Archive for the ‘Economic Development’ Category

Herring Economic Development Initiatives Receive Unanimous Support from Senate Committee

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Three economic development initiatives sponsored by Senator Mark Herring (D- Loudoun & Fairfax) passed the Senate Finance Committee unanimously this morning.

“One of my top legislative priorities continues to be growing and strengthening Virginia’s innovation economy,” Senator Herring stated.  “To accomplish this, we need smart policies, like the bills I have introduced, in order to better compete with other states in attracting high-growth, high-paying jobs to Virginia.”

Senator Herring’s bills that passed the Senate Finance Committee are:

SB 232- Enhances Virginia’s competitiveness in attracting major data center investments.  Data center jobs and investment are a critical element in diversifying Virginia’s technology economy and attracting private sector jobs as federal spending and procurement decreases.  The bill has the strong support of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

SB 226- Extends the capital gains tax exclusion contained in Senator Herring’s “Virginia Innovation Investment Act”, passed in 2010.  This legislation encourages new investment in start-up technology companies by providing a targeted, long-term capital gains tax exclusion for new investment in science and technology start-up companies in Virginia if the investment is made in the next three years.

SB 238- Extends for five years Senator Herring’s telework tax credit passed last year. Encouraging telework helps alleviate congestion, allowing employees to spend more time at home with their families and less time stuck in traffic.  Currently, there are 174 private sector businesses participating in the Telework!VA program.

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Herring Announces Legislative Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Senator Mark Herring (D- Loudoun & Fairfax) announced today a number of legislative proposals and budget initiatives that he will be sponsoring during the 2012 General Assembly session, which began this past Wednesday. To date, Senator Herring has introduced 18 bills and anticipates introducing several more before the January 20th deadline.

Public Safety:  Protecting the Vulnerable

Among the highlights of Senator Herring’s legislative package is SB 222, which would make it a crime to knowingly financially exploit an older or incapacitated adult.  Senator Herring has lead the effort for several years, working with a coalition of groups including the Fairfax County Financial Crimes Division, AARP, Alzheimer’s organizations, Commonwealth Attorneys and concerned citizens, to strengthen Virginia’s laws in this area.

“When I began working on this legislation in 2009, we found that Virginia’s laws were among to weakest in the nation at protecting older Virginians from financial abuse,” Herring said,  “After a multi-year effort, there is now money in the budget to cover the corrections impact.  I am convinced that this is the year we will finally see this become law.”

Senator Herring will continue to lead the charge against dangerous designer drugs.  He has introduced SB 223 to continue the work started last year with his SB 745 to combat the growing problem of synthetic marijuana and bath salts.

“As long as there are individuals out there who are trying to find ways around our laws in order to make a quick buck by selling extremely dangerous drugs to our kids, we need to remain vigilant,” Herring said. “I am continuing to work with law enforcement, forensic scientists and prosecutors to ensure they have the tools they need to stay one step ahead of the drug makers and dealers.”

Economic Development:  Grow and Strengthen Virginia’s Innovation Economy

Continuing his efforts to promote science and technology based economic development, Senator Herring has introduced SB 232. This legislation would enhance Virginia’s competitiveness in attracting major data center investments.  SB 232 has the strong support of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Herring has also introduced legislation that would establish the Commonwealth Innovation Investment Fund.  This initiative creates a long-term, dedicated funding source to grow research and technology companies by capturing a percentage of the growth in state revenue from science and innovation companies. It is designed to create jobs, nurture start-ups and bring more science and technology companies to Virginia.

“Much of Virginia’s future economic prosperity will depend on our ability to compete and win in a in a globally competitive, innovation economy,” Herring stated.  “We need smart policies, like the bills I am introducing, in order to attract the high-growth, high-paying jobs that the science and technology industries bring.”

Reverse Governor McDonnell’s Cuts to K-12 Education

Governor McDonnell’s introduced budget contains several proposed cuts to K-12 education funding.  Senator Herring has introduced budget amendments to reverse these cuts, and restore vital state education funds to Virginia localities.

“The Governor’s proposed cuts would be very detrimental to our children and to the quality of their education,” Herring said.

“One of the budget amendments I have introduced would reverse Governor McDonnell’s unfair elimination of the cost of competing adjustment for support personnel in Northern Virginia.  Currently, the state budget recognizes that the higher cost of living in Northern Virginia results in higher costs for the school divisions in our region.  By proposing to eliminate this adjustment, Northern Virginia localities stand to lose $65 million over the biennium that would have to be made up by increases in local property taxes.”

Senator Herring is also seeking to reverse other proposed cuts in public school funding included in Governor McDonnell’s budget. Herring has proposed budget amendments that would restore $217 million in direct aid to public schools throughout the state.

Additionally, Senator Herring has introduced two other education related budget initiatives.  One would provide start-up funding for Loudoun County Public Schools to implement a full-day kindergarten program.  Another would boost funding for career and technical education throughout Virginia.

Support Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project

Senator Herring continues to support the completion of Phase II of the Dulles Rail Project.

“Extending the Metro to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County is a federal, state and local priority,” Herring said.  “Localities have already indicated their willingness to participate financially, and now it’s time the state step up and contribute more to the project in order to keep toll rates from skyrocketing.  That is why I have introduced a budget amendment seeking $500 million in state transportation funds for Phase II.”

Previously, Governor McDonnell has announced $500 million in state funding for a Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel project and $400 million for turning Rt. 460 between Petersburg and Suffolk into a highway, in both cases to buy down tolls.

“If Virginia can spend almost $1 billion to buy down tolls elsewhere in the state, it can come up with more funds to support a project as significant as the Dulles Rail Project,” Herring stated.

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HERRING STATEMENT ON MEALS TAX VOTE

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) today released the following statement regarding the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors vote this week to request that the General Assembly grant the county the authority to impose a variety of new taxes including a meals tax:

“This week, the new Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 to request that the General Assembly grant them the authority to impose a meals tax.

In the last decade, the citizens of Loudoun County have voted down a meals tax by referendum three times.  A meals tax is a regressive tax that would unnecessarily burden low and middle-income families already struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy.

The General Assembly should not attempt such an end-run around the voters of Loudoun County who have spoken clearly and repeatedly on this issue.  I will not introduce, nor will I support, legislation granting this new taxing authority to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.”

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Thank you!

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Thank you.  One week ago today, all of your hard work paid off and we achieved a convincing victory.  I am extremely grateful for your continued trust and support.

I am also very proud of the campaign we ran.  We outlined a positive vision for our future and remained focused on the key issues our area faces – jobs and the economy, transportation and education.

Most of all, we talked about the need for leaders to roll up their sleeves, put partisan politics aside, and work together to deliver results.  I’m proud of my record of doing just that, and I’m eager to continue putting that philosophy to work in the Senate.

Serving you in the Virginia Senate is a tremendous honor and privilege.  I am humbled by the confidence that you and the voters have placed in me.  There’s a lot to do in the months and years ahead, and I’ll need your continued help and support along the way.  Again, thank you and let’s get started!

Sincerely,

Mark

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Herring Legislation to Grow Virginia’s Innovation Economy Signed Into Law

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

At a ceremony this morning in Richmond, Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law two bills sponsored by Senator Mark Herring that were part of the Governor’s “Opportunity at Work” and designed to attract new businesses to Virginia and help existing businesses grow and expand.

The first bill, SB 1326, creates a research and development tax credit for early-stage firms in targeted industries, especially those companies accessing research and development services through Virginia colleges and universities to strengthen our business competitiveness.

In remarks made at the press conference, Herring stated, “Innovation is a huge driver of economic growth.  This is an example of a smart tax policy to promote additional investment in advanced technology industries, which have high growth potential and pay high wages.”

The second bill, SB 1485, bolsters the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund to create a comprehensive structure to grow Virginia’s innovation economy. This program will serve as a catalyst for leveraging venture capital, Virginia higher education research assets and private sector funding to encourage evolving technologies that create the industries, businesses and jobs of the future.

“States all over the country, and countries all over the world, have become very aggressive in trying to attract advanced technology industries to their areas,” Herring stated.  “It is vitally important for Virginia and our economy to remain competitive with those states and countries.”

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State Senator Herring Urges Public to Attend Redistricting Hearings

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Loudoun Legislator says public input is important to process

State Senator Mark Herring wants voters to give their input on this year’s legislative redistricting plans.

This week, the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate and Republican-controlled House of Delegates submitted redistricting plans to the General Assembly’s Division of Legislative Services. The plans, which will determine the state’s legislative district boundaries for the next decade, are expected to be considered by the legislature during the week of April 4.

Details of the redistricting plans can be viewed online at the Division of Legislative Services website. The public will also be able to view maps during eight redistricting hearings to be held across the state.

A hearing will be held for the Loudoun area on March 31, 2011 at the Loudoun County Government Center (Leesburg) in the Loudoun County Board Room. This meeting will begin at 7:30pm.

A hearing will be held for the Fairfax area on April 2, 2011 at the Fairfax County Government Center (Fairfax) in the Board of Supervisors Auditorium. This meeting will begin at 10:30am.

“Public input is an essential part of the redistricting process. Redistricting hearings were held around the Commonwealth last year and will be continued over the next few days. I encourage all Loudoun and Fairfax voters to participate in this week’s hearings,” said Herring.

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General Assembly Wrap-Up and the Road Ahead

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Dear Friend,
Another fast and furious General Assembly session is in the books, and I have returned home to Leesburg. A 45-day session is a short amount of time to attend to all of the people’s business. I am pleased to say that this was a successful session. While in Richmond, I worked with members of both parties, in both Houses, to solve problems and deliver results for you. Here are some highlights:

  • I was a chief co-patron of the Governor’s transportation bill that, while not the long-term solution we need, will provide $4 billion to construct over 900 infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth including two right here at home: the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and the Sycolin Road overpass.
  • I passed a Research and Development Tax Credit that will make Virginia more attractive to the technology industry, more competitive with our neighbors, and create high-paying, high-growth potential jobs.
  • I also passed a Telework Tax Credit that will encourage companies to set up telework programs and allow employees to spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.
  • Working together with several members of both parties in the House and Senate, we crafted and passed legislation to criminalize synthetic marijuana and protect our children from these dangerous designer drugs.
  • And I passed legislation that will protect Virginia’s Tuition Assistance Grant Program (TAG) to ensure that Virginia tax dollars are awarded to Virginia students attending Virginia institutions.

Just as quickly as session has ended for the year, my campaign for re-election now begins and I am excited and looking forward to the road ahead. This November, you will once again have the opportunity to send me back to Richmond to continue to be a strong, independent, and effective voice for you.

I’m looking forward to traveling the district and speaking with voters about my strong record of putting aside partisan politics, solving problems, and delivering results. I am also excited to share with you my vision for Virginia and where I think we need to go in the future.  So stay tuned for email updates on events I’ll be attending in the months ahead and on ways you can get involved in the campaign!

Thank you for your continued support. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent you.

Sincerely,
Mark
Mark Herring

PS. I will be hosting a reception in the Bacon Room at Lansdowne Resort on Saturday, March 26 from 4 to 6pm. Please click here to register online. You may also email Jon at jon@markherring.org or call  703-729-3300 if you would like to attend. I hope to see you there!

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Two Key Pieces of Herring Agenda Pass Virginia Senate on Crossover Day

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Two key pieces of Senator Mark Herring’s (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) legislative agenda passed the Virginia Senate unanimously, 40-0, today at the halfway point of the 2011 General Assembly session:

SB 1338- The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act of 2011

“Last November, voters in Virginia and around the nation sent a message to lawmakers reminding us that it is our responsibility to be careful stewards of their tax dollars,” Herring stated.

“The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act provides that the Governor submit a financial plan annually to the General Assembly that includes projections for total state debt and projected future expenditures over periods of six and ten years.  We need to know precisely the fiscal consequences that spending and borrowing decisions will have on our state budget over the long term.”

SB 1485- Expanding the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund

“This bill expands the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund to include three separate programs to accelerate technology research and commercialization throughout Virginia,” Herring stated.

Those programs are: a new “Eminent Researchers Program” to help attract the best and brightest technology researchers to Virginia universities, a new “Commercialization Program” to help companies commercialize promising technology projects in Virginia, and an expanded “Research Matching Funds Program” to help Virginia research institutions match and leverage federal and private research and technology commercialization funds.

“This legislation elevates Virginia’s profile as a global technology center,” Herring stated.

Legislation passed by Senator Herring in 2009 established the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization fund.

“I am pleased that these two important measures have passed the Senate unanimously, and I am optimistic that the House of Delegates will see fit to pass them as well and send them to the Governor’s desk for his signature,” Herring concluded.

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Herring Announces Legislative Agenda for 2011 Session

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Richmond- Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun and Fairfax) today announced his legislative agenda for the 2011 General Assembly session, which began this past Wednesday.  To this point, Senator Herring has introduced 17 bills and anticipates introducing several more before the January 21st deadline.

Among the highlights of Senator Herring’s legislative package is SB 1326, which creates a Research and Development Tax Credit in Virginia.  This legislation is the top priority of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Virginia Biotechnology Association, with whom Senator Herring has worked closely in the past, including last year on the passage of the Virginia Innovation Investment Act.  For his efforts to promote science and technology based economic development, Senator Herring was named “Legislator of the Year” in 2010 by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

This legislation was also included among Governor Bob McDonnell’s “Opportunity at Work” legislative proposals.  The Governor thanked Senator Herring for carrying this legislation during his State of the Commonwealth address delivered this past Wednesday.

“This legislation will build on the great strides we have made in recent years to make Virginia more competitive with our neighbors and more attractive to bioscience and technology industry,” Herring said.  “Our Commonwealth, and Northern Virginia in particular, is perfectly suited for the kinds of high-paying, high growth potential jobs that science and technology industry brings with it.  I’m grateful for the Governor’s support on this important initiative.”

Virginia is currently one of only 12 states that do not offer an R&D tax credit as part of its job creation strategy.

Senator Herring will also offer a budget amendment to allocate $25 million to the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF).  The CRCF was created through legislation authored by Senator Herring in 2009, and is designed to better focus the moneys available under the program to key areas of research and development in the Commonwealth.  The CRCF emphasizes the importance of commercializing research and development through matching-fund programs, leveraging private and federal funds, and providing a loan program for the construction of facilities utilized in commercializing qualified research.

Transportation will be one of the top issues on the General Assembly’s plate in 2011, and Senator Herring continues to be focused on ways to generate new revenue for transportation.

“The Governor campaigned on having a detailed plan to fix transportation without raising taxes.  While his proposals have fallen short of expectations thus far, I remain committed to working constructively with the Governor to see if he can find a way to make good on his promise,” Herring stated.

“As a demonstration of that commitment, I responded to the Governor’s request last year for ideas and input on how to raise revenue for transportation.  One of the ideas I shared with the Governor was to consider changes to the state’s revenue sharing program, which directs state funding to projects where localities are willing to share in the cost of highway construction.  The Governor has embraced that proposal and has included it in his 2011 transportation legislative package.”

The bill, SB 1329, removes the $1 million cap for individual allocations and gives funding priority to projections focused on congestion relief.  The bill also increases the minimum appropriation from $15 million to $50 million.

Senator Herring plans to continue to push the Governor, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board, to allocate available state funds to construct the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and Sycolin Road overpass.  These projects continue to be top priorities for Loudoun County, and Senator Herring’s Route 7 Task Force has also identified obtaining funding to construct these projects as critical to alleviate congestion along the Route 7 corridor.

Also on the agenda is SB 1335, which establishes a telework tax credit for Virginia employers, a bill included among bi-partisan package of government reform bills resulting from the Governor’s Commission of Government Reform and Restructuring.

Continuing his efforts to expand transparency and accountability in state government, Senator Herring introduced SB 1338, the Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act.

“This past election, voters in Virginia and around the nation sent a message to lawmakers reminding us that it is our responsibility to be careful stewards of their tax dollars,” Herring stated.  “The Virginia Responsible Budgeting and Spending Control Act provides that the Governor submit a financial plan to the General Assembly that includes projections for total state debt and projected future expenditures over periods of six and ten years.  We need to know precisely the fiscal consequences that spending and borrowing decisions will have on our state budget over the long term.”

“I am optimistic that members of both parties in both chambers will come together around these important pieces of legislation I am introducing in 2011, and I am confident that the tone in the General Assembly will be one of civil and constructive debate as we consider how to best move our Commonwealth forward into the future.”

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September/October Update

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Dear Friend,

Autumn is setting in across the 33rd Senate District. I hope all of you are enjoying the Fall colors, hunting for the perfect pumpkin, and your children being back in school.

Please vote on Tuesday, November 2!Fall also means that it is once again election season in Virginia. I encourage all of you to get out and vote this coming Tuesday, November 2nd. If you are unsure of where to vote, check the Virginia State Board of Elections website to find your polling location.

In addition to the 10th Congressional District race, there are also three proposed amendments to Virginia’s Constitution on the ballot.  All three of these measures passed unanimously in the General Assembly.  For a summary of the proposed amendments, click here.

In Loudoun, there is also one school bond referendum on the ballot.  As Loudoun County Public Schools has been one of the fastest-growing school systems in American for more than a decade, the question asks whether to approve the construction of a new Leesburg Area Elementary School. The new school will help to meet our long-term enrollment needs and I will be voting in favor of the measure.

ABC Update

Thanks to so many of you who submitted your feedback on my Letter to the Editor opposing Governor McDonnell’s proposal to privatize Virginia’s liquor stores.

The Governor has recognized that while many legislators, including myself, are open to the concept of privatization, his proposal is going to need a lot more work before it is acceptable for passage.  Recently, he announced that he would not be calling a Special Session this year to take up ABC privatization.

Route 7 Task Force

Aside from the economy, transportation is the most pressing issue we face here in the 33rd District and in Northern Virginia.  While a statewide transportation funding solution remains an elusive goal, we have had success in the past, locally, when we have identified our most pressing infrastructure needs and worked together to get projects off the shelf and underway.

Route 7Recently, I formed a Route 7 Task Force comprised of fifteen business and community leaders that will explore solutions aimed at alleviating congestion along the Route 7 corridor between the Town of Leesburg and the Fairfax/Loudoun border.

At our first meeting, the Task Force identified two projects critical to alleviating traffic congestion along the corridor:  the construction of a planned interchange at Route 7 and Belmont Ridge Road, and the construction of the Sycolin Road overpass. As a result, I have sent a letter to Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton requesting available state funds for these projects. You can read my full letter to Secretary Connaughton here.

You can read more about the Task Force and the important work we are doing here, here, and here.

As always, representing you in the General Assembly is an honor and a privilege. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can ever do for you. The telephone number for my district office in Leesburg is 703-729-3300. You can also contact me by email at senator@markherring.org.

Sincerely,

Mark

Mark Herring

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