Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman's Weekly Address, April 15th, 2014

English:
English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Although Mother Nature has not quite decided, the calendar tells us spring is here. We welcome the hope of warmer weather, a chance to put away those winter coats, and plan a trip to the park with the children or grandchildren. And as the season changes to warm, welcoming weather, along comes a day and topic that, to some, may not be so welcoming: Tax Day.

Every year, April brings the deadline to file your tax return. Many Virginians have completed their paperwork and sent off a check to the federal government. But do you question where your money is allocated? Do you wonder if the IRS is being fair and impartial to each taxpayer? Do you believe that Washington spends your money wisely and with prudence?

Like many Americans, I believe government spending is out-of-control. We have lost faith in institutions such as the IRS as we listen to testimony of citizens citing solid proof of the targeting of certain groups based upon their beliefs. Like many Americans, I believe taxpayers deserve better, and they deserve a simpler, fairer tax code.  According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, hard working taxpayers across Virginia worked from January 1, 2013 until April 20, 2013, to pay their share of taxes for the year before they began working for themselves. Some are struggling and sacrificing to provide for their families. We must encourage Washington to do better.

That’s why I support legislation to reform federal spending, such as the Balanced Budget Amendment, to ensure Washington doesn’t spend more than it brings in. I have cosponsored H.R. 1950, which would make it a crime for IRS employees to conduct targeted discrimination and would increase the maximum penalty for discriminatory misconduct against taxpayers from termination to criminal punishment. And I support the Fair Tax Act, which would repeal the income tax and employment tax, as well as the estate and gift tax, and replace them with a sales tax on goods and services purchased in the United States. The rate of this sales tax would be consistent across the country for every citizen.

Our nation was founded on the ideas of a representative government that works for its citizens. As I talk to folks across the First District, they support an efficient, fair government that does its job. With some hard work, I believe we can get there.
The main streets of Virginia’s First District are full of ideas to get our economy back on track, and your feedback is critically important to me as I serve you. I can be reached by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reprobwittman), and via Twitter (www.twitter.com/robwittman).
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

Terry McAuliffe and State Senator Donald McEac...
Terry McAuliffe and State Senator Donald McEachin at U.S. Senator Mark Warner's annual pig roast on September 11, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth


Secretariat of Agriculture

Bettina K. Ring, State Forester, Department of Forestry
Bettina Ring most recently served as Senior Vice President of Family Forests at the American Forest Foundation where she was responsible for overseeing the American Tree Farm System®, the largest and oldest sustainable woodland program in America, supporting more than 80,000 family forest owners collectively managing 27 million acres of certified woodlands.  Ms. Ring has a long history in the conservation and forestry sectors, having spent 14 years at the Virginia Department of Forestry, departing the agency in 2001 as Deputy State Forester.  In her role, Ms. Ring was responsible for operations, and helped to develop and implement a new mission, vision and strategic plan for the department.  In the years following her Department of Forestry service, Ms. Ring held various leadership positions within nonprofit organizations focusing on natural resources management and conservation, including the Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts, The Wilderness Land Trust and the Bay Area Open Space Council. Ring holds a Bachelors degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech and a Masters degree in Business Administration from James Madison University.



Melvin D. Carter, Executive Director, Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Prior to joining the administration, Melvin Carter served as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the City of Richmond’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, where he was responsible for managing more than 360 personnel, with an annual budget of $33.8 million.  He also provided technical and administrative leadership to the operations of the Department, including emergency medical services, technical rescue, training activities, and fire company-based community risk reduction efforts. He has held key administrative positions, such as Deputy Fire Marshal, Deputy Emergency Manager, Battalion Chief, and Shift Commander, and holds certifications from the Executive Development Institute and the National Fire Academy.  Chief Carter is a Richmond native and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Virginia Air National Guard.



Secretariat of the Commonwealth
Board Appointments

Agriculture and Forestry

Virginia Sheep Industry Board
·        Rosalea R. Potter of Lexington, Manager Director at Donald’s Meat Processing
·        J. Alvin Thomas, Jr. of Dillwyn, Sheep and Cattle Producer at Rocky Hill Farm
·        Larry W. Weeks of Waynesboro, Owner at Triple L Farm

Commerce and Trade

Virginia Manufactured Housing Board
·        David C. Bridges of Danville, Deputy Building Official for the City of Martinsville, Virginia
·        Shawna J. Cheney of Lexington, Staff Attorney at Blue Ridge Legal Services

Real Estate Appraiser Board
·        Michael G. Miller* of Richmond, President & CEO at MGMiller Valuations
·        Laura Sánchez del Solar* of Henrico, Benefit Program Specialist for the City of Richmond
·        Fay B. Silverman of Virginia Beach, Vice President at Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc.

Designated

Vint Hill Economic Development Authority
·        William G. Downey* of Warrenton, Owner / Principal at Downey & Scott, LLC
·        Mary Leigh McDaniel* of Marshall, Partner at Updegrove, Combs & McDaniel, PLC
·        David W. Vos* of Delaplane, CEO & CIO at Athena Technologies, Inc.
·        Birge Watkins* of Warrenton, Vice Chairman and Director at CoreVest Financial Corporation, Director of Imperial Capital Corporation, and Chairman of the Land Trust of Virginia

Independent

State Lottery Board

  • Robert M. Howard* of Virginia Beach, CIO of Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts

Public Safety

Virginia Parole Board

  • Karen Brown* of Hampton, current Vice Chairman

Ms. Brown graduated from Hampton University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She later attended George Mason University School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate in 1991 and was admitted to the bar that same year. Ms. Brown began her legal career as a judicial law clerk at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. As a prosecutor for sixteen years, she served in the Newport News and Chesapeake Offices of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. In that capacity, she prosecuted cases in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and Circuit Courts with a concentration on child abuse and sexual assault cases. Ms. Brown is also a victim of crime as her brother was murdered in the city of Newport News in October 1993.

  • The Reverend Dr. A. Lincoln James of Richmond, Senior Pastor, Trinity Church

The Reverend Dr. A. Lincoln James has served as Senior Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Richmond since 1980.   Dr. James earned a bachelor’s degree from North Park College and Seminary; he later earned a master of divinity degree from Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology and received two honorary doctorates.Dr. James began his career as a youth minister at Greater Bethesda Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, before relocating to Virginia, where he served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Prince George County.
Dr. James has served as third vice president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, member of the board of trustees at the University of Lynchburg, adjunct professor at Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, and immediate past president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention.

  • Sherman P. Lea, Sr. of Roanoke, Founder, President, S. P. Lea and Associates, LLC

Mr. Lea has served in the Virginia Department of Corrections for 35 years before retiring in January of 2012. He began his corrections career as an institutional parole officer in Richmond. He has served as an adult probation and parole officer in Danville, and was selected as the first African -American chief probation and parole officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Upon his retirement from the department, Mr. Lea had achieved the position of Regional Administrator for the Western Region of Community Corrections. Currently he is the founder and president of S.P. Lea and Associates,  LLC. Mr. Lea is serving his 10th year (3rd term) on Roanoke City Council and was elected Vice Mayor 2008 through 2010.  Prior to being elected to council, he served as chairman of the Roanoke City School Board. He is the recipient of the 2010 Judge William L. Hastie Leadership Award given by the National Association of Blacks on Criminal Justice (NABCJ). Mr. Lea received his BA degree in Sociology from Virginia Union University. He attended Old Dominion University graduate school of Urban Studies and an Honorary Doctor Degree in Humane  Letters for his humanitarian work in the community, by the Bethlehem Bible College in Roanoke, Virginia.

  • Minor F. Stone* of Norfolk

Mr. Stone served 29 years in sworn law enforcement as a Police Officer and Supervisor specializing in firearms and training. Mr. Stone holds a Masters Document from the U. S. Coast Guard. Mr. Stone held positions tied to Homeland Security and served with a Hampton Roads anti-terrorism task force along with other various law enforcement agencies, being deputized as a Deputy Federal Agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Mr. Stone was appointed to the Parole Board by the McDonnell administration in 2011. Along with general Parole Board Duties, Mr. Stone works closely with counterparts in the Department of Corrections concerning Geriatric Inmate Release issues.  Mr. Stone resides in Norfolk with his wife and two children.

*Denotes reappointment
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Governor McAuliffe’s Statement on the Budget Impasse

Virginia General Assembly
Virginia General Assembly (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Over the past two months, I have traveled across the Commonwealth and met with hardworking Virginians who are caught in the health care coverage gap. These are people who do not qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford health insurance on the federal exchange. These Virginians, as well as local business leaders, healthcare providers, and public safety officials have urged Virginia’s elected officials to put partisan politics aside and close the coverage gap. But as of today, our legislature is nearly five weeks past their deadline of passing a budget. As the body responsible for negotiating a budget, the General Assembly has failed to deliver on one of the primary duties they were elected to fulfill.

Virginia has long been known as a state where leaders work together in a bipartisan fashion to get things done for the citizens they serve. Members of both chambers of the General Assembly found compromise this year on reforming our SOLs, fixing our broken mental health system, and passing ethics reform. It is now time for the House and Senate to work together to do what their constituents are urging them to do - pass a budget that closes the coverage gap. More than 400,000 uninsured Virginians have waited long enough to get the quality healthcare they deserve, and our businesses have waited long enough to have the certainty they need to grow and lead in a 21st Century economy.

There have been a number of proposals offered that would close the coverage gap. The House and Senate know that I am open to a variety of options that could be used to expand healthcare coverage, including a private marketplace option. It is time for members of both chambers to come together and get this done.
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Recipients of the 2014 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards

Virginia Governor Democrats Terry McAuliffe 095
Virginia Governor Democrats Terry McAuliffe 095 (Photo credit: mdfriendofhillary)
Richmond, Va. (April 10, 2014) – Today during an awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion, Governor McAuliffe announced the seven winners of the 2014 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary volunteer efforts that make an impact on the lives of citizens throughout the Commonwealth.  
“Building a better Virginia isn’t just about what elected officials do here in Richmond – it’s about the work that devoted volunteers are doing every day in their own neighborhoods and communities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Each of these awardees has given of their time to make life better in their corner of the Commonwealth. It is my honor to celebrate these exceptional groups and individuals, who should be an example for all of us of what Virginians can achieve when we work together for the common good.”
Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Margaret Schultze continued, “The impact that one person or group can make on an entire community is commendable and should be celebrated. It’s important that we recognize those who have made significant contributions to those in need by volunteering right in their own communities.”
Fran Inge, Director of the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Office on Volunteerism and Community Service added, “Each year, the Commonwealth recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities.  These individuals and organizations are among the 1.79 million Virginians who made a difference in the lives of others by volunteering last year. Virginians on average contributed more than 221.7 million volunteer hours annually, equaling $5.1 billion of service to the Commonwealth.

The awards ceremony was organized by the Office on Volunteerism and Community Service at the Virginia Department of Social Services, in partnership with the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism. These organizations are charged by the Governor with saluting Virginians who have significantly contributed to the life and welfare of the Commonwealth and its citizens.

Winners of the 2014 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards are:
Serving a community of 187,000, the Newport News Community Emergency Response Team (NN CERT) has become a model for excellence for others in the region. Comprised of citizen volunteers committed to building community preparedness through outreach and emergency shelter response, NN CERT volunteers have donated more than 3,100 hours in 2013 alone.


Outstanding Educational Institution Volunteer Program Award: VCU ASPiRE (Academic Scholars Program in Real Environments) (Richmond)
Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) ASPiRE program enrolls undergraduates who commit to complete nine hours of academic coursework and at least 100 hours of off-campus service for at least four semesters. Between August and December 2013 alone, ASPiRE students contributed more than 7,500 service hours to the Richmond community.

Outstanding Family Volunteer Service Award: The Frank G. Castelvecchi, III Family of Montpelier (Montpelier)
For six generations, the Castelvecchis have served their neighbors through the life-saving role of firefighting. Today in Montpelier, if there’s an emergency -- chances are a Castelvecchi will be there when the alarm sounds. For the Castelvecchi family, service to the community isn’t something you do with your extra time left over at the end of the day; It is a daily way of life.

Outstanding Small Business Award: Williams Bakery of Mechanicsville (Hanover County)
Ronnie and Cathy Williams, owners of Williams Bakery, a Richmond area fixture since 1911, have been giving back through donations of food and service throughout their history. Twice each month, the family-owned bakery donates enough bread, cookies, and pastries to the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (WHEAT) food pantry to serve up to 100 families.

Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award: Nicole Paige Muller of Charlottesville (Charlottesville)
Through the Neighbors-4-Neighbors National Food Drive Initiative she started when she was just 16, Nicole has raised donations of more than 650,000 pounds of food. A full-time University of Virginia student, Nicole still personally organizes two annual campaigns, one local and one national. Her campaigns are responsible for food donations feeding more than half a million hungry Americans and monetary contributions providing more than 220,000 meals.

Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award: Jim George Smith, Jr. of Dahlgren (King George County)
A retired attorney, Jim George Smith, Jr., travels approximately 20,500 miles per year to mediate with families in crisis because he believes they deserve a chance to reach a resolution without costly litigation. Mr. Smith has dedicated his retirement years working with families on cases referred by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts of Fauquier, Culpeper, and Stafford Counties.  Through his efforts, he has worked through more than 250 cases per year.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award: Unity Bowling of Henrico (Henrico)
In middle school, Unity created the Read Along with a Pal Program (RAPP), recruiting students to mentor others needing reading help and worked with teachers to develop study plans. All RAPP program students passed their SOL tests that year. At 14 years old, Unity has collected more than 6,000 books for children and families across the Commonwealth. She has even had international impact, due to her networking abroad sustaining a children’s library established in 2011 in the village of El Calejon in the Dominican Republic.

# # #
The Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards are presented by the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism and VDSS’ Office on Volunteerism and Community Service on behalf of the Office of the Governor. These awards have recognized exceptional volunteer service in Virginia for more than 20 years. Additional information about the program and full bios on this year’s recipients can be found online at http://www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/governors_volunteerism_awards/
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General Fund Revenue Collections Increased 7.8% in March

An assortment of United States coins, includin...
An assortment of United States coins, including quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Solid Gains Occurred in Individual Nonwithholding, Corporate Income Tax and the Insurance Premiums Tax

 RICHMOND- Governor McAuliffe announced today that general fund revenue collections increased 7.8 percent in March, with solid gains in individual nonwithholding, corporate income tax and the insurance premiums tax.  On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections were flat through March, lagging the annual forecast of 1.0 percent growth. 

Speaking about this news, Governor McAuliffe noted that March is not a significant month for revenue collections, in general.  However, he added “March revenues reverse the negatives of the last two months and have us now moving in the right direction.  From the very beginning of our budget deliberations, all involved have assumed that general fund revenue collections in the last quarter of fiscal year 2014, especially estimated and final payments of individual income taxes, would be key for the Commonwealth.  The revenue data for March, being released today, represent a step in the right direction toward realizing our budget estimates.  Longer term, we must continue to place a priority on creating jobs and diversifying our economy.  This is my highest objective and I will work diligently toward that end.”

Collections of payroll withholding taxes grew 0.8 percent in March.  Although not a significant month for individual nonwithholding and corporate income tax collections, these sources increased respectively by 17.7 percent and 35.1 percent.  Final payments from insurance companies for tax year 2013 were due in March.  The insurance premiums tax totaled $31.6 million and increased by 126.5 percent.  Collections of sales and use taxes, reflecting February sales, fell 4.2 percent in March – the weakness is due in part to the weather.  Finally, recordation taxes from real estate transactions were down 29.9 percent as severe winter weather dampened home sales. 

Collections of payroll withholding taxes – 63 percent of General Fund revenues -- increased 2.7 percent through March, slightly behind the annual forecast of 2.9 percent growth.  Sales tax collections - 18 percent of General Fund revenues – have declined 4.8 percent through March, trailing the annual forecast calling for a 4.4 percent decline.  Adjusting for the accelerated sales tax program and the 0.125 percent sales tax transfer required by the provisions of HB 2313, total revenues grew 1.1 percent through March, trailing the adjusted forecast of 2.1 percent growth. 
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Successful Launch of DMV/VDH Vital Records Partnership

Birth certificate (actually, excerpt from the ...
Birth certificate (actually, excerpt from the protocol of baptised) of Nikola Tesla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
People Born in Virginia Will Now Have More Access to Birth Certificates Than Ever Before

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the successful launch of the partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Vital Records to provide increased access to Virginia birth certificates. As of March 1, 2014, copies of Virginia birth certificates are available statewide at all 75 DMV customer service centers and five mobile offices.

Already, approximately 5,000 Virginians have requested birth certificates at DMV locations. Most of these customers are able to leave DMV with copies of their birth certificates printed and in hand.    
By increasing access to these vital records, the DMV and VDH are making life a little easier for Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is an example of what government should do for its citizens. Efficiency, innovation and good service are and will continue to be cornerstones of my administration.”

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14.

“We are excited to partner with VDH to offer this option to Virginians,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “DMV is dedicated to providing security, integrity and convenience in delivering this important service.”   

The Division of Vital Records has long been a trusted steward of Virginia records,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Together with our partners at DMV, we look forward to continuing that tradition while offering new avenues to access important documents.” 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records on January 1, 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.
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