Summer Panels Working To Create Jobs

The success of some of Governor Bob McDonnell's initiatives rests in the hands of several state panels working this summer in Richmond. These groups have plenty to do before the fall.

Group members are spending the summer at the Capitol trying to work through stacks of information to bring jobs to Virginia and to streamline state government. They are working against a tight timetable, but members say everything is moving along as planned.

Julia Hammond says her small business sub-committee of the state's Economic Development Panel is right on schedule to finish work this fall.

"We are well on track," she asserted. "We will not be behind; I know our subgroup won't."

Hammond works for Virginia's chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, a group that helps small companies in the Commonwealth. She hopes the state efforts can help grow Virginia's economy by eliminating hurdles for businesses.

"Small business owners do not have the time to dig through information," Hammond explained. "That's why they don't know about a lot of the programs that are out there now."

One of the biggest hurdles is a lack of state funding for business initiatives.

"There was definitely a reoccurring theme that the agencies and departments that best help small businesses have suffered severe budgetary cuts," Hammond added.

The small workgroup is one of many meeting at the Capitol this summer. They are offshoots of McDonnell's blue-ribbon panels for some of his biggest initiatives, including job growth and government reform. Hammond says those two areas are naturally connected.

"A lot of what we were talking about is, where can these dollars best be used, is there a way we can collaborate and consolidate," Hammond stated.

One example of just how closely these efforts are related: There are 35 state agencies that in some way impact small businesses. Hammond says if those can be consolidated, it will almost certainly help businesses be more efficient and ultimately grow.

All of the panels are working on reports and information for the governor and the General Assembly. Legislators could act on some of the reforms as early as a special session this fall.