Governor McAuliffe Announces 50,000th Birth Certificate Issued Through DMV/VDH Partnership

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milestone Shows Virginians Love Convenient New Service Option

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced a major milestone in the vital records partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Division of Vital Records. As of this month, the number of birth certificates sold at DMV offices topped 50,000.

“Fifty thousand is a very impressive number, and we are barely six months into this exciting partnership,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Clearly, Virginians are embracing this model of responsive service and convenience. As we build a new Virginia economy, Virginia needs a government that can respond to the needs of its citizens and businesses, and this is just one way we’re getting it done.”

The DMV/VDH partnership was recognized with a Governor’s Technology Award presented at the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond earlier this month.

The birth certificate service at DMV began on March 1, 2014. In April, Governor McAuliffe officially announced the launch of the service and touted the initial success of the partnership at a news conference at the Chesterfield DMV Customer Service Center in Chesterfield County.

DMV saw a surge in birth certificate transactions in August as parents sought the documents in order to enroll their children in schools.

“We share the Governor’s excitement at this milestone and what it means for our customers,”said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Customers at our front counters have been pleasantly surprised that DMV offers this birth certificate service. The response has been tremendous, and the numbers speak for themselves.”

“We are also pleased that the VDH/DMV collaboration has enhanced easy access to these important documents frequently needed by Virginians,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Our partners at DMV understand and share our commitment to the security and accessibility of Virginia vital records, and we look forward to continuing that shared commitment.”

As of September 13, 2014, DMV has served 48,696 customers requesting birth certificates and issued 52,648 certificates. 

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14. 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records. DMV and VDH expect to be ready to begin this phase in summer 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.

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Governor McAuliffe Launches Inaugural Commonwealth Datathon

English: Logo for the Virginia Department of Corrections (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 ~ Teams from Virginia’s agencies will compete over 48 hours to create new and innovative applications ~

RICHMOND– Governor Terry McAuliffe today launched the first ever Commonwealth Datathon Challenge, a competition pitting teams from Virginia agencies against one another as they create new applications that streamline government, better serve citizens, and jumpstart business opportunities.  From August 21^st to 22^nd, agency teams will assemble at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond  to build apps from scratch that make use of Commonwealth data that is publicly available throughData.Virginia.gov.

Speaking on the first of its kind event, Governor McAuliffe said: “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we work together to build a new Virginia economy. And we can’t have an innovative economy without an innovative government. That’s why I’m starting right here with my own administration. For the next 48 hours, I’m challenging our agencies to think outside the box and push both the technology we use and their own creativity to the limits. Getting all these folks in a room together and asking them to build something new will encourage better collaboration within our government, foster a culture of inventiveness, and prove that Virginia is the number one place for fresh ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson took the opportunity to expand the challenge to the general public: “The data our agencies will be using to build their apps is open to the public through our siteData.Virginia.gov. So if you’re a developer or entrepreneur and think you can make something even better that uses our data, we want to hear about it!”

Virginia agencies participating in this week’s Datathon include Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Information Technologies Agency, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

After completing the bulk of their work from August 21^st to August 22^nd, agency teams will deliver final project presentations during a special session held at the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) on September 3^rd in Richmond. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a Crowd Favorite Award while a panel of judges from both state government and the private sector will deliver a Judges’ Choice Award to the most outstanding agency team.

More information can be accessed at the Commonwealth’s data portal Data.Virginia.gov.     

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Governor McDonnell Unveils New “Virginia is for Lovers” License Plate

New Plate Design Will Be Available Beginning March 2014

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell unveiled today the new “Virginia is for Lovers” license plate, which will become the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) standard-issue plate beginning in March 2014.  Governor McDonnell showcased the new plate for the first time during his remarks today at the Governor’s Transportation Conference, themed “Road to the Future,” at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The new plate design will replace the plain blue and white plates which have been the standard for the past couple of decades. 

            

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “In 2007, we honored on Virginia plates the anniversary of the founding of America at Jamestown. Soon, we will utilize Virginia’s timeless slogan to help promote our great Commonwealth. Every time a Virginia-registered car sporting one of these tags travels outside of the state, people around the nation will be reminded that Virginia is a tremendous destination for businesses and tourists.”

            Governor McDonnell commended the Virginia Tourism Corporation and DMV for their collaboration to make this new plate a reality. The license plate will also feature the Web site Virginia.org, the Commonwealth’s official travel and tourism Web site, which has been recognized as the best tourism website in the country. More than 80% of travelers use Internet websites to find, plan, and book their travel. These license plates will drive travelers to Virginia.org, where consumers can find and book their next Virginia vacation.

About “Virginia is for Lovers”

The “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan will celebrate its 45th birthday in 2014.  The phrase came from a creative team headed by a Richmond advertising agency, now known as the Martin Agency, which won the Virginia State Travel Service account in 1968. The first ad mentioning the new slogan ran in the March 1969 issue of “Modern Bride.”

By popular vote, “Virginia is for Lovers” was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on September 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and State Farm's “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.”  This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping “Virginia is for Lovers” as one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time.

No one knows exactly why “Virginia is for Lovers” has been so durable, but part of the mystique of the slogan is that it has meant many things to different people. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.

And now, Virginia’s love story will hit the roads in March 2014.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Milestone in Prisoner Re-entry Support Program

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2,000 ID Cards Issued through DMV and DOC Partnership to Help Offenders Prepare for Release

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a milestone in a partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) that supports the administration’s ongoing work to improve the prisoner re-entry system in the Commonwealth. Through the outreach program called “DMV Connect” more than 2,000 identification cards have now been processed for offenders preparing for release. Virginia now has the second lowest recidivism rate in the country at 23.4%.

Through DMV Connect, correctional facilities, and jails identify individuals slated for release within a few months and facilitate collection of the needed personal documents and DMV applications for Virginia ID cards. DMV employees carry inside the facility a customized case that contains a laptop, camera, and other equipment needed to complete transactions. Only requiring electricity and an Internet connection, the teams securely process real-time transactions.  The new ID card is mailed from a secure central location to the facility.

Governor McDonnell praised the DMV Connect program saying, “One of the main reasons former offenders find themselves back in jail is because it can be difficult to re-enter mainstream life after incarceration. Identification is necessary to secure jobs, open bank accounts, enter public buildings, obtain benefits, and rent or own a home.  By allowing these individuals to leave a facility with a credential in hand, the state is helping place them on the right track for a positive future.”

The DMV Connect program first launched in March of 2012 at the Deep Meadow Correctional Center in Powhatan County. DMV Connect visits a dozen state facilities on a monthly basis and is now processing credentials for offenders preparing for release in about half of Virginia’s 49 correctional facilities. By the end of the year, DMV Connect employees will have visited all state correctional centers to test connectivity with future plans to process credentials in those locations. DMV Connect is also present in one federal facility and serves a number of Sheriff’s Offices and regional jails.

Due the success of DMV Connect, in the future, this program will expand to offer services at additional locations to reach more Virginians.

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Governor McDonnell Joins Northern Virginia Technology Council for Launch of New Veterans Employment Initiative

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Story below video.

FAIRFAX – Governor Bob McDonnell today joined the Northern Virginia Technology Council in launching the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative, a new program designed to connect veterans to employment opportunities within Virginia's technology community.  The announcement was made during an event at ICF International in Fairfax.  The governor was joined at the announcement by Senator Mark Warner, Virginia Secretary of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Terrie Suit and a number of leaders from Virginia’s technology industry.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Connecting our veterans to good-paying jobs following their service to our country has been a critical part of this administration’s veteran’s initiatives over the last three and a half years.  Previously we launched Troops to Trucks, a program developed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles which puts veterans and serving National Guard and Reserve members to work in transportation jobs.  We also launched the Virginia Values Veterans Program, which helps employers in Virginia learn how to recruit, hire, train and retain veterans.  The NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative is a private sector program that recognizes the importance of hiring veterans, and highlights the unique training and skills they received during their military service that have prepared them for the good-paying jobs in our technology sector.  Almost 840,000 veterans have chosen to make Virginia their permanent home following their service.  We want to continue to see that number grow.  By helping the brave men and women who have protected this country find a good job following their service, more veterans will continue to choose Virginia after service.  I commend NVTC for joining the Commonwealth in our ongoing effort to help our veterans find employment in Virginia.”

            In the coming months, NVTC will host a variety of events and programs to assist member companies in establishing or expanding internal veteran programs, including an event in partnership the Virginia Values Veterans(V3) Initiative. In addition, the Council will facilitate events to help veterans learn best practices for their job search, connect to employers in the business community, and network with fellow veterans. 

For more information about the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative, visit www.nvtc.org/veterans. Or visit the veteran online community and resource at www.nvtc.monster.com.

Veteran Employment Initiatives Under Governor McDonnell

Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Preference

This initiative provides certification to businesses that are owned and operated by service disabled veterans for the purpose of promoting usage of these vendor firms by the Commonwealth, as well as by private industry, which may rely on the certified status. Further, state procurement officials and their agencies receive credit towards their goal attainment based on procurement amounts with these firms.

Handling Fee Exemption for Veterans

Veterans are exempt from paying the Department of Business Assistance's handling fee when establishing a small business through the one-stop small business permitting program.

Virginia Veterans Employment Initiatives

• The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program is designed to help employers who are dedicated to hiring veterans.  The program provides for a certification process which includes developing a pipeline to recruit veterans, completing a pilot program and setting goals for hiring veterans as well as retaining them.  This program was established to train employers on how to find and hire veterans.
• The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) provides job referral and placement resources to assist veterans in finding jobs.  Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veteran Outreach Program staff are available in most VEC offices to assist veterans with employment services. They also provide recommendations for additional training and education to qualify for particular jobs or professions.
• A VEC website https://www.vawc.virginia.gov/vosnet/veteran.aspx has the capacity to have veterans enter their military training, experience, military occupation specialty, and any certifications they may have received on active duty and provide related job opportunities.
• The Department of Health Professions Military Credentialing Assistance website provides an online tool for military members who want to make the transition to Virginia’s civilian healthcare work force.  The website provides a full list of professions regulated by the Department of Health Professions, along with a reference of the statutory and regulatory requirements for initial licensure and relevant statutes for deployed active duty military personnel and the their spouses.

Hiring Preference in State Government

Veterans are granted a hiring preference for state government jobs.  The Commonwealth of Virginia extends its veterans hiring preference to active members of the Virginia National Guard.  The surviving spouses and dependents of service members killed in action also are entitled to the hiring preference.

Professional Licenses for Spouses of Service Members as well as activated Guard and Reserve Members

This program extends the expiration date of certain licenses, certifications, registrations or other documents held by the spouse of a service member when stationed overseas in order to allow more time to meet continuing education requirements.

Troops to Trucks Program

This program puts veterans and serving National Guard and Reserve members to work in transportation jobs. It is the first program of its kind in the nation.  Troops to Trucks will make it easier for military personnel to obtain a Virginia commercial driver’s license (CDL) and ease the transition into civilian employment by waiving CDL skills testing for service men and women with appropriate experience operating large vehicles as a part of their duties.  It will also provide for on-base commercial motor vehicle training for those without this experience as well as provide on-base opportunities for completing the written and skills test portions of the CDL application process.

In-State tuition for Military, Dependents, Veterans, and Guard Members

Virginia grants immediate in-state status, for tuition purposes, to military active duty, dependents, veterans and certain members of the Virginia National Guard.  In addition, the Commonwealth ensures that a Virginia-domiciled military spouse or dependent will not forfeit domicile status for in-state tuition due to accompanying the active duty service member while stationed outside of Virginia.

Honorary Diplomas

Veteran Honorary High School Diplomas recognize the life experiences of veterans who were unable to complete their high school education because of service in the armed forces during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Partnership Between DMV, VDH to Provide Greater Citizen Access to Vital Records

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legislation Authorizes DMV to Begin Issuing Birth Certificates Next Year

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) allowing DMV to issue birth certificates at its customer service centers beginning March 1, 2014.  Beginning January 1, 2015, DMV is authorized to issue certified copies of all death, marriage, and divorce records. The partnership stems from Senator Steve Newman’s (R-Lynchburg) vital records bill passed during the 2013 General Assembly session. 

The partnership was formally announced today by Senator Newman, State Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Romero and DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb during an event at the Lynchburg DMV Customer Service Center.

            “This partnership will make it easier for Virginians to do business with the Commonwealth by streamlining access to vital records,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is a great example of government working better for its citizens.”

“VDH Vital Records and DMV are already providing outstanding service to citizens,” said Senator Newman. “My bill increases the number of outlets for Virginians to securely access those services. We want to make sure that these vital records, which are held in Richmond, are available to the public as easily as possible.”

            Customers will still be able to obtain documents from the VDH Division of Vital Records office in Richmond, or by ordering online for delivery through the mail. The new partnership will make paper birth certificates from 1912 onward available at all 75 DMV customer service centers throughout the state beginning March 1, 2014.

            “With over 9,000 people stopping by our Richmond office each month, it is clear that Virginians are taking advantage of walk-in vital records services,” said State Health Commissioner Cynthia Romero. “We’re excited to partner with DMV to offer the same services in locations throughout the state.”

            VDH and DMV have already laid the groundwork for issuing vital records by joining the multi-state Electronic Verification of Vital Events (EVVE) network, developed and implemented by the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS). Through EVVE, Virginia DMV can verify a customer’s birth record through databases in 31 states, including Virginia. The transaction takes place while the customer is at the counter and prevents eligible customers from being turned away only to return another day with a paper record to complete their DMV business.

            “We have already been able to verify more than 4,400 birth records for our customers, nearly 3,000 of which were Virginia birth records,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “These are customers who previously would have been turned away from DMV until they could produce a paper birth certificate. We are excited to offer this service, and our customers are appreciative.”

            The cost to the customer for EVVE certification of a Virginia birth record is $14. The other participating states set their own fees, which vary from state to state..

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