Delegate Peace appointed by Speaker to serve on House Finance CommitteeLast Hanover representative to serve on a financial committee was nearly 150 years ago
House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, named Del. Christopher K. Peace, (R-Mechanicsville) to four committees in the Virginia House of Delegates including Finance, Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions and Science and Technology. According to the records kept by the Clerk of the House of Delegates, Peace is the first Hanoverian to serve on any money committee since William B. Newton served on Finance from 1861 to 1862. The Finance committee is the revenue generating arm of the House “money” committees. All tax legislation passes through Finance.
"I am honored and humbled by this appointment. The Speaker has entrusted me with great responsibility" Peace said, "I look forward to opportunity to advocate for the taxpayer."
Of particular interest to Del. Peace is the budget process. "The Governor has introduced a record budget calling for the establishment of new entitlement programs in spite of projected budget shortfalls and declining revenues. The people’s House should embody fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraint. Restraint is necessary and new taxes aren’t," said Del. Peace.
Peace's other appointments include the Courts committee which addresses changes to the criminal code as well as the civil laws including real estate, adoption, custody and support among other items. It is also primarily responsible for certifying judges for in Virginia we have an appointed judiciary. This committee considers more total legislation than the other House committees combined. The Health committee focuses on hospital and health care issues along with scope of practice and hot-button social issues.
In addition to these assignments, Del. Kirk Cox (R- Colonial Heights) who is the Majority Whip appointed Peace to serve as a Deputy Whip. A whips task is to work with members of the majority party ascertain their individual positions on important issues and make sure that they not only attend important meetings but vote accordingly.