Friday, September 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Signs SB362 Allowing the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to Bring Entrepreneurs into State Government

At New Richmond Ventures, Governor McAuliffe signed SB362 which allows the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to coordinate with the private sector on issues related to entrepreneurship, and to solicit input on creative solutions to ongoing government issues.  The bill is the latest effort by the Governor to promote entrepreneurs, encourage startups, and diversify the economy.

The bill, patroned by Senator Dick Saslaw, and its companion bill HB321 patroned by Delegate Steve Landes passed with unanimous support through both chambers of the General Assembly.  The bill received enthusiastic support from Virginia Commonwealth University along with the private sector.

“This legislation is an example of Democrats and Republicans coming together to find creative solutions to the problems facing the Commonwealth today,” said Governor McAuliffe as he signed the bill.  “In addition, this bill harnesses the most important asset of our rapidly diversifying new economy: entrepreneurs.” 

Entrepreneurs are a key component to creating a strong and diverse economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “We are committed to ensuring that Virginia becomes the top state in the nation in which to start a business.”

“This new law opens the door for the private sector and state government to work hand in hand on economic issues facing the Commonwealth,” said Senator Dick Saslaw. “Bringing successful business models in to state agencies, can only enhance services for Virginians.”

"This legislation is not only a perfect example of bipartisan cooperation and support, but it will bring about the possibility of true business practices to Virginia's Government,” added Delegate Steve Landes.

Under the new law, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade is allowed to:

·       Open a pilot program to improve outreach by the state government to the private sector

·       Bring private sector entrepreneurs into state agencies in order to streamline their processes

·       Contract with a public institution of higher education for the management of the program


Governor McAuliffe Celebrates New Initiative to Support State Parks

Fall in Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia, USA.
Fall in Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe hosted a strategic planning session today in Richmond for the Partnership for Parks campaign founded by the Virginia Association for Parks and the Garden Club of Virginia.  The Partnership for Parks was formed to raise private funding to design, build and install new interpretive exhibits in more than a dozen state park visitor centers.  The partners recognize that the goal of exhibits is to educate, entertain and inspire park visitors. 

More than 30 people from across the Commonwealth came to Richmond to chart a strategic plan for completing this effort by the year 2020.  More than $5 million will be needed for the campaign. 

At a luncheon following the meeting, Governor McAuliffe said, “Our state parks are treasures enjoyed by more than 9 million visitors a year and they are places where Virginians and visitors to Virginia go to enhance their mental and physical health and well being. The installation of these new exhibits will improve the experience of the many visitors to our state parks, increase knowledge of our natural and cultural heritage and make Virginia an even more attractive place for tourism, a key element of our efforts to build and sustain a new Virginia economy.  My thanks to the partnership for helping to make this happen”

Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward introduced Mrs. McAuliffe as an advocate for childhood issues, including quality education, access to healthy foods and the availability of close to home outdoor recreation. Mrs. McAuliffe addressed the group and spoke about the importance of reaching children with the modern technology that they have become accustomed to using  an average  of eight hours a day. “If we want to make outdoor recreation a lifelong part of a healthy lifestyle, experts tell us these habits must be developed early in life,” said Mrs. McAuliffe. The partnership has already designed an exhibit in collaboration with our state parks titled “Outdoor Challenge” that is a state-of-the-art, high tech, interactive multimedia experience intended to engage youth particularly and everyone else regardless of age in life enhancing outdoor recreation in our parks.  

If we also want the millennial generation to understand the stewardship responsibility we all have as citizens, then that too needs to be communicated early.  If students understand the connectivity between ourselves and everything else in our environment, they will appreciate the balance that must be maintained,” Mrs. McAuliffe stated.

Johnny Finch, president of the Virginia Association for Parks and Jeanette Cadwallender, president of the Garden Club of Virginia, expressed their appreciation that the Governor and First Lady are supporting the Partnership for Parks.  “It may be years before the state’s budget improves enough to address funding for state parks.  Our state parks are among America’s best, but simply maintaining and staffing them has been a challenge for the state.  We believe the Partnership for Parks campaign is essential to keeping our parks relevant and exciting for visitors young and old alike. Our parks are good for people, good for the environment and are vital to our economy. Tourism is an important part of our economy and our parks are a centerpiece of our tourism infrastructure. To have the support from the McAuliffes strengthens this volunteer effort.” stated the two state leaders. 

For more information about the Partnership for Parks visit www.VAParks.net.



Commonwealth of Virginia to Receive $39.9 Million Federal Grant for Richmond Bus Rapid Transit System

Port of Virginia's Norfolk International Termi...
Port of Virginia's Norfolk International Terminal (NIT) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that two projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive a total $39.9 million in funds from the highly competitive TIGER Grant program. More than $9.4 billion in applications were received and evaluated by the United State Department of Transportation, which will award $600 million in funding this year.
“These grants will help build a new Virginia economy by expanding access to the Port of Virginia, and allowing Richmond to build the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit system, a project that will create new jobs and economic growth across the metro area,” said Governor McAuliffe. “With these grants Virginia has secured one of the largest allocations of TIGER funds in the last four years. I am proud to have worked hard alongside Secretary Foxx, Senator Warner, Senator Kaine, Mayor Jones and all involved to bring these important grants back to Virginia.”
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Greater Richmond Transit Company, the City of Richmond and Henrico County have been awarded a $24.9 million TIGER grant to construct the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The 7.5 mile, $53.8 million Broad Street BRT system would improve reliability and travel times for transit riders, improve access to employment and health care, and support economic development throughout the Broad Street Corridor. 
“The Richmond BRT project is an excellent example of how improving and expanding our transportation system connects people with businesses and jobs across the region,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “The Commonwealth is proud to work in collaboration with the City of Richmond and Henrico County to not only provide a new transportation option, but also to stimulate economic growth along the Broad Street Corridor with the creation of new jobs to support the project.”

The Virginia Port Authority was awarded a $15 million TIGER grant to create a new intermodal gate complex at Norfolk International Terminals. This new $29 million gate will tie-in to the planned I-564 Intermodal Connector and ease the commute for thousands of active duty Navy and civil service personnel, reduce the volume of truck traffic on local roads in the City of Norfolk and increase cargo velocity and efficiency at NIT.

“As proud Virginians, we recognize the critical role that our port plays in the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.  We are thankful that USDOT granted us similar recognition at the federal level,” said John F. Reinhart, executive director and CEO of the Virginia Port Authority.
Additional information regarding the BRT project can be found at www.study.ridegrtc.com



Constitutional Law Regarding Income Taxes, 1913




Here is an interesting look back in time about constitutional law and an early interpretation of the 16th Amendment.  Now the real question one has to ask, is the 16th Amendment itself legal?  According to earlier Amendments to the Bill of Rights, not in our opinion.

Here is a look at the 16th Amendment;

Amendment 16: Income taxes

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

February 3, 1913.

Now let's look at the 9th Amendment:

Amendment IX:  Rights retained by the People

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

These two Amendments would seem to be in conflict with each other yet they have never been argued.  Now the legal arguments surrounding the 9th Amendment shows that it's so ambiguous as to not really be understood.  Well, who really understands the 16th Amendment?  Who gave Congress the power to create such a drastic Amendment?  What it really says is that Congress can take all of your money at any time and for any reason.  There is not one single control in there to stop a 100% confiscation of anyone's money.  

Now what is the definition of enumeration?  


Full Definition of ENUMERATE
transitive verb

1: to ascertain the number of :
2: to specify one after another :


Link to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

In a Constitutional Republic Democracy, the will of the people, through elected representatives, is how laws and or rights are created and passed.  If you ever look up the history of the 16th Amendment, this process did NOT take place.  Instead what you will find, based on our own research, is that the 16th Amendment was railroaded through in violation to the US Constitution, against the will of the people.  

So complain all you want about billions of dollars to trillions of dollars going to bailouts or other countries for whatever reason, you allow it everyday by refusing to look at the reason why this is done and sitting back being entertained by; whatever.




Now here is a video that is over the top, but has a very good message.  We do not agree with many areas of it, but it makes very valid points in many areas.  You can't sit back and think that there is nothing you can do.  One person can and does make a difference.  Each person acting towards what is right and in the best interests of society as a whole can make a world of difference.  Anyone can argue who determines what is right.  Let them argue it.  Those people do nothing but argue points, and do nothing else with their lives, so ignore them.

  


Here is some information that you might want to check out but not follow.  The woman in this video eventually went to prison.  She had the wrong argument even though she was on the right trail.




As we said, here is the information about her going to prison.  Now do we recommend people not pay taxes?  Can you really afford not to?  In all honesty, we need someway to finance a fair and Constitutional government, we just need to fix the system.  We can't do that as long as we keep the same chumps in office term after term and chumps that are worse than the chumps already in have to stop running not giving anyone a choice.

  Get involved.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Tourism Revenues Exceeded $21.5 Billion in 2013

~ New statewide data shows 1.4 percent increase over 2012 ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia generated $21.5 billion in revenue from tourists in 2013, a 1.4 percent increase over 2012. In 2013, tourism in Virginia supported 213,000 jobs, an increase of 1.4 percent in employment, and provided more than $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. 

Tourism is an important industry that will continue to fuel the New Virginia Economy,”said Governor McAuliffe. 



“Virginia continues to offer a dynamic, rich experience for visitors, which helps to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. Virginia’s tourism economy is an enormous asset for this Commonwealth, and continuing to grow it is one of my top priorities.”

“Virginia is a uniquely attractive destination for visitors, offering a wide array of travel choices. From hiking the Peaks of Otter, to strolling through historic cities and towns in Northern Virginia, to rafting across Class IV rapids in our Capitol city, the Commonwealth offers everything you love about vacation,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “While Virginia presents an exciting experience for visitors, the tourism industry offers solid, good-paying jobs for our citizens and contributes billions to our economy.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Lovers brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Go to http://www.virginia.org/ and start planning a trip or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.
Autumn is a great time to “fall in love” in Virginia. Discover (or re-discover) what makes Virginia magical this fall. http://www.virginia.org/fall/
___________________________________________________________________________
The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association.  The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.vatc.org under Research.




Virginia Leaders Applaud Governor McAuliffe’s Bold Efforts to Expand Health Care Services to 200,000 Virginians

Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds (Democrati...
Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor McAuliffe launched A Healthy Virginiaa 10-step plan to expand health care services to over 200,000 Virginians. This plan is an unprecedented action by any governor in Virginia history and includes authorizations of four emergency regulations, one executive order, and innovative and creative solutions to expand healthcare to Virginia veterans, children, and families.

This plan has received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth:
  
Senator Don McEachin, Henrico:

“I commend Gov. McAuliffe for his plan to ensure that many more Virginians have access to quality, affordable health care. His plan makes crucial improvement to our broken status quo — changes that will help veterans, children, and families. The governor has given House Republicans a strong foundation on which to build when we reconvene. For months now, they have promised a plan. It is time for them to deliver.”

Senator Louise Lucas, Portsmouth:
                                                    
“Today is a tremendous step forward in health care for Virginia communities. I want to thank and praise Governor McAuliffe for his continuous efforts to make this plan happen. Now hundreds of thousands of Virginians will become healthier and live more prosperous lives.”

Senator Creigh Deeds, Bath:

“Governor McAuliffe has taken bold steps forward in assuring that Virginians with mental illnesses are not forgotten. I commend the Governor in helping craft a solution that will address the needs of the mental health community and ensure that many Virginians have the help they need.


“I want to applaud Governor McAuliffe for his strong leadership and commitment to expanding access to healthcare to all Virginians. The steps he outlined today are bold moves that will help the lives of hundreds of thousands of our citizens. It is my sincere hope that now House Republicans will understand it is their responsibility to come to the table during the September 18th Special Session and actually find a pathway forward to close the coverage gap.”

Delegate Ken Plum, Fairfax:

“Governor McAuliffe has shown to Virginians that health care is a fundamental right through the A Healthy Virginia report presented today. His unwavering support to increase access for 200,000 of our Commonwealth’s residents is a testament to delivering on the promise he made when he took the oath of office back in January. The responsibility now falls in the hands of the General Assembly to put politics aside, and do what is right for those Virginians that are struggling every single day.”

Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, Fairfax:

Governor McAuliffe has established himself as a leader when it comes to healthcare in the Commonwealth. I want to thank him for his efforts to put Virginia families first, and allowing thousands of individuals to have access to quality health care. This is a vital component to building a new Virginia economy and creating new jobs across the region.”
Delegate Sam Rasoul, Roanoke City:
"I am delighted to hear that the Governor has launched A Healthy Virginia. Here in Roanoke and throughout the Commonwealth, there are people who need better access to medical services. These innovative measures will be a tremendous help to our children, veterans, and families. By keeping all of our citizens healthy, we can stay on the pathway to a better Virginia."
Dana Schrad, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
“I would like to commend Governor McAuliffe for his commitment to making Virginia communities healthier and safer. The Governor's strong leadership on issues related to mental health and reducing deaths from prescription drug and heroin abuse are bold steps forward. We look forward to working with the Governor on making all Virginia communities better places to live and work.”

Doris Crouse-Mays, President, Virginia AFL-CIO

“Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will benefit from the Governor’s bold actions today. Now the General Assembly has an obligation to continue this important work so that every Virginian can reap the benefits of bringing our tax dollars home to keep people healthy, create jobs and build a new Virginia economy.”

Cianti Stewart-Reid, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia:
“Today the Governor continued to make good on his promise to do everything he can to get Virginians access to quality health care. This plan is an unprecedented step toward keeping our friends and neighbors healthy. I hope House Republicans will take this opportunity to come back to the table and build upon the Governor’s strong effort.”
Tram Nguyen, Co-Executive Director, Virginia New Majority:

“I commend Governor McAuliffe on putting a plan forward that will get hundreds of thousands of Virginians access to health care that they need. This is a tremendous step in the right direction, and I hope Republicans in the General Assembly will finally work in good faith to close the coverage gap.”

Brian Devine, Director of Online Programs, ProgressVA:

“I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for taking these vital steps forward to ensure that Virginians across the Commonwealth can get health coverage they need and deserve. It is time for House Republicans to step up to the plate for Virginia families, and bring our tax dollars home to benefit our neighbors and communities.”