Update on the Virginia Veterans ID Card
In my last update, I included a press announcement from the Governor's office about the implementation of a Veteran's ID Card Program on May 30th. The purpose of this new card is to provide veterans an official document to validate their veteran status. The response to the Veteran's ID cards is way beyond expectations. DMV estimated that they would issue 10,000 cards the first year, but in the first 20 days they issued over 8,500 cards and could exceed 10,000 cards by the end of June.
Since then, I have received many emails from retired veterans questioning why they should pay the $10.00 fee to get "another card" to carry in their wallets. If you are a retired or a disabled veteran, you already have a DoD ID card. This is sufficient documentation for you to qualify for discounts and for other times when you are requested to verify your status as a veteran. You do not have to get a Veteran's ID Card. The card is primarily for all other veterans who do not have a DoD ID card that verifies their veteran status.
The $10.00 fee was established to cover the administrative and overhead costs for the cards. I do not believe it is excessive or fair to ask non-veterans to cover this cost. Consider the fact that as soon as you use the card to purchase $100.00 of merchandise from a store that offers veterans a 10% discount, you have paid for the card and from then on you save money.
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Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Initiative
On June 15, Governor McDonnell announced another new initiative to help our veterans find jobs.
The V3 initiative will work to develop a Commonwealth-wide approach to reducing veteran unemployment. By some estimates, the unemployment rate for veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is close to 30 percent. V3, at its core, is an economic investment initiative to re-capitalize Virginia's workforce.
For more information, please click here.
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Virginia Recognized as the "Most Livable State"
We are starting to see the results of the fiscal constraints and conservative leadership provided by the Governor and implemented by the General Assembly. I am pleased to note that the United States Chamber of Commerce commends Virginia as America's "Most Livable State" in Annual Enterprising States Rankings.
In addition to the top overall ranking, Virginia came in first in the following categories: Median Family Income, STEM Job Concentration, and High-tech Share of all Businesses. The Chamber goes on to note: "Virginia's pro-growth policies and favorable business climate have made the commonwealth a leader in economic growth over the last decade...Virginia's low tax and regulatory environment, coupled with its proximity to the nation's capital have made the state one of the most attractive locations for both domestic and international firms.
For more information, please click here.
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VCOC/MOAA Legislative Committee selects new Co-Chairs
During its meeting on June 14th, the VCOC/MOAA Legislative Committee elected Al Pianalto as the Co-Chair for state initiatives. Stu Williams will remain as the Chairman while Al assists him on state initiatives. Al continues to work in my office handling veterans/military issues.
Congratulations, Al.
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