 From Site Selection magazine, November 2004 
U.S. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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Vermont
Gov. Jim Douglas's $105-million jobs and economic development package passed in the 2003-2004 legislative session includes several components. They include enhancing the Vermont Economic Progress Council with new tax credits that could help generate 2,000 new jobs, recapitalizing the Vermont Economic Development Authority, increasing funding for work force training programs and beginning to reform the state's workers' compensation system. In May, the governor signed a bill that reforms Vermont's land use permitting system, which employers maintained had stunted job creation.
Virginia
The Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit has been extended five years to January 2010, and the Recycling Equipment Tax Credit has been extended to January 2007. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) now offers VSBFA Direct, a loan program new and existing businesses and economic development authorities. Also, the Governor's Opportunity Fund, designed to help close deals, has been increased from $17.5 million for the last biennium to $21 million for the upcoming biennium. In June 2004, the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program expanded to include parts of Danville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Newport News and other locations.
Washington
Gov. Gary Locke signed two bills into law in March 2004 that are of interest to site seekers. The first extends the sales tax exemption on construction of manufacturing and research facilities in rural areas and the business and operation (B&O) tax jobs credit to 2010 and continues the B&O tax credit for help-desk enterprises in rural areas. The second reduces the B&O tax rate for aluminum smelters for manufacturing and wholesaling aluminum through 2006.
West Virginia
In April 2004, Gov. Bob Wise signed two bills into law that affect the state's business climate. One creates a High Growth Business Investment Tax Credit to encourage investment in start-up, growth oriented research and development businesses in the state in order to increase employment. The other expands the Strategic Research and Development Tax Credit, making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Gov. Jim Doyle signed Act 255 into law earlier this year in an effort to attract venture capital to Wisconsin and to stimulate growth in the state's high-tech sector. The legislation consists of three components -- tax credits for angel investors and other early-stage investments, a technology commercialization grant and loan program and funds to establish entrepreneurial centers.
Wyoming
Gov. Dave Freudenthal's 2005-06 budget recommendations include a $12.5 million appropriation to the state's Business-Ready Communities program. It also proposes to ensure that the $17.5 million previously appropriated by the legislature will be available this biennium, making the full $30 million available.
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