Governor McAuliffe Accepts Tax Tribute from Virginia Indian Tribes

RICHMOND – Governor and Mrs. McAuliffe today welcomed Assistant Chief Mark Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe, Chief Kevin Brown of the Pamunkey Tribe, and other tribal members to the Patrick Henry Building to observe the 337th tax tribute ceremony. The ceremony is the oldest continuing nation-to-nation ceremony in the United States.

“Virginia is home to the some of the richest historical beginnings of our nation, and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian Tribes exemplify what it means to be Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I also would like to recognize the Hunters for the Hungry organization for their exceptional leadership in helping families around the Commonwealth receive quality meals.”

The traditional Indian taxpaying ceremony traces its legal antecedents to a treaty signed on May 29, 1677 between Governor Herbert Jeffreys, Esq., and several Indian leaders representing the Pamunkey, Nansemond, Nottoway, Appomattox and other tribes.

Today, Chiefs of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes honor the spirit of Article 16, which required each Indian King and Queen to visit the Governor every March "at the place of his residence to pay the accustomed rent,” yearly by bringing wild game and hand-crafted gifts for the Governor and First Lady at their official place of residence on Capitol Square. Traditional Indian music and dancing are part of the tax ceremony, held each November on Capitol Square in honor of American Indian history month.

In the tribute ceremony, tribal members honor their ancestors who negotiated the Treaty of Middle Plantation to preserve Virginia Indian lands and the rich heritage they enjoy to this day.

In this year’s ceremony, Assistant Chief Mark Custalow presented the Governor and First Lady with a pair of handmade earrings, a traditional Indian dancing stick with a turkey claw at the tip and an eight point buck deer. Chief Kevin Brown presented them with a handmade necklace and a deer. Drumming and dancing followed the presentation of gifts, led by Assistant Chief Mark Custalow.

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Governor McAuliffe Statement on the President's Executive Actions on Immigration

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following President Obama’s executive actions on immigration:

“I applaud President Obama’s efforts to ensure that undocumented workers who are living, working, and paying taxes in the United States are no longer under constant threat of deportation. Families come here to achieve the American Dream and to provide a better future for their children. Over the last few years, Virginia has become increasingly diverse, with many first-generation Americans, and I believe this diversity adds value to our Commonwealth. 

“I also have spoken with business leaders across the Commonwealth and the nation who have called for skilled worker immigration reform to ensure that top international talent who have come to the United States are encouraged to stay here to pursue their careers. In order to build a new Virginia economy, we must make sure that international entrepreneurs have opportunities to start their businesses and create jobs here. The actions President Obama took today will help us achieve those goals.

“While these are important steps, it is clear that comprehensive immigration reform is still needed. Senators Kaine and Warner have shown great leadership on this issue, and it is my hope that Congress put their differences aside and take decisive action to build upon the progress President Obama announced today.”

(Guess that means we can keep our housekeeper and gardener for now.  Sweating bullets over that.  Just hated putting down the Rolling Stones magazine and High Times to watch the news broadcast.  Now it's on to Mad Magazine.)

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Virginia Submits Comments on EPA’s Clean Power Plan

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement today following the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s submission of comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan:

“I agree with the Clean Power Plan’s goal of reducing carbon emissions in order to combat the threat of global warming, and I intend to continue Virginia’s position as a leader on this important issue. There is no question that our Commonwealth can play a leading role in energy conservation and efficiency and expand renewable generation so that we can cut carbon and create jobs along the way.

“As with any regulatory process of this scope and complexity, Virginia has submitted comments to the EPA with the intent of improving the Clean Power Plan by making it more equitable and better recognizing the progress that states like ours have already made in reducing carbon.  I look forward to working with Virginia’s business community, our environmental partners and the EPA to reduce carbon emissions, fight global warming and open a new chapter of economic growth for our Commonwealth.”

(Feeding you garbage and nonsense in an effort to remove your rights and take more of your money because we are greedy.  Do you really think we buy this crap ourselves?)

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Governor McAuliffe Kicks off Open Enrollment

Governor Terry McAuliffe kicked off this year’s open enrollment for the Federal Marketplace, promising to take an aggressive role in helping eligible Virginians sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance.

“Quality and affordable health care is a basic necessity for healthy families and a strong economy,”Governor McAuliffe said during a press conference at the Vernon J. Harris Medical and Dental Center in Richmond. My goal is to enroll up to 160,000 Virginians in affordable health coverage between now and February 15. I want to make sure all Virginians who want help can get the in-person assistance they need to choose the right plans for themselves and their families.”

Open enrollment on the Federal Marketplace this year runs from November 15 through February 15. Last year, 216,000 Virginians went online and purchased health plans at healthcare.gov. Another 300,000 state residents qualify for tax credits on the Marketplace but remain uninsured.

Virginia was awarded a $9.3 million federal grant to fund more than 100 enrollment assisters across the Commonwealth. Those assisters are being hired through the Virginia Community Healthcare Association’s member health centers and the Virginia Poverty Law Center through its Enroll Virginia initiative, as well as other community partners.

“Virginia’s federally qualified health centers and the Virginia Poverty Law Center have long been valuable partners with state leaders in improving health care for Virginians,” said Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. “I look forward to building on this great collaborative relationship. Together we will improve thousands of lives across the Commonwealth.”

A separate $4.3 million federal grant is funding additional outreach and educational activities, as well as a major media campaign this winter.

Radio, bus and digital ads will begin in December. Television ads promoting health coverage will begin airing in January.

On Thursday, Governor McAuliffe unveiled an improved, more user-friendly website atcoverva.org, which will guide qualified individuals to healthcare.gov to enroll in insurance plans and educate them about their options. The new website will launch on Saturday, the first day of the open enrollment period for the Federal Marketplace, and is operated by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. A related Facebook page and Twitter account, @coverva, are already in operation.

One of the new features on the website will help individuals find assisters located in their communities or nearby.

The website also will assist individuals who qualify for Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, or FAMIS, Virginia’s insurance program for children. DMAS also has opened a new processing center to make sure applications for people eligible for Medicaid and FAMIS are processed efficiently.

(The hidden tax you never wanted but are now forced to pay into.)

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Federal Grant to Bolster Virginia’s Supports and Services for Residents with Dementia

Dementia (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that the Commonwealth has secured a federal grant that will strengthen and expand services for Virginians experiencing dementia.
The $441,131, three-year grant from the federal Administration for Community Living will allow the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to implement a caregiver intervention program in the greater Charlottesville and Williamsburg areas. Department leaders hope to expand the program into other areas of the Commonwealth in the future.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease in Virginia could jump 46 percent, from 130,000 in 2014 to 190,000 in 2025. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and as its population ages, Virginia must support sufficient training for care providers, first responders and family caregivers to adequately address this growing demand.

“Today’s population of older Virginians is expected to double by 2030, a trend that is likely to be accompanied by an increase in the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This grant represents a timely and significant opportunity for the Commonwealth to expand services to people with dementia and their families,” said Governor McAuliffe.

Dementia presents a significant challenge for family members who are thrust into the role of caregiver. In 2013, an estimated 447,000 family caregivers provided 509 million hours of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Virginia. The grant aims to help family or informal caregivers feel more confident in their role, increase satisfaction with their social and emotional support networks, reduce depression that can often hit caregivers, and help caregivers assess and comfortably respond to behaviors that can sometimes affect people with dementia.

Virginia is striving to address these intertwined issues. In response to the Dementia State Plan, the General Assembly created the position of state dementia services coordinator to review existing programs, identify gaps, reduce duplication and work with agencies to more effectively deliver services to Virginians with dementia.

“People with dementia and their caregivers don’t have to battle this cruel disease alone,” said Dr. William Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. “This grant will do much to reinforce social support networks and to offer crucial assistance to caregivers. The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services is well prepared to make the most of this opportunity, thanks to the decision last year to hire a dementia services coordinator.”

Partnering with DARS’ Division for the Aging on the pilot program are the University of Virginia Memory and Aging Care Clinic; Jefferson Area Board for Aging; Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health; Peninsula Agency on Aging; and theAlzheimer’s Association Central and Western Virginia Chapter andSoutheastern Virginia Chapter.

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Governor McAuliffe Declares October as TechTober

RICHMOND – In an effort to highlight Virginia’s technological innovation and raise awareness about high performing industries, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe today declared October to be TechTober, a statewide celebration of Virginia’s high-tech sector.

“The tech sectors will play a significant role in building a new Virginia economy centered on innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We need to do everything we can to retain, recruit and grow these industries to ensure that Virginia continues to be a leader in the global economy.  This starts with equipping Virginia’s students and workforce with the skills and resources they need to succeed in these rapidly expanding sectors.”

TechTober activities will focus on new and emerging industries in the Commonwealth, including information science, biotechnology, cyber security, advanced materials, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, health and environmental technologies.

Virginia has the highest concentration of high tech jobs per capita in the nation. With TechTober, Governor McAuliffe and his administration aim to leverage that strength by hosting informational, hands-on events, highlighting tech activities happening during TechTober, and launching a new mentor program for students.

The Governor also announced the launch of “Mentors for Momentum,” a new program designed to connect  businesses, organizations, educators and other professionals with students interested in studying and experiencing technology. These mentors will help inspire students by sharing job experiences, providing internships and supporting school, college and university activities.

To sign up for the Mentors for Momentum program or to view TechTober events, please visit Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson’s homepage: www.technology.virginia.gov.

Read the proclamation here.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Federal Grants to Help 6,000 Students Gain Access to Higher Education

English: The United States Department of Education headquarters located in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND — Today Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia is one of just ten states awarded federal funds through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  

“Expanding access to post-secondary education in every corner of the Commonwealth is key to building a new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These grants will help my administration work with schools and communities to prepare more low-income students to get the skills and training they need to succeed in the 21^st Century economy.”

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will administer the $22 million grant over the next seven years in an effort to increase preparation and enrollment for post-secondary education. State GEAR UP grants are designed to increase college attendance and completion by raising low-income student awareness of college and financial aid options, increasing their participation in academically challenging courses and supporting them through the college admissions process. Successful GEAR UP students also receive a scholarship to support their post-secondary pursuits.

GEAR UP Virginia Programming will begin serving nearly 6,000 seventh grade students in 16 school districts this year. The program will follow this group of students through high school and into their first year of college.

Through partnerships with school districts, colleges, non-profits, and businesses, the project will provide a comprehensive set of services to include tutoring, test preparation, summer bridge programs, college tours and study skills development. In addition, the GEAR UP Virginia grants will offer support services to 300 homeless youth in a pilot initiative to offer turning point services to students who find themselves in this situation during their senior year.

“Greater access to continued education after high school is crucial to a successful citizenry and workforce,” said SCHEV Director Peter Blake.“A program like GEAR UP with a track record of success is a perfect match with SCHEV’s goals.”    

SCHEV is the Commonwealth’s coordinating body for Virginia’s system of higher education. The agency provides policy guidance and budget recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, and is a resource for information on higher education issues.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Members of the Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND –Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the 30 members of the Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence to the administration today. The appointees include a wide variety of experts in the field of sexual assault from law enforcement to educators, forensic nurses, Title IX coordinators, advocates, and more. The Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Mark Herring, will hold quarterly meetings that will focus on finding common solutions to building safer, more educated college communities within the Commonwealth, with the goal of creating best practices for education and prevention of sexual violence on campus.

“There is no bigger concern then the health and safety of our citizens in the Commonwealth. As Governor, I am committed to building a new Virginia economy where students are free from the threat of sexual violence. It is circuital that we work together with the schools, educators, and law enforcement to build on our goal for all higher education institutions to be safe places of learning and growing,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Dorothy and I care deeply about this issue, and as parents we know the importance of sending your children off to a new and safe place, and we want that for all of Virginia’s young people. This task force is the first step in making sure that prevention, education, and awareness are spread about sexual violence, and ensures that Virginia will lead the way on combating this issue.”

In addition to the task force, the Office of Attorney General has begun a review with each college and university of current policies and procedures for prevention and response.

"Governor McAuliffe, Virginia's college and university presidents, and I have sent a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated on our college campuses, nor will a societal culture that condones it in any way,"said Attorney General Herring. "I look forward to working with this exceptional group of advocates, students, administrators, and experts to make sure that, as a Commonwealth, we are doing everything we can to prevent sexual violence, and to ensure that our response to reports of sexual violence is timely, appropriate, and survivor-centered. Virginia schools must remain safe and welcoming places where students, faculty and staff can live, learn, and work."

Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence Task Force Members:

·         Peter A. Blake of Richmond, Director, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

·         Fran Bradford of Richmond, Associate Vice President for Government Relations, The College of William and Mary

·         Ángel Cabrera of Fairfax, President of George Mason University

·         Judy Casteele of Buena Vista, Executive Director, Project Horizon, Inc.

·         Jean A. Cheek, RN BS SANE-A of Henrico, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Leah K. Cox, PhD of Fredericksburg, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion, Title IX Coordinator, University of Mary Washington

·         Maggie Cullinan of Charlottesville, Director, Charlottesville Victim/Witness Assistance Program

·         Brandon T. Day of Richmond, President, Student Government Association, Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Daniel Dusseau of Fairfax, Chief of Police, Northern Virginia Community College

·         Dorothy J Edwards, Ph.D. of Burke, Executive Director of Green Dot

·         William R. Grace, Colonel USMC (Ret) of Lexington, Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator, Parents Council Liaison, Virginia Military Institute

·         Allen W. Groves of Waynesboro, University Dean of Students, University of Virginia

·         Melissa Ratcliff Harper of Roanoke, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Carilion Clinic-Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

·         Tom Kramer of Richmond, Executive Director, Virginia21

·         Penelope W. Kyle of Radford, President, Radford University

·         Michael C. Maxey of Salem, President, Roanoke College

·         Donna Poulsen Michaelis of Chesterfield, Manager, Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety

·         Christopher N. Ndiritu of Norfolk, Student Body President, Student Government Association, Old Dominion University

·         Nancy Oglesby of Henrico, Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

·         Ellen W. Plummer, Ph.D of Blacksburg,  Assistant Provost of Virginia Tech University

·         Marianne M. Radcliff of Richmond, Vice-President, Kemper Consulting; Member, Longwood University Board of Visitors

·         The Honorable Abby Raphael of Arlington, Vice Chair, Arlington County School Board; former Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Arlington County

·         Daphne Maxwell Reid of Petersburg, Member, Virginia State University Board of Visitors

·         Emily Renda of Charlottesville, Program Coordinator in Student Affairs, University of Virginia

·         Tracy S. Rusillo of Hanover, Major, Virginia State Police

·         Frank Shushok, Jr. of Blacksburg, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Virginia Tech

·         Rosemary D. Trible of Newport News, President of Fear 2 Freedom

·         John A. Venuti of Richmond, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety/Chief of Police, Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Kristi VanAudenhove of Whitestone, Executive Director, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

·         Raychel Whyte of Washington D.C., Administrator at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital 

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