Tuesday, September 9, 2014

American Patriotism, Where Do You Stand?







If it be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws - the first growing out of the last. . . . A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.

Alexander Hamilton:

The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virture to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.

Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.

It is certainly true that a popular government cannot flourish without virtue in the people.

Richard Henry Lee.

It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is to-day, can guess what it will be to-morrow.

Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.

(Sounds altogether familiar.)

Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed?

Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.

In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example . . . of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness.

James Madison.

Do you stand with the founding fathers or do you stand with today's socialist's the few dictating the control of the masses where liberty is only a buzz word with no real meaning?   Are you for the new Pledge of Allegiance?

Governor McAuliffe Announces Second Round of Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund Grants

English: US Navy F/A-18C Hornet Fighter Aircra...
English: US Navy F/A-18C Hornet Fighter Aircraft. Photo by Scott Dunham, April 25, 2009, at Airpower Over Hampton Roads, Langley AFB, Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the recipients of the second round of Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund grants.
The FACT fund was officially established in the 2012 General Assembly Session, to help Virginia counter actions taken by the federal government that may adversely impact the citizens and economy of Virginia. A first round of FACT Fund grants were announced on December 2, 2013. 
On July 21, 2014, Governor McAuliffe refined the application criteria by announcing that Virginia localities that have had or have pending identifiable or measurable negative impacts caused by encroachment upon military or security installations were eligible to apply for these grant funds.  The amount available for this second round of grants from the FACT Fund totaled $4,361,600.
“Virginia’s military bases and installations are a key asset to our economy, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am pleased that we were able to keep this FACT Fund money in the budget, and award it to communities so that they can guard against encroachment and preserve our Commonwealth’s strong relationship with the Department of Defense. As we work to build a new Virginia economy, we must continue to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. These grants will help us achieve that goal.”
In 2012, the General Assembly created the FACT Fund Advisory Commission (the “Commission”), composed of General Assembly members, to assist in the review of the FACT Fund requests.
The current Advisory Commission is composed of five members from the Senate Finance Committee: Chairman Walter A. Stosch, Senators Janet D. Howell, L. Louise Lucas, Frank W. Wagner, and John C. Watkins. The Advisory Commission is also composed of five members of the House Appropriations Committee: Chairman S. Chris Jones, Delegates L. Scott Lingamfelter, Rosalyn R. Dance, Edward T. Scott and Barry D. Knight. 
Secretary of Finance Ric Brown, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel serve as FACT Fund advisors to the Governor.  On August 15, 2014, FACT Fund applicants presented to the FACT Fund Commission in Richmond.
Funding for the FACT Fund was made possible by Governor McAuliffe’s veto of language in the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget, which had the effect of restoring the General Assembly’s elimination of the existing balance to the FACT Fund and making it available for this round of grants.

FACT Fund Grant Recipients (Related Military Installation)
Recipient: City of Hampton (Langley AFB)
Award: $1,260,000
Summary: Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) is the only Air Force Base in the Commonwealth of Virginia and serves as a joint base.  The City of Hampton submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for approval by the Commission. The City will use the funds from this grant to purchase both developed and undeveloped properties in designated clear zones.  The purchase of these properties prevents the loss of life and property in the event of aborted takeoffs or landings.  The City of Hampton will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

"I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for this grant, which will help Hampton protect the enormous value that Langley Air Force Base," said Hampton Mayor George Wallace. "The Governor fought to keep this FACT Funding in the state budget, and we are grateful that he used some of it to help us make Hampton the best home in the world for Langley and the men and women who serve there."

Recipient: City of Virginia Beach (NAS Oceana)
Award: $1,830,000
Summary: Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is a master jet base for the U.S. Atlantic Naval Fleet and following a BRAC Order from 2005 has had a long-standing program to combat high density encroachment. Since inception nine years ago, the City indicates the program has invested over $122 million to buy properties or buy down density to assist with the encroachment issues surrounding the two runways.  The City of Virginia Beach submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for approval by the Commission. Funding from this grant will continue to address priority purchases such as vacant land in accident potential zones with residential zoning and any property in clear zones. The City of Virginia Beach will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

Will Sessoms, Mayor of Virginia Beach, said, "On behalf of the people of Virginia Beach, I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for investing in our ongoing effort to keep NAS Oceana here in Hampton Roads, and for restoring this critical funding. Virginia Beach’s partnership with the Navy is a national model, and the FACT Fund is a valuable weapon as we continue to fight encroachment and work to create the best possible environment for the bases and installations that are essential to our Commonwealth’s economy.”

Recipient: City of Chesapeake (NALF Fentress)
Award: $1,453,867
Summary: The Navy Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress serves as the outlying training facility to (NAS) Oceana.  The City of Chesapeake submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for by approval by the Commission.  Funds from this grant will be used by the City to begin purchasing properties under the recently established Fentress Encroachment Protection Acquisition Program.  Acquisitions are targeted in the highest priority areas of properties in the Fentress Overlay District.  The City of Chesapeake will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

Speaking about the award, Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff said, “This grant will help the City of Chesapeake continue to battle encroachment so that the Navy can operate effectively in our city, and our residents can continue to enjoy the high quality of life we offer. I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for acting to restore this funding in the state budget, and for helping to fund this important work here in Chesapeake.”



Governor McAuliffe Announces New Virginia Film Industry Workforce Development program

English: Tom Hanks and Ayelet Zurer outside of...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Virginia Community College Workforce Initiative to provide training opportunities for film workers~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced a ground-breaking new initiative created to train Virginia workers for jobs in the state’s film industry.  The Film Industry Training (FIT) is a pilot program created by the Virginia Film Office and the Community College Workforce Alliance designed to prepare workers for film, television and commercial projects in Virginia.  Numerous projects have been filmed in Virginia recently: the AMC spy series TURN; Ithaca,produced by Tom Hanks and directed by Meg Ryan;  Big Stone Gap from Virginia author Adriana Trigiani featuring Patrick Wilson; and David Baldacci’s Wish You Well; Point of Honor, an ABC television pilot created for Amazon Prime's streaming video platform; Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln; Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks; and Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy, both for the National Geographic Channel.  

 “My recent Executive Order 23 is an initiative dedicated to equipping Virginia workers with the skills, training and education our workforce will need to sustain the New Virginia Economy,” Governor McAuliffe said.  “The success of the Virginia Film Office in efficiently utilizing our comparatively modest film incentive program has created a significant demand for workers.  This program will help to fill that demand. I commend this ground-breaking initiative as an exceptional example of the kinds of programs Virginia will need to continue to be the best."

“I am proud to be a part of the Governor’s New Virginia Economy Workforce Initiative, which is designed to increase postsecondary education and workforce credentials, secure employment for veterans, align education with the needs of business and diversify the economy,” added Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Chief Workforce Development Advisor Maurice Jones. “The FIT Program is a pioneering new initiative led by the Community College Workforce Alliance and the Virginia Film Office to help the Commonwealth create a world-class workforce and keep Virginia competitive.”

Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds stated, “This industry creates high-wage jobs, and a positive economic impact in almost all sectors of our economy. The demand for content worldwide is on the rise and these jobs are essentially “content manufacturing jobs”. Virginia already possesses natural advantages in terms of providing a perfect palette of locations for filmmakers. If we seize the opportunity now with a competitive incentive program combined with a camera-ready workforce, Virginia can become a major destination of choice for this highly sought after industry.”

Louis (Mac) McGinty, Vice President of the Community College Workforce Alliance, stated “Twenty years of providing workforce services for Virginia’s Community Colleges has shown me that the ongoing training of our workforce is a critical element to bringing business and a positive return on investment.  We welcome the opportunity to work with this important Virginia industry.

The Film Industry Training course will be taught by Gary Romolo Fiorelli, an accomplished Assistant Director for film and television projects which include the television series Sons of Anarchy and ABC’s current drama Mistresses. His film credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, Blades of Glory and the Virginia-based Lifetime movie Unanswered Prayers. He is currently in Virginia working on the pilot for Point of Honor, a television series produced by ABC for Amazon.  In addition to working in film and television, Fiorelli has created the Production Assistant Training seminar, a course to provide training for people seeking entry level positions within the film industry. 

The two-day seminar will be held October 4 and 5 at the Workforce Development and Conference Center, 1651 Parham Road, Richmond (on the Parham campus of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.)  The cost is $125, with discounts for students, veterans and members of the Virginia Production Alliance.  For more information, visit the Community College Workforce Alliance website, www.ccwatraining.org/film

In 2012, the economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia totaled $328.4 million and provided 3,061 jobs with $50.5 million in tax revenue.


Three Virginia Schools Recognized for Outstanding Innovation in Physical Fitness

Official seal of City of Newport News
Official seal of City of Newport News (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Winners awarded brand new Live PositivelyTM Fitness Centers by
the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils

(Richmond, VA) - Governor Terry McAuliffe and Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils Jake Steinfeld announced today the three winning schools that will each receive a state-of-the-art Live PositivelyTM Fitness Center as part of the National Champion Schools campaign. This multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign has named Chesterfield Academy in Norfolk, Fairfield Middle School in Henrico and Huntington Middle School in Newport News as the winning schools for demonstrating new and innovative ways for promoting student physical activity and wellness. This fall, the new fitness centers will be dedicated at ribbon cuttings ceremonies.

“As governor, my top priority is to build a new Virginia economy, where every Virginia child has the opportunity to succeed. Promoting healthy lifestyles and providing our schools and students with the resources they need to achieve positive health goals is critical towards building this new Virginia economy and strengthening our communities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Dorothy and I want to thank Jake Steinfeld for partnering with Virginia as part of the National Champion Schools campaign and for providing three Virginia schools with new fitness centers.”

"Childhood obesity is not a democrat or republican issue, it’s a children’s issue and Governor McAuliffe has stepped up big time to help combat this growing problem, said Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld.
“We are thrilled to award these three Virginia schools with new fitness centers because they have demonstrated a passion for fitness and in living healthy a lifestyle. I know that academics and fitness go hand in hand and when you provide the schools with the tools, students will excel beyond their wildest dreams.  Not only will these students be healthier, but they'll also have increased confidence, improved self-esteem and will achieve greater academic success."

The National Foundation's goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.

The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils program plans to bring its challenge to all 50 states in the coming years. An attractive and unique feature of this campaign is that the Live Positively Fitness Centers are fully funded through public/private partnerships with companies like Coca-Cola and AOL and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Live Positively is part of Coca-Cola's commitment to bring people together to make a positive difference, which includes supporting physical activity programs.

For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org

About the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness.  The National Foundation envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “Don’t Quit” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world.  Since 2012, we’ve delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia.  In 2014, NFGFC will deliver new fitness centers to California, New Mexico, Connecticut and Virginia.


Virginia Leaders Tout Economic Benefits of Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline

English: The Brayton Point Power Station (Domi...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Virginia elected officials, business leaders and advocates from across the Commonwealth released the following statements today following an announcement by Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources about the economic benefits of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

In an earlier press release, Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Construction of the pipeline will create 8,800 jobs, produce $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth and generate $14.6 million.

After completion, the project will support 118 jobs per year, produce 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity and generate $233,000 in additional annual state tax revenue.

Senator John Cosgrove, Chesapeake:

“This project will bring clean, affordable and abundant energy to communities across Virginia, including Hampton Roads. I am eager to work with Governor McAuliffe, Dominion and AGL to see this project completed safely and responsibly, and to begin to realize the enormous jobs and economic growth potential that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline offers our great Commonwealth.”

Senator Louise Lucas, Portsmouth:
“Governor McAuliffe continues to deliver on his promise of bringing new, good jobs to communities across the Commonwealth. I am confident that this project can be completed in an environmentally safe manner that respects local concerns, and that all Virginians will benefit from the lasting jobs and economic impacts that it will bring to our Commonwealth.”

Delegate Mark Sickles, Fairfax:
“Good family-wage construction jobs in the short term will lead to lower heating bills, a reduced carbon footprint and permanent manufacturing jobs in the long term--another huge advance in Governor McAuliffe's mission to diversify the Commonwealth's economy.  Congratulations to all who worked so hard to win against four competing alternatives and good luck in the days and months ahead as decisions are made to make the underground natural gas pipeline a reality.”

Delegate Lionell Spruill, Chesapeake:
“I applaud Governor McAuliffe’s goal of making Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic, and for pledging to leverage the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to achieve it. Growing our economy in the face of federal cuts will require bringing new industries here, and this pipeline will be an outstanding asset as we work to bring manufacturers here who need access to clean and abundant natural gas.”

Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Sussex:
“The Atlantic Coast pipeline has the potential to create thousands of good jobs across the Commonwealth, including in Southside rural communities that need them. I am thrilled that this project will help all of us work together to build a new Virginia economy, while expanding our use of natural gas, which has half the carbon emissions of coal.  I look forward to working with Governor McAuliffe and these companies to realize the promise this project has to offer for our region.”

Doris Crouse-Mays, President, Virginia AFL-CIO:
“This new project and the real long and short-term economic benefits it will bring fit perfectly with Governor McAuliffe’s plan to build a new Virginia economy. We look forward to working with him and these companies to help get the Atlantic Pipeline built safely and responsibly, and attract the next generation of Virginia job creators who will benefit from its operation here in Virginia.”

Barry DuVal, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce:
“Today’s announcement will improve Virginia’s economic competitiveness in the global marketplace and help diversify our economy. The new abundance of natural gas will empower Virginia businesses to expand as well as help recruit new businesses and manufacturers to the Commonwealth.”

Chris Saxman, Executive Director, Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (FREE)
“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will create thousands of jobs, bring new businesses to communities across the Commonwealth, and expand our economy’s use of clean, abundant natural gas. I applaud Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources, and AGL Resources for working to bring this transformational project to Virginia.”

Brett A. Vassey, President and CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association:
"The VMA supports Dominion Resources and AGL's pursuit of environmental excellence and public safety with this new pipeline. This fuel and critical infrastructure will help rebuild US manufacturing competitiveness and spark the development of Virginia's Port Zone." 



Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources Announce Economic Benefits of Atlantic Coast Pipeline to Virginia

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND -  At a press conference in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources CEO Tom Farrell and Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas, announced the considerable economic benefits that the proposed Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline will bring to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In an earlier press release today, Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

A study by the independent firm Chmura Economics and Analytics found that the pipeline’s construction would:
·       Produce approximately $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth.
·       Support more than 8,800 new Virginia jobs, including nearly 5,000 directly supported by spending on construction activities.
·       Generate more than $14.6 million in additional tax revenues for the Commonwealth, including individual income and corporate tax revenues.
·       Once construction is complete, the pipeline would generate a total of 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity, support a total of 188 jobs annually and produce more than $233,000 in additional state tax revenue.
“This project is a game changer for Virginia’s economy, and the benefits will be both immediate and long-lasting,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In addition to the thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity that the construction of this project will create, the Atlantic Coast pipeline will lower energy costs for Virginia residents and businesses and help reduce carbon emissions in our state and region.

“This project will also help make Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic by enabling us to recruit job creating companies that rely on natural gas. I am proud to have been a part of the team helping Dominion and AGL win this competitive project and I look forward to working with them to leverage this enormous asset as we build a new Virginia economy.”

Joining Governor McAuliffe at today’s press conference were representatives from Dominion Resources and AGL Resources, who will oversee the pipeline’s construction and operation in Virginia.

Dominion Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Farrell II said, “Dominion welcomes the opportunity to partner with three other leading energy companies to improve energy reliability and promote economic development throughout Virginia and the entire three-state region."

Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas added, "This project brings American, abundant, and affordable natural gas to the US460 corridor and Hampton Roads, and will serve as a backbone for economic expansion."

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline will be a huge asset to Governor McAuliffe and his team as they work to create jobs and build a new Virginia economy.

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said, “One of the primary pillars of economic development for the New Virginia Economy is best in class energy infrastructure, sustaining access to diverse sources of energy at the most competitive prices. Today's announcement is exactly what's needed to keep Virginia's economy healthy and growing."

For more information on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline view the Dominion Resources news release available here.