Showing posts with label Bob McDonnell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob McDonnell. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Governor McAuliffe and First Lady To Open Executive Mansion in Celebration of Virginia Historic Garden Week

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe today announced that the Virginia’s Executive Mansion and its gardens will be open to visitors on Tuesday, April 29th in celebration of Virginia Historic Garden Week.  Built in 1813 as a residence for Virginia’s governors, the mansion is the oldest in continuous use in the United States. Included in the walk-through tour will be the first floor public rooms featuring floral arrangements especially created for the occasion the backyard garden designed by noted landscape architect, Charles Gillette; and the rarely viewed North walled garden.

“It is our pleasure to welcome guests into the oldest occupied governor’s mansion in the United States,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Executive Mansion has served as the residence for Virginia governors and their families for more than 200 years, and we are excited to share that history with our fellow Virginians in celebration of Virginia Historic Garden Week.”

First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe said, “The Governor and I are thrilled to welcome visitors to the Mansion and to offer them the opportunity to explore its beautiful gardens.  This celebration of Garden Week is an ideal occasion for us to open the doors to this magnificent home, which is truly the people’s house, and to provide the public a chance to learn more about its rich history.”

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Event is free. Reservations are not required. 

Parking: A limited number of metered public parking spaces (2 hours) are located on the west side of 10th Street, between Main and Bank Streets; on Bank Street, between Governor and 14th Streets; on the south side of Main Street, between 9th and 12th Streets; and on 12th Street between Main and Bank Streets. Garage parking is available at St. Paul’s deck on 8th and Grace for $5.00.
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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

USDA 2012 Census: Market Value of Production on Virginia Farms Up Almost $1 Billion

Logo of the U.S. National Agricultural Statist...
Logo of the U.S. National Agricultural Statistics Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
USDA 2012 Agriculture Census Provides a Snapshot of Agriculture in the U.S. and Virginia

RICHMOND - Virginia’s farms saw a dramatic increase in both the market value of production and the average value of products sold per farm according to the preliminary results of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Census of Agriculture.  From 2007 to 2012, market value of production sold increased 29 percent to $3.8 billion while the average value of products sold per farm increased 33 percent to $81,540.  
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today the first look at state and national data from the 2012 Ag Census. The preliminary results were provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). 
“It is terrific to see such a dramatic increase in the value of production coming off of Virginia’s farms in the last 5 years,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, and it is my administration’s priority to continue that growth through sound policies and aggressive economic development efforts. Increasing farm production puts people back to work in our rural communities and provides the commodities that feed our robust agribusinesses throughout the Commonwealth.” 
Virginia also showed a reversal in the loss of farm land in the Commonwealth with a gain of 3%, rising to 8.3 million acres of land held in farms.  While farm land has increased, the number of farms has decreased, meaning that farms are growing larger here in Virginia.  Farmers in Virginia are also continuing to age, now averaging 59.5 years, up from 58.2 years in 2007, and a full year older than the national average of 58.3 years. 
“As Secretary, I am fully committed to helping our farms generate more income through the development of markets both domestically and internationally,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  “The increased value of production being sold by Virginia’s farms is an indication that our efforts are making an impact.  The ability to generate greater value on the farm enables land to be kept in production rather than being converted to other uses.  However, we are not without difficulties here in Virginia.  We continue to lose farms at the same time that the average age of our farmers is increasing.  My secretariat will continue to focus on these challenges through farm retention programs in our Office of Farmland Preservation such as the Purchase of Development Rights, the Farm Link and Certified Farm Seeker programs. 
The preliminary 2012 Census data show the following key trends for Virginia. 
  • In 2012, the number of farms in Virginia totaled 46,036, down 3 percent (1,347 farms) from 47,383 farms in 2007
  • Land in farms, 8.3 million acres, was up 3 percent from 8.1 acres in 2007
  • The average size of farm in Virginia was 181 acres, compared to 171 acres in 2007
  • Market value of production sold was $3.8 billion, up 29 percent from $2.9 billion in 2007
  • The average value of products sold per farm was $81,540 compared to $61,334 in 2007
  • The average age of the principal farm operator was 59.5 years, compared to 58.2 years 2007
  •  There were 38,383 principal male operators and 7,653 principal female operators in 2012, compared to 39,537 male and 7,846 female in 2007 
At the national level, the 2012 Census reported little change in land in farms, a more diverse principal operator population and several historic changes in value of sales for U.S. agriculture producers from 2007 to 2012. 
Between 2007 and 2012, the amount of land in farms in the United States declined by less than one percent, from 922 million acres to 915 million. While continuing a downward trend, this is the third smallest decline between censuses since 1950 and is within the margin of error. 
According to the 2012 Census, principal farm operators are becoming older and more diverse. The average age of a principal farm operator was 58.3 years, up 1.2 years since 2007, and continuing a 30-year trend of steady increase. And, more minority-operated farms were also accounted for in 2012 than in 2007. 
The United States had 2.1 million farms, down 4.3 percent in 2012. In terms of farm size by acres, the decline continued a downward trend in mid-sized farms, while the smallest- and largest-size farms held steady. 
In 2012, the value of agriculture products sold totaled $394.6 billion, up 33 percent ($97.4 billion) from 2007. For only the second time in Census history, crop sales ($212.4 billion) exceeded livestock sales ($182.2 billion). 
“One of the most important takeaways to remember about the Census of Agriculture is that the information is used for decision-making by producers as well as all those who serve farmers, ranchers and rural communities – federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others,” said Herman Ellison, State Statistician for USDA. “When we look at the data for our state, we can all use it as a snapshot in time to see how Virginia agriculture is changing over time and how it compared to the rest of the country.” 
The release of the preliminary 2012 Census of Agriculture results is only a first look at the data and NASS will publish the final report this May. The 2012 Census was not conducted in a typical crop year, and drought had a major impact on U.S. agriculture, affecting crop yields, production and prices. NASS is still reviewing all 2012 Census items to the county level and therefore data is preliminary until published in the final report. 
Conducted since 1840, the Census of Agriculture accounts for all U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. When available in May, the final report will provide even more detailed information for Virginia, providing data on all farm operators and data down to the county level. The publication will also provide new insights into the agriculture industry reporting new or expanded data on internet access, regional food systems, biomass production, agro-forestry and equine. 
For more information about the Census, including access to the 2012 Census of Agriculture preliminary report and the full report when it is released in May, visitwww.agcensus.usda.gov
According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion. The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.
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Friday, February 14, 2014

Governor Announces Mid-Session Revenue Reduction of $140 Million

Terry McAuliffe
Terry McAuliffe (Photo credit: mou-ikkai)
Governor Announces Mid-Session Revenue Reduction of $140 Million
Due to Weak January and Year-To-Date Revenue Collections;
Offers Budget Actions to Cover Reduced Revenue Growth

RICHMOND- Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe briefed House and Senate budget committee leaders on the preliminary mid-session revenue reforecast numbers. This review involves an analysis of two elements: updated economic information and actual revenue collections for the first seven months of the current fiscal year, which started July 1, 2013. The Governor offered several budget solutions to cover the reduced revenue growth that was projected.

“Although our underlying economic forecast has not changed, it is clear that the current revenue receipts warrant caution,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In order to remain prudent, we must adjust our revenue estimates downward, which will help reduce future risks. After consulting with my economic team, it is my recommendation that we reduce the general fund revenue estimates for fiscal year 2014 by $125 million and the general fund revenue estimate for fiscal year 2015 by $15 million.” 

Total general fund revenue collections fell 5.9 percent in January with declines in all major sources except corporate income taxOn a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections fell 0.5 percent through January, lagging the annual forecast of 1.7 percent growth.  Total revenues are tracking behind the forecast due to declines in individual withholding, and non-withholding, and recordation taxes. In January, receipts for individual non-withholding declined by 25.3 percent and withholding (the State’s largest general fund revenue source) declined by 1.9 percent.  Recordation tax collections declined by 33.3 percent in January. 

These results are important as January is a significant month for revenue collections from individual estimated payments, sales taxes on December sales and corporate income taxes from large retailers. This combined with an analysis of the underlying economic fundamentals in the economy and revenue models forms the basis for the annual mid-session revenue reforecast presented to the 2014 General Assembly. Since December 16, the economic fundamentals on which the December forecast is based have not changed and continue to point to modest economic growth.

However, through January, fiscal-year-to-date revenue collections have declined by 0.5%  -- or 2.2% below the annual December estimate of a 1.7% increase.  The revenue sources that have underperformed the most have been individual non-withholding and the corporate income taxes  – both very volatile sources of revenue.  Given the performance to date in all sources, combined with the difficulty in forecasting individual non-withholding receipts in April and May, the Governor is recommending that the prudent step is to reduce the December forecast by $125.0 million in FY 2014 and $15.0 million in FY 2015.  General fund revenues are now expected to increase 1.0 percent in FY 2014 as compared to the 1.7 percent increase in the December forecast.

Given the timing of this mid-session reforecast, which occurs just in advance of the House and Senate money committees reporting out their respective versions of the budget on Sunday, the Governor further offered select budgetary actions to address the change in revenues. 

“It is my sincere hope that these budget actions will help the House and Senate in their respective budget deliberations in light of the timing of the lower revenue forecast I am recommending today,” said Governor McAuliffe.

There were eight budget adjustments that Governor McAuliffe proposed to address the lower revenue projections (see attachment).  None of these adjustments impact core services or entitlements. 

These adjustments include:

o   The elimination of the FY 2016 estimated payment to the revenue stabilization fund,
o   Use of additional Lottery revenues,
o   Capturing uncommitted balances across the budget, and
o   Reducing the unappropriated balance from $51 million to $11 million. 

BACKGROUND

The FY 2016 payment into the revenue stabilization fund is based upon revenue growth in FY 2014. Since the majority of the revenue decline, $125 million, is applied to FY 2014, the entire required deposit of $59.9 million in FY 2016 is eliminated and no longer needed.

While general fund revenues are being adjusted downward in FY 2014, Lottery revenues are expected to exceed the previous forecast by $15.5 million.  The Chairman of the Lottery Board notified the Governor in writing this week that due to low prize payouts and significant sales through the first half of the fiscal year, largely associated with a very high Mega-millions jackpot, the net proceeds available for public education are projected to increase by $15.5 million. This additional Lottery revenue can be used to offset general fund expenses in public education with no reduction in services.

In addition to the excess lottery balances, the Governor has also identified balances in the Literary Fund that may be used to offset general fund teacher retirement costs, balances from unclaimed accounts previously held by a former state agency that may now be deposited to the general fund, and appropriation balances in other programs that are not going to be needed. 

The other program balances that will not be needed and whose appropriations can now be reverted or deposited to the general fund including the Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) fund, some economic development fund balances, and some pilot education program balances.

Finally, the remainder of the gap will be closed by reducing the unappropriated balance by approximately $40 million, from $51 million as it was in the introduced budget to $11 million.  The large unappropriated balance was intended to offset potential revenue losses so this adjustment is in line with its intended purpose.


January 2014 revenue data, State of Virginia from Chuck Thompson

The above PDF's are the attachments that were included with the original source of the story at the Governor's office.
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Governor McAuliffe Applauds House Passage of SOL Reform Legislation

English: Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe spea...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe and Secretary of Education Anne Holton released the following statement today applauding the unanimous passage of House Bill 930, which would reform the Standards of Learning (SOLs) by reducing the number of tests to focus students and teachers on key areas in each grade level and establishing a process to review remaining SOL assessments in order to maximize their effectiveness:

“I am pleased that the House of Delegates has acted in a bipartisan fashion to pass this bill, which represents a meaningful step toward reforming the Standards of Learning to continue to evaluate students and teachers, without stifling innovation and creativity in the classroom.

“This legislation was the product of the leadership of Delegates Tag Greason and Rob Krupicka, who worked alongside Secretary of Education Anne Holton and my policy team to craft a bill that will allow the Commonwealth to track student performance while better freeing teachers to teach and students to learn. As the legislation moves to the Senate, my team and I will continue to engage actively with the process to bring legislation to my desk to reform the SOLs and strengthen Virginia’s ability to prepare our students to lead in the 21st Century economy.”  

Secretary Holton added:

“I want to thank Delegates Greason and Krupicka and their colleagues in the House for working so closely with Governor McAuliffe’s team to get this important legislation passed. This bill will improve the quality of the instruction Virginia students receive in the classroom, and should serve as an example of what we can achieve when we work together in a bipartisan way.”

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

English: , President of the
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Judy Napier, Commissioner
Judy Napier served most recently as Director of Business Development for the information technology firm CGI Group’s Virginia sector.  Before that she served as Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Technology in the administrations of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Judy is a Portsmouth native and graduated from Old Dominion University.


John Malbon, Board Member
John Malbon is the President and CEO of PAPCO Inc., a Virginia Beach Oil Distribution Company that opened the region's first public biodiesel pump in 2006. John is the co-chair of the Envision Virginia Beach 2040 Committee, which focuses on the 30-year future of the city, and serves as the vice chair of the board of directors for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. John is a graduate of James Madison University.

Office of the Governor

Jamie Radice, Communications Director
Jamie Radice served previously as Senior Communications Adviser at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Communications Director to Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Darryl Holt, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Darryl Holt served previously as an Office Assistant in the Richmond City Department of Social Services. She also served as a Field Representative in the Office of U.S. Senator Jim Webb, and a Special Assistant to the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade under Governor Bob McDonnell.

Virginia Legislative Office
Maribel Ramos, Director
Maribel Ramos served previously as Legislative Assistant to Senator Tim Kaine, where she advised the Senator on policy areas including education, economic development, housing, federal employees and appropriations. Before that she served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Jim Webb, and as a Special Assistant for Policy to then-Governor Tim Kaine. Maribel holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth
Denise Burch, Director of Gubernatorial Appointments
Denise Burch previously served as Director of Constituent Services and Scheduling to former two term Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.  Prior to this service, she served as Sen. Bolling’s Legislative Aide in the Virginia Senate.  In 1998, she was appointed as Confidential Assistant to Governor Jim Gilmore. 

Lana Westfall, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Lana Orme Westfall held the position of Director of Constituent and Legislative Services in both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for a total of 16 years.  In 2008, she established a government relations and issue advocacy firm, bringing a wide array of experience on issues related to the environment, education and veterans’ affairs.

Secretariat of Education

Jennie Moline O'Holleran, Deputy Secretary
Jennie Moline O’Holleran most recently served as Director of Virginia Relations at the George Washington University, where she worked with government and community leaders to promote GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. She previously served in Governor Tim Kaine’s policy office. Jennie grew up in Alexandria. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the George Washington University.

Dietra Trent, Deputy Secretary
Dietra Trent served most recently as Deputy State Director in the Office of Senator Mark Warner. She previously served as Deputy Secretary of Education in Governor Tim Kaine’s administration, and as Director of Constituent Services and Director of the Council on Human Rights under Governor Mark Warner. Dr. Trent earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University, and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University.   

Secretariat of Technology

Anthony W. Fung, Deputy Secretary of Technology
Anthony Fung served previously as CEO of technology consulting firm GovInsight, LLC and as majority owner of Catapult Consultants, LLC, a firm that specializes in financial, acquisition, healthcare and information technology management. Anthony holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Information Science from the University of Pittsburg.

Secretariat of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

John Newby, Deputy Secretary
John Newby previously served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an aviator aboard the Boeing B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and as a special operations forward air controller in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command.  Following his military service, Newby served as an attorney at private sector law firms and an international defense contractor.  He also served as a member of former Senator Jim Webb’s Service Academy Selection Board.  Newby graduated and received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Adam Thiel, Deputy Secretary
Adam Thiel has served as Fire Chief in the City of Alexandria since 2007. Previous to that, Adam served in a range of key positions at fire departments in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Arizona. In 2002 Governor Mark Warner appointed Adam as the Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs within the Secretariat of Public Safety. Adam holds undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Maryland University College. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.
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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Statement on McDonnell Indictment

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement today in response to the news that Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen are in receipt of federal indictments:

“I am obviously troubled by the charges that federal prosecutors have made against Governor McDonnell and his wife Maureen and the message that this period in our history sends about how government in this Commonwealth is run.

“As this case progresses, it is my sincerest hope that justice will be served and that Virginians get the answers to which they are entitled. As Governor, I will remain focused on leading this Commonwealth in a way that restores Virginians’ trust in government and honors their expectation of transparency and accountability.

“I want to thank the many federal and state public safety officials who have worked on this case for their tireless and impartial efforts. Dorothy’s and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire McDonnell family. This is a sad day for Virginia, but I remain optimistic that we can work together to reform our system in order to prevent episodes like this from occurring ever again.”


Brian Coy
Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe
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