Friday, October 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Homeland Security Grant Awards

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official ...
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official Seal Websafe Colors (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Dozens of projects across Virginia will receive federal funding

Richmond, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that more than $4.8 million in federal funds will be awarded to multiple local government agencies to enhance emergency preparedness throughout Virginia. The funds, administered by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, are from the fiscal year 2014 State Homeland Security Grant program.

“These critical funds, provided by our partners at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be used immediately to help emergency planners and first responder agencies throughout Virginia get tools, equipment and other resources they need to keep Virginia communities safe,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “With this grant, Virginia joins federal and local governments in working together proactively to ensure that our residents are better protected and able to recover more quickly from possible terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.”

To allot the funds, the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security invited project proposals from local government agencies to be submitted in ten categories of special emphasis and priority for Virginia. A total of 187 project proposals valued at more than $23 million were received in these categories:

·       Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE)
·       Communications
·       Community Preparedness
·       Critical Infrastructure
·       Training and exercises in Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS)
·       Information Sharing (Fusion Centers)
·       Law Enforcement
·       Mass Care
·       Planning
·       Public Messaging & Crisis Communication

The submitted projects were evaluated and scored against five criteria by approximately 50 peer reviewers.  These individuals from across the state represented multiple professional groups, state agencies and local government officials with emergency expertise.  Peer reviewers evaluated projects that were outside of their own region.  Among the scoring criteria were the necessity of the project, how the project addresses risk, project management and the sustainment of the investment.

A total of 79 projects valued at $4.8 million met the criteria and will receive funding as shown below:

Locality
Proposal Title
Allocation Amount
Albemarle County
Law Enforcement Equipment
$                  6,745.00
Albemarle County
Law Enforcement Personal Protective Equipment
$                42,910.00
Alexandria City
Hazmat Team Equipment
$                79,600.00
Arlington County
Whole Community Outreach and Citizen Corps Program
$                36,100.00
Augusta County
HazMat Equipment and Training
$                54,393.00
Buckingham County
HazMat Response Vehicle
$                38,000.00
Buckingham County
Law Enforcement Equipment
$              151,171.00
Chesapeake City
HazMat Paramedic Training Program Sustainment
$                17,500.00
Chesapeake City
Hampton Roads Incident Management Team (HRIMT)
$                99,000.00
Chesapeake City
Mobile Emergency Water Supply System
$              100,000.00
Chesapeake City
Virginia Communications Cache Sustainment
$              139,900.00
Chesterfield County
Rail Hazard and Flammable Liquid Response Equipment
$              100,000.00
Chesterfield County
Virginia Search and Technical Rescue/USAR Communications and Interoperability Project
$                98,000.00
Chesterfield County
Virginia Search and Technical Rescue Program Support
$              147,000.00
Craig County
EOC Upgrade
$                40,000.00
Danville City
HazMat Equipment
$                30,187.00
Fairfax County
Structural Collapse Team Equipment
$                68,000.00
Fairfax County
Virginia Communications Cache
$              176,000.00
Fairfax County
Hazardous Materials Response Team Equipment
$              150,000.00
Floyd County
Citizen Alerting System
$                32,200.00
Galax City
CERT Equipment and Training
$                  6,500.00
Gloucester County
Community Preparedness- Evacuation Preparedness Targeting Multi-Cultural
 $                45,000.00
Gloucester County
Community Preparedness- Regional Shelter Planning, Training and Exercises
$              100,000.00
Greene County
CERT Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                  9,000.00
Halifax County
CERT Equipment and Training
$                  6,682.00
Hampton City
Citizen Corps Program
 $                35,000.00
Hampton City
Disaster Outreach Targeting Tourist Population
$                27,000.00
Hampton City
Regional Shelter Planning, Training, Exercise and Equipment
$                53,952.00
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Strike Team Personal Protective Equipment Replacement
 $              133,219.92
Hanover County
Personnel Protective Gear Replacement/Upgrade
$                18,100.00
Hanover County
Thermal Imaging Device Replacement/Upgrade
$                30,000.00
Harrisonburg City
HazMat Team Equipment and Training
$                52,000.00
Henrico County
Hazmat Team Equipment
$                18,000.00
Henrico County
Community Outreach, Mass Care, and Preparedness Efforts
$                26,500.00
Henrico County
Regional Swiftwater and Flood Waters Training
$                30,000.00
Hopewell City
Hazmat Team Equipment
$                27,000.00
Hopewell City
Shelter Supplies and Equipment
$                97,000.00
James City County
Citizen Preparedness
 $                11,370.00
James City County
Emergency Planning
 $                59,900.00
Lancaster County
Citizen Corps Program
$                40,500.00
Lancaster County
 Law Enforcement- Data Sharing Project (LInX)
 $              102,640.00
Lynchburg City
CBRNE Equipment
$                52,542.00
Manassas City
Citizen Corps Program
$                17,500.00
Middle Peninsula Planning District
Program Management- Regional Emergency Planning
 $              110,000.00
Middlesex County, VA
CERT Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                  7,230.00
New Kent County
Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA)
$                12,500.00
New Kent County
Evacuation Incident Mini Emergency Response Vehicles (MERV)
 $                40,000.00
Newport News City
Law Enforcement- Mass Casualty Incident Training and Exercise
$                  7,555.00
Newport News City
Citizen Preparedness
 $                32,228.49
Newport News City
Mass Care Shelter Equipment and Training
$                42,789.50
Newport News City
Hazmat Team Equipment
$                60,600.00
Norfolk City
CERT Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                40,420.00
Norfolk City
Hazmat Team Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                35,000.00
Northampton County
Interoperable Communications Enhancement
$              105,000.00
Page County
CERT Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                  5,750.00
Petersburg City
Citizen Corps Program
$                  7,420.00
Poquoson City
CERT Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                30,000.00
Portsmouth City
Law Enforcement- Surveillance System Expansion
 $                18,850.00
Portsmouth City
Hazmat Team Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                27,555.00
Richmond City
Citizen Corps Program
$                22,000.00
Richmond City
Citizen and Business Preparedness Training
$                60,000.00
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
Regional Emergency Management Planning Support
$              102,800.00
Roanoke City
HTR/SWR Equipment
$                84,635.00
Roanoke City
Law Enforcement – Tactical Response Team Personal Protective Equipment
$                72,000.00
Rockingham County
Hazmat Team Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                39,660.00
Salem City
Hazmat Team Equipment, Training, and Exercises
$                62,000.00
Tazewell County
CERT Equipment and Training
$                96,400.00
Virginia Beach City
Heavy Tactical Rescue Team Equipment and Training
 $                65,547.00
Virginia Beach City
Hazmat Team Equipment – Railway Incident Response
 $              100,000.00
Westmoreland County

Law Enforcement – License Plate Reader Integration
$                 35,050.00
Williamsburg City
CERT Equipment, Training and Exercises
$                 39,539.00
Winchester City
Hazmat Team Equipment, Training and Exercises
$                55,500.00
Wise County
Citizen Alerting System
$                14,957.00
York County
Citizen Preparedness
$                 39,620.00  
Fusion Center – VSP on behalf of Local Governments in Region II
Fusion Center Analysts
 $             137,415.00
Fusion Center – VSP on behalf of Local Governments in Region III
Fusion Center Analysts
 $             142,595.00
Fusion Center – VSP on behalf of Local Governments in Region VI
Fusion Center Analysts
$              150,000.00
Fusion Center – VSP on behalf of Local Governments in Region IV
Fusion Center Analysts
$              150,000.00 
Fusion Center – VSP on behalf of Local Governments in Region I
Fusion Center Analysts
$               150,000.00


McAuliffe Administration to Local Divisions of Social Services: Same-Sex Spouses can now Legally Adopt

World map highlighting those countries where p...
World map highlighting those countries where polygamy is legal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is This A Violation Of The State Constitution?

Today, at the direction of Governor Terry McAuliffe, the Virginia Department of Social Services released a bulletin informing local social services divisions that adoption between same-sex spouses is now legal across the Commonwealth.
“Now that same-sex marriage in Virginia is officially legal, we owe it to all Virginians to ensure that every couple is treated equally under all of our laws, no matter whom they love,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This historic decision opened the door to marriage equality, and now it is my sincerest hope that it will also open more doors for Virginia children who need loving families.
“By formally recognizing that same-sex couples can now legally adopt, we are more fully complying with the ruling in this important case, and sending the message once again that Virginia is open and welcoming to everyone.”
Virginia law states that a “married couple or an unmarried individualshall be eligible to receive placement of a child for purposes of adoption.”
Below is the bulletin that was sent to local divisions of social services today:

DATE:   October 10, 2014

TO:   Local Departments of Social Services Directors
Adoption Supervisors and Staff
Foster Care Supervisors and Staff
Resource Specialists

FROM: Margaret Ross Schultze, Commissioner

SUBJECT: Impact of Same-Sex Court Ruling on Adoption and Foster Care

CONTACT: Carl E. Ayers, Director of Family Servicescarl.e.ayers@dss.virginia.gov or

On October 6, 2014, the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal related to Virginia’s statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.  As a result of that decision, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision determining those bans to be unconstitutional became effective.  In other words, Virginia now recognizes and allows same-sex marriage.
We take this opportunity to let you know how the court decision impacts the approval of foster and adoptive homes.  When determining the appropriateness of a foster or adoptive home, Virginia, in response to the Fourth Circuit ruling, now recognizes any legally-performed marriage (same-sex or opposite-sex), whether performed in Virginia or another state.  This ruling does not confer legal status to civil unions or domestic partnerships.  Any married couple is a married couple for purposes of adoptive placements in accordance with Virginia Code § 63.2-1225.
We are in the process of reviewing all applicable statutes and regulations to determine what amendments need to be made.  Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Cc:        Regional Directors

(What is civil rights and what is morality? These are now questions that must be asked as well as what is law and what is now legal and illegal. Every aspect of American Society has now been full,y violated and full anarchism is now at reign. We will soon be exploring these issues.)

Friday, October 10, 2014

GMSA and GMSPT Have Created GRLF Revolving Loan Fund, Watch Your Investment Disappear?



The folks who run the Gloucester Main Street Association and the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust have developed a new way to get at potential business investors money.  It's called the GLFR, or Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund.  All hail BAAL for that.  These folks want you to invest in the dead area of Gloucester Main street.  A place with minimal parking at best, where the sidewalks barely meet residential standards, never mind commercial standards and there are areas considered potentially dangerous to pedestrians as the slopes on the sidewalks do not meet specs based on our research.  

  This is an area that has a lot of new business turnover as most people can not make a go of it here.  One must ask why.  Simple, no parking and no chance of ever attracting an anchor business.  An anchor business is pretty much a large retailer that has the capability of attracting large amounts of traffic into it's store and all the other stores in the area will hopefully benefit from the extra traffic in the area by offering complimentary goods and or services not carried by the anchor store.

  Not to take anything away from the well established businesses on Main Street, there are some wonderful shops there if you do not mind the lack of parking and poor pedestrian walkways throughout the area.  But look at what has been built in the area over the past decade and you will see that the only thing that might prove viable is senior service providers and if the population does go up with seniors, then maybe one candy store can make it in this environment.  I would not bank on anything else.  

  What also tickles our funny bone about the statements coming out of the Main Street Preservation Trust is their commitment to preserving main street.  Take a look at the present structures around the area and explain to us where preservation exists.  Look at the rents for the area and they are way to high for such poor traffic.  Most of the businesses that went out of business all complained of no customers or not enough customers to support the business.  

  So you want to go broke trying to make money on Main Street?  There are much better options and at better prices in other areas of the county where you are more likely to get traffic into your business.  If you listen to the hype these folks want to sell you, it all sounds rosy.  Your best bet is to walk the entire Main street area for one day and talk to present business owners and actually pay attention to everything you see.  You may save yourself a fortune and much heart ache.  Just be careful around these folks who want to give you such nice loans, they can sell ice to an Eskimo and water to fish.  And they can make everything very easy and handle all the paper work for you.  Just don't miss any payments even after you have gone belly up and have nothing left.  Isn't that just great news?


Link to all the wonderful news.  All hail BAAL!  And you even get to bow before the great BAAL when entering their office at their wonderful BAAL shopping center on Main Street.  Where our public library is as well.  That's just so special how they thought of all these wonderful ideas ahead of time.  Just remember, anyone after your money is going to be very helpful and offer more than you ever expected, that is until all your money is gone.  Then you get to see they are not sheep.  And you thought they were as gentle as lambs?

Canadian Banking Fraud? See What This 12 Year Old Girl Knows.




Amazing video.  This 12 year old girl knows more about world banking and finances than most people will ever understand because most people do NOT want to know what is really happening.  She talks about the Canadian banking system, however, it applies to just about all banking systems throughout the world.  Think the US is any different?  No way.  There are some interesting arguments on the comments of the video.  It's amazing how many people have no clue and will argue to no end on issues they simply do not understand.

  One area where agreement is made, this 12 year old seems rather well trained.  Does she actually understand what she is saying?  It's a tough question.  Is paper money actually a debt?  Well if you read the wording on paper money, then you will quickly realize that it is in fact a debt and not a currency.  Coinage is a currency.  Paper money is a debt.

Federal Reserve Notes are the only type of U.S. banknote currently produced.[1] Federal Reserve Notes are authorized by Section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913(codified at 12 U.S.C. § 411) and are issued to the Federal Reserve Banks at the discretion of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.[2] The notes are then put into circulation by the Federal Reserve Banks,[3] at which point they become liabilities of the Federal Reserve Banks[4] and obligations of the United States.[2]

Federal Reserve Notes are legal tender, with the words "this note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" printed on each note. (See generally 31 U.S.C. § 5103.) They have replaced United States Notes, which were once issued by the Treasury Department. Federal Reserve Notes are backed by the assets of theFederal Reserve Banks, which serve as collateral under Federal Reserve Act Section 16. These assets are generally Treasury securities which have been purchased by the Federal Reserve through its Federal Open Market Committee in a process called debt monetizing. (See Monetization.) This monetized debt can increase the money supply, either with the issuance of new Federal Reserve Notes or with the creation of debt money (deposits). This increase in the monetary base leads to larger increase in the money supply through the fractional-reserve banking as deposits are lent and re-deposited where they form the basis of further loans. (Wait, I thought that paper money was backed by the good faith and credit of the people of the United States?)


(Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_Note )

Now that you understand what paper money is, wait, are you sure you understand what paper money is?  Do you really understand what the above is saying to you?  You can go through all the links above and try to educate yourself to the best of your ability, but chances are very high that you will be more confused than you already are.  That's okay, it's designed to be confusing.  We highlighted a key area for you to really ponder upon however.  It's the Debt Monetizing.  Wait, wouldn't that make paper money a debt obligation and not a currency?  Play this game any way you want and you can control the economics of the country that this system is set up in.  You can create economic downturns or economic booms.  It matters not.  It only matters what those in control want to do.  Sorry, you get no vote in this.


Lincoln memorial cent, with the S mintmark of ...
Lincoln memorial cent, with the S mintmark of the San Francisco mint. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)




Let's hear it for the penny.  Actual US currency.  Maybe it's time to reconsider matters?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency  Some interesting further reading.  You might learn something new.  

Governor McAuliffe Announces Stone Brewing Co. to Establish Operation in the City of Richmond

Beers of Stone Brewing Company
Beers of Stone Brewing Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Company to invest $74 million and create more than 288 new jobs ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Stone Brewing Co., the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States, will, pending city approvals next week, invest $74 million to construct a production brewery, packaging hall, destination restaurant, gardens, retail store and administrative offices in the City of Richmond. Virginia was selected among more than 20 states that submitted proposals after Stone’s request for proposal was sent out in January. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Today’s announcement marks the fruition of months of partnership and aggressive efforts to show Stone Brewing Co. that Virginia is the best state for its new craft beer production and hospitality facility. The company received submissions from more than 20 states, and the Commonwealth of Virginia was selected. This competitive, high-profile project really puts Virginia on the map and cements our standing as a serious player in the craft beer industry. In addition to Stone’s significant investment and more than 288 new jobs, the far-reaching economic benefits of this operation are innumerable. The City of Richmond offers the infrastructure, available site and building, and natural resources that will allow the company to thrive and grow, and we are confident that Stone will benefit from the Commonwealth’s excellent business environment for years to come. Today is an achievement of great magnitude, and we are thrilled to welcome Stone Brewing Co. to Virginia.”

“Having the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States choose the Commonwealth for an operation of this size and stature is a true testament to Virginia’s ability to compete at the highest level when it comes to attracting world-class businesses to our state,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “This announcement is a result of the great teamwork of the state, the City of Richmond and Stone Brewing, and that teamwork will be the key to success of this business and the Commonwealth in the 21st Century. Today is a great day for economic development in Virginia, and we look forward to a strong corporate partnership with Stone Brewing Co. in the City of Richmond.”

"Stone Brewing Co.’s decision is a huge win for Richmond and Virginia as we become bigger players in the nation's fast growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by 17.2%, last year," said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, also noting that the U.S has more than 2,700 craft breweries. "Stone's presence in Virginia, along with our outstanding existing craft breweries, will undoubtedly enhance the Commonwealth's position in the industry and in the research and production of hops, a huge potential cash crop for our agricultural producers. In addition, Stone’s strong commitment to sustainability and sourcing local ingredients in all of their operations will mean long-term benefits for Virginia’s agricultural producers.”

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States. Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 10 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. The multi-faceted company will be the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate facilities in Berlin, Germany once the brewery is operational in late 2015. Known for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone has earned a reputation for brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy and the art of brewing.

“The search for our location east of the Mississippi River was no easy endeavor,” said Stone President and Co-founder Steve Wagner. “We received and reviewed hundreds of proposals, visited more than 40 sites, and received quite a bit of attention from communities and craft beer fans. The three finalist cities each provided diverse offerings, however, we decided to begin next-step negotiations with Richmond because of their ability to meet our extensive site requirements, subject to the city’s approval. We also feel that Richmond’s vibrant energy and impressive craft beer culture, along with the uniqueness of the property, will allow us to create a truly memorable Stone experience for our fans. We are honored by the amount of time and effort all the communities that submitted proposals put forth, and we want to specifically thank Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones for welcoming us.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Richmond to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffeapproved a $5 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Richmond with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive up to a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID), administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, depending on its procurement and use of Virginia grown products in its operations.The company will also receive 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.

“We are thrilled about Stone's decision to choose Richmond as its East Coast production and distribution facility location,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “After competing with more than 20 other states, we are so pleased that Stone has discovered those attributes that make Richmond a great place to do business. The fact that they have chosen a site in the Greater Fulton Community underscores their understanding of the rich history and natural assets that we have to offer. As they bring their unique craft beer and visionary business model here, I look forward to the many opportunities that lay ahead with Stone.”

###

Since the beginning of the McAuliffe Administration, 179 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with over $4.5 billion in capital investment, the largest amount of capital investment brought to the Commonwealth in any Governor's first nine months in office.
(How much from the hard work of former governor McDonnell?  Let's also not forget all the companies that have left or closed and the sell outs to China?) 


Governor McAuliffe Awards Extended School Year Planning and Start-Up Grants to 13 School Divisions

Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democr...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe today awarded more than $1.6 million in state extended school year grants to support the development and implementation of year-round instructional programs in 29 schools in 13 school divisions.

The Extended School Year Grant Program was created by the 2013 General Assembly in response to an October 2012 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report on the effectiveness of year-round school programs in raising student achievement, especially among historically under-performing student subgroups.

The JLARC report, which analyzed 2001-2009 Standards of Learning (SOL) test data, concluded that the scores of historically under-performing student groups were more likely to improve at a faster rate in year-round schools than in schools following traditional calendars.

“Building a new Virginia economy requires innovative approaches to improving our education system, and this is exactly what these school divisions have done as they embrace the year-round instructional models.”Governor McAuliffe said. “Every student who is able to perform at grade level or above as a result of year-round instruction is another student who will have access to greater opportunities to learn and succeed.”

“Year-round instruction is not a cure-all that will make achievement gaps disappear,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve R. Staples said.“But the evidence so far suggests that it can make a difference among students who are particularly susceptible to learning loss during the traditional summer break.”

Extended year start-up grants were awarded to the following divisions to support year-round programs that began in 2014-2015:
·       Galax — $210,723.53 for Galax Elementary, Galax High and Galax Middle
·       Henrico County — $197,546.45 for the College Readiness Center at L. Douglas Wilder Middle
·       Petersburg — $267,492.55 for A.P. Hill Elementary and Peabody Middle

The following divisions were awarded start-up grants for year-round programs scheduled to begin in 2015-2016:
·       Gloucester County — $44,943 for Abingdon Elementary
·       Goochland County — $46,374.85 for either Byrd Elementary, Goochland Elementary or Randolph Elementary
·       Roanoke — $397,259.44 for Fallon Park Elementary, Hurt Park Elementary and Westside Elementary

Extended year planning grants were awarded to the following divisions to support the development of new year-round programs:
·       Harrisonburg — $41,625 for Spotswood Elementary
·       Manassas Park — $50,000 for Cougar Elementary, Manassas Park Elementary, Manassas Park High and Manassas Park Middle
·       Radford — $25,000 for Belle Heth Elementary, Dalton Intermediate, McHarg Elementary and Radford High

Planning grants also were awarded to the following divisions with existing year-round programs, as allowed by the 2014 Appropriation Act:
·       Bristol — $47,905 for Highland View Elementary, Joseph Van Pelt Elementary, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Virginia Middle and Washington-Lee Elementary
·       Henrico County — $50,000 for Baker Elementary, John Rolfe Middle and Varina High
·       Loudoun County — $40,720.18 for Middleburg Community Charter School
·       Lynchburg — $50,000 for W.M. Bass Elementary
·       Petersburg — $100,000 for A.P. Hill Elementary School and Peabody Middle
·       Richmond — $43,722 for Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts

The 2014 General Assembly authorized up to $1 million during 2014-2015 and $2.4 million during 2015-2016 for start-up grants of up to $300,000 per year. The 2014 Appropriations Act gives priority to the following: school divisions that received extended year planning grants during 2013-2014; a pilot college-readiness program at L. Douglas Wilder Middle in Henrico County; and schools not meeting state and federal achievement and accountability standards. 

The 2014 Appropriation Act also authorized $613,312 during both 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 in year-round school planning grants of up to $50,000 per year, with priority for schools not meeting state and federal achievement and accountability standards.