Governor McAuliffe Accepts 127 Acres of Hallowed Ground from Civil War Trust

~ Successful partnership between Virginia and Civil War Trust increases amount of protected land at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic and High Bridge Trail State Parks ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe presided over a ceremony at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, formally announcing and accepting the transfer of 127 acres of hallowed ground to the Commonwealth at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, located in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties, and High Bridge Trail State Park in Prince Edward County. 

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Through concerted efforts to preserve the Commonwealth’s battlefields and other historic treasures, this administration and its partners are creating a lasting legacy for present and future Virginians.  We will continue to work with nonprofit groups like the Civil War Trust to proactively preserve these irreplaceable resources, as we have done at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

Molly Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources, and Mike Grainger, Chairman of the Board of the Civil War Trust joined McAuliffe at the new conference.  According to Grainger, “The Civil War Trust and Virginia have a long history of cooperation to ensure the state’s Civil War battlefields are protected, interpreted, and open for the public to enjoy.  We are pleased to transfer these acres to the care of the state park system.  It is our firm belief that Virginia is the best possible steward of these hallowed grounds.”

In her remarks, Secretary Ward called the Commonwealth’s participation in the project a fitting example of the Old Dominion’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding her plentiful historic and natural resources.  “Virginia is home to some of the most stirring places in America, including some of the nation’s significant Civil War battlefields.  The Virginia State Park System is honored to be entrusted with the care of these newly acquired properties at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Civil War Trust have been working together to protect hallowed ground at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield since 1996.  Due to this collaborative effort, 885 acres at Sailor’s Creek Historic Battlefield and 175 acres at High Bridge Trail have been protected. 

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Strengthening Virginia’s Housing Policy

Courthouse in Clarendon Arlington County, Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Governor makes announcement at the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference ~ 

NORFOLK – While speaking today at the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference, Governor Terry McAuliffe issued Executive Order 32 to advance critical components of Virginia’s housing policy agenda. The Executive Order will build upon the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness, implement Virginia’s Olmstead Community Integration Plan and ensure that housing is a key contributor to Virginia’s ongoing economic recovery.

“Expanding access to quality affordable housing is at the very foundation of my administration’s efforts to build a new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Strengthening our Commonwealth’s housing policy will create jobs, grow our economy and help improve the quality of life of Virginians all over our state.”

Executive Order 32 emphasizes community development investments that will further revitalize urban and rural communities throughout Virginia. The Executive Order also seeks to better address homelessness throughout Virginia and achieve the goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by the end of 2015. In addition, through the implementation of Virginia’s Olmstead Community Integration Plan, the Executive Order seeks to meet the terms of Virginia’s Settlement Agreement and expand community living opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Affordable and sound housing is a critical component of growing our economy and making life better for Virginia families,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Smart housing policy creates jobs and encourages locally-based businesses and industries, which creates healthy and successful communities.”

Following the Governor’s announcement, the 2014 Virginia Housing Awards were given to several organizations and government entities throughout the state. The awards recognize outstanding and innovative efforts in crafting effective solutions for the Commonwealth’s complex array of housing needs. The following were the winners of the 2014 awards:

Best Housing Development

Arlington County and the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

Project: Arlington Mill Residences

Best Housing Program or Service

Pulaski County and the Town of Pulaski
Project: Pulaski Tornado Recovery Project

Best Housing Preservation/Revitalization Effort

James City County

Project: Forest Heights Neighborhood Improvement Project

Best Affordable Housing Energy Conservation Effort

Better Housing Coalition, Richmond
Project: Somanath Senior Apartments at Beckstoffer’s

Best In My Backyard “IMBY”Arlington County and the Pike Planning Plenary Group
Project: Columbia Pike Planning Initiative

The Governor’s Housing Conference is Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing event. The three-day event features workshops and sessions designed to help public and private sector representatives develop effective housing solutions in Virginia. Nearly 800 affordable housing advocates, providers and policy makers gather each year at the conference.

The text of Executive Order Number 32 is below:

NUMBER THIRTY TWO (2014)

ADVANCING VIRGINIA’S HOUSING POLICY

Importance of the Issue

            The sustained economic and social vitality of communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia depends upon the quality, availability, and affordability of housing. Housing is, and will remain, a key policy priority with far-reaching economic and social consequences. Successfully addressing homelessness, particularly among veterans and youth, requires a continued commitment of energy and resources. Advancing progress in special needs housing is also an imperative to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live in appropriate, fully integrated settings within communities rather than institutional facilities. Moreover, the housing industry is a major direct and indirect contributor to the growth of the state’s economy.

            The Commonwealth must build upon the foundation established by public and private constituencies to address homelessness, while identifying several new priority areas in which progress is needed and attainable. The availability of affordable housing is a critical component not only for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, but also for a growing workforce. It is essential to coordinate housing and economic development investments.

            Accordingly, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby direct the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, with the assistance of the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Development Authority, and a representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to identify and implement actions to enable quality, affordable housing, which will strengthen families and communities and foster economic growth.

Policy Review Initiatives

            In developing Virginia’s current housing policy, prior housing policy initiatives will be reviewed in addition to the following measures:

1. Prioritize the most urgent areas of housing and homeless program needs.
2. Identify the links between housing and economic and community development.
3. Establish working groups as determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and invite stakeholder participation to provide input regarding housing and related issues.
4. Conduct a review of programs and policies in coordination with the activities of state-level housing and economic development policy-setting efforts.

5. Offer advice and recommendations for policies that address:
   1. Homelessness, particularly among veterans, young adults, and children;

2. Rapid re-housing strategies;
3. Housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other categories of special needs;
4. Appropriate housing options for an aging demographic;
5. Economic and community development strategies integrated with housing initiatives for urban and rural revitalization, including adaptive reuse, mixed-use development and mixed-income housing, and the preservation of existing affordable housing;
6. Cross-Secretariat and agency collaboration and identification of resources to assist individuals receiving supportive services within a community, as appropriate, rather than in institutional settings; and,
7. Affordable housing that meets the needs of working Virginians in areas where high housing costs impede economic development, productivity, and the quality of life.

Staffing and Funding

            Staffing will be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Housing Development Authority, and other agencies and offices as needed. Stakeholder participants in the review shall serve without compensation. 

Effective Date of the Executive Order

            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until rescinded by further executive order. 

            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 30th day of October, 2014.

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:               _______________________________________

                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

(If anyone isn't paying attention, there are a lot of code buzz words used in this release that strongly suggest highly socialist overtones that are not in the best interests of anyone who own property in Virginia.  Smart Housing Policy is one of those buzz phrases that spells out disaster for private property owners.  Looking at some of the information in this press release, one quickly finds mixed use development plans with multi story apartment buildings and retail units all on the first floor.  One project mentioned is Arlington Mills Residences.  628 square foot units that are energy efficient and are affordable with rents being around only a mere one thousand dollars a month.  

  Who are they kidding?  You can buy a house with land for that amount of money.  But that is the scam.  It is no longer desired that you should ever own property and the future for children?  No way they will own land.  Even if you try to leave it to them through your will.  This release stinks of corruption that is so cleaver that it's very hard for most to see the underlying plans.)

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order on Reducing Energy Consumption in Virginia Government

Logo of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today at an award ceremony honoring the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) energy efficiency efforts at the DMV Headquarters building in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order 31 to reduce energy consumption in state government. 

   

DMV received the “Energy Efficiency Leader Award” in recognition of the agency’s leadership in reducing its environmental impact.  The project was completed through the Virginia Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program, which allows state agencies to partner with private sector vendors to improve environmental systems at state-owned buildings at no cost to the taxpayers.  These improvements are paid with the savings generated from upgrading to more efficient environmental systems.

Executive Order 31 instructs all executive branch agencies, authorities, departments, and all institutions of higher education to proactively pursue energy efficiency measures, especially EPC, to reduce energy consumption.  The EO also appoints Hayes Framme as Chief Energy Efficiency Officer within the administration to oversee the planning, implementation, and measurement of energy efficiency throughout state government. 

In signing the executive order, Governor McAuliffe said, “Reducing energy consumption in state government will save taxpayers money, strengthen our energy efficiency industry and decrease Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions. It will also set an example for businesses and families of steps that we can all take to make Virginia the most energy efficient state in the nation.”

The Governor added, “The Department of Motor Vehicles has shown tremendous leadership in proactively seeking out energy efficiency measures that reduce consumption, reduce costs, and save taxpayer dollars.  The savings achieved in this project are fantastic, 36% energy consumption reduction and annual energy savings of $284,000.  Energy efficiency makes good business sense and is a responsible way to ensure each taxpayer dollar is as productive as possible.”     

The text of Executive Order Number 31 is below:

NUMBER THIRTY ONE (2014)

CONSERVING ENERGY AND REDUCING CONSUMPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Importance of the Issue

The cleanest and cheapest energy is energy that is not consumed. Strong energy efficiency measures in government, businesses, and residences can reduce energy consumption, costs, and bills, diminish the need to build new generation infrastructure, and increase Virginians’ quality of life through lower carbon emissions polluting the atmosphere. Increased energy efficiency measures will serve as a stimulus to the growing energy efficiency industry in Virginia, helping create new jobs and diversifying our economy. The Commonwealth of Virginia will demonstrate the extraordinary potential and invaluable business advantages achieved with energy efficiency. 

As a prudent steward of taxpayer dollars, Virginia is dedicated to finding creative solutions with increasingly limited resources. Pursuing sensible energy efficiency in state government will increase the productivity of the energy used, reduce consumption, save money, and lessen any negative environmental impact. The Commonwealth is seeking to reduce electricity consumption in state facilities by 15% by 2017, using 2009-2010 as a baseline.

While the Commonwealth embraces the challenge of reducing energy consumption, localities, businesses, and individual consumers are encouraged to use energy efficiently, and utilize available tools to conserve energy.  

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

By the power vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, and § 2.2-103 of theCode of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby direct all executive branch agencies, authorities, departments, and all institutions of higher education, to every extent practicable, to operate in accordance with the following guidelines:

·       All state agencies should proactively pursue energy efficiency measures, especially Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), to reduce energy consumption. EPC is a budget neutral, cost-effective tool that permits state agencies and publicly-owned facilities to reduce their deferred maintenance backlogs without adding any financial burden to the taxpayer. In addition, EPC is an effective mechanism to finance capital improvements using leveraged energy savings to reduce both energy costs and consumption. For agencies that have already employed EPC, overall energy consumption should be re-evaluated to identify areas for further efficiency improvements. 

·       Agencies should utilize the current process, at no cost to the agency, which provides for a general audit to assess whether EPC is appropriate for the agency. This portion of the process is managed by the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and all agencies should work with DMME to have a general audit conducted with the goal of implementing an EPC by 2016.

             

I have appointed the Advisor for Infrastructure and Development as the Commonwealth’s Chief Energy Efficiency Officer (CEEO) to oversee planning, implementation, and measurement of energy efficiency throughout state government, as follows:

·       Organize a meeting with all agencies tasked with overseeing EPC in state government and state-certified Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to establish a fully transparent, streamlined, and standardized process that agencies will use to implement EPC. This will include the development of an “EPC Roadmap” that will lay out each step of the EPC process, and ensure accountability among agencies and the ESCOs at each stage of project development and implementation.

·       Coordinate with SCHEV to identify the deferred maintenance needs at each higher education institution and the opportunities to leverage energy savings to fund building infrastructure upgrades.

·       Work with the Department of General Services (DGS) and DMME to identify and prioritize state facilities that offer opportunities for significant cost and consumption reduction. 

·       Work with DMME to establish a comprehensive system to measure, verify, and track energy consumption in state facilities. 

·       Re-commission electrical equipment and systems in publicly-owned facilities, when needed.

·       Ensure that DMME reviews all annual project performance reports submitted by ESCOs to the agencies.

·       Work with subject matter experts to identify best practices to incentivize individuals and agencies regarding energy efficiency measures. Those who show leadership in energy efficiency, regardless of agency and project size, will be recognized. 

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon signing and shall remain in force and effect from its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

           

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 16th day of October, 2014.

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:             _______________________________________

                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Fuel the economy but do not expend any energy doing so?  An expanding economy requires more energy.  Are we speaking about shrinking the economy here?  Common Sense need not apply!

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Comply with Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since There Is No State Oversight, State Agencies Can Ignore This Order?  We Would Recommend Yes!

Today Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order #30, directing all Virginia state agencies, authorities, commissions and other entities to make the necessary policy changes to comply with yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision not to review the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision legalizing gay marriage in Virginia. The text of the Executive Order is as follows:

NUMBER THIRTY (2014)

MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Importance of the Issue

            The highest priority of state government should be to guarantee every person’s right to live, learn, work, and do business, regardless of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. This principle guided my first act as Governor when I signed Executive Order #1 banning discrimination in the state workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This principle also guided the Virginia leaders, advocates and allies who fought for marriage equality and won when the Supreme Court declined to review the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling inBostic v. Schaefer. Same-sex marriage is now legal in Virginia. This is a historic and long overdue moment for our Commonwealth and our country.

            The decision has opened new doors to my administration’s guiding principle of equality. An open and welcoming environment is imperative to grow as a Commonwealth, and to build a new Virginia economy that will attract vital businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, and thriving families.

            On issues ranging from recognizing same-sex marriages to extending health care benefits to same-sex spouses of state employees, state government is already well-prepared to implement this landmark decision. My administration will act quickly to continue to bring all of our policies and practices into compliance so that we can give married same-sex couples the full array of benefits they deserve. 

            Pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth, and pursuant to Article V of the Constitution and the laws of Virginia, I hereby order, effective immediately, that all entities in the executive branch, including agencies, authorities, commissions, departments, and all institutions of higher education further evaluate all policies and take all necessary and appropriate legal measures to comply with this decision.  

In addition, the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management shall notify all state agencies that employees whose same-sex marriage is recognized as legal in the Commonwealth, and who are eligible, may enroll their spouse and eligible dependents in the health benefits program for state employees within sixty (60) days of marriage.

            A full and complete report of all appropriate measures will be reviewed by the Counselor to the Governor and presented to the Governor on or before November 15, 2014.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

            This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing, and shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 7th day of October, 2014.

                                                                                                                                                      ___________________________________

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:            

_________________________________

     Secretary of the Commonwealth

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program Reaches Major Milestone

English: Senator John Warner (R - Virginia) and veterans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

V3 Certifies 212 Virginia employers who committed to over 7,000 jobs for Virginia’s Veterans; 5,339 Veterans have already been hired

Regional employer training events to be held in September & October

RICHMOND – Today, at the second annual Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Summit, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Department of Veterans Services’ Virginia Values Veterans Program (V3) has certified 213 Virginia employers at the completion of its second year. These employers have committed to providing over 7,000 jobs for Virginia’s veterans, and 5,339 Virginia veterans have already been hired.V3 is an innovative best practice initiative developed in support of Governor McAuliffe’s goal of positioning Virginia as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

           

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “This program is unique in that it aims to build vital public-private partnerships by leveraging state and federal agencies and industry leaders to share resources and educate employers on how to tap into the exceptional pool of talented veterans, National Guard and reservists in Virginia’s workforce. I recently unveiled the “Patriot Pledge”, as part of Executive Order 23, which will play a vital role in supporting the Virginia Values Veterans program and advancing my goal of building a New Virginia Economy by asking 10,000 businesses to sign a pledge of commitment to hire more veterans by 2018. I am pleased to announce that Altria, a V3 Certified Company, has generously agreed to grant the V3 Program $100,000 over the next year to double the V3 employer-training efforts. This funding will help us rapidly expand our reach to Virginia’s employers.”

Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John C. Harvey, Jr. said, “Virginia is committed to helping our returning service members’ transition from active duty to civilian life by providing many tools to make that transition a success for veterans and their families. The V3 program was established to assist veterans with one of the most integral keys to a successful transition, finding employment that will allow them to draw from the wealth of skills learned during their military career and apply those skills effectively in the civilian workforce.”

Paul Galanti, Commissioner of Veterans Services, said, “The V3 program is a win-win for Virginia’s employers and transitioning veterans. It serves as an outstanding resource for businesses to gain valuable strategies for hiring employees who are talented, loyal, show up on time, take direction well, and thrive in a team environment. Hiring veterans will be one of the best decisions these companies make.”

           

Upcoming Employer Training Events

September 23 - Virginia Beach, VA

October 28 - Prince William County, VA

Each training day will cover topics such as understanding the value of hiring veterans; building a business case for hiring veterans; and best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. This training is free and open to any company that wants to make veterans a part of their workforce. To learn more visit www.dvsV3.com.

About the Virginia Values Veterans Program

The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program is an official Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Veterans Services Program whose mission is to educate and train employers throughout the Commonwealth on the value of Virginia’s Veterans, and to help employers connect with these personnel to maximize the productivity of their workforce.

Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about these and additional V3 events should visit: www.dvsV3.com. The V3 program is largely supported through private donations and sponsorships to augment the training services provided by the Commonwealth. Inquiries regarding the V3 program should be made to Andrew Schwartz, the V3 Program Manager, at 804.786.0597or andrew.schwartz@dvs.virginia.gov

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