Governor McAuliffe Announces 300 New Jobs in City of Lynchburg - The Corporate Welfare Machine Grows

Half a million here, a million there, two hundred seventy five thousand here, before you know it, it all starts to sound like real money.  More corporate welfare being given to an insurance company.  Is McAuliffe buying both business relocation's into the state as well as votes?  Are people anywhere getting this kind of money to start their own businesses?

  In the propaganda machine article below, what is failed to be mentioned is if this company will be paying new workers a living wage.  Chances are no they will not.  So another new company is going to come in and under employ a workforce and those working there will need to be on the welfare roles in order to survive.  But that is okay since the company will get a cool half a million dollars just to come to Virginia.  Isn't that special?  Instead of being independent, people get to be fully dependent on a company that does not care about them as well as depending on the state just to try and live.  You have to love the new Virginia Economy.  Here is the official state propaganda.

~ Pacific Life Insurance Company to invest nearly $4 million to establish business center ~

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe today announced that Pacific Life Insurance Company will invest nearly $4 million to open a business center in the City of Lynchburg, expanding the company’s suite of innovative products and service capabilities. With this investment, the company completed an acquisition of the term life new business platform from Genworth Financial. The project will create 300 new jobs.

“I am pleased to congratulate Pacific Life for their significant expansion to the City of Lynchburg and applaud their choice to invest in one of the best business regions on the East Coast,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Pacific Life’s creation of 300 new jobs in Virginia reflects the Commonwealth’s rapid economic growth, pro-business climate, and world-class workforce. I am confident that Pacific Life will thrive in this new location and will bring the Commonwealth one step closer in our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”

“This is exciting news for the City of Lynchburg and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “Congratulations to Pacific Life and Lynchburg whose outstanding workforce, competitive business environment and high quality of life will contribute to the company’s continued growth and prosperity.”

“Pacific Life is looking forward to launching our new term life insurance operation in the city of Lynchburg,” said Jim Morris, Chairman, President and CEO of Pacific Life. “The diverse and educated workforce of Virginia will allow us to continue providing superior customer service to our policy owners as we expand into new markets. And Lynchburg’s vibrant downtown is the ideal place for our employees to work. We appreciate the partnership with the city of Lynchburg and Governor McAuliffe as we open this new office."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lynchburg with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

"The selection of Lynchburg for Pacific Life's east coast operation is a testament to the City's skilled workforce and strong business community," said Michael Gillette, Mayor of Lynchburg. "Pacific Life's decision demonstrates that Lynchburg is not only a great place to live, work and play but also an excellent place to do business.

"This project represents a significant investment in the Lynchburg community and state of Virginia on the part of a financially stable, well regarded company," said Mike Lucado, chair of the Lynchburg Economic Development Authority. "In addition to property acquisition and improvements, Pacific Life's considerable job creation with competitive salaries will serve as an employment anchor in our rapidly revitalizing downtown district and have a tremendous impact on the City of Lynchburg for years to come."

"The Lynchburg region is a great place to locate, build, and grow a business, and I know Pacific Life will thrive here," said Delegate Kathy J. Byron.  "Our region has positioned itself as an ideal - and affordable - place for business. I am thrilled to have this investment and these jobs here. The state and local officials who worked on this deserve our congratulations and our thanks.”

About Pacific Life

Offering insurance since 1868, Pacific Life provides a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings.

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order to Choke All Virginians

It just does not get any dumber than this.  Carbon Emissions, let's see, the stuff we breath out and trees and plants breath and change into oxygen.  So the idiot governor thinks people are getting way to much oxygen?  He has signed an executive order, without the consent of the people, to cut the oxygen levels in Virginia hence wanting to choke us all to death?

  First, where does this scumbag get off on just signing some order without the consent of the people?  Where is that democratic republic?  Signing some executive order without the consent of the people is communism.  The New Virginia Economy.

Second, where are the studies to show that Virginia has more oxygen than it needs?  The bottom line is that this is nothing more than a tax and theft of the rights of the people to conduct business without government interference.  It is putting more people into slavery.  Another real objective here folks is the raising of all costs such as electric bills, transportation costs, shipping costs, which will affect all other costs.  Here is the official propaganda from the state and his office.

~ Order creates workgroup to recommend executive actions to reduce carbon emissions from the electric sector ~

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe today issued Executive Order 57 directing Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward to convene a workgroup and recommend concrete steps to reduce carbon pollution from Virginia’s power plants. The group will evaluate options under Virginia’s existing authority to address carbon pollution.

The Commonwealth’s electric sector has already made significant strides towards a reduced environmental impact; between 2005 and 2014, carbon emissions from Virginia’s electrical generators fell by 21%. Currently the sector accounts for approximately 30% of the state’s overall carbon emission. The workgroup will focus on how to continue this trajectory in a way that makes clean energy a meaningful part of Virginia’s energy portfolio.

“Increasing Virginia’s emphasis on clean energy generation will help grow Virginia’s economy by reducing carbon emissions, ensuring our Commonwealth’s long-term energy security and creating the next generation of good jobs in this emerging sector,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Many of the largest employers on the globe have made it clear that the availability of clean energy is a key part of their decision making process when it comes to new jobs and investments. To continue attracting competitive and innovative businesses, we need to invest in a 21^st century energy policy to ensure our grid is reliable, affordable, and clean.”

The newly convened workgroup will receive input from a diverse range of perspectives including scientists, energy experts, business leaders, and environmental advocates. The Secretary of Natural Resources will be charged with developing a regulatory strategy to reduce carbon pollution in Virginia’s energy sector while realizing opportunities to lead in the new clean energy economy.

“Global warming and sea level rise driven by carbon emissions pose a significant threat to Virginia’s environment, economy, and way of life,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward. “The energy choices we make today will be felt for generations to come, so it’s worth thoroughly reviewing all options under Virginia’s existing authority. This workgroup’s report will be a jumping-off point for future conversations about climate change and clean energy in the Commonwealth.”

The group’s recommendations will build upon the McAuliffe administrations existing efforts to improve energy efficiency and transition the Commonwealth to carbon-neutral energy sources. Executive Order 31 directed state agencies to implement energy efficient practices, protecting Virginia’s environment and bottom line. The governor established the Solar Energy Development Authority to catalyze growth in this rapidly-expanding market. Additionally, Governor McAuliffe set new procurement standards for state agencies, requiring eight percent of the energy they consume to be generated by renewables within the next three years.

The full text of Executive Order 57 is below:

DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION FACILITIES

Executive Order Number 57

Part I – Importance of the Initiative

Though our coastal communities may be the first to witness the effects of climate change, the risks presented by increasingly fierce storms, severe flooding, and other extreme weather events are not confined to a single geographic area. Neither are their causes. The economic implications are significant, and we must do all we can to protect our critical military infrastructure, our ports, our homes, and our businesses. It is only by acting together with common purpose that the Commonwealth can effectively adapt and stave off the most severe consequences of climate change.

One key step forward is to continue with a strategic goal of reducing carbon emissions. Virginia has already made meaningful strides – between 2005 and 2014, Virginia reduced its carbon emissions from power plants by 21 percent. However, the electric sector is still responsible for approximately 30 percent of the carbon dioxide pollution in the Commonwealth. Moreover, electric companies are including carbon regulation projections in their long-term plans. The electric sector is changing rapidly through increasing reliance on low and zero carbon resources. As such, it is vital that the Commonwealth continue to facilitate and engage in a dialogue on carbon reduction methods while simultaneously creating a pathway for clean energy initiatives that will grow jobs and help diversify Virginia’s economy.

Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in the Governor under Article V of the

Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, I hereby direct the Secretary of Natural Resources to convene a Work Group, chaired by the Secretary, to study and recommend methods to reduce carbon emissions from  electric power generation facilities. The Secretary shall receive input from interested stakeholders.

Such methods shall align with the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board’s power to promulgate regulations abating, controlling and prohibiting air pollution throughout or in any part of the Commonwealth.

Part II – Scope and Guidance

In preparing their recommendations, the Secretary and the Work Group shall consider the following:

(1) the establishment of regulations for the reduction of carbon pollution from existing electric power generation facilities pursuant to existing authority under Virginia Code § 10.1-1300 et seq.;

(2) the carbon reduction requirements for existing electric power generation facilities established under § 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, which are currently stayed pending final disposition;

(3) the interaction between electric utilities and regional markets, including PJM Interconnection;

(4) the impact any reduction requirements place on the reliability of the electric system;

(5) the impact any reduction of carbon pollution may have on electric rates and electric bills;

(6) the impact of reducing carbon pollution on low income and vulnerable communities;

(7) the cost effectiveness of pollution reduction technologies that may be deployed;

(8) the economic development opportunities associated with deployment of new carbon reduction technologies;

(9) the implementation and administration of carbon reduction regulations; and

(10) flexibility in achieving the goals of any carbon reduction regulation.

The Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete her work, including the development of recommendations as to viable carbon reduction methods for the electric power generation facilities by April 30, 2017. The Secretary of Natural Resources shall provide a report on the recommendations to the Governor by May 31, 2017.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect for one year after its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 28^th Day of June, 2016.

Governor McAuliffe announces $5 million in Vibrant Community Initiative funding for Montgomery County and City of Richmond

Well here we go with more state welfare being sold as caring for the people by big government.  Over 5 million dollars of your tax money being thrown at projects the state has no business being in.  But then again, it is after all a Big Brother deal.  Since there is no capital market for this, the government must step in and do the job.  (1984).  All I can see is pure communism here.  Here is the rest of their story.

~ Funding will be used for comprehensive neighborhood housing and community development projects ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today $5 million in Vibrant Community Initiative (VCI) funding for housing and community development projects. Montgomery County and the city of Richmond will each receive $2.5 million for a regional comprehensive community-based strategy to expanding the availability of affordable housing and creating more opportunity for community residents to succeed.

“The Vibrant Community Initiative channels vital funding to affordable housing in central Virginia, which in turn fosters economic growth and job opportunities for communities that need it most,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We want to ensure that every Virginian has the opportunities to succeed and this starts with investments at the local level in housing, schools, and infrastructure. By combining state and federal resources, this pilot program will serve as a foundation for future economic investments and local initiatives across Virginia as we continue to build our new Virginia economy.”

VCI combines multiple Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) funding sources to support local or regional comprehensive community-based projects including affordable housing, community development and economic development components. The initiative identifies highly impactful, transformational projects and then leverages several funding resources to streamline the application process, while also streamlining the project management and compliance processes. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) has partnered with DHCD to provide critical technical assistance and financial support.

“The Vibrant Community Initiative will make a meaningful difference in these two communities,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “This comprehensive approach will not only address affordable housing needs but also assist the development and execution of an economic and community development strategy that will create an overall better quality of life for their residents.”

A tiered application process was utilized to solicit proposals, and applicants were required to submit a letter of interest to identify the project and its key characteristics. A panel with representatives from DHCD and VHDA evaluated the proposals. Site visits were conducted for the five highest rated projects, and those five applicants all submitted final proposals for the $5 million program.

Richmond Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Community Builders received funding for the city of Richmond project, which is focused on the Church Hill North and East End Revitalization. The Church Hill North/East End Revitalization is a comprehensive project that focuses on increasing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents by building quality and affordable housing options for residents of a variety of income levels. The project capitalizes on ongoing economic and community development work and leverages existing plans to address the East End business corridor’s needs and lack of community amenities. The VCI investment will fund the development of 220 units of rental housing for a mixed-income community, including 128 units of replacement public housing for residents of the nearby Creighton Court Public Housing development. In addition, the VCI resources will be allocated to support homeownership opportunities for residents located on the site of the currently vacant old Armstrong High School.

The project in Montgomery County is the Old Prices Fork School Comprehensive Community Revitalization Project. This project is a multi-phased project involving the historic revitalization and renovation of the former elementary school to incorporate 32 units of mixed-income, multi-generational housing and new and innovative economic development opportunities through the establishment of the Old School Food Center. The housing units will provide an opportunity for mixed generational living and support the sense of community and learning that has been a hallmark of the Old Prices Fork School. Additionally, the development of food processing, dining and retail opportunities will expand the vibrancy of the project not only to those living, working and selling products there, but also to the community and region. The Old Prices Fork School will continue to be an integrated space and cultural touchstone of the Prices Fork Village, the county and the New River Valley. 

2016 Virginia Community Initiative Fund:

Locality	Project Name	CDBG Award
City of Richmond Applicant: Richmond Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Community Builders	Church Hill North/East End Revitalization	$2,500,000
Montgomery County Applicant: Montgomery County	Old Prices Fork Road School Revitalization Project	$2,500,000

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.