Governor McAuliffe Announces 348 New Jobs in Arlington County

What you will want to note while reading the article below, written by one of the Governor's staff writers, is that we the people, or you the taxpayer, is paying a company over one million dollars to downsize and relocate everything here in Virginia.  Virginia may gain some jobs, over 300 according to the article below, but at a cost to all of us and again, the company is downsizing which is played off as meaning nothing.  So what that others around the nation loose their jobs.  We are gaining some new jobs for folks here in Virginia.  Well, that isn't exactly stated.  It's only suggested.  The company is more likely to move their best people to the new office here in Virginia.

And again, we see nothing about any of those jobs paying a living wage.  A living wage in an area such as Northern Virginia is higher than most other areas due to the cost of living there.  So, about $55,000.00 a year for a single person would be appropriate for a living wage in that area.  It's just outside of the DC belt.  $55 thousand might still be way to low.  I have not checked prices there in the past few years.

  So we have some very serious corporate welfare going on here and no signs of any decent return for all of that corporate welfare.  Just another raid on the people at the people's expense.  So here is their article.

~ Grant Thornton LLP to invest $15.75 million to consolidate operations and expand in Northern Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Grant Thornton LLP, a leading U.S. professional-services firm, will invest $15.75 million to consolidate offices and grow its presence across the Northern Virginia region. Virginia successfully competed against Washington, D.C. for the project, which will retain 994 jobs and create 348 new jobs.

“Retaining Grant Thornton in Virginia is a big win for the Commonwealth, as we continue to make Virginia the best place in the country for business and workforce development,”said Governor McAuliffe. “The firm’s consolidation is a great testament to the business advantages of Arlington County and we are excited to announce that this project is, not only retaining nearly 1,000 jobs in Virginia, but also creating 348 additional jobs. I am pleased with our success and will continue to work with industry leaders to ensure the new Virginia economy is innovative, diverse, and competitive in the global marketplace.”

“I am thrilled we were able to help Grant Thornton find a new, state-of-the-art home in Arlington County that can meet the company’s growing needs as it consolidates locations and expands in the region,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Grant Thornton will continue to benefit from the Commonwealth’s superior workforce and Northern Virginia’s best in class business environment, and I congratulate the company on this exciting new chapter.”

“This move reinforces Grant Thornton’s commitment to Virginia and Arlington County,”said Jamie Fowler, Grant Thornton’s Atlantic Coast managing partner. “We’ll be combining our area offices to create a more efficient footprint, but also the ‘workplace of the future,’ a concept developed with input from Grant Thornton employees. The ‘workplace of the future’ equips and engages our people to leverage technology and design to do their jobs smarter, faster and better. More importantly, it allows them to feel connected no matter where they work.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. 

“Grant Thornton is a well-established company with clients around the globe, and we could not be happier to welcome them to Arlington," said Libby Garvey, Chair of the Arlington County Board. "The company's expansion in Arlington County will bring significant job growth here, and we are confident Grant Thornton will find the workforce, resources and support it needs to ensure its success."

"This is another win for Arlington County and Governor McAuliffe," said Delegate Rip Sullivan. "Grant Thornton's decision to consolidate its Northern Virginia offices in Arlington will bring hundreds of talented workers—and taxpayers—to the County. Today is a great day for our Arlington community and for Grant Thornton."
"Grant Thornton has made a wise choice selecting Arlington County as the place to expand its Atlantic coast operations,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “Arlington County and the entire Northern Virginia region offer a highly educated and technologically savvy workforce, coupled with first-class school systems and research institutions. Clearly, Virginia's investments in human capital are yielding positive results every day. We welcome Grant Thornton to the region."

About Grant Thornton LLP

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. In the United States, Grant Thornton has revenue in excess of $1.45 billion and operates 59 offices with more than 550 partners and 7,000 employees. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please seegrantthornton.com for further details.

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Maurice Jones’ Selection as Next CEO of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement congratulating Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones on his selection as the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, an organization that works with low-income communities to create new opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive:

“Secretary Jones took on one of the toughest jobs in my Cabinet, and he has served our citizens well in the face of significant challenges from federal budget cuts and the threat of sequestration. He has been a strong partner as we worked together to build a new Virginia economy that is diverse and capable of withstanding future fiscal and political headwinds, and I will miss his thoughtful and strategic approach to economic development and workforce policy.

“Virginia is a much more significant competitor in the global economy today because of the progress we’ve made in strengthening our business climate, investing in infrastructure, providing incentives for emerging industry sectors and entrepreneurs, and transforming our workforce system. The breadth of those accomplishments is a reflection of the broad experience and knowledge base that Secretary Jones brought to this job from both the public and private sectors. While replacing his expertise and impact as a member of my cabinet will be a difficult task, this new opportunity will allow Secretary Jones to continue his career of public service by raising up struggling communities and helping residents build better lives for themselves. I thank Maurice for his outstanding service to our Commonwealth and wish him well as he begins this next chapter.”  

The Governor's Weekly Top 5 - It's not what they say, it's what they don't say

Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 707 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with more than $11.24 billion in capital investment, which is more than any previous governor in the first 28 months in office. Governor McAuliffe is focused on growing the #NewVAEconomy and continuing our historic economic success.

The Governor’s Top 5

1. Governor McAuliffe announces unemployment drops to 3.8% as GDP rises 1.4%

TAKE AWAYS:

·         What are the details of this announcement?

·         “The continued decline in Virginia’s unemployment rate, combined with our most significant increase in state gross domestic product since 2010, is a testament to the success we are having growing and diversifying our Commonwealth’s economy. Despite the ongoing headwinds generated by sequestration and federal defense cuts, Virginia’s economic growth is creating new opportunity and a quality of life for families across the Commonwealth.” - Governor Terry McAuliffe

PRESS:

o   The Press Release from the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Affairs

2. Governor McAuliffe announces historic SMART  SCALE transportation process that uses objective data to prioritize projects

TAKE AWAYS:

·         What are the details of this announcement?

·         “Virginia is the first state in the country to use an outcome-based prioritization process to select transportation projects. My team and I were proud to work with a bipartisan coalition from the General Assembly and localities and regional bodies across the state to develop reforms that make the absolute best use of taxpayer dollars by investing in the right transportation projects. No longer are we allowing politics and wish lists to determine what gets built. This process is critical to moving people, jobs, and commerce, all of which is essential to building the new Virginia economy.” – Governor Terry McAuliffe

PRESS:

o   McAuliffe praises “Smart Scale” transportation overhaul before “historic” vote Tuesday – The Virginian-Pilot

o   State transportation board to vote on $14.4 billion plan – The Richmond Times-Dispatch

o   Waynesboro gets huge state transportation funds – the Staunton News Leader

o   State transportation panel to vote on Charlottesville streetscape projects – The Charlottesville Tomorrow

o   New state transportation program approved, paving way for Rappahannock River Crossing– The Free Lance-Star

3. First Lady and Governor McAuliffe launch food crop donation initiative to aid food banks through tax credits

TAKE AWAYS:

·         What are the details of this announcement?

·         “The First Lady and I are working hard to reduce hunger in the Commonwealth by creating pathways to nutritious food for all Virginians. This new budget allows for $250,000 to be issued in tax credits annually for farmers who participate in the program. This is an opportunity for our farmers to help provide healthy, Virginia-grown food to the hungry in their communities, while also receiving a valuable tax incentive. Through these newly created partnerships with local non-profit organizations like Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, we will provide greater access to healthy food for our most under-served citizens.” - Governor Terry McAuliffe

PRESS:

o   McAuliffe visits Valley, signs bill boosting food banks, farmers – The News Virginian

o   Virginia farmers get new tax breaks for food bank donations – WVIR Charlottesville (NBC)

o   McAuliffe signs food crop donation tax credit bill – The Danville Register & Bee

4. Governor McAuliffe signs ABLE Act at Richmond Special Olympics to financially assist individuals and families with special needs

TAKE AWAYS:

• DETAILS – Governor McAuliffe ceremonially signed the ABLE Act at the opening ceremonies of the Richmond Special Olympics this past week. This legislation creates 529 savings accounts for individuals and their families with special needs in Virginia. These account are designed to help save for college free of means testing at the state level. Governor McAuliffe was joined by Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, the patron of the original bill (HB 1103), which commanded bipartisan support during the 2016 General Assembly session.

·         “Tonight, we recognize the incredible contributions these extraordinary people make in Virginia. I am pleased to join Delegate Filler-Corn to sign ABLE, a financial tool that will help individuals with special needs and their families succeed … We are committed to helping all Virginians achieve their dreams and realize their full potentials.” - Governor Terry McAuliffe

PRESS:

o   Burke and Springfield: Saving ABLE Savings Accounts – The Connection

o   Special Olympics summers games kick off at UR – WRIC Richmond (ABC)

5. Governor McAuliffe launches “Who’s Your Driver” campaign to deter drunk driving in Virginia

TAKEAWAYS:

• DETAILS – Governor McAuliffe launched the “Who’s Your Driver” campaign at the Richmond International Speedway this week with the Virginia State Police. This initiative is aimed to increase public awareness of drunk driving issues and deter Virginians from driving drunk through the use of a designated, sober driver. The program will micro-target millennial men, who are statistically more likely to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office and DRIVE SMART Virginia also partnered with the program.

·         “Keeping Virginians safe is a top priority of my administration and deterring drunk driving through ‘Who’s Your Driver’ is a big step forward to lower traffic accident and fatalities. We will continue to emphasize the importance of a designated driver and this program’s success is attributed to the partnership and collaboration of the Virginia State Police, the DMV’s Highway Safety Office, the Richmond International Speedway, and DRIVE SMART.” – Governor Terry McAuliffe

PRESS:

o   Governor McAuliffe announces grant to accelerate apprenticeship program – AlexandriaNews

o   Virginia receives grant to accelerate apprenticeship program – WVIR Charlottesville

o   McAuliffe announces grant for apprenticeship programs – Charlottesville Newsplex (CBS)

o   ‘Who’s your driver?’ campaign aims to curb drunk driving – WRIC Richmond (ABC)

In Case You Missed It

·         Gov. McAuliffe celebrates state parks’ 80^th birthday at Westmoreland State Park – The Free Lance-Star

·         32 new jobs coming to Henry County with feed production operation facility – Danville Register & Bee

·         Turning potential into participation key after restoration of ex-felons’ voting rights by Jamal Watson – DiverseEducation

·         McAuliffe signs bill to prevent sexual and domestic violence – WVIR Charlottesville (NBC)

·         Governor, state legislators visit Fort Pickett – The Virginia National Guard

Now here is what they are not telling you and also, how to read between the lines:

What they are not telling you is how much debt they are saddling the state and or federal government with.  Many new corporations have in fact moved into Virginia, but at a tremendous cost to all Virginian's.  Read what they are saying above.  All the government grants or better put, corporate welfare, that has been given out to get companies here.  Now let's look at that even deeper.  How many of those companies are paying a living wage to it's employees?  Maybe all of them but only to the folk's at the very top of the company in Virginia.  But did those same companies hire management from within the state of Virginia or did these corporations just move their own people from somewhere else?  So what we are really seeing is a huge influx of very poor paying jobs which translates into more people moving onto the welfare rolls increasing the burden for higher taxes to cover these extra expenditures.  It's a really neat trick if you are not paying attention to what is really going on.  And look at all of the socialists lining up to write such rosy articles to tell you how great socialism is.  It's a sinking ship and we are all under water now and it's only getting worse.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Actions on the FY2015 Budget

At a press conference in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the savings actions he will execute to eliminate the revenue shortfall in the Virginia budget for Fiscal Year 2015.

Due to revenue collections that came in under the budget projection set in 2013, the Governor asked executive branch agencies to submit budget reduction plans of 5% for Fiscal Year 2015 and 7% for Fiscal Year 2016 in order to close an $882 million budget deficit. Today’s announcement focused on the Governor’s budget reduction strategies for FY2015. 

“Making these budget reductions has been the most difficult experience of my term so far,”said Governor McAuliffe.  “In a government as lean and well-run as ours, there are few spending cuts you can make without impacting the lives of Virginians. The goal was to keep lay-offs to a minimum and protect our core services. The budget I present in December will be a sound and balanced approach to navigating the challenges we face and building a foundation for a stronger economic future.”

Below are a copy of the Governor’s prepared remarks.

Governor’s Remarks - Budget Savings Plan Announcement

Good Morning.  Thank you for being with me here today.

Today, I am here to announce my actions on the budget for fiscal year 2015.  After much deliberation, discussions and hard decisions, I am presenting today the approved budget savings plan. 

Before I begin, I want to discuss the process, which is almost as important as the outcome. 

When I came into office in January, I promised to work together with the General Assembly to find common ground on issues of importance to all citizens of the Commonwealth.    From SOL reform to transportation prioritization to job creation, we came together to make Virginia a better place to live, work and prosper. 

Toward the end of the fiscal year, we started to see revenues not meet the forecast set out in 2013, before I took office.  This would create a shortfall for fiscal year 2014. 

I took immediate action.

First, I notified the leadership of the money committees and promised to work with them every step of the way to fill this shortfall.

Second, I directed all agencies to be prudent and curb any excess spending.

The General Assembly created budgetary reserves totaling $846 million in the current Appropriations Act.  In addition, $705 million could be withdrawn from the Revenue Stabilization Fund during the two year period.  These two items provide a “cushion” of $1.55 billion to address the revenue shortfall.   

Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough. 

The total shortfall in the new interim forecast is projected to be $2.4 billion. This means the problem remaining is $882 million.   Of this amount, $346 million will have to be found in this fiscal year, while $536 will be needed in fiscal year 2016. 

On August 15^th, I asked all agencies to submit budget reduction plans of five percent in fiscal year 2015 and seven percent in fiscal year 2016.  These plans were due on September 19^th to my office. 

During this time, I worked closely with the leadership of the General Assembly to set out the parameters for the cuts.  The outcome was HB 5010, a supplemental appropriations bill that outlined the process and the amount of cuts from four areas:

• From executive branch agencies, $92.4 million in FY15 and $100 million in FY16
• $45 million each year from higher education
• $30 million each year from local governments
• $102 million in unobligated balances in FY15 and $262 million in FY16

In addition, the bill authorized use of the Revenue Stabilization Fund for both fiscal years 2015 and 2016. 

I asked for three things to be a part of HB 5010, and I am glad to see they were all included in that legislation. 

The first request was that there would be no cuts to K-12 education in the first year.  We need to protect our core services including K-12.  All school divisions have already started the school year with a set budget adopted last spring. 

It would be irresponsible to make changes now.

Second, I asked that the money designated for “A Healthy Virginia”, my healthcare access plan, be preserved.  This bill gives me flexibility to utilize the remaining balance in the Health Care Fund to move forward with these much needed initiatives.

Finally, this budget bill allows me to reallocate $5 million for economic development and workforce training - both top priorities of mine.   

Making these decisions today has been an exhaustive process.  We have worked hard over the past few weeks to get to where we are today.  Some initial options were unacceptable, and we had to ask for a different strategy. 

My goal was to keep lay-offs to a minimum and protect our core services.  The 565 lay-offs that will result from these actions comprise just half a percent of our state workforce of 120,000 full time equivalents, both wage and salary. Ninety percent of these lay-offs are from the Department of Corrections alone. 

I have been working with the Department of Human Resource Management and have put a plan in place to give these individuals the resources they need to find future employment.  Had we not prioritized state employee jobs, this situation could have been far worse. 

In addition to our efforts limiting layoffs, these are some of the other themes that define the actions we are announcing today:

• We are improving business practices and efficiencies
• We are eliminating unneeded contractors, including outside consultants and attorneys. 
• We are leaving vacant positions unfilled. 
• We are using nongeneral fund money instead of general funds when feasible and allowed by law or contract. 

Specifically, we are doing the following:

• For Department of Corrections, we are closing a correctional facility, a community corrections residential facility, a diversion center and delaying the opening of a women’s correctional facility.   This equates to $4 million in savings for FY 15
• In the Department of Social Services, we are using one-time child care remaining balance of $2.7 million
• For state police, we are selling one airplane and only filling 27 out of the 68 vacant trooper positions.  In addition, the state police will find an additional $4 million in operational efficiencies
• For ABC, we are increasing the product mark-up on distilled spirits resulting in $2.5 million. 

On December 17^th, I will present to the General Assembly the budget for fiscal year 2016. 

We will continue to review the 7% cuts in the second year, and I am not ready to make these decisions at this time. 

I have asked my staff to look at alternatives. Let me be clear - everything is on the table.

If we can preserve core services that Virginians need by adjusting fees or eliminating tax preferences, we should. The budget I present in December will be a sound and balanced approach to navigating the challenges we face and building a foundation for a stronger economic future. I have enjoyed a strong working partnership with the leadership of the General Assembly on these issues so far, and I am looking forward to continuing our collaborative work in the 2015 session.

Making these budget reductions has been the most difficult experience of my term so far. In a government as lean and well-run as ours, there are few spending cuts you can make without impacting the lives of Virginians.

While this budget plan represents a sensible approach, I am cautiously optimistic about the fiscal future ahead. Some areas of the economy are recovering slowly while other areas remain stagnant. It is my hope that we have set our revenue estimate low enough that our slow recovery may boost our budget to the point where we could begin to undo some of these cuts and strengthen the investments our economy needs. But until we actually see that happen, we have a responsibility to remain cautious in the face of an uncertain future.

Later today I will meet with the Joint Advisory Board of Economists (JABE) to seek their council.  I will heed their advice as well as the Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates when they meet on November 24^th.  

While I believe they too will remain cautious, the news has not been all bad. As we announced yesterday, preliminary total revenues for the month of September were up 5.3 percent and through the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 they are up 6.7 percent, ahead of the annual estimate of 2.9 percent. 

This is the first time revenues have increased three months in a row since the second quarter of calendar year 2013. 

Payroll withholding came in strong with 8.3 percent for the month due to an additional deposit day.  Sales tax collections are up about 3.5 percent for the month and are up 4.6 percent for the quarter.  This is ahead of the projected growth of 4.4 percent.

Recordation taxes finally had a positive month after falling for 13 straight months.  We saw a 1.9 percent growth in the month of September.

Even though this is positive news, we need to be prudent in the fiscal decisions we make. 

As we saw last year, an unexpected revenue decline could be just around the corner. In the midst of uncertainty over sequestration and the federal budget, we have an obligation to prepare Virginia as much as possible for the reduction in federal spending that we know is coming.

The reductions we are announcing today are a short-term response intended to insulate Virginia from the possibility of even further cuts. And in the long-term, as I have said before, we must work together to grow and diversify our state economy so that we are no longer subject to Washington uncertainty.

And so my focus will remain on building a new Virginia economy that is stronger, more independent and more resilient. My administration is hard at work pursuing that goal on all fronts.

We are working to strengthen our education and workforce development system so that we are giving every student the skills he or she needs in a 21^st Century economy.

Yesterday, we unveiled the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan, which will help drive our economy into the future by growing key sectors like wind, solar, nuclear technology and natural gas so that we can offer businesses the cheapest, cleanest and most abundant energy in the nation.

We are continuing to grow and strengthen our transportation infrastructure in ways that encourage economic growth and raise Virginia’s quality of life.

Our outstanding quality of life, world class workforce and outstanding infrastructure are real assets.  And so is Virginia’s long-standing reputation for sound management, even in the face of difficult situations.

This budget shortfall is not what I had hoped to be dealing with in my first year as Governor, but I am proud of the manner in which leaders on both sides of the aisle came together to address it.

Thanks to the hard work of Secretary Ric Brown and his team, who worked alongside Chairmen Colgan, Stosch, Jones and their staff, we are meeting these challenges in a way that protects our core assets, minimizes layoffs, and positions our Commonwealth for future growth.

While I know we all hope that the budget news from here forward will be more positive, all Virginians should be encouraged to know that their leaders are capable of coming together to get things done for the good of the Commonwealth.

Thank you.  I will now be happy to take a few questions.