Visit Henry County and the Water Tower at the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre
The million-gallon Water Tank that will serve tenants at the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre, a 726-acre business park in southern Henry County. The building pictured is a training center under construction, which will be exclusively for the tenants in the business park. While companies build their site, employees can train in Henry County’s facility. Employees […]
2019 GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES TODAY
Look for Capitol Contact on Tuesdays and Thursdays The 2019 General Assembly session will span from January 9 to February 23 as legislators will deliberate on many issues critical to local government, including taxes, the state budget, education funding, economic development, public safety, and other policy matters. VACo will continually provide updates during the session […]
State Budget discussions dominate Finance Forum
State Budget discussions dominate Finance Forum With a keen interest in the state budget and Virginia’s fiscal future, local government officials traveled to Richmond to attend the VACo/VML Finance Forum on January 8. County leaders heard from experts about state spending, politics and the state budget, the Northam Administration’s spending proposals, and new budgeting issues […]
U.S. Navy plans to purchase two Aircraft Carriers from Huntington Ingalls Industries continuing Federal Defense Spending in Virginia
The announcement of a two-carrier block purchase at the Newport News shipyard means a boost to the Hampton Roads economy and continued federal defense spending in Virginia. The purchase is part of the Navy’s FY 2019 Shipbuilding Plan to expand the fleet to 355 battle force ships over the next 30 years. Making the block […]
Key Dates for 2019 General Assembly Session
In accordance with the procedural resolution adopted by the House and Senate on January 9, key dates for the 2019 General Assembly Session are as follows: January 9: General Assembly convenes at noon. Bills that are “prefiled” must be submitted by 10 a.m. House bills affecting the Virginia Retirement System or creating or continuing a […]
Virginia House of Delegates Unveils First-of-its-Kind Searchable Website of its Members, 1619 to Present
In recognition of the 400th anniversary in 2019 of the first meeting of elected members of the House Burgesses in Jamestown, the House Clerk’s Office today unveiled the culmination of an ambitious, multi-year project – DOME (Database of House Members) – that offers online both biographical and legislative service information on every House member since […]
Additional Flexibility to School Divisions as USDA Publishes Final Rule on School Meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a final rule on school meal flexibilities for implementing nutrition standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium. The final rule was made in response to 2012 changes to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal requirements, which reflected updates to dietary guidelines. […]
Join VACo’s Rural Caucus
The Virginia Association of Counties hosts its Rural Caucus to provide rural members with opportunities to meet and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities. As with the VACo policy committees, this body influences the educational efforts and policy goals of the Association. Those wishing to be a part of the Caucus should […]
Governor Northam Presents Budget Proposal
Governor Northam presented his proposed amendments to the 2018-2020 biennium budget to the House Appropriations, House Finance, and Senate Finance Committees on Tuesday, December 18. The Governor described his proposal as meeting three major goals: shoring up the state’s reserves, investing in shared priorities, and meeting known obligations, such as the revised Medicaid forecast. The […]
JLARC Report on Foster Care Released
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) received a report on Virginia’s foster care system from its staff at its meeting on December 10. JLARC directed its staff to undertake the study in September 2017. Although Virginia places children in foster care at a lower rate than any other state, the report was critical […]
Visit Chesterfield County and The Bellwood Tank
The Bellwood Tank is located on Norcliff Road and services a portion of the northeastern section of Chesterfield County. The 2 million gallon water tank was constructed in 1987 at an elevation of 280 feet. The style for this water tank is a hydro pillar.
SERCAP’s Housing Department Completes Collaborative IPR Project in Fluvanna County!
SERCAP’s Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Project in Fluvanna County before (left) and after photos. By Lauren Mason | SERCAP Planning Manager Recently, SERCAP’s Housing Department completed an Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation (IPR) collaborative project in Fluvanna County, VA. IPR is a program, funded by the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), that assists […]
Accountable care organizations: Transforming care delivery to support members and increase cost savings
For over a decade, Aetna has been focusing on transforming the health care delivery system. Members are at the center of Aetna’s accountable care organizations, with the goal of improving health by providing access to high-quality, effective, patient-centric care. Accountable care organizations are integrated networks of hospitals, doctors’ offices and other health care facilities that […]
Children’s Services Act Studies Move Forward
Several workgroups and other efforts to enhance elements of the Children’s Services Act (CSA) have been undertaken this year, either at the direction of the General Assembly or the State Executive Council, and are in varying stages of completion. Private special education day placements: Budget language directed the convening of a workgroup to develop proposed […]
Discussion of Possible Public Referendum for Multi-Billion Dollar State Bond to Fund School Modernization
The flagship recommendation discussed by the Senate Local Government Subcommittee on School Facility Modernization is to hold a public referendum set for 2019 asking Virginians to authorize the General Assembly to secure a $3-$4 billion general obligation bond to fund school modernization needs across the Commonwealth. The Subcommittee discussed dedicating a portion of anticipated state […]
Mental Health Study Commission Makes Recommendations for 2019
The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century met on December 4, along with its two workgroups, to finalize recommendations for the upcoming 2019 General Assembly session, to plan its work for the remainder of 2019, and to discuss the future of the Joint Subcommittee after its scheduled […]