On Thursday, Governor McDonnell signed Sen. Chap Petersen’s Senate Bill 712, which establishes the legal framework for a George Mason branch campus in the Republic of Korea.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the state’s fifth annual tax-free back-to-school shopping period, which will take place Friday, August 6th through Sunday, August 8th. The state’s three-day sales tax holiday is intended to relieve the financial burden on families preparing for their children to return to school.

Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation today celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted by the United States Congress on this day in 1990. Five years prior, the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted the Virginians with Disabilities Act to assure equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive $31.8 million in federal homeland security funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program for fiscal year 2010. This grant money will go directly towards training of first responders, purchasing of essential equipment and improving overall communications.

As part of his ongoing effort to promote Virginia products and help grow jobs in the Commonwealth, Governor Bob McDonnell announced today the “Choose the Commonwealth!” initiative. The Governor recently sent a letter to all Virginia business and industry leaders encouraging them to seek out Virginia products for their food and beverage needs in their day-to-day operations.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia has posted a preliminary revenue surplus at the conclusion of the 2010 fiscal year on June 30th. The Governor estimated the surplus, after miscellaneous interest payments are distributed, will be at least $220 million.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a comprehensive plan to reduce the costs associated with reopening Virginia’s previously closed rest areas and raise new revenues in the process.

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced additional appointments to his administration under the Administration, Agriculture and Forestry, Commonwealth Preparedness and Public Safety secretariats.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today highlighted several pieces of Health and Human Resources and Technology legislation that will take effect on July 1st. This includes legislation dramatically expanding telemedicine coverage for Virginians, as well as the Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act which sets as the policy of the Commonwealth that no individual, with several specific exceptions, can be required to purchase health insurance coverage.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today highlighted legislation taking effect July 1st that recognizes his commitment to make Virginia the most Veteran friendly state in America. Included in this is legislation establishing a Veterans Skills Database, fee waivers for Veterans seeking small business permits, protecting the right to display the American flag at their home, and designating the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth’s emblem of service and sacrifice.