Richmond Times- Dispatch Op/Ed:  State leaders unite to end a tough problem: homelessness

Polls continue to show that many Americans regard Washington, D.C., as a hopelessly dysfunctional caldron of political acrimony and gridlock. But in Virginia, political leaders of both parties are proving that Republicans and Democrats of good will and political courage can come together to address some of the commonwealth's toughest problems.  Click here for the complete article.

NEWS RELEASE: Senator Wagner appointed to Chair Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee and two Subcommittees

Richmond, Virginia, 11 January 2012:  Senator Wagner (R-Virginia Beach) was appointed today to serve on five Standing Committees in the Senate of Virginia. Click here for the complete news release.

WINTER WEATHER IN VIRGINIA
Winters in Virginia can mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rainstorms. Winter weather can knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Click here for more information on how you can protect yourself and your family.

ATTENTION: IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING INFORMATION
In-Person Absentee Voting is available now through Saturday, Nov. 5th at the Hilltop DMV, the Buckner DMV, the Voter Registrar's Office, and the Court House Fire Station. If voting absentee by mail, the Absentee Ballot Application must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on the Tuesday. See the below link for more information and the In-Person Absentee Voting Schedule:
http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/voter-registrar/registration/Pages/Absentee-Voting.aspx

Emergency Alert System to be Tested Nationwide on Nov. 9

Friday, October 28, 2011 · 11:30 am
Two federal agencies – FEMA and the FCC – will test the national Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at approximately 2 p.m. Regularly scheduled programming on TV and radio will be interrupted for about three minutes for an emergency test message.

The test is being conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Weather Service. 
The EAS is designed to transmit emergency messages via TV and radio about hazardous weather, child abductions and other types of emergencies to the American public from national, state and local agencies. 

This test will assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS to alert the public, and also identify any areas for improvements in the operation of the system during a national emergency. While state and local tests regularly take place on a weekly and monthly basis, a simultaneous, nationwide test of the national EAS “emergency action notification” code has never occurred. 

November 9, was selected by the federal agencies because it is near the end of hurricane season and before the start of severe winter weather. The time of 2 p.m. EST was selected to minimize disruption during commuter rush hours, and to ensure that the test occurs during working hours across several time zones in the United States. The test will last for approximately three minutes and EAS participants, including broadcast radio and television, cable television, satellite radio and other wireline video services, will carry the test message. 

This is only a test. Because this is a "live code" test, the automatically generated text crawl on TV screens will display as an actual emergency. Nothing in the text crawl will indicate that the alert is a test, but FEMA and the FCC have urged broadcasters to use their own text to alert viewers that this is not an actual emergency. 

The City of Virginia Beach encourages residents to use this test to think about their own emergency preparedness. The EAS system is one of many tools to alert the public to impending threats and emergency conditions. Residents should understand how these warning systems can provide vital information during emergencies. Everyone should have multiple means of getting information during emergencies, including texting, e-mails and social networking sites.

During some emergencies in Virginia Beach, the city uses the VBalert system – commonly called reverse 911 – to call residents in specific geographic areas and provide important information through pre-recorded messages. Virginia Beach residents can always call 911 to report an emergency and 311 to get more information on city services.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit www.fema.gov and www.ready.virginia.gov.

Frank Wagner Earns 91% Voting Record from NFIB/Virginia

Nicole Riley, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said today that Senator Frank Wagner has earned a score of 91 percent on the 2010-11 NFIB/Virginia Voting Record.

NFIB/Virginia is the Commonwealth's leading small-business association, with 6,000 small-business members statewide.

"What this means is that Senator Wagner has stood up for Virginia's job creators time and again on important issues such as tax relief, health-care reform and the right of employees to cast secret ballots in union organization elections," Riley said.

Small businesses account for 98 percent of the Commonwealth's employers and employ nearly half of Virginia's non-government workforce, according to federal government statistics.

"Our members truly appreciate the efforts of legislators such as Frank Wagner to help Virginia's small-businesses grow and create jobs," Riley said.

“I look forward to working with NFIB and other pro-business groups throughout Virginia,” said Sen. Frank Wagner, “who share my vision of robust job creation despite actions in Washington.”

Download a PDF copy of the 2010-11 NFIB/Virginia Voting Record at www.NFIB.com/VA. (the direct link to the PDF file is http://www.nfib.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wIMSfMVzYeQ%3d&tabid=1066)

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

The World Heart Federation announced last month that beginning this year, World Heart Day will be held each year on September 29

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1.4 million Americans die from cardiovascular disease every year, and more women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

We must put policies in place that improve heart health. Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. This means women - mothers, sisters, spouses, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute.

Please support policies that help prevent cardiovascular deaths and enable efficient response of the health care system to cardiovascular emergencies. Mark World Heart Day by helping to raise awareness: share this eye-opening short video by clicking on this link --"Just a Little Heart Attack"-- (http://www.youtube.com/OfficialGoRed4Women) with at least 5 women in your life. Learn the signs and don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see them.  The best link for more information related to the video message is the American Heart Association’s dedicated Go Red for Women page:
http://www.goredforwomen.org/

Citizens of Virginia Beach... How Well Do You Know Your City? 

Click here to read some interesting facts about Virginia Beach - The Place -- The People -- The Economy. 

Virginia's 2011 Hurricane Preparedness Guide

As the hurricane season starts to wind down, we still need to be prepared until the end of the season. You can find a copy of the Virginia 2011 Hurricane Preparedness Guide here: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/2011_Virginia_Hurricane_Guide.pdf

It is important to know the location of the nearest shelter, as well as those that will accept pets if you have furry or feathered members of your household. You can also monitor current hurricane projections at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml as well as the Weather Channel and your local news and their associated websites. Just click on the storm you would like more information about and an additional information page will pop up specific to that storm event. Please be watchful and be safe. As always, if I can do anything to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact me, Frank Wagner

6th Annual School Supplies and Clothing Tax Holiday

It's time again for 6th Annual School Supplies and Clothing Tax Holiday which begins tomorrow, Friday, August 5th and runs through Sunday, August 7th. Click here to read more and see what items are on the tax-free list.

NEW LAW AFFECTING DMV TRANSACTIONS GOES INTO EFFECT JULY 1!

A new law, in effect as of July 1, 2011, provides added incentive for Virginians to renew their driver's licenses and ID cards through DMV preferred services (Internet, telephone, mail) rather than paying an additional $5 to renew in person at a DMV office.  General Assembly Members recognized how this law could reduce the frequency of DMV visits for Virginians, as well as encourage customers to use cost-saving service options.  Ultimately, the law will reduce DMV's future operational costs and improve efficiency by allowing employees to focus on more complex transactions that must be handled in person. 

Customers who renew in person yet are eligible to renew by Internet, phone or mail will pay an additional $5, unless the renewal is conducted in conjunction with another transaction that can only be done at a customer service center.  DMV has included this important information on all renewal notices, a voice recording on the automated phone system, website (dmvNOW.com) and statewide media alerts.

Sales Tax Holiday Offers Chance to Prepare for Hurricane Season May 25 - 31, 2011

RICHMOND - As the Commonwealth continues to recover from severe storms in April which spawned tornadoes across Virginia at the beginning and end of the month, with flooding in between, Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Virginians could take steps to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season by taking advantage of Virginia's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place May 25-31. The sales tax holiday provides an opportunity for citizens to buy what they need to prepare for possible tropical systems, while getting a break on the sales tax. During the sales tax holiday, items like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits, as well as certain bigger-ticket items like generators priced at $1,000 or less, will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax.

"Our hearts go out to those who were affected by April's storms," said Governor Bob McDonnell.  "Now, as we prepare for hurricane season, we hope that the opportunity created by the General Assembly to buy storm-related items tax-free next week will serve as an impetus for citizens of the Commonwealth to make sure they are prepared for the months ahead."

During this seven-day period, retailers may also choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any nonexempt items and pass the 5 percent savings onto their customers. For a full list of eligible products, answers to frequently asked questions and guidelines for consumers and retailers, go to www.tax.virginia.gov and click on the "Sales Tax Holiday" logo at the top of the page.

Virginia also has two additional sales tax holidays - one for school supplies and clothing in August, and one for Energy Star and WaterSense products in October.

Free Fishing Days: June 3 - 5, 2011

June 3, 4, and 5, 2011 have been designated as Free Fishing Days in Virginia. No fishing license of any kind will be required for rod and reel fishing, except in designated stocked trout waters, on these days. Plan some time to go fishing and boating! 

Again, that is Friday - June 3rd, Saturday - June 4th, and Sunday - June 5th, 2011. Happy Fishing!!! Click here for more on the story.

Virginia Redistricting: The Upcoming Redistricting Process

Reapportionment, or redistricting, occurs every 10 years, following the decennial census in the United States.  Find out what this means for the Hampton Roads area, as well as for all Virginians. Click here for more information as well as see a video from Senator Wagner addressing the issue.

Senator Wagner receives "Senator of the Year" award

Senator Frank Wagner was honored with a "Senator of the Year" award by the Virginia Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), at the 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards dinner held on February 3, 2011 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Click here to see Senator Wagner accepting the award

Senator Wagner, along with other state legislators, are on the air! 

Cox 11, in partnership with the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association (VCTA), will again this year provide “Cable Reports from the General Assembly". Click here to see scheduled air dates and times

Department of Motor Vehicles - E-Renewals

I'd like to invite you to join me in signing up for a new service being provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles called E-Renewals.

Today, you can sign up to receive your vehicle registration renewal notices via email or telephone, rather than US Mail. Not only is this service convenient and environmentally friendly, you'll also be saving taxpayer dollars by signing up.

With more than five million registered vehicles in the Commonwealth, DMV is trying to reduce the more than $2.4 million spent on printing and mailing paper renewal notices. DMV customers can help by establishing an account with DMV and letting us know your preferred method for receiving renewal notifications.

Once you've established or updated your DMV personal identification number (PIN) on our website, you can manage your DMV record and complete other transactions without visiting an office. You probably already have customer accounts with your bank and utility providers, and with Facebook and iTunes, so why not have an online customer account with DMV?

Visit www.dmvNOW.com/myDMV to sign up today.

The Senate Privileges and Elections Subcommittee on Redistricting is holding public hearings prior to development of a plan for consideration in the 2011 session of the Virginia General Assembly. I hope that this information is helpful! Click here to read more on the 2011 Redistricting

Governor McDonnell Announces Sales Tax Holiday on Energy Star and WaterSense Products ~ Fourth ‘Holiday’ Begins October 8th ~ (Office of the Governor, 9/27/10)  

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced Virginia’s fourth Energy Star and WaterSense products sales tax holiday will begin Friday, October 8th and continue through Monday, October 11th.  During the holiday, consumers can purchase a variety of “Green” products qualified for energy savings by the federal government and not pay the 5% state and local sales tax. Click here for links to Virginia's Department of Taxation for the full list of qualified products.

From Friday, August 6, 2010 through Sunday, August 8, 2010 there will be a sales tax holiday, intended to relieve the financial burden on families preparing for the start of the school year. Click here to read more and see what items are on the tax-free list.

Virginia FREE (Foundation for Research and Economic Education) has just released its annual legislator ratings.  I am pleased to announce that I, along with Senator Jeff McWaters, have received the highest business rating out of the 140 legislators in the Commonwealth!  As a member of the Governor’s Economic Development and Job Creation Commission, I am working with Commission members on ways to  attract new businesses to the Commonwealth and to create more job opportunities in businesses that are currently operating in Virginia. I am pleased that Virginia FREE has confirmed my ongoing commitment to assure that Virginia remains a business-friendly state and my support of the Virginia businesses that are the backbone of our state’s economy.   

In order for Virginia to prosper economically, retain businesses, and attract new ones, we must measure our business environment against other states. Government regulations must be kept to a minimum, taxes must remain low, and our transportation network must remain effective. The path is clear--we must provide strong economic development programs to assist businesses in attracting jobs.  Rest assured that I will continue to fight for these programs in Richmond and here in Virginia Beach.

Virginia FREE was founded in 1988 by a group of business leaders who recognized the need for the business community to be more involved in state politics. These leaders believed then, and believe now, that sound business decisions must be based on information that is devoid of political bias. Today, Virginia FREE takes great pride in providing the most accurate, non-partisan, information available to businesses throughout the Commonwealth.  To access the full legislative report, access the Virginia FREE website at: http://vafree.com.

Be prepared for the 2010 Hurricane season. It only takes one...                                                                 Hurricane predictors say that the 2010 season will be very busy.  But it only takes one tropical system to cause extensive, expensive damage from surging water, high winds, tornadoes and inland flooding.  Every Virginia family should get ready now. Click here to read more and download your copy of Virginia's 2010 Hurricane Evacuation Guide.

Virginia joins coalition for Atlantic wind farms (by Julian Walker, The Virginian-Pilot, June 9, 2010)

With new offshore drilling on hold as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is backing another federal effort to promote energy production. McDonnell and governors in nine other states have joined an effort organized by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to promote, coordinate and expedite the development of offshore wind facilities along the Outer Continental Shelf in the Atlantic Ocean.

Other members of the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and North Carolina. Virginia will be home to a regional renewable energy office, though officials said a site hasn't been identified.

"Appropriate development of... wind power will enhance regional and national security and create American jobs," Salazar said Tuesday in a statement about the partnership. As much as one-fifth of the nation's electricity could come from wind in the next 20 years if it is effectively harnessed, he said. Salazar presented the consortium idea to McDonnell and other officials during a February meeting in the nation's capital.

All Atlantic Coast states were invited to join the group, whose members are to produce an initial report with goals and recommendations within the next month. McDonnell, a strong supporter of offshore drilling, said in a statement that he has "long advocated an 'all of the above' approach to our energy needs." He called the consortium "a major step forward" for Virginia.

The announcement comes more than a month after Salazar approved a permit for offshore wind facilities near Cape Cod, Mass., a potentially groundbreaking project that the secretary has said could be the first of many similar ventures. News of the consortium was welcomed by environmental advocate Eileen Levandoski, Hampton Roads coordinator for the Sierra Club, who hopes it will allow for quicker approvals of offshore wind projects that are "commercially viable right now."

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Begins May 25th

The hurricane season begins on June 1st and I want to make sure you know that the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins today, Tuesday, May 25, 2010, and runs through Monday, May 31, 2010.

During those 7 days, you can buy the supplies you need to prepare for a hurricane without paying the 5% state and local sales tax.  The sales tax exemption applies to items like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits priced at $60 or less, as well as some more expensive items like generators priced at $1,000 or less.

You can look at the complete list of eligible products, see answers to frequently asked questions and review the guidelines for consumers at www.tax.virginia.gov and click on the Sales Tax Holiday logo under Announcements.

This is a great opportunity to prepare for the hurricane season and save money at the same time.

Governor McDonnell Announces Budget Amendment to Restore Funding for the CHKD in Norfolk (Office of the Governor, 4/9/10)  

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that he will propose an amendment to the biennial budget recently passed by the General Assembly to restore $1.8 million in state funding for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk. The state dollars will also allow the facility to receive federal Medicaid reimbursement funds of a similar amount. Click here to read the entire press release  

Senator Frank Wagner Inducted in Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron (Richmond, 3/9/10)

The Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol welcomed Senator Frank Wagner as a member of the Virginia Legislative Squadron at the State Capitol on March 9th 2010. Click here to read the entire press release

On the evening of Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Senator Wagner held a "Tele-Town Hall" meeting

Over 2,000 individuals in the 7th District joined the call.  Those with questions were place in a queue and Sen. Wagner was able to answer many of them, chatting live with the questioner while others on the call listened.

Click here to view the results as well as to listen to the full audio recording of the meeting

Governors to come together over wind energy

By Julian Walker, The Virginian-Pilot© February 17, 2010

RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar don't have much in common when it comes to offshore drilling, but wind energy may be another story.  Later this week, McDonnell and other mid-Atlantic governors will go to Washington to discuss how states can proceed in a "coordinated" fashion to access wind energy off the Atlantic coast. Click here to read the entire article on hamptonroads.com website

November 1, 2009 Op. Ed. article written by Senator Frank Wagner in the Daily Press newspaper 

Sen. Wagner wrote an Op. Ed. article which addresses the International Paper plant in Isle of Wight County near Franklin, VA and the Navy proposal of locating Oceana Naval Air Station's Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in the vicinity of Franklin. Click here to read the entire article