Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe celebrates signing of New Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Map of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Map of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor McAuliffe joined the Governors and other high officials from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed states, the District of Columbia and the federal governments in signing the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement today in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Agreement, developed over the last two years, lays out clear goals and outcomes for sustainable fisheries, vital habitats, water quality, toxic contaminants, healthy watersheds, stewardship, land conservation, public access, environmental literacy, and resiliency of the Bay ecosystem in the face of changing climatic conditions and rising sea levels.

“We have made great progress in meeting our bay restoration goals over the last 30 years” said Governor McAuliffe, “however, there is always more to do and the pace of implementation must be accelerated.  This historic agreement lays out a path for improved science and policy, greater partnerships with citizens and stakeholders and allows for the flexibility necessary to make measurable improvements to a large and complex ecosystem.”

This is the 4th Chesapeake Bay Agreement signed since 1983, and the first to include full participation by the states of Delaware, New York and West Virginia who join the original signatories of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

For more information about the signing of this historic Agreement visit:

Our Notes:  Good luck.  We have been saying that the vast majority of the problems are not from the state of Virginia for years.  But we keep getting stuck with the majority of the problems and costs.  The below linked stories confirm what we have already been saying.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

English: Map of regions of the Federal Emergen...
English: Map of regions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (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 Public Safety and Homeland Security


Curtis Brown, Chief Deputy State Coordinator, Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Curtis Brown has homeland security and emergency management policy experience at the federal, state, and local levels.  Most recently, he served as the Emergency Management Administrator for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), where he worked with federal, state, and local homeland security and emergency management officials to promote seamless coordination, build capabilities, and develop preparedness plans.  Prior to joining the HRPDC, Curtis served as Professional Staff on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, where he was responsible for oversight of several Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency initiatives, including emergency communications, preparedness grants, and homeland defense.  Additionally, he served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Tim Kaine in the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness with responsibility for developing emergency preparedness policies for state agencies.  Curtis received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Radford University, his Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech, and his Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University.  He is also a graduate of the Virginia Executive and Commonwealth Management Institutes.


Secretariat of the Commonwealth


Board of Conservation and Recreation

·       Patti Jackson of Mechanicsville, Senior Director, Partner Relationships, American Cancer Society
·       Andrew C. Jennison of Vienna, Deputy Director, Governmental Relations, H&R Block
·       Isaac J. Sarver of Dublin, Western Virginia Political Director, Mark Warner for Virginia

Board of Directors of the Virginia Resources Authority

·       Thomas L. Hasty, III, CRP* of Chesapeake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Risk Management Committee, TowneBank

Board of Medicine

·       J. Randolph Clements, DPM of Roanoke, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Carilion Clinic,  Associate Professor of Surgery, Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, Residency Director, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
·       Maxine Lee, M.D. of Roanoke, Staff Anesthesiologist, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery Center, Past Vice President for Medical Affairs, Carilion Medical Center

Cemetery Board

·       Enid Butler of Williamsburg, Adjunct Professor, VCU Department of Gerontology
·       Armistead W. Dudley of Norfolk, Bureau Manager of Cemeteries, City of Norfolk

Small Business Commission

·       E. Dana Dickens, III, of Suffolk, Realtor, William E. Wood
·       Paul A. Miller of Clifton, CEO, Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, LLC
·       Atif M. Qarni of Manassas, Mathematics Teacher, Prince William County Public Schools

Small Business Financing Authority

·       Nicholas T. Jordon of Arlington, Owner, Capitol Bridge Holdings
·       Gail L. Letts of Midlothian, Chief Lending Officer, Richmond Region President, Head of Commercial Banking, C&F Bank

State Child Fatality Review Team

·       Jessica T. Pickett of Stafford, EMS Technician, Firefighter/Medic, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

Virginia Aviation Board

·       Derek M. “Dak” Hardwick of Alexandria, Director for International Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association
·       Daniel G. “Bud” Oakey of Henrico, Chairman and Managing Director, Advantus Strategies, L.L.C.

Virginia Energy Council

·       The Honorable Maurice Jones of Richmond, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia
·       The Honorable Molly Ward of Richmond, Secretary of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia
·       Cynthia Adams of Charlottesville, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
·       Kristen Hughes Evans of Richmond, Founder, Sustainable Chesapeake
·       Alleyn Harned of Harrisonburg, Executive Director, Virginia Clean Cities
·       Chelsea Harnish of Richmond, Policy & Campaigns Manager, Virginia Conservation Network
·       Francis Hodsoll of Reston, Founder, Virginia Advanced Energy Industries Coalition
·       Steven Jumper of the District of Columbia, Director, Corporate Public Policy, WGL Holdings, Inc.
·       Irene Kowalczyk of New York City, Director, Global Energy Sourcing & Policy, MeadWestvaco
·       Vishwa Link of Richmond, Partner, McGuire Woods
·       Bernard Lamoureux of Boydton, Data Center Operations Manager, Microsoft
·       David Lawson of Norfolk, Vice President, Coal, Norfolk Southern Corporation
·       Robert Matthias of Virginia Beach, Chair, Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority
·       Ann Blair Miller of Roanoke, Director, Project Management, Roanoke Regional Partnership
·       Laurie Moran of Danville, President, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
·       Dr. Ganapati Myneni of Yorktown, Senior Scientist, Jefferson Labs
·       Dr. Kenneth Newbold of Harrisonburg, Director of Research and Innovation, James Madison University
·       Archie Pugh of Roanoke, Managing Director, Transmission, Appalachian Power Company
·       Donald Ratliff of Big Stone Gap, VP States – Government Affairs, Alpha Natural Resources
·       Jack Reasor of Glen Allen, President & CEO, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC)
·       Sandy Reisky of Charlottesville, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Clean Energy
·       Stephen Walz of Fairfax, Director, Environmental Programs, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
·       Mike Ward of Richmond, Executive Director, Virginia Petroleum Council
·       Dan Weekley of Richmond, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Dominion Resources

Virginia Horse Industry Board

·       David Lamb* of Gordonsville, Owner, Oakland Heights Farm
·       Harold C. McKenzie, III, DVM, MS, DACVIM* of Blacksburg, Associate Professor of Large Animal Medicine, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

*Indicates reappointment

General Fund Revenue Collections Declined by 20.7% in May – The Biggest One Month Decline in 13 Years

This image depicts the total tax revenue (not ...
This image depicts the total tax revenue (not adjusted for inflation) for the U.S. federal government from 1980 to 2009 compared to the amount of revenue coming from individual income taxes. The data comes from the Office of Management and Budget's record of the 'Budget of the US Government FY 2011', specifically the 'Historical Tables, Table 2.1.' The information is also here. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Significant Decline Occurred in Individual Income Tax Payments

RICHMOND- Governor McAuliffe announced today that general fund revenue collections decreased by 20.7 percent in May, with large declines in individual nonwithholding, the corporate income tax, and the tax on wills, suits, deeds, and contracts (recordation tax).  On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections were down 1.6 percent through May, behind the annual forecast of 1.0 percent growth. 

Speaking about this news, Governor McAuliffe noted that “May is a significant month for general fund revenue collections since individual income tax returns for income earned in 2013 are due May 1.  A significant amount of May’s collections are also from upper income individuals where a significant portion of their income is based on capital gains.  It now appears that the uncertainty of federal tax policy resulting Fiscal Cliff in December 2012/January 2013 shifted more capital gains from 2013 into 2012 than expected, lowering the amount of capital gains that would otherwise be realized in 2013.  Accordingly, Virginia like many other states that have income taxes are now seeing declining revenues from capital gains.” 

As for other sources of revenue, collections of payroll withholding taxes fell 5.4 percent in May, due to one less deposit day compared with May 2013.  Corporate income tax collections decreased by  33.2 percent from last year.  Collections of sales and use taxes, reflecting April sales, fell 1.6 percent in May. Finally, recordation taxes from real estate transactions were down 27.3 percent as home sales and refinancing activity remained weak. 

On a year-to-date basis, collections of payroll withholding taxes – 63 percent of General Fund revenues -- increased 2.5 percent, behind the annual forecast of 2.9 percent growth.  Sales tax collections - 18 percent of General Fund revenues – have declined 4.5 percent through May, trailing the annual forecast calling for a 4.4 percent decline.  Adjusting for the accelerated sales tax program and the tax policy changes, included in last year’s transportation funding legislation, total revenues are down 0.6 percent through May, behind the adjusted forecast of 2.1 percent growth. 

Governor McAuliffe Kicks Off Inaugural Meeting of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission

Richard A. Clarke
Richard A. Clarke (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
FAIRFAX –  Governor McAuliffe kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission, a group established by executive order which will bring public and private sector experts together to make recommendations on how to make Virginia a leader in cyber security. Speaking to the Commission’s 17 members at George Mason University, Governor McAuliffe emphasized the urgency of growing Virginia’s cyber industry to both enhance the Commonwealth’s security capabilities and expand economic opportunity.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Chair Richard A. Clarke, and all the members of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission, to this exciting and groundbreaking first meeting. As Governor, I must address the challenge of securing and protecting our citizens and economy. But I also see cyber security efforts as an opportunity – to build upon our vast cyber and military assets that we have in the Commonwealth to drive economic development."
Governor McAuliffe's message was echoed by Cyber Security Commission Co-Chair Richard A. Clarke:
"I am extremely honored to serve as Co-Chair of this commission and excited to work with everyone here to make Virginia the driving engine behind cyber security innovation and economic development, and to establish the Commonwealth's leadership in this field as a model for the nation."
Today’s meeting agenda included official administering of the oath of office for the commission members, briefings from cyber industry leaders, and in-depth discussions on the current state of Virginia’s burgeoning cyber industry. The Commission’s members agreed to break out into working groups to better tackle the many layers and aspects that fall under the broad umbrella of cyber security. The focuses of these subgroups will include: modernizing infrastructure, driving economic growth, strengthening education and workforce development, and promoting improved cyber hygiene.
Governor McAuliffe established the Cyber Security Commission in February through Executive Order (EO8). The commission is co-chaired by Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson and Richard A. Clarke, who served as senior White House adviser on national security to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton. The Cyber Security Commission's 17 members include cabinet officials from Governor McAuliffe's administration, cyber security business leaders, and academic researchers.  
More information can be found on the Commission’s website: http://cyberva.virginia.gov/.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Third Microsoft Expansion in Mecklenburg County

English: The Microsoft Logo
English: The Microsoft Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Company to invest $346.7 million and create 90 new jobs~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Microsoft Corp. will invest $346.7 million to expand its data center site in Mecklenburg County and increase capacity to serve its growing customer base. Virginia successfully competed against other sites in the U.S. for the project, which will create 90 new jobs. Microsoft’s original project in 2010 involved an investment of up to $499 million and 50 new jobs. In 2011 the company invested an additional $150 million to expand the site, and in 2013 announced a $348 million expansion.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Microsoft’s data center campus in Mecklenburg County continues to represent transformational growth, opportunity, and investment for the region and for Virginia. The third expansion project brings the company’s total capital investment to more than $1.3 billion since 2010. Microsoft’s success and continued investment is a powerful testament to the benefits of doing business in Virginia and the thriving data center industry in the Commonwealth.”

“Microsoft has played an important role in the success of Mecklenburg County and Southern Virginia since the establishment of its data center site in 2010,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company continues to grow its operation, and this significant expansion is another example of state partners working together to meet a corporation’s needs within a short timeframe. As Microsoft’s customer base expands, we remain ready to help facilitate its success any way we can. We thank the company for its continued commitment and investment in Virginia.”
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
“We are excited to continue building our relationship with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the County of Mecklenburg,” said Christian Belady, General Manager, Data Center Services, Global Foundation Services at Microsoft. “Each expansion allows us to better meet our customers’ growing cloud service needs. As with the other expansions, we’re using the same state-of-the-art technology that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing our customers’ computing capacity.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Mecklenburg County to secure the project for Virginia. Dominion Virginia Power, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation also were instrumental in securing this project. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1.6 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Mecklenburg County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $1.6 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project.

“Mecklenburg County is again very pleased to announce another expansion of Microsoft,” said Glenn Barbour, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors. “Our County Administrator Wayne Carter has been working closely with the company to offer all the assistance our county could provide. This expansion opens up many more opportunities for our county to offer jobs to our citizens and greatly expand our economic base. I encourage our citizens to pursue these opportunities. We look forward to working with Microsoft well into the future.”
"I am immensely proud that Mecklenburg County has proven to be a good place for Microsoft to continue to grow and expand," said Senator Frank Ruff, Vice Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

“We are pleased to work with and support the efforts of Mecklenburg County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to encourage business growth and expansion in the Commonwealth,” said Robert M. Blue, President of Dominion Virginia Power. “We are ready to do our part to make this opportunity a success for all involved.”

“We are proud that our robust, open-access fiber optic network continues to pay economic dividends to Southern Virginia,” said Tad Deriso, President & CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. “We appreciate the strong support and collaboration with the Microsoft network team, and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Ruling in Opportunity Educational Institution Ruling

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following a Norfolk Circuit Court Judge’s ruling in the lawsuit regarding the Virginia Opportunity Educational Institution:

“My team and I are evaluating today’s ruling and will make a decision about next steps soon. Regardless of today’s ruling, Secretary Anne Holton, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples and my entire administration are committed to working in a collaborative way with local school divisions and the Board of Education to improve outcomes in all communities, and particularly in our struggling schools. We absolutely have to do better by the children in these schools.

“Reducing the achievement gap is a top priority for me and my entire team. It will require working together with the Virginia Department of Education, local school divisions, other state and local agencies and communities to ensure our youngsters have the best chance for success. Part of our effort will include continuing the bipartisan effort to reform our existing Standards of Learning system to better serve all of our students. Our Standards of Learning Innovation Committee will begin its work this summer.

Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will be working with other state and local partners to get all of our priority schools on the right track.”