Virginia Secretary of Finance http://www.finance.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/rss/HomePageRSS.cfm Secretary of Finance - Latest News Releases (c) Secretary of Finance 2009 Commonwealth of Virginia <![CDATA[Amnesty Period on Delinquent Tax Payments is Announced ]]> September 28 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine helped launch Get Square VA, a program administered by the Virginia Department of Taxation offering amnesty to delinquent taxpayers who pay their back taxes between October 7, 2009 and December 5, 2009. Most delinquent taxpayers, business or individual, may pay back taxes to the state of Virginia during this limited window with no penalties and half the normal interest charges.

"Get Square VA offers individuals that haven't paid their taxes-or haven't been able to pay their taxes-the opportunity to clear out their obligations," Governor Kaine.

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1093 <![CDATA[Measures to Meet Obligations of Unemployment Compensation Program are Announced ]]> September 16 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine filed a request with the U.S. Department of Labor for a repayable advance of $252 million from the Federal Unemployment Account to meet the obligations of the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Program through December 2009. Current projections indicate Virginia's Trust Fund will be depleted in mid-October, requiring advances at that time.

The unprecedented demand placed on Virginia's unemployment insurance trust fund by current economic conditions has pushed the fund below legally mandated solvency levels. When the fund falls below 50% of the level deemed "sufficient" by the state code, as is expected to occur, a mandatory fund builder tax is automatically added to all employers' contribution rates. This additional levy will begin January 2010 and remain in place until the fund is rebuilt to at least 50% solvency.

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1073 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Announces Plan to Address Fiscal Year 2010 Shortfall]]> September 8 — Governor Kaine announced his executive spending reduction plan to meet the FY 2010 revenue shortfall of $1.35 billion. The Governor's plan trims government spending by reducing the scope of some government programs, while protecting K-12 education and other critical government functions.

"The Commonwealth is continuing to manage the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression both responsibly and transparently," Governor Kaine said. "There's no question we remain in the midst of the toughest economy in a generation. But we also remain confident that Virginia will weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before."

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]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1060 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Announces Revenue Reforecast]]> August 19 — Governor Kaine has released the state's official revenue forecast in a speech to the Joint Money Committees.
"My main message to you today is that, while the national economy continues to create difficulties, Virginia has managed through this extraordinary time with skill and creativity. We have made the tough decisions that the times require and been recognized for doing so. We have more tough decisions to make. But, we are well positioned to maintain our leadership stature among states as the economy improves. And, while it is early, there are positive signs for the longer term that should make us feel a sense of optimism."
]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1035 <![CDATA[Governor Welcomes National Meeting of Budget Officers to Virginia ]]> August 3 — The professional organization is comprised of the heads of state budget offices, state finance departments and staffs for all fifty states and the U.S. territories.

The independent association is currently chaired by Governor Kaine's Secretary of Finance, Ric Brown and its executive director, Scott Pattison, is a former director of the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget. ]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1017 <![CDATA[Virginia Continues Processing Tax Returns, Issuing Tax Refunds at Rapid Pace ]]> June 30 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Virginia Department of Taxation has issued nearly 100 percent of state income tax refunds, putting money in the pockets of Virginians as the state continues to emerge from economic challenges.

"The work of the Department of Taxation shows again why Virginia is consistently named among the best managed state governments," Governor Kaine said. "In response to the worst economic troubles since the 1930s, the Department is processing tax returns and getting money back into the pockets of Virginians at a time when they need it the most."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=985 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Kicks Off Next Phase of Stimulus.Virginia.Gov]]> March 12 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today launched an overhauled Stimulus.Virginia.Gov, transforming the state's original, pioneering website into Virginia's comprehensive online portal for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

With the conclusion of the project solicitation phase of the Commonwealth's program to implement the recovery plan, the website is transitioning to present a wide range of information related to the ARRA - including maps, graphs, charts, and downloadable tables that allow citizens to see where proposals have originated, where money is flowing, and what specific projects and geographies are benefiting from recovery plan funding. ]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=896 <![CDATA[Recovery Act Allocations Announced]]> March 6 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the allocation of $1.6 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to education, public safety and transportation needs in Virginia. He also announced that Chief of Staff Wayne Turnage will lead a working group that, starting today, will evaluate and appropriately route projects submitted on the Stimulus.Virginia.Gov website. Once work begins, Virginians will be able to track the spending of recovery funds through a website currently being developed by the Commonwealth, and expected to launch shortly.

"As we begin to allocate Recovery Act funds it is important that citizens are kept informed about how their money is being used. That's why we launched our website last month and why we're making it a priority to continue to be transparent and accountable moving forward," Governor Kaine said. "We all have a stake in our financial future and we will make sure that all Virginians will be able to track how well we're doing."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=890 <![CDATA[New Report: Virginia Cited as National Leader in Results- Based Budgeting ]]> February 17 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine called attention today to a new report by the Pew Center on the States that commends the Commonwealth's data-based and results-oriented approach to budgeting and management as an effective decision-making strategy for addressing current fiscal challenges. Virginia was among four states - along with Utah, Maryland, and Indiana - to be highlighted in the report by the Pew Center's Government Performance Project.

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=878 <![CDATA[Governor Announces Revenue Reforecast, Plan to Address Shortfall]]> December 2008 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the state's official revenue forecast and announced measures to address the shortfall in a speech to the Joint Money Committees.

"We meet in a time of tremendous challenge for the Commonwealth and its citizens. The national economic recession is being felt by families and businesses across the country. As citizens and businesses bring in less revenue, government revenues decline. And, just as citizens and businesses have to tighten their belts and live within their means, state governments must do the same. This is a time for calm resolve to make tough decisions that will position us for a better future."

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