Opportunity: Good Jobs

Yesterday we shared with you Governor Bob McDonnell’s record of results on transportation - spearheading passage of historic legislation creating the framework to put $4 billion into Virginia’s roads, bridges and rail projects in projects across the Commonwealth over just the next three years. The greatest state commitment to transportation in a generation. But the record of results doesn’t stop there.

You can see it just as clearly in the Governor’s “Opportunity At Work” job creation and economic development package which received strong support this session as well.

The 2011 “Opportunity At Work” Legislation Includes:

• A research and development tax credit for start ups, with added incentives for companies partnering with research and development services at Virginia colleges and universities;
  
• The Tourism Development Grant Program allowing local tourism projects to temporarily retain state and local tax revenue generated from the project to provide funding gap financing;
  
• The Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant to provide financial incentives to companies that manufacture equipment or products for clean energy or energy conservation.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch writes:

“...the governor ran on a jobs platform, and he is staying true to his word to remain focused on his No. 1 campaign plank.”

The Free Lance-Star writes:

“McDonnell has made job creation and economic development a large part of his administration’s focus…”

The Richmond Times-Dispatch writes:

“The legislature dealt McDonnell… wins on higher education funding and a $38 million economic development incentive package…”

The Associated Press writes:

“Both chambers also have passed McDonnell-backed bills supporting economic development…”

The Roanoke Times writes:

“McDonnell’s changes to the two-year, $77.6 billion spending plan reflect some of his top priorities. He asked lawmakers to approve… new and expanded economic development and job-creation initiatives.”

You can read more about Governor McDonnell’s “Opportunity At Work” package, and all of his 2011 legislative achievements, by clicking on the link below:

Office of the Governor Press Release

As Governor, Bob McDonnell has reduced state spending to 2006/7 levels cutting $6 billion, rejected a nearly $2 billion tax increase, put policies in place to help Virginians attract and create the fourth most net new jobs in the country, made the largest investment in transportation in a generation, and made college more accessible and affordable for Virginia students.

That’s the McDonnell record. It’s a record we hope you will share with your friends and family.

Thank you very much for your continued thoughts, prayers and support.

D.J. Eckert

Political Director

Opportunity Virginia PAC