From the office of Gov. Kaine: Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that Virginia’s official state portal Web site, www.virginia.gov, has been named first in the nation among the 50 states in the Center for Digital Government’s annual Best of the Web program. This prestigious honor follows an extensive redesign of the Web portal, which uses colorful imagery to invite participation in online services and features new “Web 2.0” functionality to enhance the user experience. The new Web site design went live in June of this year.

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From Gov. Kaine’s office: ~ State agency spending reductions total $49 million. Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced state agency spending reductions for fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010 totaling $49 million. The General Assembly this year passed a biennial budget that required the Governor to make $35 million in spending reductions for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

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From the office of Gov. Kaine: Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a telework initiative for gubernatorial appointees, which includes about 120 employees in the Cabinet and Governor’s Office. Governor Kaine also announced an improved State Telework Policy – published late last week – directing all state agencies to consider ways to improve and expand agency telework and alternate work schedule programs. “Rising fuel prices, the escalating cost of commuting to work, worsening traffic congestion and reduced air quality compel a change in the business culture of state agencies,” Governor Kaine said. “Telework reduces energy consumption, both in the amount of gasoline used for daily commuting and in office building energy costs. This policy provides a timely opportunity to create a culture of conservation within the state workforce, which can serve as an example for Virginia businesses in the private sector.”

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From the office of Gov. Kaine: “Governor Timothy M. Kaine today issued an Executive Order to grant a temporary waiver allowing gasoline retailers to use the practice called half-pricing on older analog pumps which are technically unable to register a price above $3.99 per gallon.”

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From the folks at JustChildren of the Legal Aid Justice Center: The Virginia Department of Education’s Draft Special Education Regulations make major cuts to parents’ rights to partner with schools. In addition to putting up barriers to family involvement, the draft regulations also create unfair rules and propose changes which will hurt the success of students with disabilities. The voices of families, teachers, students, and others who care about children with disabilities need to be heard at upcoming public hearings to ensure the draft regulations go back to the drawing board! Virginia needs to continue current protections and improve students’ opportunities for long-term success.

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The upcoming sales tax holiday will be Sunday, May 25 through Saturday, May 31. During this seven-day period, purchases of items designated by the Department of Taxation as hurricane preparedness equipment (including portable generators) will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Portable generators must be priced at $1,000 or less, and other eligible items must be priced at $60 or less for each item. For more details, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation Hurricane Preparedness Equipment Holiday page.

The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official document regarding land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space planning. It helps all levels of the public and private sectors meet needs pertaining to those issues. The 2007 Plan has recently been released. Click here to read the plan pertaining to the Crater District; click here to read the plan pertaining to the Richmond region.