey
Dear Friend,
I read in the paper yesterday that Bob McDonnell is telling people he won't focus on social issues as governor. That's pretty funny...
Talk is cheap, especially during campaign season. The best way to predict what someone will do in public office is by examining what they've already done. And throughout his career, Bob McDonnell's record and priorities have been crystal clear: he's focused on a narrow ideological agenda rather than expanding opportunities for Virginians.
Bob McDonnell and Creigh have very different views concerning a woman's right to choose. Creigh believes it is up to a woman, her family, her doctor and her spiritual advisor to make this decision. Our opponent believes government should make this decision, and supports outlawing a woman's right to choose even in cases of rape and incest.
But this is about more than just one issue. It's about priorities.
In the state legislature, Bob McDonnell sponsored not one, not twenty, but thirty-five bills restricting a woman's right to choose. Think about that for a minute. Thirty-five bills -- at least one a year, usually more.
He could have spent that time advancing resources for public education, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for it plenty of times. He could have spent all that time working to create jobs through economic development, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for the Governor's Opportunity Fund and other economy-growing initiatives. Instead, he spent all that time working to chip away at a woman's right to choose and single-mindedly advance his anti-choice agenda.
Virginians want a Governor who will focus on creating jobs, expanding opportunity for every family, and making our public schools the best that they can be. That's what Creigh has done his entire career. Bob McDonnell has not, and I'm counting on your help to communicate the truth about his record.
Thanks so much for all of your help. Together, we'll bring hope and prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth and keep Virginia moving forward.
Joe Abbey
Gubernatorial Hopeful McDonnell on Job Creation
August 10, 2009
McDonnell Focuses on Job Creation in Visit to Southside
At Morning Press Conference Unveils: "Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere"
-Plan Includes Coordinated Statewide Effort to Bring New Economic Opportunity and Prosperity to Rural Virginia-
RIDGEWAY- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring new jobs and more opportunities to rural Virginia. He announced his plans during a press conference held at Blue Ridge Aquaculture in Henry County, where the unemployment rate is 15.4%. Ridgeway is just outside Martinsville, a city struggling with a 21.6% unemployment rate, the highest in the state. McDonnell's plan emphasizes the need for a coordinated statewide effort to spur growth in rural Virginia, noting the importance of putting individuals in Virginia's rural cities and counties at the helm of these efforts. The plan highlights the need for bold action to overcome current economic challenges, and builds off of plans McDonnell has already unveiled relating to small businesses, education and energy.
The Highlights of Bob's "Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere" Plan include:
· Making Virginia the best state in America in which to open a small business
· Establishing a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program to spur job growth and economic development in historically underutilized business zones
· Designating one Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus solely on rural economic development
· Creating a Governor's Rural Virginia Taskforce to ensure cooperation among agencies
· Fully utilizing the Center for Rural Virginia
· Providing a $1,000 tax credit per job to businesses that create 50 new jobs, or 25 new jobs in economically distressed areas
· Expanding use of the Governor's Opportunity Fund by roughly doubling the funding available and broadening Fund rules to allow companies that generate additional state and local tax revenue to qualify
· Establishing academic opportunities in K-12 and higher education that train a workforce in transferable skills, and expanding existing programs to every area of rural Virginia
· Developing a comprehensive infrastructure plan
· Making Southwest and Southside Virginia the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development
· Promoting farm preservation, championing agriculture issues, and reviewing over-burdensome regulations and Executive Orders
· Fighting for the permanent elimination of the death tax at the federal level
Speaking about his proposals to launch a coordinated statewide effort to bring economic revitalization to rural Virginia, McDonnell remarked, "Most Virginians have been impacted by this economic downturn and we are all anxious about what the future holds. Many of our rural communities have been hit the hardest. Here in Henry County unemployment tops 15.4% and in neighboring Martinsville the unemployment rate is the highest in the state at 21.6%. The people of Ridgeway, and all of rural Virginia, are hard working, innovative, and talented. What they need are the new jobs and opportunities that will allow them to achieve their dreams, and grow our economy. From manufacturing to dairy farms, I know that rural Virginia will be a key part of the economic resurgence that we will create in the Commonwealth. I will be a jobs governor. Working together, across party and regional lines, we will bring new jobs and greater opportunities to rural Virginia."
McDonnell continued, "In my administration I will enact specific policies geared toward job creation in rural Virginia. We will designate one Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus exclusively on rural Virginia. This individual will have one simple mission: help keep the jobs we have, and create the new jobs we need, in our rural areas. We will provide tax credits for employers who go into our hard hit rural areas and create jobs for our citizens. We will work to provide aspiring entrepreneurs the educational and financial resources necessary to maintain and grow their businesses. We will expand the energy revolution in Southside and Southwest and make these areas the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development. We are also fully committed to the creation and sustainability of good jobs in rural Virginia to provide the next generation with the opportunity to live and work in their hometowns and communities. Our focus is simple: bring good paying jobs and great opportunities to the hard working people of rural Virginia."
"Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere"
Bob McDonnell will be a jobs Governor. He understands that most Virginians have been impacted by this economic downturn, and people are anxious about what the future holds. That's why he will make his top priority bringing new jobs and greater opportunity to every corner of the Commonwealth - from Lee to Accomack to Loudoun County. Bob McDonnell has bold ideas and specific proposals to help overcome the challenges Virginians are facing and get our economy moving again.
Many of our rural cities and counties in Virginia have been hardest hit by the economic downturn. Henry County's unemployment increased by 7.8% in just the past year; Wythe County's unemployment rate rose to 11.3% from 5.6%; King William saw a 4.1% increase in their unemployment rate; Smyth County had an increase of 6.8%; and the city of Martinsville has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 21.6%.
From manufacturing facilities to dairy farms, rural Virginia must be a critical part of the economic engine to turn Virginia around.
Bob McDonnell has outlined specific policies geared toward an economic resurgence in Virginia's rural towns and counties and when he implements them as Governor, they will bring new opportunities to these areas. Bob McDonnell's plan for rural Virginia will not only create and sustain jobs today, but will ensure more opportunities for the next generation, so the regions' best resource will have every reason to stay and work in their hometowns and communities.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship throughout the Commonwealth
For most Virginians, jobs and opportunity means starting or expanding their own small business. Small businesses are 97.5% of all existing businesses in Virginia at 225,000 strong. They account for approximately 75% of new job growth in the Commonwealth. Total employment by small businesses is roughly 55% of the job force in Virginia.
In order to spur expansion of existing businesses and the establishment of new businesses that will pump revenue into our economy and employ thousands of Virginians, Bob McDonnell will significantly improve the resources available to those starting up or expanding a small business.
· Commit Virginia government to approve most routine business applications within 48 hours.
· Significantly enhancethe "The Virginia Business One Stop" website into a "First and Only Stop" by increasing the information,resources, and assistance available to ensure that only one stop is necessary to get a new business up and running with minimal delay.
· Update and combine Virginia's four different small business guides into one user-friendly document: "How to Start or Expand a Business."
· Work with Virginia localities to get all necessary paperwork and forms for small business start ups online.
· Make it easier for businesses in good standingthat are expanding within Virginia, or moving into the state, to operate under temporary licenseswhile awaiting official approval
· Promote Virginia as the "Best State in America in Which to Open a Small Business"
Historically Underutilized Business Zones
The federal HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program was established under the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997. Falling under the auspices of the US Small Business Administration, the program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones ("HUBZones") through the establishment of federal procurement preferences for businesses meeting program requirements. The program is designed to grow businesses and create jobs in distressed areas by providing access to more Federal contracting opportunities to qualifying business located in HUBZones. They are designated by federal government agencies and include both rural/nonmetropolitan areas and urban sectors, which exhibit low median household income and higher unemployment rates.
· As Governor, McDonnell will introduce legislation establishing a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, based upon the federal HUBZone program, to spur economic development and job growth in urban and rural areas.
· A Virginia HUBZone program would mandate at least 15% of state procurement contracts are awarded to qualifying certified small businesses located within HUBZones and meeting the programs requirements. This program will ensure state procurement opportunities are based on criteria such as business size, geographic location and competitive pricing on products and services; thus, expanding state procurement opportunities beyond large venders in metro areas.
· The Virginia HUBZone program would act as a catalyst for job growth and economic development in rural areas and urban areas alike. By focusing on the geographic location of targeted businesses, as well as other important factors, the program will reinvigorate areas hardest hit by challenging economic times.
Coordinated Statewide Effort to Further Growth in Rural Virginia
Effective economic development practices vary greatly by region throughout the Commonwealth. What works in Richmond, Norfolk or Northern Virginia may not necessarily work for rural Virginia. There is also significant diversity within rural Virginia that must be taken into account.
· The McDonnell administration will designate one deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus solely on rural economic development. This position will make recommendations directly to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the chief job creation officer (the Lt. Governor), and the Governor on how to spur economic opportunities in rural cities and counties in the short and long term. Along with the deputy secretary, the Governor and Lt. Governor will visit regions of the state with the highest unemployment regularly to meet with regional leaders to develop job creation actions.
· This deputy will spend extensive time in rural communities helping develop innovative and meaningful ways to retain and increase jobs in these areas.
· An individual, who has never lived or worked in a rural area in Virginia, cannot fully understand the challenges and opportunities of economic growth in that area. This position will be filled by an individual from rural Virginia and have experience with job creation in those areas.
One of the existing resources Bob McDonnell will fully utilize as Governor is the Center for Rural Virginia ("Center"). The Center was created in 2004 and is an independent nonprofit local entity created for the purpose of sustaining economic growth in the rural areas of the Commonwealth and lessening the burdens of government through the activities prescribed by the General Assembly. The Center focuses on six key areas or core competencies: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Infrastructure; Healthcare; Education/Workforce; Community Capacity (leadership training); and Capital Access.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will add the Lieutenant Governor as the chief job creation officer, and the newly dedicated deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Growth to the Board of Trustees.
· Bob McDonnell will turn to the Center for guidance and advice on issues critical to the success of rural Virginia and to assist him with prioritizing objectives, including using the Center as a resource for recommendations on how to best utilize economic development incentives such as the Governor's Opportunity Fund.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will also partner with the Center to create a comprehensive and meaningful "Economic Policy for Rural Virginia." This four-year plan is currently developed by VEDP in Richmond, but would be better served if developed in coordination with those in rural Virginia who have the experience and expertise to identify and develop the policy plan.
The agencies and institutions that can assist rural Virginia must be highly visible in rural areas and cooperation among the agencies and institutions is key.
· To ensure that rural Virginia's needs are fully indentified and addressed, Bob McDonnell will also require each executive branch agency and state entity that has a significant impact on rural Virginia to designate one person to participate in the Governor's Rural Virginia Jobs Taskforce. Secretariats involved will include Commerce and Trade, Agriculture, Technology, Natural Resources, Education, Transportation and Health and Human Resources. The deputy secretary for Commerce for Rural Economic Development will also be a member of the Taskforce.
· The Taskforce will meet on a regular basis to coordinate their respective agencies' activities as it relates to rural Virginia and will report to the Governor's Chief of Staff. The Taskforce designees will also serve as their agencies' point of contact for rural community leaders and organizations. The Taskforce will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing issues affecting rural Virginia, developing a comprehensive statewide strategy to address these issues, developing partnerships with rural community leaders and working closely with and seeking advice from the Center for Rural Virginia.
Virginia has a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) that have locations throughout rural Virginia. The SBDC, the Community Colleges, the other higher education centers in rural regions should provide space and opportunity to have representatives from VEDP and other relevant state entities on site on a regular basis. Seminars and courses should be made available to those who wish to start a business or expand a business - whether it is a farm, a bed and breakfast or a small manufacturing company.
The Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit was created by Governor George Allen and has been successful in helping businesses expand and relocate to Virginia. The program is easily administered and was reauthorized by the 2009 General Assembly through 2020. The tax credit can be claimed by companies engaged in any business in the Commonwealth, except for retail trade business, that create at least 100 new full time jobs in connection with the establishment or expansion of a major business facility. In the event that a major business facility is located in an economically distressed area or in an enterprise zone, the threshold is lowered to 50 jobs.
· Bob McDonnell recognizes that not all businesses can expand by 100 employees during these tough economic times. To expand the use of this successful program and incentivize job creation, Bob McDonnell will remove the 100 job threshold and give any company that creates at least 50 jobs the $1,000 tax credit.
· For facilities that locate in an enterprise zone or economically distressed area, we will lower the threshold from 50 to 25 jobs.
· Also, so that more job creating facilities will be eligible for this tax credit, we will consider economically distressed area as those having unemployment rates 150% greater than the state average, to put it on par with the GOF. Currently, an area shall qualify as severely economically distressed if it is a city or county with an unemployment rate for the preceding year of at least twice the average statewide unemployment rate for such year.
· We will propose this expansion of the tax credit for two years or until the economy recovers.
The Governor's Opportunity Fund (GOF) is designed as a "deal closing" fund to be employed at the Governor's discretion when necessary to secure a company location or expansion in Virginia. The GOF serves as a final resource for Virginia in the face of serious competition from other states or countries. A GOF grant is awarded to the Virginia locality, with the expectation that the grant will assist in attracting new industry, resulting in the creation of new jobs and capital investment.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will double the amount of the fund to about $40 million every two years. He will also expand the use of the GOF so that more businesses and the employees they hire will benefit. We will change the GOF rules to include not just job creation and capital investment as the criteria to qualify, but we will also allow companies that generate significant additional state and local tax revenue to qualify. We will also propose lower local matches for large projects and raising the governor's authority to $2 million per deal.
In conclusion, Richmond must come to rural Virginia. Working with the Lieutenant Governor, who will serve as the chief jobs creation officer, the deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Center for Rural Virginia and the Taskforce will ensure that all applicable agencies and institutions responsible for economic development and workforce training for everything from small businesses-to major industries will have the resources needed to meet the challenges facing rural Virginia. These experts will have an increased presence in rural Virginia to help maximize existing resources.
Education in Rural Virginia
Most research into economic development has found that among the most important, if not the most important, factors is a ready and able workforce. Incentives and programs to develop economic activity have become a primary function of government because successful economic development provides citizens with the opportunity to increase their knowledge, earn better incomes, and provide for their own healthcare, retirement, and education for their children. However, it takes more than economic development incentives and programs to grow jobs and create wealth over the long term. Nowhere is this more true than in the rural areas of Virginia.
In order to establish long term growth and revitalization in rural Virginia, there must be a plan that allows rural communities to capitalize on their strengths and not necessarily model them after urban Virginia. Rural Virginia needs a transformation that creates a modern workforce while continuing to embrace its heritage of a rigorous work ethic that helped to build this great Commonwealth.
To achieve this goal, we must establish academic opportunities in K-12 and higher education that train a workforce in transferable skills in areas such as math, science, technology, computers, healthcare, and business. After two or four years of higher education, a young person should have the basic skills necessary to begin a trade or profession, run a bed and breakfast, or carry on the family farm in the area in which they grew up. The existence of these trained young people in rural Virginia provides the economic base necessary to further create the jobs needed to make the area prosper and grow. In order to accomplish this, we need to promote the programs that already exist while expanding into new areas.
Virginia already has a fast track program to an advanced agricultural career-The Agricultural Technology Program at Virginia Tech. Certain community colleges-Central Virginia Community College, Patrick Henry Community College and Southwest Virginia Community College are embarking on a Sustainable Agribusiness Management Program for Fall 2009. These are great starts but we need these and similar programs in other regions of the Commonwealth and to coordinate long distance learning programs for more remote areas. For example, partnerships with Longwood College and UVA-Wise can help to promote four year programs in Southside and far Southwestern Virginia.
Most critically, people need to be aware of the availability of these and other programs that enable the full economic potential of these regions of the Commonwealth. For example, Community Colleges currently offer associate degrees in Travel and Tourism. A degree in such a program could offer great potential to someone wishing to establish a bed and breakfast, promote a winery or open a bike shop. From beautiful working farms to the new nature trails on the bed of former railroad lines, enormous potential for creating business exists.
Bob McDonnell's plan is to expand the availability of existing programs to reach every rural area in the Commonwealth and to expand the scope of the programs available so that as a student learns about the basics of agriculture, they also learn the skills necessary to run an agribusiness (including agritourism) like technology, finance and how to write and implement a business plan.
We must integrate the services of these higher education facilities and pool resources, we must reach out to students and provide grants and loans to facilitate their education and create a vibrant workforce, and we must connect these young entrepreneurs to the full array of resources that will help them to reach their full potential.
Infrastructure Improvements
During his first year as Governor, Bob McDonnell will develop a comprehensive infrastructure plan for rural Virginia. Expanding broadband access is vitally important to these communities, but it is only one piece of the infrastructure puzzle to increase economic development in rural Virginia. Bob McDonnell will utilize the resources available to him as Governor to form partnerships with rural community leaders so they can develop their own part of the comprehensive plan regarding what they need most to attract and retain business in their communities. This could mean expanding traditional utilities like water and power or ensuring that their community has broadband internet access or wireless service. Either way, under Bob McDonnell's administration the localities will direct prioritizing their infrastructure needs not Richmond.
Transform Southside and Southwest Virginia into America's Energy Corridor
In cooperation with the Virginia Tobacco Commission, private sector energy leaders, our community colleges and our major research universities, Bob McDonnell will make Southwest and Southside Virginia the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development. When the technology transformation of the economy took place in the 1990's, Virginia was at the vanguard - Virginia needs to lead again when it comes to energy. Just as Northern Virginia is recognized as the leading technology corridor in the nation, the new energy corridor on the east coast will be Southside and Southwest Virginia. The Tobacco Commission has established 5 key research and economic development centers in the tobacco footprint of Virginia.
· Bob McDonnell will leverage the $100 million in funding made available through the tobacco commission by attracting private sector investment and coordinating grant opportunities with our universities and community colleges.
· A new Virginia Energy Institute will bring together the academic research capabilities of our major research universities under one canopy to help focus efforts on developing energy technologies for the 21st century.
· To assist with the attraction, building and operation of major energy facilities in Southside and Southwest Virginia, we will also support the establishment of the Center for Energy. The Center for Energy would be part of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and its purpose would be to work with local economic development organizations and Industrial Development Authorities to make certain that we maximize the potential for energy related investment in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Not only will this mean more jobs and investment for Southside and Southwest Virginia, it will make Virginia the leader when it comes to policy guidance, research, and development on the harnessing and use of renewable energy, smart grid technology, carbon capture and sequestration, clean coal, oil, refining capacity, electricity, natural gas, energy infrastructure, and alternatives.
Fight for the Permanent Elimination of the Death Tax at the Federal Level
As a Virginia Delegate, Bob McDonnell was chief sponsor of legislation to kill the death tax on family businesses and farms. We were successful in eliminating this burdensome tax in Virginia. The federal death tax was phased out over a period of years in 2001, but the tax cut expires at the end of next year.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will stand up for Virginians by fighting for the permanent elimination of the death tax at the federal level.
Agriculture Policies that Stimulate Economic Opportunity
A new study commissioned by the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and created by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia found that the total economic impact of agriculture and forestry-related industries in Virginia was almost $79 billion in total industry output in 2006. The total employment impact is approximately 501,500 jobs, which makes up 10.3 percent of state employment. Every job created in agriculture and forestry related industries results in another 1.5 jobs in the Virginia economy. Every dollar generated in value-added results in another $1.75 value added in the Virginia economy.
It is clear that an economic revival cannot occur in our Commonwealth without a specific focus on promoting our agriculture and forestry industries.
Bob McDonnell will be a champion for Virginia's largest industry, include representatives from the community in policy decisions affecting their industry and will not overburden this industry with regulations that do not take into account proven results from existing voluntary and required approaches.
· Ensure that the Secretary of Agriculture's top priority is finding new markets in the US and abroad for Virginia's farm products.
· We will work with collaborative groups to identify adequate and stable sources of funding for the Agricultural Best Management Practices Program - both for cost-share and Soil and Water Conservation District operations.
· We support a comprehensive energy plan that includes offshore drilling for oil and natural gas to help lower long term fuel costs for farmers. McDonnell also supports further research and development of renewable energy sources, but will be sure not to put the burden on farmer's backs.
· Many farmers already have nutrient reduction programs in place on their farms. The McDonnell administration will work with the farming community to determine what plans are already in place, and evaluate their success or failures so that we can best determine how to move forward. We will not just put more regulations and mandates on the farming community without accurately knowing what they are doing already.
· We will continue to promote more farm preservation and keeping farms as working farms. In April, Bob McDonnell announced his goal of preserving another 400,000 acres of open space.
· Provide incentives for the development and use of the latest seed trait technology to improve yield and resistance to disease and insects while reducing chemicals which are a contributor to non-point source pollution.
· Before they are implemented, we will review all the regulations and executive orders issued by the current administration to ensure that they do not place undue costly burdens on agriculture.
McDonnell Focuses on Job Creation in Visit to Southside
At Morning Press Conference Unveils: "Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere"
-Plan Includes Coordinated Statewide Effort to Bring New Economic Opportunity and Prosperity to Rural Virginia-
RIDGEWAY- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring new jobs and more opportunities to rural Virginia. He announced his plans during a press conference held at Blue Ridge Aquaculture in Henry County, where the unemployment rate is 15.4%. Ridgeway is just outside Martinsville, a city struggling with a 21.6% unemployment rate, the highest in the state. McDonnell's plan emphasizes the need for a coordinated statewide effort to spur growth in rural Virginia, noting the importance of putting individuals in Virginia's rural cities and counties at the helm of these efforts. The plan highlights the need for bold action to overcome current economic challenges, and builds off of plans McDonnell has already unveiled relating to small businesses, education and energy.
The Highlights of Bob's "Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere" Plan include:
· Making Virginia the best state in America in which to open a small business
· Establishing a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program to spur job growth and economic development in historically underutilized business zones
· Designating one Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus solely on rural economic development
· Creating a Governor's Rural Virginia Taskforce to ensure cooperation among agencies
· Fully utilizing the Center for Rural Virginia
· Providing a $1,000 tax credit per job to businesses that create 50 new jobs, or 25 new jobs in economically distressed areas
· Expanding use of the Governor's Opportunity Fund by roughly doubling the funding available and broadening Fund rules to allow companies that generate additional state and local tax revenue to qualify
· Establishing academic opportunities in K-12 and higher education that train a workforce in transferable skills, and expanding existing programs to every area of rural Virginia
· Developing a comprehensive infrastructure plan
· Making Southwest and Southside Virginia the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development
· Promoting farm preservation, championing agriculture issues, and reviewing over-burdensome regulations and Executive Orders
· Fighting for the permanent elimination of the death tax at the federal level
Speaking about his proposals to launch a coordinated statewide effort to bring economic revitalization to rural Virginia, McDonnell remarked, "Most Virginians have been impacted by this economic downturn and we are all anxious about what the future holds. Many of our rural communities have been hit the hardest. Here in Henry County unemployment tops 15.4% and in neighboring Martinsville the unemployment rate is the highest in the state at 21.6%. The people of Ridgeway, and all of rural Virginia, are hard working, innovative, and talented. What they need are the new jobs and opportunities that will allow them to achieve their dreams, and grow our economy. From manufacturing to dairy farms, I know that rural Virginia will be a key part of the economic resurgence that we will create in the Commonwealth. I will be a jobs governor. Working together, across party and regional lines, we will bring new jobs and greater opportunities to rural Virginia."
McDonnell continued, "In my administration I will enact specific policies geared toward job creation in rural Virginia. We will designate one Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus exclusively on rural Virginia. This individual will have one simple mission: help keep the jobs we have, and create the new jobs we need, in our rural areas. We will provide tax credits for employers who go into our hard hit rural areas and create jobs for our citizens. We will work to provide aspiring entrepreneurs the educational and financial resources necessary to maintain and grow their businesses. We will expand the energy revolution in Southside and Southwest and make these areas the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development. We are also fully committed to the creation and sustainability of good jobs in rural Virginia to provide the next generation with the opportunity to live and work in their hometowns and communities. Our focus is simple: bring good paying jobs and great opportunities to the hard working people of rural Virginia."
"Economic Vision for Rural Virginia: Good Jobs Everywhere"
Bob McDonnell will be a jobs Governor. He understands that most Virginians have been impacted by this economic downturn, and people are anxious about what the future holds. That's why he will make his top priority bringing new jobs and greater opportunity to every corner of the Commonwealth - from Lee to Accomack to Loudoun County. Bob McDonnell has bold ideas and specific proposals to help overcome the challenges Virginians are facing and get our economy moving again.
Many of our rural cities and counties in Virginia have been hardest hit by the economic downturn. Henry County's unemployment increased by 7.8% in just the past year; Wythe County's unemployment rate rose to 11.3% from 5.6%; King William saw a 4.1% increase in their unemployment rate; Smyth County had an increase of 6.8%; and the city of Martinsville has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 21.6%.
From manufacturing facilities to dairy farms, rural Virginia must be a critical part of the economic engine to turn Virginia around.
Bob McDonnell has outlined specific policies geared toward an economic resurgence in Virginia's rural towns and counties and when he implements them as Governor, they will bring new opportunities to these areas. Bob McDonnell's plan for rural Virginia will not only create and sustain jobs today, but will ensure more opportunities for the next generation, so the regions' best resource will have every reason to stay and work in their hometowns and communities.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship throughout the Commonwealth
For most Virginians, jobs and opportunity means starting or expanding their own small business. Small businesses are 97.5% of all existing businesses in Virginia at 225,000 strong. They account for approximately 75% of new job growth in the Commonwealth. Total employment by small businesses is roughly 55% of the job force in Virginia.
In order to spur expansion of existing businesses and the establishment of new businesses that will pump revenue into our economy and employ thousands of Virginians, Bob McDonnell will significantly improve the resources available to those starting up or expanding a small business.
· Commit Virginia government to approve most routine business applications within 48 hours.
· Significantly enhancethe "The Virginia Business One Stop" website into a "First and Only Stop" by increasing the information,resources, and assistance available to ensure that only one stop is necessary to get a new business up and running with minimal delay.
· Update and combine Virginia's four different small business guides into one user-friendly document: "How to Start or Expand a Business."
· Work with Virginia localities to get all necessary paperwork and forms for small business start ups online.
· Make it easier for businesses in good standingthat are expanding within Virginia, or moving into the state, to operate under temporary licenseswhile awaiting official approval
· Promote Virginia as the "Best State in America in Which to Open a Small Business"
Historically Underutilized Business Zones
The federal HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program was established under the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997. Falling under the auspices of the US Small Business Administration, the program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones ("HUBZones") through the establishment of federal procurement preferences for businesses meeting program requirements. The program is designed to grow businesses and create jobs in distressed areas by providing access to more Federal contracting opportunities to qualifying business located in HUBZones. They are designated by federal government agencies and include both rural/nonmetropolitan areas and urban sectors, which exhibit low median household income and higher unemployment rates.
· As Governor, McDonnell will introduce legislation establishing a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, based upon the federal HUBZone program, to spur economic development and job growth in urban and rural areas.
· A Virginia HUBZone program would mandate at least 15% of state procurement contracts are awarded to qualifying certified small businesses located within HUBZones and meeting the programs requirements. This program will ensure state procurement opportunities are based on criteria such as business size, geographic location and competitive pricing on products and services; thus, expanding state procurement opportunities beyond large venders in metro areas.
· The Virginia HUBZone program would act as a catalyst for job growth and economic development in rural areas and urban areas alike. By focusing on the geographic location of targeted businesses, as well as other important factors, the program will reinvigorate areas hardest hit by challenging economic times.
Coordinated Statewide Effort to Further Growth in Rural Virginia
Effective economic development practices vary greatly by region throughout the Commonwealth. What works in Richmond, Norfolk or Northern Virginia may not necessarily work for rural Virginia. There is also significant diversity within rural Virginia that must be taken into account.
· The McDonnell administration will designate one deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade to focus solely on rural economic development. This position will make recommendations directly to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the chief job creation officer (the Lt. Governor), and the Governor on how to spur economic opportunities in rural cities and counties in the short and long term. Along with the deputy secretary, the Governor and Lt. Governor will visit regions of the state with the highest unemployment regularly to meet with regional leaders to develop job creation actions.
· This deputy will spend extensive time in rural communities helping develop innovative and meaningful ways to retain and increase jobs in these areas.
· An individual, who has never lived or worked in a rural area in Virginia, cannot fully understand the challenges and opportunities of economic growth in that area. This position will be filled by an individual from rural Virginia and have experience with job creation in those areas.
One of the existing resources Bob McDonnell will fully utilize as Governor is the Center for Rural Virginia ("Center"). The Center was created in 2004 and is an independent nonprofit local entity created for the purpose of sustaining economic growth in the rural areas of the Commonwealth and lessening the burdens of government through the activities prescribed by the General Assembly. The Center focuses on six key areas or core competencies: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Infrastructure; Healthcare; Education/Workforce; Community Capacity (leadership training); and Capital Access.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will add the Lieutenant Governor as the chief job creation officer, and the newly dedicated deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Growth to the Board of Trustees.
· Bob McDonnell will turn to the Center for guidance and advice on issues critical to the success of rural Virginia and to assist him with prioritizing objectives, including using the Center as a resource for recommendations on how to best utilize economic development incentives such as the Governor's Opportunity Fund.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will also partner with the Center to create a comprehensive and meaningful "Economic Policy for Rural Virginia." This four-year plan is currently developed by VEDP in Richmond, but would be better served if developed in coordination with those in rural Virginia who have the experience and expertise to identify and develop the policy plan.
The agencies and institutions that can assist rural Virginia must be highly visible in rural areas and cooperation among the agencies and institutions is key.
· To ensure that rural Virginia's needs are fully indentified and addressed, Bob McDonnell will also require each executive branch agency and state entity that has a significant impact on rural Virginia to designate one person to participate in the Governor's Rural Virginia Jobs Taskforce. Secretariats involved will include Commerce and Trade, Agriculture, Technology, Natural Resources, Education, Transportation and Health and Human Resources. The deputy secretary for Commerce for Rural Economic Development will also be a member of the Taskforce.
· The Taskforce will meet on a regular basis to coordinate their respective agencies' activities as it relates to rural Virginia and will report to the Governor's Chief of Staff. The Taskforce designees will also serve as their agencies' point of contact for rural community leaders and organizations. The Taskforce will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing issues affecting rural Virginia, developing a comprehensive statewide strategy to address these issues, developing partnerships with rural community leaders and working closely with and seeking advice from the Center for Rural Virginia.
Virginia has a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) that have locations throughout rural Virginia. The SBDC, the Community Colleges, the other higher education centers in rural regions should provide space and opportunity to have representatives from VEDP and other relevant state entities on site on a regular basis. Seminars and courses should be made available to those who wish to start a business or expand a business - whether it is a farm, a bed and breakfast or a small manufacturing company.
The Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit was created by Governor George Allen and has been successful in helping businesses expand and relocate to Virginia. The program is easily administered and was reauthorized by the 2009 General Assembly through 2020. The tax credit can be claimed by companies engaged in any business in the Commonwealth, except for retail trade business, that create at least 100 new full time jobs in connection with the establishment or expansion of a major business facility. In the event that a major business facility is located in an economically distressed area or in an enterprise zone, the threshold is lowered to 50 jobs.
· Bob McDonnell recognizes that not all businesses can expand by 100 employees during these tough economic times. To expand the use of this successful program and incentivize job creation, Bob McDonnell will remove the 100 job threshold and give any company that creates at least 50 jobs the $1,000 tax credit.
· For facilities that locate in an enterprise zone or economically distressed area, we will lower the threshold from 50 to 25 jobs.
· Also, so that more job creating facilities will be eligible for this tax credit, we will consider economically distressed area as those having unemployment rates 150% greater than the state average, to put it on par with the GOF. Currently, an area shall qualify as severely economically distressed if it is a city or county with an unemployment rate for the preceding year of at least twice the average statewide unemployment rate for such year.
· We will propose this expansion of the tax credit for two years or until the economy recovers.
The Governor's Opportunity Fund (GOF) is designed as a "deal closing" fund to be employed at the Governor's discretion when necessary to secure a company location or expansion in Virginia. The GOF serves as a final resource for Virginia in the face of serious competition from other states or countries. A GOF grant is awarded to the Virginia locality, with the expectation that the grant will assist in attracting new industry, resulting in the creation of new jobs and capital investment.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will double the amount of the fund to about $40 million every two years. He will also expand the use of the GOF so that more businesses and the employees they hire will benefit. We will change the GOF rules to include not just job creation and capital investment as the criteria to qualify, but we will also allow companies that generate significant additional state and local tax revenue to qualify. We will also propose lower local matches for large projects and raising the governor's authority to $2 million per deal.
In conclusion, Richmond must come to rural Virginia. Working with the Lieutenant Governor, who will serve as the chief jobs creation officer, the deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Center for Rural Virginia and the Taskforce will ensure that all applicable agencies and institutions responsible for economic development and workforce training for everything from small businesses-to major industries will have the resources needed to meet the challenges facing rural Virginia. These experts will have an increased presence in rural Virginia to help maximize existing resources.
Education in Rural Virginia
Most research into economic development has found that among the most important, if not the most important, factors is a ready and able workforce. Incentives and programs to develop economic activity have become a primary function of government because successful economic development provides citizens with the opportunity to increase their knowledge, earn better incomes, and provide for their own healthcare, retirement, and education for their children. However, it takes more than economic development incentives and programs to grow jobs and create wealth over the long term. Nowhere is this more true than in the rural areas of Virginia.
In order to establish long term growth and revitalization in rural Virginia, there must be a plan that allows rural communities to capitalize on their strengths and not necessarily model them after urban Virginia. Rural Virginia needs a transformation that creates a modern workforce while continuing to embrace its heritage of a rigorous work ethic that helped to build this great Commonwealth.
To achieve this goal, we must establish academic opportunities in K-12 and higher education that train a workforce in transferable skills in areas such as math, science, technology, computers, healthcare, and business. After two or four years of higher education, a young person should have the basic skills necessary to begin a trade or profession, run a bed and breakfast, or carry on the family farm in the area in which they grew up. The existence of these trained young people in rural Virginia provides the economic base necessary to further create the jobs needed to make the area prosper and grow. In order to accomplish this, we need to promote the programs that already exist while expanding into new areas.
Virginia already has a fast track program to an advanced agricultural career-The Agricultural Technology Program at Virginia Tech. Certain community colleges-Central Virginia Community College, Patrick Henry Community College and Southwest Virginia Community College are embarking on a Sustainable Agribusiness Management Program for Fall 2009. These are great starts but we need these and similar programs in other regions of the Commonwealth and to coordinate long distance learning programs for more remote areas. For example, partnerships with Longwood College and UVA-Wise can help to promote four year programs in Southside and far Southwestern Virginia.
Most critically, people need to be aware of the availability of these and other programs that enable the full economic potential of these regions of the Commonwealth. For example, Community Colleges currently offer associate degrees in Travel and Tourism. A degree in such a program could offer great potential to someone wishing to establish a bed and breakfast, promote a winery or open a bike shop. From beautiful working farms to the new nature trails on the bed of former railroad lines, enormous potential for creating business exists.
Bob McDonnell's plan is to expand the availability of existing programs to reach every rural area in the Commonwealth and to expand the scope of the programs available so that as a student learns about the basics of agriculture, they also learn the skills necessary to run an agribusiness (including agritourism) like technology, finance and how to write and implement a business plan.
We must integrate the services of these higher education facilities and pool resources, we must reach out to students and provide grants and loans to facilitate their education and create a vibrant workforce, and we must connect these young entrepreneurs to the full array of resources that will help them to reach their full potential.
Infrastructure Improvements
During his first year as Governor, Bob McDonnell will develop a comprehensive infrastructure plan for rural Virginia. Expanding broadband access is vitally important to these communities, but it is only one piece of the infrastructure puzzle to increase economic development in rural Virginia. Bob McDonnell will utilize the resources available to him as Governor to form partnerships with rural community leaders so they can develop their own part of the comprehensive plan regarding what they need most to attract and retain business in their communities. This could mean expanding traditional utilities like water and power or ensuring that their community has broadband internet access or wireless service. Either way, under Bob McDonnell's administration the localities will direct prioritizing their infrastructure needs not Richmond.
Transform Southside and Southwest Virginia into America's Energy Corridor
In cooperation with the Virginia Tobacco Commission, private sector energy leaders, our community colleges and our major research universities, Bob McDonnell will make Southwest and Southside Virginia the nation's hub for traditional and alternative energy research and development. When the technology transformation of the economy took place in the 1990's, Virginia was at the vanguard - Virginia needs to lead again when it comes to energy. Just as Northern Virginia is recognized as the leading technology corridor in the nation, the new energy corridor on the east coast will be Southside and Southwest Virginia. The Tobacco Commission has established 5 key research and economic development centers in the tobacco footprint of Virginia.
· Bob McDonnell will leverage the $100 million in funding made available through the tobacco commission by attracting private sector investment and coordinating grant opportunities with our universities and community colleges.
· A new Virginia Energy Institute will bring together the academic research capabilities of our major research universities under one canopy to help focus efforts on developing energy technologies for the 21st century.
· To assist with the attraction, building and operation of major energy facilities in Southside and Southwest Virginia, we will also support the establishment of the Center for Energy. The Center for Energy would be part of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and its purpose would be to work with local economic development organizations and Industrial Development Authorities to make certain that we maximize the potential for energy related investment in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Not only will this mean more jobs and investment for Southside and Southwest Virginia, it will make Virginia the leader when it comes to policy guidance, research, and development on the harnessing and use of renewable energy, smart grid technology, carbon capture and sequestration, clean coal, oil, refining capacity, electricity, natural gas, energy infrastructure, and alternatives.
Fight for the Permanent Elimination of the Death Tax at the Federal Level
As a Virginia Delegate, Bob McDonnell was chief sponsor of legislation to kill the death tax on family businesses and farms. We were successful in eliminating this burdensome tax in Virginia. The federal death tax was phased out over a period of years in 2001, but the tax cut expires at the end of next year.
· As Governor, Bob McDonnell will stand up for Virginians by fighting for the permanent elimination of the death tax at the federal level.
Agriculture Policies that Stimulate Economic Opportunity
A new study commissioned by the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and created by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia found that the total economic impact of agriculture and forestry-related industries in Virginia was almost $79 billion in total industry output in 2006. The total employment impact is approximately 501,500 jobs, which makes up 10.3 percent of state employment. Every job created in agriculture and forestry related industries results in another 1.5 jobs in the Virginia economy. Every dollar generated in value-added results in another $1.75 value added in the Virginia economy.
It is clear that an economic revival cannot occur in our Commonwealth without a specific focus on promoting our agriculture and forestry industries.
Bob McDonnell will be a champion for Virginia's largest industry, include representatives from the community in policy decisions affecting their industry and will not overburden this industry with regulations that do not take into account proven results from existing voluntary and required approaches.
· Ensure that the Secretary of Agriculture's top priority is finding new markets in the US and abroad for Virginia's farm products.
· We will work with collaborative groups to identify adequate and stable sources of funding for the Agricultural Best Management Practices Program - both for cost-share and Soil and Water Conservation District operations.
· We support a comprehensive energy plan that includes offshore drilling for oil and natural gas to help lower long term fuel costs for farmers. McDonnell also supports further research and development of renewable energy sources, but will be sure not to put the burden on farmer's backs.
· Many farmers already have nutrient reduction programs in place on their farms. The McDonnell administration will work with the farming community to determine what plans are already in place, and evaluate their success or failures so that we can best determine how to move forward. We will not just put more regulations and mandates on the farming community without accurately knowing what they are doing already.
· We will continue to promote more farm preservation and keeping farms as working farms. In April, Bob McDonnell announced his goal of preserving another 400,000 acres of open space.
· Provide incentives for the development and use of the latest seed trait technology to improve yield and resistance to disease and insects while reducing chemicals which are a contributor to non-point source pollution.
· Before they are implemented, we will review all the regulations and executive orders issued by the current administration to ensure that they do not place undue costly burdens on agriculture.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Gubernatorial Candidate Bob McDonnell Addresses Republicans
August 8, 2009
Bob McDonnell Delivers Weekly Republican National Address
Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, will deliver the weekly Republican national address this Saturday, August 8th. The remarks will air nationally on television and radio. His remarks were embargoed until 6am Saturday to coincide with the President's weekly address.
http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/weeklyaddress
Hi, I'm Bob McDonnell from Virginia.
Times are tough in our state, and in yours.
Yesterday's jobs report is yet another reminder that families and small businesses are struggling as unemployment remains high.
Here in Virginia, we face unemployment rates at a 25 year high.
As I travel throughout Virginia, I listen to our people who are concerned about the jobs they have, worried about finding the jobs they need, and concerned about what jobs will be available for their kids in the years ahead.
As a father of five, I share those same concerns; that's why our main goal is to bring Virginians together to create jobs and more opportunities all across our state.
And we want government at all levels to be a partner in promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
As Republicans, we believe you create jobs by keeping taxes and regulation low, and litigation at a minimum.
Americans succeed when government puts in place positive policies that encourage more freedom, and more opportunity.
Right now Virginians are particularly concerned about federal cap and trade legislation. This legislation would amount to a huge new national energy tax. If implemented, electricity rates would skyrocket and jobs would be lost.
Two weeks ago I was in Covington, in Western Virginia; I visited Mead Westvaco, an international packaging company. It's the largest employer in the area, providing 1500 good jobs. They told me the cap and trade legislation, if passed, would threaten those jobs. Mark George, the vice president of the facility, told me this, 'I feel that the next Governor of Virginia, and every representative we have, should care about keeping those good jobs in Virginia; I agree.
We must do everything we can to keep and grow jobs in Virginia, and every state in the Union. That's why we strongly oppose cap and trade, a job killing energy tax that would put American companies at a tremendous competitive disadvantage with employers in other countries; it's the wrong policy for a nation struggling with the worst economy in generations. That's why we've fought against the job-killing card-check legislation being pushed by big national labor unions and Democrats in Congress.
It's why we are committed to helping more Americans get the healthcare and coverage they need; not through nationalizing the system with a costly government run plan, but rather by supporting free market incentives and helping small business owners make coverage more accessible and affordable, and ensuring that Americans can keep their individual private policies.
Government must be more efficient, and more accountable; which is why we are calling for an end to runaway government spending that is leading to an exploding deficit and burdening our children with new debt that they will have to repay.
The cornerstone of our founders system of federalism is that the states are the laboratories of democracy, where new ideas can be tried and innovations unleashed. I'm calling for environmentally friendly offshore drilling, selling our state-run liquor stores to put more cash into transportation, and expanding access for Virginia students at our colleges.
I've said that the President is right in his call for real education reform, with more charter schools, and performance pay for great teachers and principals. Now that's a bipartisan reform that will help all our children get the education they need today to get those good jobs of tomorrow.
Together, we will use innovation and free markets to bring new jobs and more opportunities to Virginia, and America.
Have a great weekend!
Bob McDonnell Delivers Weekly Republican National Address
Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, will deliver the weekly Republican national address this Saturday, August 8th. The remarks will air nationally on television and radio. His remarks were embargoed until 6am Saturday to coincide with the President's weekly address.
http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/weeklyaddress
Hi, I'm Bob McDonnell from Virginia.
Times are tough in our state, and in yours.
Yesterday's jobs report is yet another reminder that families and small businesses are struggling as unemployment remains high.
Here in Virginia, we face unemployment rates at a 25 year high.
As I travel throughout Virginia, I listen to our people who are concerned about the jobs they have, worried about finding the jobs they need, and concerned about what jobs will be available for their kids in the years ahead.
As a father of five, I share those same concerns; that's why our main goal is to bring Virginians together to create jobs and more opportunities all across our state.
And we want government at all levels to be a partner in promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
As Republicans, we believe you create jobs by keeping taxes and regulation low, and litigation at a minimum.
Americans succeed when government puts in place positive policies that encourage more freedom, and more opportunity.
Right now Virginians are particularly concerned about federal cap and trade legislation. This legislation would amount to a huge new national energy tax. If implemented, electricity rates would skyrocket and jobs would be lost.
Two weeks ago I was in Covington, in Western Virginia; I visited Mead Westvaco, an international packaging company. It's the largest employer in the area, providing 1500 good jobs. They told me the cap and trade legislation, if passed, would threaten those jobs. Mark George, the vice president of the facility, told me this, 'I feel that the next Governor of Virginia, and every representative we have, should care about keeping those good jobs in Virginia; I agree.
We must do everything we can to keep and grow jobs in Virginia, and every state in the Union. That's why we strongly oppose cap and trade, a job killing energy tax that would put American companies at a tremendous competitive disadvantage with employers in other countries; it's the wrong policy for a nation struggling with the worst economy in generations. That's why we've fought against the job-killing card-check legislation being pushed by big national labor unions and Democrats in Congress.
It's why we are committed to helping more Americans get the healthcare and coverage they need; not through nationalizing the system with a costly government run plan, but rather by supporting free market incentives and helping small business owners make coverage more accessible and affordable, and ensuring that Americans can keep their individual private policies.
Government must be more efficient, and more accountable; which is why we are calling for an end to runaway government spending that is leading to an exploding deficit and burdening our children with new debt that they will have to repay.
The cornerstone of our founders system of federalism is that the states are the laboratories of democracy, where new ideas can be tried and innovations unleashed. I'm calling for environmentally friendly offshore drilling, selling our state-run liquor stores to put more cash into transportation, and expanding access for Virginia students at our colleges.
I've said that the President is right in his call for real education reform, with more charter schools, and performance pay for great teachers and principals. Now that's a bipartisan reform that will help all our children get the education they need today to get those good jobs of tomorrow.
Together, we will use innovation and free markets to bring new jobs and more opportunities to Virginia, and America.
Have a great weekend!
Gubernatorial Candidate Bob McDonnell Launches Jobs Tour
August 8, 2009
McDonnell Embarks on Month Long "New Jobs, More Opportunities" Statewide RV Tour
Will Visit Every Corner of the Commonwealth; Travel Over 1500 Miles in First Week Alone
- McDonnell Visits Communities from Tangier Island to Alexandria to Bristol-
RICHMOND - Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today announced his "New Jobs, More Opportunities" month long statewide RV tour of Virginia. The tour kicks off Saturday, August 8th at the Patrick County Peach Festival in Stuart and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th when the RV tour concludes with an appearance in the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade.
Within the first week of the tour alone Bob will visit five major regions of the Commonwealth, traveling over 1500 miles.
Speaking about the tour Bob stated, "I can't wait to get out and visit Virginians in every region of our beautiful Commonwealth. Serving as Virginia's Attorney General I've had the opportunity to represent all Virginians at a statewide level. A large part of that service involved traveling Virginia and listening to citizens and what is on their minds. That continues with this tour. And I'm also going to be doing some talking of my own of course! I'm excited about taking our bold positive campaign proposals on energy, education, transportation, small business and every other issue directly to Virginians in their cities and counties. This is a difficult time in Virginia's history. Virginians need jobs, they need opportunities. That's what our campaign is all about."
McDonnell continued, "I'm looking forward to visiting with voters on Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, to campaigning at the Peach Festival in Stuart, to speaking at historic Luray Caverns to stopping by events in Tysons Corner to listening to workers at the Shipyards in Newport News. There isn't one region of Virginia we won't visit; there isn't one single vote we will write off. This campaign is about bringing Virginians together to create new jobs and more opportunities for all our citizens. It is positive, upbeat, energetic and starting Monday: "on the road!"
Over the next month Bob will continue to roll out major policy proposals, building on the initiatives he has already rolled out. Since his campaign kicked-off in February, Bob has unveiled comprehensive plans to fix Virginia's transportation issues, improve education through the awarding of 100,000 more degrees and dramatically expand the number of quality charter schools, bring new energy technology to the state to make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast, and make Virginia the best state in America in which to open a small business.
Below is a schedule of the first week of the tour. Detailed public schedules of the RV tour for the rest of the month will be released daily in addition to the weekly public schedule put out on Fridays.
"New Jobs, More Opportunities" Statewide RV Tour Schedule 8/8 - 8/14
Saturday, August 8
· Patrick County Peach Festival, Stuart
· Fiddler's Convention, Galax
Sunday, August 9
· Event TBD, Hampton
Monday, August 10
· Press Event, Martinsville
· Tour of Bio Fuels Plant, Gretna
· Tour of Ikea Plant, Ringgold
· Sorensen Institute and Danville Register & Bee Town Hall, Danville
Tuesday, August 11
· Route 58 Tour from South Boston to Hampton
· Drop-by Victory Headquarters, Chesapeake
Wednesday, August 12
· Veterans Breakfast, Chesapeake
· Address to Virginia Chiefs of Police Annual Conference, Newport News
· Press Conference, Newport News
Thursday, August 13
· Press Conference, Wallops Island
· Lunch on Historic Tangier Island
Friday, August 14
· Address to Republican National Hispanic Assembly Dinner, Tyson's Corner
McDonnell Embarks on Month Long "New Jobs, More Opportunities" Statewide RV Tour
Will Visit Every Corner of the Commonwealth; Travel Over 1500 Miles in First Week Alone
- McDonnell Visits Communities from Tangier Island to Alexandria to Bristol-
RICHMOND - Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today announced his "New Jobs, More Opportunities" month long statewide RV tour of Virginia. The tour kicks off Saturday, August 8th at the Patrick County Peach Festival in Stuart and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th when the RV tour concludes with an appearance in the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade.
Within the first week of the tour alone Bob will visit five major regions of the Commonwealth, traveling over 1500 miles.
Speaking about the tour Bob stated, "I can't wait to get out and visit Virginians in every region of our beautiful Commonwealth. Serving as Virginia's Attorney General I've had the opportunity to represent all Virginians at a statewide level. A large part of that service involved traveling Virginia and listening to citizens and what is on their minds. That continues with this tour. And I'm also going to be doing some talking of my own of course! I'm excited about taking our bold positive campaign proposals on energy, education, transportation, small business and every other issue directly to Virginians in their cities and counties. This is a difficult time in Virginia's history. Virginians need jobs, they need opportunities. That's what our campaign is all about."
McDonnell continued, "I'm looking forward to visiting with voters on Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, to campaigning at the Peach Festival in Stuart, to speaking at historic Luray Caverns to stopping by events in Tysons Corner to listening to workers at the Shipyards in Newport News. There isn't one region of Virginia we won't visit; there isn't one single vote we will write off. This campaign is about bringing Virginians together to create new jobs and more opportunities for all our citizens. It is positive, upbeat, energetic and starting Monday: "on the road!"
Over the next month Bob will continue to roll out major policy proposals, building on the initiatives he has already rolled out. Since his campaign kicked-off in February, Bob has unveiled comprehensive plans to fix Virginia's transportation issues, improve education through the awarding of 100,000 more degrees and dramatically expand the number of quality charter schools, bring new energy technology to the state to make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast, and make Virginia the best state in America in which to open a small business.
Below is a schedule of the first week of the tour. Detailed public schedules of the RV tour for the rest of the month will be released daily in addition to the weekly public schedule put out on Fridays.
"New Jobs, More Opportunities" Statewide RV Tour Schedule 8/8 - 8/14
Saturday, August 8
· Patrick County Peach Festival, Stuart
· Fiddler's Convention, Galax
Sunday, August 9
· Event TBD, Hampton
Monday, August 10
· Press Event, Martinsville
· Tour of Bio Fuels Plant, Gretna
· Tour of Ikea Plant, Ringgold
· Sorensen Institute and Danville Register & Bee Town Hall, Danville
Tuesday, August 11
· Route 58 Tour from South Boston to Hampton
· Drop-by Victory Headquarters, Chesapeake
Wednesday, August 12
· Veterans Breakfast, Chesapeake
· Address to Virginia Chiefs of Police Annual Conference, Newport News
· Press Conference, Newport News
Thursday, August 13
· Press Conference, Wallops Island
· Lunch on Historic Tangier Island
Friday, August 14
· Address to Republican National Hispanic Assembly Dinner, Tyson's Corner
Friday, August 7, 2009
Attorney General's Race Challenger Debating Debates
August 7, 2009
FAIRFAX - The following is a copy of the email Senator Cuccinelli sent to Steve Shannon just moments ago.
----------------------
Steve:
I appreciate your "prompt" reply to my initial debate challenge that I sent on July 13th.
I was a bit surprised however to read your list of "agreed" upon dates in your letter. For starters, the date for the Prince William Committee of 100 (PWC 100) debate was entirely false. We were still working with the PWC 100 as recently as this morning to settle on a date.
PWC 100 debate organizers told my staff this afternoon that your campaign said you released an inaccurate date because you just wanted to say you had agreed to certain debates instead of listing "TBA" for the date.
And WTOP was pretty surprised to hear of your assertion that they had scheduled a debate. Mark Plotkin, the presumed moderator, confirmed this over the phone with my staff this afternoon and apologized (though HE had nothing to apologize for).
Steve, what's going on here? I've never known you to just abandon common courtesy like this - and I don't mean courtesy to me or my campaign, I'm talking about all of these third parties that you're yanking around. This is still Virginia and I think Virginians reasonably expect more professionalism than what we're seeing in your latest stunt (this is an actual "political stunt," unlike my request to call a special session to deal with a real problem in our criminal justice system which you called a "political stunt"). Could this be because you're feeling the heat from voters for not debating me? And suddenly you're trying to give the impression of activity?
If you were so desperate to release a debate schedule with nonexistent dates, you should have just invited me to debate you in person while you were filming your debate with your dog.
I'm curious, how many takes did you have to go through until you got your dog to bark at just the right moment? Don't you think the time you spent debating your dog would have been better spent speaking to voters about substantive issues they care about?
I ask you Steve, if you have enough time to be filming web ads with dogs, why don't you have enough time to debate me before October?
You've provided a list of 3 debates. These three take place in either Northern VA or Richmond. We've only debated once so far, and that was in Virginia Beach in an unpublicized appearance that you only FINALLY agreed to two days before it happened (you remember, if I didn't agree to your restrictions, you weren't going to debate). What about debating in Southside, Roanoke, the Shenandoah Valley, Eastern Virginia and Southwest? I've been taking my campaign to every corner of the Commonwealth for over a year now, why won't you join me there?
The point of my original 12-debate challenge was to take us around the Commonwealth so that we would have the opportunity to address voters in every corner of Virginia and talk about the issues they care about. Those issues differ from one part of Virginia to another.
So I am going to ask you again. Why won't you accept our 12 debate challenge? What are you so afraid of?
Contact: Chris LaCivita (804) 594-3710
FAIRFAX - The following is a copy of the email Senator Cuccinelli sent to Steve Shannon just moments ago.
----------------------
Steve:
I appreciate your "prompt" reply to my initial debate challenge that I sent on July 13th.
I was a bit surprised however to read your list of "agreed" upon dates in your letter. For starters, the date for the Prince William Committee of 100 (PWC 100) debate was entirely false. We were still working with the PWC 100 as recently as this morning to settle on a date.
PWC 100 debate organizers told my staff this afternoon that your campaign said you released an inaccurate date because you just wanted to say you had agreed to certain debates instead of listing "TBA" for the date.
And WTOP was pretty surprised to hear of your assertion that they had scheduled a debate. Mark Plotkin, the presumed moderator, confirmed this over the phone with my staff this afternoon and apologized (though HE had nothing to apologize for).
Steve, what's going on here? I've never known you to just abandon common courtesy like this - and I don't mean courtesy to me or my campaign, I'm talking about all of these third parties that you're yanking around. This is still Virginia and I think Virginians reasonably expect more professionalism than what we're seeing in your latest stunt (this is an actual "political stunt," unlike my request to call a special session to deal with a real problem in our criminal justice system which you called a "political stunt"). Could this be because you're feeling the heat from voters for not debating me? And suddenly you're trying to give the impression of activity?
If you were so desperate to release a debate schedule with nonexistent dates, you should have just invited me to debate you in person while you were filming your debate with your dog.
I'm curious, how many takes did you have to go through until you got your dog to bark at just the right moment? Don't you think the time you spent debating your dog would have been better spent speaking to voters about substantive issues they care about?
I ask you Steve, if you have enough time to be filming web ads with dogs, why don't you have enough time to debate me before October?
You've provided a list of 3 debates. These three take place in either Northern VA or Richmond. We've only debated once so far, and that was in Virginia Beach in an unpublicized appearance that you only FINALLY agreed to two days before it happened (you remember, if I didn't agree to your restrictions, you weren't going to debate). What about debating in Southside, Roanoke, the Shenandoah Valley, Eastern Virginia and Southwest? I've been taking my campaign to every corner of the Commonwealth for over a year now, why won't you join me there?
The point of my original 12-debate challenge was to take us around the Commonwealth so that we would have the opportunity to address voters in every corner of Virginia and talk about the issues they care about. Those issues differ from one part of Virginia to another.
So I am going to ask you again. Why won't you accept our 12 debate challenge? What are you so afraid of?
Contact: Chris LaCivita (804) 594-3710
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Center for Politics Massive Resistance Project on C-SPAN
August 6, 2009
This weekend, August 8-9, C-SPAN 3 will broadcast and make available online a portion of the Center for Politics' 12th Annual Virginia Political History Project, "With All Deliberate Speed? Massive Resistance in Virginia."
Panel I: The Student Experience
August 8th - 12:40PM EDT-2:00PM EDT
Panel II: Politics and Media during Massive Resistance
August 9th - 12:47PM EDT-2:22PM EDT
Broadcast of the second two panels will take place on C-SPAN August 15-16. Viewers are advised to check the C-SPAN website for more detailed information.
The University of Virginia Center for Politics hosted its annual Virginia Political History Project conference on July 17, 2009 at the Virginia Capitol Building in Richmond to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Massive Resistance.
The conference was the first of its kind, featuring the only statewide gathering of former students as they shared their personal stories from the era. Other featured speakers included former Virginia Governors Linwood Holton Jr. and Douglas Wilder, Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leroy Hassell, State Senator Henry Marsh, State Senator Yvonne Miller, former Delegate Ferguson Reid and many more.
U.Va. Center for Politics
Box 400806
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22904
434.243.8468
This weekend, August 8-9, C-SPAN 3 will broadcast and make available online a portion of the Center for Politics' 12th Annual Virginia Political History Project, "With All Deliberate Speed? Massive Resistance in Virginia."
Panel I: The Student Experience
August 8th - 12:40PM EDT-2:00PM EDT
Panel II: Politics and Media during Massive Resistance
August 9th - 12:47PM EDT-2:22PM EDT
Broadcast of the second two panels will take place on C-SPAN August 15-16. Viewers are advised to check the C-SPAN website for more detailed information.
The University of Virginia Center for Politics hosted its annual Virginia Political History Project conference on July 17, 2009 at the Virginia Capitol Building in Richmond to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Massive Resistance.
The conference was the first of its kind, featuring the only statewide gathering of former students as they shared their personal stories from the era. Other featured speakers included former Virginia Governors Linwood Holton Jr. and Douglas Wilder, Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leroy Hassell, State Senator Henry Marsh, State Senator Yvonne Miller, former Delegate Ferguson Reid and many more.
U.Va. Center for Politics
Box 400806
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22904
434.243.8468
Organizing for America Welcomes Perriello to Charlottesville
August 6, 2009
Contact: Allison Jaslow, (571) 235-3485
TOMORROW: Organizing For America Welcomes Home Rep. Tom Perriello
Virginians hold press conference at the Charlottesville Free Clinic to thank Rep. Perriello for working towards meaningful health insurance reform
Virginia's Organizing for America will hold a press conference TOMORROW, Friday, August 7th at 11:00 am at the Charlottesville Free Clinic to welcome Rep. Tom Perriello back to the district and thank him for working for the health insurance reform Virginians desperately need. Charlottesville Councilwoman Holly Edwards, Clinic Nurse Barrie Carveth, and uninsured citizens who rely on the Charlottesville Free Clinic for essential care gather to also emphasize the great need for health insurance reform now in the Charlottesville area and Virginia as a whole.
OFA, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) dedicated to supporting the President’s agenda for change, is committed to building on and strengthening the historic grassroots network created during the campaign and helping advance the President's policy agenda. In recent months OFA has organized thousands of events in support of President Obama's efforts to reform America’s broken health insurance system, has collected hundreds of thousands of stories emblematic of the struggles Americans face in providing health care for their families and has collected over one million declarations of support for the President's principles for reform.
During the week of July 20th, Organizing for America volunteers in all 50 states held events amplifying the urgent need to reform health care. In January and February, OFA held thousands of events coast-to-coast to help pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and did the same in support of President Obama's landmark budget proposal. OFA’s commitment to reform America’s broken health insurance system will only increase during the August recess with events and actions with the purpose of alerting members of Congress to the broad base of support that health insurance reform has all across this country.
Welcome Back Rep. Tom Periello
August 7th at 11am
Charlottesville Free Clinic
1138 Rose Hill Drive
Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Contact: Allison Jaslow, (571) 235-3485
TOMORROW: Organizing For America Welcomes Home Rep. Tom Perriello
Virginians hold press conference at the Charlottesville Free Clinic to thank Rep. Perriello for working towards meaningful health insurance reform
Virginia's Organizing for America will hold a press conference TOMORROW, Friday, August 7th at 11:00 am at the Charlottesville Free Clinic to welcome Rep. Tom Perriello back to the district and thank him for working for the health insurance reform Virginians desperately need. Charlottesville Councilwoman Holly Edwards, Clinic Nurse Barrie Carveth, and uninsured citizens who rely on the Charlottesville Free Clinic for essential care gather to also emphasize the great need for health insurance reform now in the Charlottesville area and Virginia as a whole.
OFA, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) dedicated to supporting the President’s agenda for change, is committed to building on and strengthening the historic grassroots network created during the campaign and helping advance the President's policy agenda. In recent months OFA has organized thousands of events in support of President Obama's efforts to reform America’s broken health insurance system, has collected hundreds of thousands of stories emblematic of the struggles Americans face in providing health care for their families and has collected over one million declarations of support for the President's principles for reform.
During the week of July 20th, Organizing for America volunteers in all 50 states held events amplifying the urgent need to reform health care. In January and February, OFA held thousands of events coast-to-coast to help pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and did the same in support of President Obama's landmark budget proposal. OFA’s commitment to reform America’s broken health insurance system will only increase during the August recess with events and actions with the purpose of alerting members of Congress to the broad base of support that health insurance reform has all across this country.
Welcome Back Rep. Tom Periello
August 7th at 11am
Charlottesville Free Clinic
1138 Rose Hill Drive
Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Jody Wagner Asks "Where's Bill?"
August 6, 2009
Contact: press@jodyforva.com
WHERE'S BILL?
LT. GOVERNOR ABSENT FROM GACRE MEETING-AGAIN
Where's Bill Bolling these days? For months, Bolling has been lobbing rhetorical bombs at Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Jody Wagner, criticizing their efforts to close a record budget shortfall, maintain the state's AAA credit rating, and position Virginia as the country's best state for business. More recently, Bolling has continually criticized the state's revenue projections in recent years. So that begs the question: Where has Bill Bolling been?
Since taking office, Bolling has had an open invitation to the meetings of the Governor's Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates, on which sit appropriate Cabinet Secretaries, the House and Senate Leadership, and Virginia's business leaders. The Committee plays a critical role in the bipartisan process of revenue forecasting. Each year, Lt. Governor Bolling has been invited. Each year, he's failed to show up-including the latest meeting, held yesterday in Richmond. So, if Bill Bolling is so concerned about the state's revenue forecasts, why hasn't he bothered to actually take part in the process?
Jody Wagner, the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor, released the following statement on Wednesday:
"Virginia needs a Lt. Governor that's willing to be part of a bipartisan process to get us through the sour national economic climate. For the last four years, the Governor's Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates has played a key role in helping Governor Kaine and the Secretary of Finance-a role I filled for three of those years-project the state's future fiscal revenues. I was proud to work with that group, which is a critical component of our bipartisan budget process. As Lt. Governor, I'll continue working across party lines to reach common sense solutions for Virginia's families."
Contact: press@jodyforva.com
WHERE'S BILL?
LT. GOVERNOR ABSENT FROM GACRE MEETING-AGAIN
Where's Bill Bolling these days? For months, Bolling has been lobbing rhetorical bombs at Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Jody Wagner, criticizing their efforts to close a record budget shortfall, maintain the state's AAA credit rating, and position Virginia as the country's best state for business. More recently, Bolling has continually criticized the state's revenue projections in recent years. So that begs the question: Where has Bill Bolling been?
Since taking office, Bolling has had an open invitation to the meetings of the Governor's Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates, on which sit appropriate Cabinet Secretaries, the House and Senate Leadership, and Virginia's business leaders. The Committee plays a critical role in the bipartisan process of revenue forecasting. Each year, Lt. Governor Bolling has been invited. Each year, he's failed to show up-including the latest meeting, held yesterday in Richmond. So, if Bill Bolling is so concerned about the state's revenue forecasts, why hasn't he bothered to actually take part in the process?
Jody Wagner, the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor, released the following statement on Wednesday:
"Virginia needs a Lt. Governor that's willing to be part of a bipartisan process to get us through the sour national economic climate. For the last four years, the Governor's Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates has played a key role in helping Governor Kaine and the Secretary of Finance-a role I filled for three of those years-project the state's future fiscal revenues. I was proud to work with that group, which is a critical component of our bipartisan budget process. As Lt. Governor, I'll continue working across party lines to reach common sense solutions for Virginia's families."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
AG Candidate Cuccinelli on General Assembly Special Session
August 5, 2009
Richmond - State Senator and Republican candidate for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli submitted his bill on Tuesday to the Clerk of the Senate for consideration at the Special Session of the General Assembly on August 19th.
The Special Session was called by Governor Tim Kaine to address an issue that prosecutors from across Virginia are facing in light of the June 25th United States Supreme Court decision in the Melendez-Diaz vs. Massachusetts case. The special session was first requested by Senator Cuccinelli. Steve Shannon, Democrat candidate for Attorney General, called Cuccinelli's request a "political stunt" at first but now occasionally speaks in support of the Special Session.
"I was pleased to submit my legislation yesterday to the Clerk for consideration at the Special Session in a few weeks" said Senator Ken Cuccinelli. "This legislation will convert Virginia's laws to include a notice and waiver statute for certificates of analysis, allowing lab technicians to be notified in advance if they are required to appear in court. It addresses all different types of cases that were affected by the Melendez ruling: DUI cases, sex offender registry cases, drug cases, and others."
"The Supreme Court ruled similar statutes to that which I have proposed to be constitutional in Ohio, Texas and Georgia, and I'm looking to model Virgina code after these states on this particular issue. It should effectively address the problems our prosecutors have faced as a result of Melendez, although I do believe we will need to hire more lab technicians in order to catch us up on the backlog of cases that have resulted," concluded Cuccinelli.
If you would like to interview Senator Ken Cuccinelli or have any questions, please contact Chris LaCivita at 202 907 1055.
Richmond - State Senator and Republican candidate for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli submitted his bill on Tuesday to the Clerk of the Senate for consideration at the Special Session of the General Assembly on August 19th.
The Special Session was called by Governor Tim Kaine to address an issue that prosecutors from across Virginia are facing in light of the June 25th United States Supreme Court decision in the Melendez-Diaz vs. Massachusetts case. The special session was first requested by Senator Cuccinelli. Steve Shannon, Democrat candidate for Attorney General, called Cuccinelli's request a "political stunt" at first but now occasionally speaks in support of the Special Session.
"I was pleased to submit my legislation yesterday to the Clerk for consideration at the Special Session in a few weeks" said Senator Ken Cuccinelli. "This legislation will convert Virginia's laws to include a notice and waiver statute for certificates of analysis, allowing lab technicians to be notified in advance if they are required to appear in court. It addresses all different types of cases that were affected by the Melendez ruling: DUI cases, sex offender registry cases, drug cases, and others."
"The Supreme Court ruled similar statutes to that which I have proposed to be constitutional in Ohio, Texas and Georgia, and I'm looking to model Virgina code after these states on this particular issue. It should effectively address the problems our prosecutors have faced as a result of Melendez, although I do believe we will need to hire more lab technicians in order to catch us up on the backlog of cases that have resulted," concluded Cuccinelli.
If you would like to interview Senator Ken Cuccinelli or have any questions, please contact Chris LaCivita at 202 907 1055.
DNC Holds Listening Tour in Charlottesville
August 5, 2009
Organizing for America (OFA), the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) grassroots project to support President Obama's agenda will hold a meeting with local supporters and volunteers in Charlottesville, Thursday, August 6th as part of OFA's series of "listening tours" taking place across the country.
Attendees, including supporters and volunteers from the general election, will be invited to offer ideas on how OFA should organize in Charlottesville to support President Obama's priorities. The group will also discuss the best way to provide Americans with the tools to make their voices heard in Washington and help bring about the long-term change voters asked for so overwhelmingly last November.
"We have just one goal for these events - to listen," said Brandyn Keating, Virginia OFA State Director. "The historic dedication and commitment of our supporters is what brought us victory in November and is what will help us advance President Obama's bold vision for the country over the coming years. They, more than anyone else, know what approaches will work best in Charlottesville and we're eager to hear their ideas.”
OFA is committed to building on and strengthening the historic grassroots network created during the campaign and helping advance the President's policy agenda. Virginia OFA’s has made four “listening tour” stops in Reston, Falls Church, Newport News, and Richmond, so far. All were a great success with members of the community turning out to discuss the issues that matter them, and how to best organize their neighborhoods to see the change they voted for become a reality.
In the last two months, more than one million Americans have declared their support for President Obamas three principles for reform: reducing costs, guaranteeing choice - including the choice of a public option, and ensuring quality, affordable coverage for all Americans. Volunteers and supporters across the Commonwealth are continuing to have conversations and educate their neighbors and members of their community about the President's plan to reform health insurance. In recent weeks, OFA volunteers held Health Care Kick Off events, participated in a National Health Care Day of Service on June 27th, and organized a Health Care Week of Action with events in thousands of communities across the country.
Who:
OFA Volunteers
Brandyn Keating, OFA Virginia State Director
Million Fikre, OFA Virginia Field Director
What:
Organizing for America 'Listening Tour'
Where:
Jefferson Madison Regional Library - Central Branch
McIntire Room
201 E. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
When:
Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 PM
Organizing for America (OFA), the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) grassroots project to support President Obama's agenda will hold a meeting with local supporters and volunteers in Charlottesville, Thursday, August 6th as part of OFA's series of "listening tours" taking place across the country.
Attendees, including supporters and volunteers from the general election, will be invited to offer ideas on how OFA should organize in Charlottesville to support President Obama's priorities. The group will also discuss the best way to provide Americans with the tools to make their voices heard in Washington and help bring about the long-term change voters asked for so overwhelmingly last November.
"We have just one goal for these events - to listen," said Brandyn Keating, Virginia OFA State Director. "The historic dedication and commitment of our supporters is what brought us victory in November and is what will help us advance President Obama's bold vision for the country over the coming years. They, more than anyone else, know what approaches will work best in Charlottesville and we're eager to hear their ideas.”
OFA is committed to building on and strengthening the historic grassroots network created during the campaign and helping advance the President's policy agenda. Virginia OFA’s has made four “listening tour” stops in Reston, Falls Church, Newport News, and Richmond, so far. All were a great success with members of the community turning out to discuss the issues that matter them, and how to best organize their neighborhoods to see the change they voted for become a reality.
In the last two months, more than one million Americans have declared their support for President Obamas three principles for reform: reducing costs, guaranteeing choice - including the choice of a public option, and ensuring quality, affordable coverage for all Americans. Volunteers and supporters across the Commonwealth are continuing to have conversations and educate their neighbors and members of their community about the President's plan to reform health insurance. In recent weeks, OFA volunteers held Health Care Kick Off events, participated in a National Health Care Day of Service on June 27th, and organized a Health Care Week of Action with events in thousands of communities across the country.
Who:
OFA Volunteers
Brandyn Keating, OFA Virginia State Director
Million Fikre, OFA Virginia Field Director
What:
Organizing for America 'Listening Tour'
Where:
Jefferson Madison Regional Library - Central Branch
McIntire Room
201 E. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
When:
Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Virginia's Lt. Governor Race Heats Up
August 4, 2009
Contact: press@jodyforva.com
WAGNER CALLS ON BOLLING TO DENOUNCE MULLINS REMARKS
REPUBLICAN CHAIR SAYS SW VIRGINIANS "PREFERRED TO BE ON WELFARE"
Yesterday Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor Jody Wagner called on Bill Bolling to denounce Republican Party of Virginia State Chairman Pat Mullins' comments last week about residents of Southwest Virginia, who Mullins said "preferred to be on welfare," instead of having a job.
Said Wagner: "Pat Mullins' comments are another example of how out of touch Republicans in Virginia really are. As I've travelled throughout the Commonwealth, I've met with and spoken to hundreds of Virginians who strive day in and day out to find a job that can provide quality pay and benefits, so they can support their families. Southwest Virginians have been amongst the hardest hit by the global economic downturn, and yet just months ago, Bill Bolling and the Republicans rejected $125 million from the federal government that would have gone to helping displaced workers in the Commonwealth find new jobs and receive training. If Bill Bolling really believes any Virginian would rather receive a handout then take pride in the dignity of work, then he's simply not qualified to serve another term in state government. If he doesn't, he should join us in denouncing Pat Mullins' remarks."
According to The Recorder newspaper on Thursday, in a discussion with supporters in Monterey, Republican Party of Virginia State Chairman Pat Mullins "…ended his talk with a story about a Wise County insurance office that had to close two offices, not due to lack of work or the economy, but because it couldn't find employees. He said the employer tried to recruit employees at a nearby college campus. 'They preferred to be on welfare,' Mullins said." (The Recorder, 07/30/
Contact: press@jodyforva.com
WAGNER CALLS ON BOLLING TO DENOUNCE MULLINS REMARKS
REPUBLICAN CHAIR SAYS SW VIRGINIANS "PREFERRED TO BE ON WELFARE"
Yesterday Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor Jody Wagner called on Bill Bolling to denounce Republican Party of Virginia State Chairman Pat Mullins' comments last week about residents of Southwest Virginia, who Mullins said "preferred to be on welfare," instead of having a job.
Said Wagner: "Pat Mullins' comments are another example of how out of touch Republicans in Virginia really are. As I've travelled throughout the Commonwealth, I've met with and spoken to hundreds of Virginians who strive day in and day out to find a job that can provide quality pay and benefits, so they can support their families. Southwest Virginians have been amongst the hardest hit by the global economic downturn, and yet just months ago, Bill Bolling and the Republicans rejected $125 million from the federal government that would have gone to helping displaced workers in the Commonwealth find new jobs and receive training. If Bill Bolling really believes any Virginian would rather receive a handout then take pride in the dignity of work, then he's simply not qualified to serve another term in state government. If he doesn't, he should join us in denouncing Pat Mullins' remarks."
According to The Recorder newspaper on Thursday, in a discussion with supporters in Monterey, Republican Party of Virginia State Chairman Pat Mullins "…ended his talk with a story about a Wise County insurance office that had to close two offices, not due to lack of work or the economy, but because it couldn't find employees. He said the employer tried to recruit employees at a nearby college campus. 'They preferred to be on welfare,' Mullins said." (The Recorder, 07/30/
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)