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."

Scott Rigell beats out five other Republicans in Virginia's 2nd District primary Tuesday, June 8th

Scott Rigell won the GOP primary in Virginia’s second congressional district, setting himself up for what should be a very close race with freshman Democrat Representative Glenn Nye in the fall. Scott beat out five other Republican candidates to get the nomination.

Thank you for voting in the primary and please join me in congratulating Scott Rigell on winning the primary as he now moves on to become our next Congressman from the 2nd district!

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.

Summer Internship Opportunity Available - Executive Assistant on Green Initiatives                                  This is a unique opportunity for a student with a passion for environmental issues, the green economy, and civic leadership. Randy Gilliland has taken on a leadership role in promoting green economic issues in Hampton Roads, both as a public servant and a successful businessperson. Working closely with Randy on a day-to-day basis, the intern will have the valuable opportunity to gain experience and forge connections in the environmental and green business communities. Moreover, by working on a variety of initiatives, the intern will have the opportunity to approach the "Green" movement from several important perspectives. Click here to read more on this opportunity

Governor McDonnell Announces Budget Amendment to Restore Funding for the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters 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

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

October 7, 2009 News Letter from the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus                                               "Joint Republican Business Caucus Hosts Initial Meetings". Click here to read the entire news letter from the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus