Bill Text: VA HJR369 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Craig M. Burns.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-08 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ369ER) [HJR369 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR369-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, after a long and distinguished career, Craig M. Burns, Tax Commissioner for the Commonwealth, has announced he will retire from state service in April 2024; and
WHEREAS, before beginning his career in public service, Craig M. Burns earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the State University of New York at Cortland and a master's degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns began his employment with the Commonwealth as a legislative analyst at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission in 1988, continued his state employment as a policy analyst at the Department of Medical Assistance Services from 1993 to 1994, and returned to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission from 1994 to 2000, first as a senior legislative analyst and later as principal legislative analyst and chief legislative analyst; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns served as a legislative fiscal analyst for the House Appropriations Committee from 2000 to 2006, during which he attended the Aresty Institute of Executive Education in The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns served as the policy, planning, and compliance director at the Virginia Retirement System from 2006 to 2008 and attended the Virginia Executive Institute through Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007 and the Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills through the Southern Legislative Conference in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns was appointed Deputy Secretary of Finance by Governor Tim Kaine, serving in that role from 2008 to 2010, and was named acting Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Taxation in June 2010 and appointed Tax Commissioner in November of that year by Governor Robert McDonnell; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns has continued to serve for more than 13 years as Tax Commissioner under Governors Terry McAuliffe, Ralph Northam, and Glenn Youngkin, overseeing the development and administration of the Commonwealth's general fund revenue forecast, tax policy, administrative appeals process, and compliance protocols and the operation of a complex technology platform and large customer call center; and
WHEREAS, as Tax Commissioner, Craig M. Burns has advised Secretaries of Finance, Governors, and members of the General Assembly on revenue collections and tax policy recommendations; and
WHEREAS, as Tax Commissioner, Craig M. Burns has built and maintained positive relationships with stakeholders, including legislators, administration officials, local officials, tax professionals, taxpayers, and revenue officials in other states; and
WHEREAS, as Tax Commissioner, Craig M. Burns has improved the taxpayer experience, overseeing investments in modernizing the agency's website, adding self-service options, upgrading the call center platform for phone agents, increasing responsiveness to localities and tax professionals, and rebranding the agency as "Virginia Tax"; and
WHEREAS, as Tax Commissioner, Craig M. Burns has been responsible for the activities, professional growth, and general well-being of approximately 800 employees in the Commonwealth and beyond who focus on serving the public by acting ethically and efficiently in the administration of Virginia's tax laws; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns has effectively led Virginia Tax, providing continuity of taxpayer services and a positive employee experience during workplace challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring freezes, budget crises, and more; and
WHEREAS, Craig M. Burns is a beloved leader among Virginia Tax employees, appreciated for his commitment to the agency's culture and adherence to the values of acting with integrity, striving for excellence, and demonstrating respect; and
WHEREAS, through his belief in public service, keen intellectual curiosity, and industrious work ethic, Craig M. Burns is leaving a lasting legacy at Virginia Tax and throughout the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Craig M. Burns for his service to the Commonwealth in numerous roles, including Tax Commissioner; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Craig M. Burns as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes in his future endeavors.
