Building Virginia’s future:
A time for all Virginians
A
s the Commonwealth free operations. The Com- relief to working men and
enters the new millen- monwealth’s colleges and uni- women and businesses,
nium, Virginians must versities offer world-class
continue their commitment to educational opportunities to dedicated lottery profits to
living as a free people. They all Virginians at an affordable K-12 education, provided
must be empowered to do price. additional teachers, and
what is best for their families funded initiatives that will
This enticingly beautiful increase educational quality
while building a healthy de-
state offers visitors an array of across the board,
mocracy and prosperous
adventures such as mountains,
economy. They must be pre- provided promised funds
beaches, historic attractions, a
pared to confront challenges, to cities for local law en-
system of state parks, summer
not with fear or apprehension, forcement, increased the
and winter sports, cultural ac-
but with the tools they need to number of deputy sheriffs,
tivities, and theme parks. Vir-
realize their hopes and and funded pay increases
ginia’s competitive tax
dreams. The 21st century for deputy sheriffs and cor-
structure is now less burden-
must be a time for all Virgi- rectional officers,
some for both citizens and
nians.
businesses. The Common-
The fruit of nearly four wealth enters a new century as
cut in-state tuition at all of
Virginia’s public colleges
centuries of labor is an excit- a dynamic, exciting, attractive,
and universities by 20 per-
ing, vibrant Virginia. Today’s and progressive place to live,
cent,
Commonwealth is diverse, work, and visit.
innovative, entrepreneurial,
Since Governor Gilmore’s taken significant measures
and a world-renowned tech- to improve the care and
inauguration, his administra-
nology leader. Virginians of treatment of Virginians
tion has pursued an aggressive
all regions, races, and econom- with mental retardation
and inclusive agenda of
ic circumstances are participat- and mental illness,
change. His vision, to em-
ing in the progressive and
power all Virginians to seek created the Office of the
prosperous land that is today’s
the quality of life they choose Secretary of Technology
Virginia.
and to limit the intrusion of and positioned Virginia to
The state has a well- government into their lives, capitalize on its prominence
developed, ever-growing has been the beacon. To date, as a leader in the technolo-
workforce. Strategically lo- great strides have been made. gy industry, and
cated on the East Coast, Vir- Working together, the Gover-
ginia has an international nor and General Assembly enacted Virginia Exile to
gateway in Washington-Dulles have: enforce Virginia’s gun laws
International Airport and the and deter the illegal use of
Port of Virginia at Hampton provided significant, mea- guns.
Roads with year-round, ice- ningful, and responsible tax
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-1
Building on the momen- calls for the latest technol- that they are getting the most
tum of these results and the ogy tools to provide addi- for their tax dollars.
state’s unparalleled prosperi- tional instruction, remedial
ty, the Governor’s 2000-2002 education, and testing for
executive budget continues to public school students, Continuing meaningful
aggressively address the chal- tax relief
lenges of the Commonwealth. improves the range and
W
Upholding Virginia’s tradition wealth of higher education hen Governor Gil-
of sound financial practices, opportunities, and creates a more took office, his
this budget efficiently uses the new research and devel- first priority was to
state’s resources to pursue ef- opment initiative, eliminate the personal proper-
fective and innovative initia- ty tax on automobiles. Gover-
tives and solutions. Most
pursues innovative trans- nor Gilmore convinced the
portation initiatives, 1998 General Assembly that
notably, this budget:
continues efforts to im- car tax relief was important to
continues and expands
prove care and services for Virginians. The Personal
meaningful tax relief for Property Tax Relief Act of 1998
Virginians with mental re-
Virginia’s working men is the largest tax relief plan in
tardation or mental illness,
and women and businesses, Virginia’s history.
promotes increased tour-
implements a comprehen-
By the end of the 2000-
sive workforce strategy,
ism and economic devel- 2002 biennium, "No Car Tax”
and
opment, will be a reality. Virginia’s
leverages the state’s assets
builds on efforts to be ef- strong economy will enable
fective stewards of Virgin- the state to implement the fi-
to expand access to tech- nal two phases of car tax relief
ia’s environment.
nology for all Virginians, — a 70 percent reduction in
and bridge the “digital di- While Virginia’s robust the personal property tax Jan-
vide,” economy and healthy reve- uary 1, 2001 and final elimina-
nues offer a unique opportuni- tion January 1, 2002 (for
intensifies the fight against ty, fiscal prudence, efficiency,
illegal drugs with the Sub- vehicles with up to a maxi-
and responsibility drive this mum of $20,000 in assessed
stance Abuse Reduction Ef- budget. These fiscal policies
fort (SABRE) initiative, value).
have served the Common-
wealth well and place it in an The Personal Property Tax
fully funds the K-12 Stan-
Relief Act (PPTRA) phases in
dards of Quality to the enviable national position.
Throughout this decade, a this historic reform over five
highest level in the history
succession of rating programs, years. Virginians first re-
of Virginia and continues
most recently GOVERNING ceived reductions in calendar
support for implementation
magazine in conjunction with year 1998, and those reduc-
of the Standards of Learn-
Syracuse University, have tions continue to increase each
ing,
judged the Commonwealth to year until 2002 when the 100
provides for additional be one of the best managed percent reduction becomes
teachers, initiates a pro- states in the nation. effective.
gram that will ensure all The Governor continues
In addition, the three ma-
students are able to read by his efforts to reduce the sales
jor bond rating agencies con-
the end of the third grade, tax on food purchased for
tinue to give the state’s long-
and initiates a math pro- home consumption. This cut
term general obligation debt a
gram to ensure students in the food tax benefits all Vir-
AAA rating. These same wise
learn basic math skills, ginians, and, as with the car
financial practices also en-
gender taxpayers’ confidence tax, helps to relieve a tax bur-
A-2 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
den that is often heaviest for then its tourism industry and can better showcase this herit-
those least able to pay. The provide travelers with a age and increase Virginia’s
fiscally responsible implemen- unique travel experience. attractiveness to African-
tation plan reduces the food American visitors by provid-
The recently created inde-
tax by one-half percent per ing funding to research and
pendent Virginia Tourism Au-
year, over four years begin- develop a database of African-
thority will position the state
ning January 1, 2000. American sites. This informa-
to be a top travel destination
tion will be vital in promoting
Another initiative includes in the country.
and marketing these sites to
a tax cut for Virginia’s military
The Governor’s budget potential visitors.
families.
includes several major initia-
With this effort, the Gov-
A total of 16 tax cuts have tives to assist the Common-
ernor wants to make Virginia
been implemented during wealth as it prepares for the
one of the top travel destina-
Governor Gilmore’s Adminis- 400th anniversary of the 1607
tions in the South for African
tration. When these tax reduc- settlement at Jamestown, to
Americans.
tions are fully phased in, they showcase Virginia as a top
will result in almost $1.6 bil- travel destination, and to boost
lion dollars per year in tax re- economic development in oth- Increasing advertising
lief for Virginians. er ways. and cooperative
marketing strategies
Creating regional Well-placed, effective ads
visitor centers bring visitors to Virginia. To
Building tourism
and enhancing The budget includes $6 further leverage the state’s vi-
million to establish regional sibility, cooperative marketing
economic development
visitor centers around the agreements help the state get
V
irginia, thanks in part state. The centers will be state- increased coverage for its ad-
to its sparkling beach- of-the-art facilities using the vertising dollars. These coop-
es, majestic mountains, latest technology to showcase erative arrangements establish
and multitude of historic sites, regional and statewide attrac- partnerships to create market-
has long been a strong travel tions. These regional centers ing “packages” that jointly
destination. Currently, tour- will complement the existing promote the partners’ attrac-
ism is the third-largest indus- State Welcome Center network tions. This strategy has been
try in the state, attracting $12 and local visitor centers. successful with international
billion in visitor spending each and national advertising.
year. This places Virginia Additional funding also is
included to expand and im- The Governor wants to
tenth among all states in tour-
prove our State Welcome Cen- seize the opportunity to use
ist spending. One-fifth of all
ters, which provide an initial this technique at the local and
Virginia’s retail sales is to
point of contact for many trav- regional levels to better leve-
travelers, including $2.1 billion
elers entering Virginia. rage tourism resources, and
in lodging sales and more than
his proposed budget will en-
$3 billion in food service sales.
Developing African-American courage this concept of joint
The Governor wants to Heritage Trails in Virginia local and regional advertising.
move Virginia even further to
the forefront of the tourism In particular, the Governor
Marketing Virginia’s
industry. By showcasing and wants to draw on Virginia’s
historical sites
promoting the Common- unique African-American her-
itage and is providing funds The budget also includes
wealth’s extraordinary natural
for programs to attract more over $3 million for the bien-
beauty, award-winning theme
African-American tourists to nium to enhance tourism mar-
parks, and unique historic at-
the Commonwealth. The state keting related to the Civil War,
tractions, the state will streng-
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-3
Revolutionary War, and Co- around the state to produce have access to an extensive
lonial American themes. This and market golf tour packages. clearinghouse of resources and
additional marketing will ele- services as well as a variety of
vate Virginia’s position as a Funding the Motion Picture basic business information and
travel destination in these Opportunity Fund research.
areas. The budget also includes
Businesses can use a toll-
$1 million in each year for the
Increased funding will also free telephone number or the
Governor’s Motion Picture
help the Virginia Tourism Au- Internet, or visit the center to
Opportunity Fund. The fund-
thority market and advertise explore the wealth of re-
ing will be used to attract film
Virginia’s unsurpassed inven- sources. Businesses also may
production activity to the
tory of American heritage sites choose to request printed re-
Commonwealth. This innova-
and Civil and Revolutionary search and materials. This tool
tive program will make Vir-
War sites, expand the travel will help businesses grow and
ginia the first state with this
writer and photo-journalist expand their operations within
type of comprehensive, per-
visitation program, and incor- the Commonwealth.
formance-based incentive
porate programs and links for
fund.
children on the Internet web- Improving opportunities for
site. The fund may be used to disadvantaged businesses
help attract film production to
Other measures to pro-
Preserving Civil War Virginia by awarding grants
mote economic development
battlefields for feature films, children’s
in the Governor’s proposed
programming, or other televi-
While Virginia has count- budget include an electronic
sion programming produced
less historical attractions, one-stop information source
in the Commonwealth. This
many of these natural assets on procurement opportunities
fund will help stimulate the
are disappearing. Additional for disadvantaged businesses
film and video industry and
funds of $3.4 million will be and a program to assess the
promote Virginia’s locations,
deposited to the Virginia Land technology needs of disadvan-
skilled labor pool, and creative
Conservation Foundation taged businesses to help them
talent.
Fund in the Department of acquire technology.
Conservation and Recreation Governor Gilmore contin-
The pilot technology as-
to match federal monies to ac- ues to implement The Virginia
sessment program will help
quire threatened and irrepla- Strategy: Prosperity into the New
disadvantaged businesses
ceable national treasures. Century, his economic devel-
overcome the “digital divide”
These include portions of Civil opment strategic plan. Two
through computer training
War battlefields located at important new initiatives sup-
and access to computer tech-
Brandy Station, Cedar Creek, port this plan, the Virginia
nology.
Kernstown, and Third Win- Business Information Center
chester (Opequon). and a technology assessment The information clearing-
program for disadvantaged house will use web-based
Promoting Virginia’s golf businesses. technology for centralized in-
opportunities formation to help disadvan-
Additional funding will Establishing the Virginia taged businesses bid on state
help the Virginia Tourism Au- Business Information Center contracts.
thority to establish a statewide
The Virginia Business In-
golf association and a state-
formation Center will be the
wide, toll-free and Internet
initial point of contact for
golf reservation system, as
businesses seeking informa-
well as work with the regions
tion or assistance from state
government. Businesses will
A-4 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
Access to technology The Governor proposes an The Internet offers the po-
for all Virginians innovative, incentive-based tential to enhance the lives of
program designed to meet all Virginians and the Gover-
H
eralded as the “Inter- Virginia's ever-increasing de- nor is committed to maximiz-
net Capital of the mand for technology workers. ing that potential.
World,” Virginia to- The Virginia Technology In-
day benefits from the Com- However, the Common-
ternship Program, a three-year
monwealth's position at the wealth must ensure that all
initiative, will include both
heart of the global information Virginians have access to
incentives for businesses and
economy. In private industry, technology. The so-called
tuition grants for students,
Virginia is a major technology “digital divide” refers to the
providing a significant influx
center for several industries, growing separation between
of experienced and committed
including semiconductor and those who have technology
workers into Virginia's tech-
other electronics manufactur- and those who do not. The
nology workforce.
ing, biotechnology, commer- “digital divide” is a serious
cial aerospace, systems Additionally, the Gover- concern since it disconnects
integration, advanced mate- nor is presenting an innova- those lacking access to tech-
rials, intelligent transportation tive plan to use technology to nology resources from one of
systems, and wireless com- help solve some of Virginia’s the greatest promises of equal-
munications. transportation challenges by ity, opportunity, and prosperi-
creating financial incentives ty in history.
that promote teleworking.
The Internet is a powerful
More than half of the Employers will receive an in-
tool that is shaping people’s
world’s Internet traffic travels come-tax credit for purchasing
lives in unimaginable ways
through Virginia. Northern computer equipment and tele-
and at remarkable speeds.
Virginia has the highest per- communication services that
Sustained vitality for Virginia
capita usage of the Internet in allow their employees to tele-
depends on inclusion, not ex-
the nation. The state is home
to many of the world’s leading
Internet companies such as Percentage of U.S. households
America Online (AOL), MCI with computers
Worldcom, and PSINet.
Annual income level
Virginia state government
has also led the way in using
technology to improve and
bring government to its citi-
zens, with a technology infra-
structure that enables fast,
efficient, and accessible servic-
es. To further enhance Virgin-
ia’s position, the Governor
established the Office of the
Secretary of Technology.
The Governor is commit- <$5,000 $5,000- $10,000- $10,000- $15,000- $20,000- $25,000- $30,000- $35,000- $50,000- $75,000+
$9,999 $14,999 $14,999 $19,999 $24,999 $29,999 $34,999 $49,999 $74,999
ted to maintaining and in-
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, July 1999
creasing Virginia’s
competitive advantage in the
technology sector. work. clusion, from technological
opportunities.
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-5
United States Department up a competitive grant pro- (TANF) money will support
of Commerce research pro- gram to help eligible commu- education and job opportuni-
vided below more fully illu- nity service organizations ties through training and
strates the “digital divide” make computers and Internet access to personal computers
issue, showing that: access available to citizens in and the Internet.
the community. This $5 mil-
single mothers are least lion grant program begins lay- Implementing a statewide
likely of all groups to have ing the foundation to create computer-based instructional
access to technology, access to technology for all and testing system
those with college degrees Virginians.
To shrink the “digital di-
are eight times more likely The budget provides up to vide,” the Governor proposes
to have computers than $3.7 million in additional developing a major computer-
those with an elementary funding for "Infopowering the based instructional, remedial,
school education, and Commonwealth," the strategic and testing program at the
technology plan for public li- high school level.
households with incomes
braries in Virginia. The vision
above $75,000 are 20 times This system will be de-
of this plan is for every indi- signed to improve the SOL
more likely to have Internet
access and nine times more vidual in the Commonwealth instructional, remedial, and
likely to have computers to have access to a public li- testing capabilities at high
than those with incomes be- brary that serves as an elec- schools at a cost of $16.6 mil-
low $15,000. tronic resource center for 21st lion from the general fund and
century information. The plan $84.8 million from the Literary
In Virginia, technology consists of two components: Fund. Specifically, this initia-
access ranks favorably com- providing internet connections tive will provide:
pared to the rest of the nation: and desktop computers at all
92.3 percent of Virginia
local public libraries, and ac- hardware for SOL instruc-
quiring statewide licenses for tional, remedial, and testing
households have tele-
databases of current electronic programs,
phones,
information that the public can
46.4 percent of Virginia access over the Internet.
high-speed Internet access
for every classroom by
households own personal
2003,
computers, and Mapping out strategies to
27.9 percent of Virginia
provide computers and Local Area Network
Internet access to lower- (LAN) capability in every
households have Internet income Virginians high school by 2003, and
access.
The Secretary of Technolo-
Governor Gilmore’s goal gy will coordinate and manage
starting in 2001, new soft-
for Virginia is to be the first ware applications from pri-
the Commonwealth's activities
state in the nation to bridge vate vendors for
designed to address the “digi-
the “digital divide” and to instructional and remedial
tal divide.” The Secretary will
successfully give all Virginians SOL training.
establish a task force to study
access to technology. Several “digital divide” issues, devel- Through proposed Budget
important initiatives will op an action plan, coordinate Bill language, the Governor
launch the Governor’s effort. resources, and undertake any also commissions a study to
other actions or activities that determine the feasibility of
Increasing community access are necessary to effectively expanding this initiative into
to computers and the Internet bridge the divide. During the the lower grades.
The Governor’s proposed biennium, Temporary Assis-
budget includes funding to set tance for Needy Families
A-6 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
Creating educational websites evolution of the Internet, made currently required by state
The Governor proposes possible by advances in the government procurement.
that a website be developed information technology indus-
Other initiatives in this
for parents of K-12 children try, is enhancing productivity
budget promote web-enabled
keyed to the Standards of growth in nearly every indus-
government. These initiatives
Learning. This site will help try, including governmental
will foster a smarter and more
parents play a more active role operations.
effective state government
and better understand the ex- The many initiatives pro- while at the same time provid-
pectations for each grade level. posed in this budget are, in ing better service delivery to
The Department of Education large part, designed to en- the citizens of the Common-
will develop initial website hance the services provided to wealth. As the use of Internet
content and create a network the Commonwealth's citizens increases, so will the efficiency
access workshop for local while also increasing the of the state agencies and insti-
school divisions. productivity and efficiency of tutions involved.
In addition, the Governor state government. The Gover-
proposes to enhance the nor's dedication to improving
“Commonwealth of Know- the efficiency of state govern- Toughen the fight
ledge” website, which links ment does not, however, end against drugs
with these initiatives. If the
S
successful lesson plans to the erious, violent crime has
Standards of Learning. The private sector can generate
such large productivity gains, declined in Virginia, but
website is available for all illegal drugs continue to
educators to use. government can also work to
be more efficient and produc- infect communities and threat-
tive. The Governor therefore en the state’s children, neigh-
Taking advantage of proposes that a productivity borhoods, and workplaces.
savings account be established Governor Gilmore’s Substance
productivity savings
Abuse Reduction Effort
I
amounting to $91.7 million.
ncreased productivity is This amounts to less than 0.37 (SABRE) initiative, the tough-
the single most important percent per agency. est anti-drug program in the
variable for the long-term nation, is aimed at drug king-
forecast of economic growth. The Governor will ask pins and dealers. SABRE tar-
The productivity of U.S. work- state agencies to develop a gets drug dealers who prey on
ers grew at a rate of 4.9 per- plan for achieving productivi- children, through cash boun-
cent in the third quarter of the ty savings during the 2000-02 ties for informants, revised or
calendar year, the fastest pace biennium. These productivity new penalties for offenders, a
in seven years, and labor costs plans will detail the resulting new State Police special opera-
fell for the first time in more efficiency associated with the tions division, and mandatory
than two years. These ever- increased use of technology treatment for drug abusers.
growing advancements in and other productivity en- This spending package totals
productivity have allowed hancing methods. For exam- $41.5 million during the 2000-
companies to boost produc- ple, the Commonwealth will 02 biennium.
tion, lower costs, and pass achieve savings with the im-
plementation of a statewide The SABRE initiative is a
those savings on to consumers
electronic commerce system combined strategy that uses
in the form of stable prices for
for state agencies. This system tougher criminal penalties for
goods and services.
will allow agencies to pur- drug dealers and chronic us-
The explosive growth of chase the goods and services ers, and tougher laws to break
the information technology they need to sustain opera- the link between guns, drugs,
industry has been instrumen- tions on-line. It will also elim- and children. Specific propos-
tal to boosting productivity. inate the duplicative steps als include stronger sentences
The power and continuing for kingpins and dealers for
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-7
selling drugs in a drug-free Enhancing SABRE drug ven by information and tech-
school zone and for illegally treatment and prevention nology, the need for a highly-
selling or furnishing firearms programs trained, skilled workforce that
to a child, as well as mandato- To ensure mandatory sub- can continuously create and
ry sentences of up to five years stance abuse treatment of con- apply new knowledge be-
in prison for a minor who pos- victed illegal drug users, and comes ever more critical.
sesses or transports a handgun to promote proven drug pre- In keeping with the Com-
or assault firearm. vention programs, the Gover- monwealth’s ongoing com-
First-time drug offenders nor proposes $20 million to mitment to K-12 education,
and those being released from enhance both community- and this budget adds $547.2 mil-
prison will undergo mandato- correctional center-based drug lion to support the Standards
ry testing and treatment, and treatment and prevention pro- of Quality and continued im-
extensive community supervi- grams. plementation of the Standards
sion and drug treatment ser- of Learning (SOL).
vices. First-time offenders will Establishing a State Police
Additionally, the Gover-
bear much of their testing and drug eradication division
nor proposes two new initia-
treatment costs. For those be- A new, 210-member State tives to ensure that all
ing released from prison, initi- Police narcotics eradication students develop critical read-
atives include increased operations division will be set ing and math skills. The early
supervision, support from up. This rapid-response unit reading initiative provides
peer groups, and in-prison will be an independent, state- reading intervention from
transition programs six wide division available to help kindergarten through third
months before release. Such sheriffs, police chiefs, and re- grade.
efforts have a proven track gional grand juries. The new
record of reducing the chances division will be phased in over The new math initiative
that a drug offender will re- the next two years. provides remedial education
turn to prison. for students in seventh and
The Governor proposes eighth grades identified as
Drug abuse prevention nearly $17 million in the 2000- having deficient math skills.
efforts will be unified through 02 biennium to fund the new
a new Governor's Office on unit. This funding will pro-
Drug Abuse Prevention. A Continuing the Standards
vide an initial 111 of the pro- of Learning reforms
small staff will be drawn from posed 210 new troopers.
existing agencies that deal Four years ago, Virginia
with drug prevention. started one of the most ambi-
Strong, Rigorous tious public education instruc-
Locally based prevention
tional and standardized
programs that have a proven Education in K-12 testing standards programs in
N
track record will be encour-
othing is more impor- the country. The SOLs set
aged. A good example of such
tant to Governor Gil- minimum student require-
a program is "Communities
more than ensuring ments in each grade level,
that Care," which targets juve-
that Virginia’s children receive kindergarten through grade
niles.
a quality education which 12, and in the core subject
The 2000-2002 biennial prepares them for success in areas of English, math, science,
budget contains the following the new century. The Com- and social studies. These
earmarked funds: monwealth’s educational pro- standards will ensure that
grams must be rigorous, schools give students the basic
meaningful, and innovative. knowledge, skills, and abilities
required to maintain a know-
As the state's economy be-
comes more dynamic and dri-
A-8 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
ledgeable and economically struction and testing, in- Beginning a new
competitive citizenry. cluding achieving 100 per- math initiative
cent student access to the The 21st Century demands
In addition, the Standards
Internet, a 5-to-1 student-to- that potential workers have a
of Accreditation (SOAs) set
computer ratio, and compu- set of basic mathematics skills
expectations and criteria to
terized testing of verified to understand and use sophis-
ensure that student progress
credit SOLs by 2003, ticated technology. Virginia’s
on the SOLs is measured and
that school boards, administra- start a new program of continued growth in the tech-
tors, and teachers are held ac- remedial instruction in nology sector compels the
countable. Additionally, these math for students in the se- state to ensure children devel-
standards demonstrate to citi- venth and eighth grades, op vital math skills.
zens that school boards, ad- and The Governor’s new math
ministrators, and teachers are initiative will provide remedi-
using state funds efficiently identify schools not meet-
al education for students in
and effectively. ing the Standards of Accre-
grades seven through eight
ditation and provide them
The Governor believes that identified as having deficient
with sufficient guidance
implementing the SOLs and math skills.
and assistance to help them
SOAs are essential. He is also revise their curricula and
committed to addressing the instructional programs. Implementing teacher mentor
concerns of students, parents, and alternative licensure
and school boards regarding Full funding for the Stan- programs
their implementation, and to dards of Quality will provide In anticipation of a grow-
ensuring that no student or $577 million in new dollars to ing need for teachers, the Gov-
school is left behind as the public schools. Other impor- ernor proposes expanding the
state moves forward with this tant initiatives include: teacher mentor program in
major reform effort. which experienced teachers
Expanding the early reading coach new ones. A proposed
This budget takes the next
intervention program alternative licensure program
logical step to support these
reforms. While school divi- The Governor proposes to will respond to critical teacher
sions will continue to receive provide early reading inter- shortages in math, science,
support based on traditional vention from kindergarten technology, foreign languages,
funding approaches, the Gov- through third grade. The goal chemistry, and physics. It will
ernor’s proposed budget is for all students to pass the help local school boards hire
presents several initiatives that third grade English/reading nontraditional classroom
distribute resources to stu- SOL. Being proficient in read- teachers, including military
dents and schools based on ing will prepare students for personnel and those with ap-
their unique needs. The key the remainder of their educa- plicable experience in other
objectives of the initiatives are tional career. careers.
to: Funding in the first year
will be distributed based on Implementing school
ensure that all students are assistance to ensure
able to read by the end of free-lunch eligibility. In the
accountability
the third grade, second year, funding will be
distributed based on student To ensure that schools that
continue the $55 million performance on a new diag- receive the “Accredited with
per year for school con- nostic reading test. Warning” status have an op-
struction, portunity to improve their
performance, the budget in-
provide the latest technol- cludes funding for the De-
ogy tools to support in- partment of Education to
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-9
provide intensive assistance to education. He is designating Maintaining faculty salaries
these schools. funding to attract and retain at the 60th percentile
the best teaching and research The Governor designates
faculty and provide them the $44.2 million to ensure instruc-
Sustaining Virginia’s resources they need to teach tional faculty at colleges and
higher education students effectively. More universities are paid at the
specifically, he proposes in- 60th percentile of each institu-
opportunities
creased funding to address the
V
tion’s peer group. In line with
irginia has one of the projected enrollment growth, compensation funding for
finest public higher to purchase state-of-the-art state employees, funding for
education systems in academic equipment, and to faculty salary increases is pro-
the nation. Governor Gilmore sustain the state’s policy of vided for the first year only.
wants to build on this tradi- maintaining faculty salaries at Administrative and part-time
tion of excellence by ensuring the 60th percentile of peer faculty, along with graduate
that higher education in Vir- group averages. teaching assistants, are also
ginia is accessible, affordable, eligible for a salary increase.
and accountable. Currently, Creating a Technology
over 300,000 students are be- Competitiveness Fund Supporting enrollment growth
ing equipped with the know-
ledge and skills they need to The Governor understands Higher education institu-
that any investment which tions have absorbed two per-
work in and contribute to
American society in the 21st creates, applies, and transfers cent enrollment growth
knowledge also increases the annually for the last four years
Century.
state’s technological capacity without additional general
As his first official action, and promotes enhanced eco- fund resources. The Governor
Governor Gilmore established nomic development. There- is providing funding to ad-
a Blue Ribbon Commission on fore, he is establishing an dress this growth to ensure
Higher Education to evaluate innovative $20 million Tech- quality educational programs.
how best to preserve and build nology Competitiveness Fund. The biennial total comes to
upon the quality of college Public institutions of higher $16.6 million from the general
education at Virginia’s colleg- education will receive awards fund.
es and universities, and how from the fund for three pur-
to keep college education af- poses:
fordable for the tuition-payers Providing funding to support
and taxpayers of Virginia. The to match competitive fed- equipment purchases
commission is also charged to eral or private research The Governor and the
evaluate ways to ensure that grants in technology and General Assembly are strongly
those who operate Virginia’s the hard sciences, committed to integrating tech-
colleges and universities con- nology into the classrooms of
to upgrade the national
tinue to remain accountable to Virginia’s colleges and univer-
ranking of key academic
the people of Virginia for the sities. The Governor’s budget
departments to attract more
expenditure of billions of dol- adds $79.7 million to support
public and private research
lars in public resources each new equipment purchases for
funding, and
year. The commission’s work Virginia’s public colleges and
continues and has helped to upgrade key academic universities during the bien-
guide the administration’s departments to induce in- nium.
higher education policies. dustries to locate and ex-
Governor Gilmore sup- pand in Virginia.
ports Virginia’s strong tradi-
tion of excellence in higher
A-10 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
Supporting specific initiatives tion totals $515.7 million. This long-term transportation poli-
to support the technology total is comprised of four cy that will create a transpor-
industry of Northern Virginia components: (1) $66.1 million tation infrastructure that
To help maintain Virgin- from the general fund for allows the state and its citizens
ia’s strong position in the maintenance reserve, (2) $50.5 to fully realize opportunities
technology industry, the Gov- million from the general fund that emerge during the next
ernor proposes that George for equipment and critical in- century. The commission is
Mason University (GMU) re- frastructure needs, (3) $185.4 empowered to creatively ex-
ceive $11.8 million over the million from nongeneral funds plore a range of possibilities
biennium to expand technolo- for critical infrastructure that take advantage of new
gy in instruction, improve needs, renovation, and new technology and the state’s
academic quality, and increase construction, and (4) $213.7 changing demographics now
funding for academic support. million to address major reno- and in the future.
This effort at GMU will help vation of existing facilities and
Innovative Progress: Im-
alleviate existing labor defi- for the construction of new proving Transportation in Vir-
ciencies in the region, reduce facilities financed by fees and ginia is the Governor’s six-
class sizes, and attract and re- other university revenues. year, $2.45 billion statewide
tain high quality students. In addition, through lan- transportation plan designed
Additionally, GMU will in- guage in the Budget Bill, the to expedite 90 projects
itiate a $3.2 million partner- Governor proposes that the throughout Virginia and to
ship with Oracle Corporation Tobacco Indemnification and reduce commuting times for
for providing additional new Community Revitalization Virginia’s hardworking fami-
student information, financial Commission be authorized to lies. Under this plan, the state
information, grants manage- allocate Tobacco Settlement will repay $200 million to the
ment, and human resources revenues to fund certain Transportation Trust Fund
systems. projects for economic devel- and accelerate $590 million in
opment in the Southside and federal funds to advance 90
Adding funds for Norfolk State Southwest regions of the state. transportation projects state-
and Virginia State These projects total $69.1 mil- wide. An improved system to
Universities lion, with $52.6 million related collect fuel taxes will increase
The Governor has targeted to higher education activities. revenues $58 million during
additional funds for Norfolk the 2000-2002 biennium and
State University and Virginia $210 million over the next six
State University. Over $13 Innovative long- and years.
million is provided to address short-term strategies A new Priority Transporta-
issues such as improving for transportation tion Fund will be created to
A
workforce efficiency, enhanc- strong system of address the critical, high-
ing library resources and ser- transportation is a crit- priority, and most expensive
vices, expanding the ical component in transportation needs in the
technological infrastructure, maintaining Virginia’s vibrant state immediately and in the
improving quality of pro- economy and future competi- future. The fund will receive
grams, developing and im- tiveness. Governor Gilmore is general fund monies and 40
plementing new degree tackling this issue on two percent of the unobligated to-
concentrations, and creating fronts—with long-term strate- bacco settlement money. It
new learning opportunities. gies and with short-term relief. will finance critical transporta-
tion projects such as roads,
Providing capital outlay funds In mid-1999 the Governor railroads, airports, telework-
created and charged the ing, and mass transit.
Capital outlay funding for Commission on Transporta-
institutions of higher educa- tion Policy with defining a
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-11
During the 2000-2002 bi- ensures that any borrow- during the next biennium and
ennium, $100 million from the ings consider the Com- $210 million over six years.
general fund will be deposited monwealth’s debt capacity
to the fund. In the following and protect its AAA bond Creating the Priority
biennium, $300 million from rating, and, Transportation Fund
the general fund will be add-
promotes Virginia’s efforts The Governor's proposal
ed. A portion of the Tobacco
to become the nation’s also creates a new Priority
Settlement money will add
leader in both teleworking Transportation Fund to ad-
$693.7 million per year over
and using intelligent trans- dress critical high-priority
the two-year period and $750
portation system technolo- transportation needs through-
million over the next six years.
gy. out Virginia, both immediately
In total, the Priority Transpor-
and in the future. It directs the
tation Trust Fund will receive
new Priority Transportation
nearly $1.5 billion in deposits Accelerating 90 statewide
Fund to attract private, local,
over the six-year period. transportation projects
and federal money to fund
The Governor’s transpor- Specifically, under the new projects in innovative
tation initiative offers the fol- Governor’s proposal, federal ways. The fund will finance
lowing solutions for Virginia's funds are accelerated for over critical transportation projects
transportation concerns: 90 transportation projects such as roads, railroads, air-
statewide in the current Six- ports, teleworking, and mass
provides a statewide ap- Year Transportation Im- transit. Overall, the Priority
proach for improving provement Plan. Transportation Fund will con-
transportation in Virginia, tain deposits of nearly $1.5
creates innovative ap- Repaying the Transportation billion over the next six years.
proaches for improving Trust Fund
transportation in Virginia This budget will repay the Supporting the Virginia
that address all modes of Transportation Trust Fund Airports Revolving Loan Fund
transportation, $200 million that was bor- Virginia's airports contri-
rowed earlier this decade to bute over $13.9 billion in eco-
addresses quality-of-life
address a severe budgetary
issues associated with nomic activity each year, three
shortfall. This money will be airlines are based in the Com-
transportation, such as long
returned to transportation monwealth, and over 330
daily commutes,
agencies for use in projects business aircraft are used reg-
works to alleviate short- statewide. ularly in Virginia. The Virgin-
term transportation con- ia Airports Revolving Loan
cerns, while providing ini- Improving the system Fund, created in 1999, will
tial steps to address long- to collect fuel taxes provide Virginia's airports
term issues, An electronic fuels tax col- with the flexibility needed to
lection system is proposed to expand commercial air service
identifies creative financ- throughout Virginia. This in-
ing mechanisms, consistent move the point of initial taxa-
tion to wholesale distributors novative funding initiative
with sound financial prac- will help give Virginia’s citi-
tices, to fund transportation of fuel, rather than retailers.
This approach will collect the zens convenient and efficient
needs without tax increases, access to the expanding world
tax more efficiently, increase
uses broad-based funding tax compliance, level the play- community.
approaches to support ing field for Virginia business- The Governor's proposed
transportation, as opposed es, and raise fuel tax revenue. budget dedicates $25 million
to single sources of revenue This change will increase rev- of the Priority Transportation
that are cyclical in nature, enues a total of $58 million
A-12 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
Fund to capitalize the Revolv- Partnership will use the mon- tem for the next century. Dur-
ing loan fund. ey to host three “buying mis- ing fiscal year 2000, $68 mil-
sions” each year from each of lion of new funding went to
the state’s three major mar- the Department of Mental
A comprehensive kets: Asia, Europe, and Mex- Health, Mental Retardation
workforce strategy ico. and Substance Abuse Services,
bringing the 1998-2000 bienni-
for the 21st Century On another front, the
al total to $162 million.
T
budget also provides support
o maintain Virginia’s
for the Virginia Commercial The additional resources
preeminence as an eco-
Space Flight Authority to at- supported improved care and
nomic leader with a
tract new aerospace businesses treatment across the state for
skilled and highly trained
with high-tech jobs to the citizens with mental retarda-
workforce, the Governor pro-
state. The authority will pro- tion and mental illness. Spe-
poses additional state support
mote Virginia as the best loca- cifically, these actions
for the federal Workforce In-
tion for space-based strengthened and expanded
vestment Act, a new work-
enterprise. community-based services,
force development law. A
built capacity in communities,
new workforce strategy will Funding is also provided
increased staffing at state facil-
coordinate, streamline, and for the Advanced Shipbuild-
ities, promoted accountability
finance initiatives that will in- ing and Carrier Integration
from the people who deliver
vest in and produce better- Center to perform research
services, reduced community
trained and higher-quality and development projects on
waiting lists, approved lead-
workers for Virginia’s busi- the design and integration of
ing-edge anti-psychotic medi-
nesses. systems for aircraft carriers.
cines for eligible patients, and
The Commerce and Trade Finally, the Governor pro- trained direct care employees
Secretariat will position the poses increasing the capitaliza- at state facilities.
state to implement The Virginia tion of the Capital Access
This infusion of funds con-
Strategy: Prosperity into the Fund for Disadvantaged Busi-
tinues as part of the depart-
New Century, the Common- nesses. The money will ex-
ment’s base budget. The
wealth’s strategic plan for eco- pand the availability of capital
nomic development and move Governor continues to streng-
to more disadvantaged busi-
forward as a national leader in then Virginia’s mental health
nesses.
system in his 2000-2002 budg-
job growth, as an attractive
location for companies to con- Continuing to improve et. Proposals include $23.8
care for the most - million in new funding to in-
duct their business, and as a
destination for visitors from crease staffing, to expand cur-
vulnerable Virginians
rent services, and to
V
around the world.
irginia has an obliga- implement a treatment pro-
In 1999, Virginia garnered tion to work diligently gram for sexual predators.
more than 50,000 new jobs to improve treatment These initiatives represent the
with an investment totaling and care for our citizens with logical and appropriate next
$3.6 billion. The Governor is mental retardation and mental steps to ensure Virginians in
increasing funds for interna- illness. need can access required ser-
tional trade and promotion vices.
Governor Gilmore estab-
efforts to enable Virginia com-
lished the Commonwealth A new funding plan will
panies to participate in trade
Commission on Community be tapped to fuel the trans-
shows and trade missions, and
Services and In-Patient Care to formation of the state mental
for additional efforts to bring
comprehensively assess how health and mental retardation
foreign buyers to the state.
Virginia can build a respon- service delivery system. The
The Economic Development
sive, quality mental health sys- proceeds from sales of surplus
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-13
land at state-owned mental a downward spiral toward Program. With statewide
health and mental retardation government dependency. The coordination for Safe Return,
facilities will be deposited into Governor’s recommended there will be an effective cam-
a revolving trust fund to ad- budget includes several im- paign for education and
dress restructuring and unmet portant steps toward an inte- awareness of the value of iden-
needs. The fund will be used grated system. tification and registration of
for initial expenses associated dementia-afflicted Virginians
First, to meet the growing
with restructuring at selected whose lives are at risk from
demand for public services for
facilities. wandering away from home.
Virginia’s senior citizens, the
The remaining proceeds proposed budget includes in- To further address the
will be dedicated to continu- creases in reimbursement for complex issues associated with
ing services for current pa- key service providers to assure the aging process, an Elder
tients affected by that adequate staffing and Rights Center will be estab-
restructuring. The trust fund quality care continue to be lished within the Department
will continue to receive the provided to those who are for the Aging. The center will
savings resulting from restruc- most vulnerable. A total of be designed to assist with legal
turing and the fund will be $20 million dollars is included and consumer issues unique to
used to enhance services to to increase nursing home per older Virginians, especially
individuals with mental ill- diem reimbursement and for high-pressure marketing
ness, mental retardation, and personal care service provid- scams. A toll-free hotline for
substance abuse problems. ers. By increasing nursing seniors and their families will
home reimbursement to $85 also be established.
Violent sexual predators
per day and funding an in-
are a threat to society. Effec- A conference on aging will
crease for personal care assis-
tive treatment, and therefore, a be conducted with both public
tants, the state will help
lower rate of repeat offenses, and private support in the first
service providers assure that
requires a combination of ef- year of the biennium. The
qualified and caring staff are
fective screening, comprehen- purpose of the conference will
retained to care for senior pa-
sive treatment specific to sex be to foster dialogue on issues
tients.
offenders, and intensive long- of concern to senior Virgi-
term monitoring. Governor The needs of families car- nians. Senior workforce de-
Gilmore is committing $3.7 ing for aging relatives is ad- velopment will be a primary
million during the biennium dressed through increased topic of discussion.
to develop a secure program funding of $500,000 for the
In a related effort, a Com-
to identify, assess, and treat biennium for the Caregiver
mission to Study Long-Term
persons with violent sexual Respite Care Program. The
Care Expenses will be estab-
disorders. program works with organiza-
lished to explore other aspects
tions across the state to pro-
of the long-term care system
Addressing long-term vide an array of services to
and will focus on options of
care issues families. Support of family
tax relief for older Virginians
caregivers through services in
The Governor’s budget and their families.
the home and community is
includes significant funding
both compassionate and cost Another important topic to
for addressing the state’s long-
effective. be explored is long-term care
term care issues. An inte-
insurance. The Governor also
grated support system for se- Direct services are also
supports the development of a
nior Virginians is an important enhanced by increasing the
long-term care insurance plan
part of the promotion of poli- number of rehabilitation
for state employees.
cies that strengthen families teachers for the blind and by
while engendering personal funding for a statewide coor-
responsibility and preventing dinator for the Safe Return
A-14 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
Protecting Virginia’s servation of wetlands and a will serve the needs of hunters
environment net-gain in total wetlands re- and fishermen, and continued
sources in the Commonwealth. funding of the Embry Dam
G
overnor Gilmore be- The eventual goal is to restore fish passage feasibility study
lieves that Virginia’s 20,000 acres of wetlands by the should eventually result in the
precious wildlife, scen- year 2010. removal of the dam and the
ic beauty, and natural and his- opening of more than 70 miles
toric resources must be pre- In the continuing effort to
of the Rappahannock River to
served and enhanced for revitalize and invigorate the
oyster population, and in turn migratory fish.
future generations. He strong-
ly supports the efforts of state the livelihood for many Vir-
agencies charged with manag- ginia families, additional per-
sonnel and resources will be Welcome to Virginia
ing and protecting our envi-
ronment. This budget dedicated to the Oyster Herit- in the 21st Century
Y
effectively uses the Water age Program. Through the es, Virginia enters the
Quality Improvement Fund to program, various restoration 21st Century a prosper-
support crucial environmental measures such as building ar- ous, dynamic, and pro-
initiatives. tificial oyster reefs, recultivat- gressive state. The lessons of
ing existing shell areas, and four centuries have shaped,
To ensure that gains con- transporting young seed oys- molded, and prepared the
tinue in water quality state- ters from areas of high disease Commonwealth to confront
wide and cleanup of the mortality to areas of low dis- the exciting challenges that the
Chesapeake Bay, the Water ease mortality will be em- next millennium will bring.
Quality Improvement Fund ployed. Using discarded With the dawning new cen-
will be used for grants to re- construction material and tury, Virginia has the unique
duce point and non-point empty oyster shells, artificial opportunity to pay tribute to
source pollution, matching oyster reefs will be con- the multitude of cultures that
funds for combined sewer structed that will attract and have been and continue to be
overflow projects in Lyn- act as a home for oyster larvae. important to the Common-
chburg and Richmond, and
The budget provides addi- wealth throughout its history.
continuing participation in the
federal program to establish tional resources to augment The Commonwealth of
riparian buffers to act as a the Department of Environ- Virginia, which was vital to
natural filtration system for mental Quality’s air pollution the development and shaping
ground water. The fund also program staff to meet re- of a uniquely American expe-
will support programs to quirements of the federal rience, opens its doors to fel-
manage poultry waste, as well Clean Air Act, and to help low Americans and citizens of
as efforts to assess and devel- maintain and operate new the world. Come and share
op implementation plans to monitoring systems to meas- Virginians’ pride in our state,
control the total maximum ure air quality. The budget explore the state’s diverse at-
daily additions of pollutants to also provides funding for ex- tractions, and experience the
state waters. panded wildlife programs at immense beauty that abounds.
the Department of Game and Welcome to the 21st Century
In addition, through the Inland Fisheries. The “watch- in Virginia!
creation of the Wetlands Res- able wildlife” program will
toration Fund, monies will be maximize opportunities for
dedicated to establishing a public enjoyment and observa-
statewide comprehensive wet- tion of wildlife in and near the
lands management program Commonwealth’s rapidly de-
that will reverse Virginia’s veloping urban centers. The
long-term loss of wetlands and additional wildlife biologists
will provide for both the pre-
BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE A-15
A-16 BUILDING VIRGINIA’S FUTURE