“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.

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.

“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.”

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

- The Northern Virginia Technology Council
- NOVA BizPAC (political arm of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce)
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Northern Virginia Association of Realtors
- Dulles Area Association of Realtors
- Virginia Education Association
- Loudoun Education Association
- Fairfax Education Association
- Virginia Farm Bureau Ag PAC
- Virginia Professional Firefighters Association
- Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics Association
- Virginia Police Benevolent Association

Said Senator Herring of the endorsements:

“I am proud to have earned the endorsement of so many important organizations both here in Northern Virginia, and across the Commonwealth. These groups recognize that I have a strong record of putting partisan politics aside and working together to find solutions and that I have successfully delivered results for the 33rd District and Northern Virginia.  I look forward to continuing this approach if I am privileged to be reelected on November 8th.”

Virginia’s new telework tax credit, sponsored by Sen. Herring during the 2011 General Assembly session, provides for a tax credit of up to $1,200 per employee, up to $50,000 per organization, for eligible telework expenses incurred during taxable years 2012 and 2013.

“Telework takes cars off the road, improves employee productivity and allows workers to spend more time at home with their families and less time stuck in traffic,” Senator Herring said. “It’s a win-win.”

The webinar will provide additional information on the tax credit, the requirements to pre-apply and qualify for the credit, and how telework practically applies in the organizational setting.

To register for the webinar, and for more information on the new telework tax credit, visit this website. Pre-applications for the tax credit are due to the Department of Taxation by October 31, 2011

“I am extremely proud that Virginia has once again, for the fourth time in six years, been recognized as America’s ‘Top State for Business’ according to CNBC.”

“Virginia is not Washington, D.C. In Virginia, we balance our budget and control spending and, this year, we made critical investments in education, our infrastructure and economic development in order to spur job creation in the private sector. We have succeeded in keeping taxes low and our unemployment rate now stands at 6%, three points below the national average. While there is much more work ahead, all Virginians can take pride in this national honor.”

“Virginians expect their representatives to go to Richmond and make the tough decisions necessary to put Virginia on the path towards economic recovery during these turbulent times. They expect us to leave partisanship and ideology at the door and do what is right for Virginia. I believe that this recognition demonstrates that we are living up to those expectations.”

The Route 7 Task Force, established by State Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) last September, concluded its work with the release of its action plan entitled, “Seven For Seven: Getting Loudoun Moving”. The plan offers a set of concrete steps that can and should be taken to alleviate congestion along the Route 7 corridor, in both the short and long term.

Senator Herring formed the Task Force, comprised of fifteen business and community leaders, with the mission of exploring and prioritizing solutions aimed at alleviating congestion along the Route 7 corridor between the Town of Leesburg and the Fairfax/Loudoun border. From September 2010 through March 2011, the Task Force conducted eight meetings and heard testimony from county, state, and town officials, transportation interest groups, traffic engineers, and members of the public.

“Creating community consensus and bringing together those who have worked separately toward the same goals for years was one of the objectives I had for the Route 7 Task Force at the outset,” Herring stated. “I am proud to say that we have accomplished that goal.”

The work of the Route 7 Task Force has already paid dividends for Loudoun County. With the Task Force’s strong support, Senator Herring was able to secure state funding for the Route 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and the Sycolin Road overpass, two projects that were identified early on by the Task Force as top priorities for the county.

Copies of the Task Force’s plan have been sent to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton, Delegates Joe May, Tom Rust, and Tag Greason, Chairman Scott York and the members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and Mayor Kirsten Umstattd and the members of the Leesburg Town Council.

Click here to download an electronic copy of “Seven For Seven: Getting Loudoun Moving”. Please note that this is a very large file and might take a minute to download.

The Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board will make recommendations for more effective domestic violence services in Virginia through work with state and local agencies, as well as stakeholders.

“Domestic violence prevention is a critical issue affecting Virginia families,” Herring said.  “I take very seriously the charge of working to reduce the number of cases of domestic violence and to better manage our response when incidents do occur.  I am committed to the success of this Board and to a safer future for Virginia families.”

To read Gov. McDonnell’s Executive Order 25 click here.

Total Raised — $102,712.00
Total Expenditures — $16,976.20
Final Cash on Hand — $151,513.63

Senator Herring’s showing is particularly remarkable due to Virginia’s restrictions on legislators’ fundraising activities during the legislative session.  For good reasons, incumbent legislators are prohibited from accepting or soliciting contributions while they are in session and bills are before the General Assembly.  This year’s General Assembly session ran from January 12 to February 28, leaving only 42 days available for fundraising.  Herring accomplished this feat with the support of 166 individual contributors.

“I am proud to be seeking my third opportunity to serve the citizens of Loudoun and Fairfax counties,” Herring announced. “Since I was first elected to represent the 33rd District in January 2006, I have worked diligently to ensure that both our district and the whole of Northern Virginia get the vigorous representation and precious resources we so desperately need.  Each year I return to Richmond I am able to accomplish more.”

“This year I was able to secure transportation funds for local projects, lower taxes, protect our children from dangerous designer drugs disguised as safe products, and continue planning for our future through sound fiscal management and investments in education.  I am humbled that as a result of this work I have received such an outpouring of support for my re-election campaign.”

“I sincerely look forward communicating about my successes over the past 5 years, having an open discussion about our needs going forward, and earning another term in Richmond.”

As of April 18th, Herring’s opponent Patricia Phillips had not yet filed her April 15th campaign finance report.