Governor McAuliffe Announces Decrease in Virginia Unemployment Rate

August was 17^th consecutive month of year over year employment growth

Governor McAuliffe announced today that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased 0.3 percentage point in August to 4.5 percent, the second consecutive monthly decline. At 4.5 percent, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at its lowest level since September 2008 when it was 4.3 percent. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains below the national rate, which was down 0.2 percentage point in August to 5.1 percent.

The average weekly wage for private employers was $940.55 in August, 7.6 percent above a year ago.

“We are seeing tangible results from our work to build a new Virginia economy by fostering growth at Virginia businesses around the Commonwealth and attracting new, high-growth industries,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The new jobs numbers demonstrate continued progress creating good-paying jobs all across Virginia. This is great news, but with federal shutdowns, sequestration and budget battles looming, we still have much work to do to diversify our economy and chart a course for sustainable growth well into the future.”

“The private sector continues to lead the rebound of Virginia’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “This is especially good news as the Commonwealth needs robust private sector job growth in order to diversify our sources of prosperity.”

From August of 2014 to August of 2015, Virginia’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment was up 41,100 jobs. Over the year, employment grew 1.1 percent. For the past three months, over-the-year employment growth has exceeded 1.0 percent. Over-the-year August job gains were recorded by both the private sector, which grew by 37,200 jobs, and the public sector, which grew by 3,900 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, 9 of the 11 major industry divisions experienced employment gains.

For a greater statistical breakdown visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website at www.vec.virginia.gov.  

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Inter-Agency Task Force on Worker Misclassification and Payroll Fraud

English: Virginia State Corporation Commission Agency Seal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe has signed Executive Order 24 establishing an interagency task force on worker misclassification and payroll fraud.

“Every Virginian who works hard and follows the rules should get the pay and benefits that they deserve,” said Governor McAuliffe “This executive order will begin a process to ensure that employers throughout the Commonwealth follow the same rules when it comes to benefits and pay for their employees.”

The text of executive order number 24 is as follows:

NUMBER TWENTY FOUR (2014)

ESTABLISHING AN INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ON

WORKER MISCLASSIFICATION AND PAYROLL FRAUD

Importance of the Issue

            The misclassification of employees as “independent contractors” undermines businesses that follow the law, deprives the Commonwealth of millions of dollars in tax revenues, and prevents workers from receiving legal protections and benefits.

            A 2012 report of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) found that one third of audited employers in certain industries misclassify their employees. By failing to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, pay unemployment insurance and payroll taxes, or comply with minimum wage and overtime laws, employers lower their costs up to 40%, placing other employers at a competitive disadvantage.

            Based on state and national studies, JLARC estimated that worker misclassification lowers Virginia’s state income tax collections as much as $28 million a year. Agencies with relevant enforcement responsibilities, including the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance, the Department of Taxation, and the Workers’ Compensation Commission each address only one component of this practice and may not fully coordinate their efforts. In its study, JLARC recommended the establishment of a task force with representatives from the agencies listed above. 

Establishment of the Task Force

            Pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, and the Code of Virginia, in order to examine the issue of worker misclassification and payroll fraud, I hereby create an Inter-Agency Taskforce on Worker Misclassification and Payroll Fraud (the “Taskforce”).

Initiatives

            The purpose of the Taskforce is to develop and implement a comprehensive plan with measureable goals to reduce worker misclassification and payroll fraud in Virginia. The activities of the Taskforce should include, but not be limited to:

1.     Review statutes and regulations related to worker misclassification and payroll fraud;

2.     Evaluate current enforcement practices of the agencies involved;

3.     Develop procedures for more effective inter-agency cooperation and joint enforcement;

4.     Implement a pilot project for joint enforcement;

5.     Develop educational materials and an outreach strategy for employers;

6.     Advise on any technological improvements in worker misclassification and payroll fraud detection; and,

7.     Recommend any appropriate changes to relevant legislation or administrative rules.

The Taskforce will be chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and will include representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance, the Department of Taxation, and the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

            A workplan will be developed and a report on the progress of the Taskforce will be presented to the Governor by December 1, 2014. 

Staffing

            Staff necessary for the Task Force will be provided by the respective agencies participating with the Task Force. The estimated direct cost of the Task Force is $1,000. Funding necessary to support the Task Force will be provided from funds authorized by § 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date
 

            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and   2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect for a year from its signing or until superseded or rescinded. 

            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 14th day of August, 2014.

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:             _______________________________________

                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Our Notes:  Expect increases in abuses, not less fraud.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces VAWorks Job Search Mobile App

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Available for both iPhone and Android, Virginia’s new mobile app provides job seekers with a convenient new way to search for jobs ~

App is an extension of the Virginia Workforce Connection website, the Commonwealth’s advanced workforce development tool.

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe announced the launch of Virginia’s new employment app, VAWorks.  Now, wherever Virginians may be in the Commonwealth, they can have thousands of jobs at their fingertips. 

“Job seekers in Virginia now have a more convenient way to find employment,” stated Governor McAuliffe.  “The VAWorks app is an advanced workforce development tool that matches employers with qualified candidates.” 

Available on iPhone and Android, Virginia’s new app provides job seekers with free access to jobs.  Using a mobile device, users can search for jobs by occupation, location, or keyword.  They can also share their job search activity and information via email or social media.  “This mobile app gives today’s job seekers an easier way to access thousands of job from more than 16,000 sources, including military, government and federal jobs while on-the-go,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice A. Jones said. 

The VAWorks app is one of many job seeker services available through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).  App users now have the option to receive notifications from the VEC when new job openings are available, filter their results by occupation and expand job listings to review details and locations.  For more information about the VEC or the new mobile app, please contact Joyce Fogg, VEC Director of Communications, at (804) 786-7592 orJoyce.Fogg@vec.virginia.gov.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia’s Grant Award for Veterans’ Job Training

Injuries incurred by service members are covered by the Veteran Administration. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Virginia’s Community Colleges to Provide Education and Training Opportunities to Help Veterans Succeed

RICHMOND- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today Virginia’s award of over $3.4 million from the United States Department of Labor.  The grant award will provide veterans with community college credits for their past military service and training, coursework to obtain additional skills and credentials, and mentors at the community colleges to help veterans navigate through higher education, including admissions and financial aid.

“Virginia’s Community Colleges are honored to have been selected by the United States Department of Labor to receive funds that will provide short and long-term benefits to Virginia’s veterans,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “This grant will enable veterans to gain additional skills and credentials to position them for jobs and careers through which they can support a family.”

Funds will also focus on helping Virginia businesses connect with qualified, job-seeking veterans. A program will be established to maintain strategic relationships with employers in Virginia’s three fastest-growing sectors: healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The federal funding comes as Virginia’s veteran population is growing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the commonwealth will be home to nearly 850,000 veterans by the year 2017, ranking it 5^th in the nation in terms of veteran population.  Virginia ranks 7^th in that category today.

Assisting veterans with job training through Virginia’s Community Colleges is a well-suited match. In the 2012-13 academic year, a record-setting 40,827 students with military status enrolled in a Virginia community college, including active duty service members, reservists, retirees, and veteran spouses and dependents. 

 “As we commemorate Flag Day this month, I can think of no greater action than to assist those who have defended that flag to reestablish their lives at home and get back to work,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Over the life of this funding, Virginia’s Community Colleges will work with state partners through a steering committee to ensure strong results. The Governor will call upon representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s Office, and the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to assist with the initiative.

To learn more about career opportunities for veterans, please visit the Workforce Development Departments at Virginia’s 23 Community Colleges.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

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Governor McDonnell Announces 2013 Governor’s Technology Award Winners

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – The annual Governor’s Technology Awards were presented to honorees in 10 categories at a special ceremony today at the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond. On behalf of Governor Bob McDonnell, Secretary of Technology Jim Duffey, and CIO, Sam Nixon, presented the awards to a distinguished group of Virginia government entrants, including state and local government and universities. 

            Winners were determined by a distinguished panel of government information technology (IT) experts. For 16 years, the Governor’s Technology Awards program has recognized public sector IT projects that have improved government service delivery and efficiency.

Multiple awards were presented in several categories due to extremely close scores between projects. Executive summaries of each winner and finalist’s entries are posted on the COVITS website, www.covits.org, to provide inspiration and best practice examples to peers and partners.

            The 2013 winners and finalists, by category:

Cross-boundary Collaboration on IT Initiatives

·         WINNER: The Virginia Longitudinal Data System; Virginia Department of Education, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Virginia Community College System, Virginia Employment Commission

·         FINALIST: Electronic Certification of Birth Records; Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Health

·         FINALIST: Enterprise Active Directory; Virginia Community College System, Virginia Western Community College

IT as Efficiency Driver—Government to Citizen

·         WINNER: Online Voter Registration; State Board of Elections

·         WINNER: Centralized Application and Management System; Department of Housing and Community Development

·         WINNER: CommonHelp; Department of Social Services

·         WINNER: Judicial Electric Filing System; Supreme Court of Virginia

·         FINALIST: Online Marriage License Pre-Application; Fairfax Circuit Court

·         FINALIST: Property QuickSearch v2.0; City of Chesapeake

IT as Efficiency Driver—Government to Business

·         WINNER: Automated Secure Alarm Protocol Message Broker Service; City of Richmond

·         FINALIST: GIS Real Estate Website Redesign; City of Roanoke

·         FINALIST: Transcript Data Exchange; DMV

·         FINALIST: Community Development Information System Zoning Application; Chesterfield County

IT as Efficiency Driver—Government to Government

·         WINNER: VirginiaCORIS Local Inmate Data System; Department of Corrections, State Compensation Board

·         WINNER: Elevated Review Workflow; DMV

·         WINNER: State Police Record IT Exchange (SPRITE); Supreme Court of Virginia, Virginia State Police

·         FINALIST: Mobile Technologies to Increase Productivity and Workflow; Department of Environmental Quality

Innovative Use of Technology in Economic Development

·         WINNER: Regional Education and Training Database; Shenandoah Valley Partnership

·         FINALIST: Online Commercial Property Search; City of Fredericksburg

Innovative Use of Technology in Local Government

·         WINNER: Storm Water Information Tracker (SWIFT); Chesterfield County

·         WINNER: Enhanced Mobility with VDI; Roanoke County

·         WINNER: Rapid Mobilization of Emergency Operations Center; Washington County

·         FINALIST: Law Enforcement GIS Mobile App; Hanover County

·         FINALIST: Emergency Data Gathering Repository; Fairfax County

·         FINALIST: Address Information Resource (Norfolk AIR); City of Norfolk

Innovative Use of Technology in Education

·         WINNER: Bring Your Own Device Initiative; Fairfax County Public Schools

·         WINNER: eMediaVA; Department of Education

·         FINALIST: eLearning for Childcare Professionals; Community College Workforce Alliance

·         FINALIST: Educating Tomorrow’s Global Leaders; Longwood University

Innovative Use of Technology in Healthcare

·         WINNER: Veteran’s Broadband Access for Improved Healthcare; Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance

Innovative Use of Technology in Modeling and Simulation

·         WINNER: Extending Virginia’s Broadband Toolkit; Virginia Tech Center for Geospatial IT, Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Geographic Information Network

Innovative Commercialization of Technology Research

·         WINNER: Collegiate Strength Innovations; James Madison University

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