-- VA Free 2010 General Assembly Report Card Released --
-- Peace Rated as Strong Pro-Business Legislator --
Central VA – VA Free recently released its 2010 General Assembly report card. Delegate Christopher K. Peace(R-Hanover) was pleased to receive a score of 91 percent on the legislative report which informs citizens on key business related votes taken by the General Assembly during the 2010 session. Virginia FREE compiles annual voting records of all General Assembly members on important legislation affecting business and industry.
In addition to being ranked on their 2010 vote percentage, legislators are also rated on a 2010 business rating scale. The scale is as follows: legislators with a business rating of 75 or above and are consistent supporters of pro-business views, legislators with a rating of 74-55 are frequent supporters of pro-business views, and those with a business rating below 55 are occasional supporters of pro-business views.
All members of the Hanover delegation are rated as strong business supporters with Del. Peace and Del. Cox rating an 84 and Sen. McDougle rating an 85 on the 2010 Business Rating.
Stewardship is another category in which VA Free assesses legislator’s performance. According to their report, to determine stewardship ratings, Virginia FREE member government affairs professionals are asked to complete a confidential, anonymous survey in which they subjectively evaluate legislators on a 10-point scale from 10 - 100 where 100 represents the most pro-business score.
In gauging the level of stewardship displayed by an individual legislator, survey participants are asked to consider the percentage of time each legislator can be counted on to advocate the best interests of business and industry in Virginia. They are asked to take into account each legislator’s commitment to responsible governance that rises above partisanship and serves the long-term economic health and competitiveness of the Commonwealth, the legislator’s willingness to advance measures that encourage economic development, business investment, job creation, and the efficient, productive use of government resources, and protect Virginia’s tradition of sound financial management and our favorable business environment.
Del. Peace and Cox each received a stewardship rating of 76 while Senator McDougle received a 79.
The House of Delegates partnered with Governor Bob McDonnell to place a priority on creating a positive climate for job creation in Virginia by investing $46 million in the state budget over the course of 2011 and 2012. The House passed an Economic Development Package to only reinvigorate programs proven to be effective in returning on investments made.
"I appreciate, especially in these tight economic times, that all of my colleagues worked hard to be fiscally prudent and make targeted investments for long-term dividends and renewed prosperity in Virginia. Of course, we had to balance a $4 billion shortfall in order to right-size and make government more efficient," noted Del. Peace (R-Hanover). "But we also focused on bringing new jobs to our state which will be the ultimate way to sustained recovery."
According to their website, Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (VA Free) is an independent association committed to protecting and strengthening Virginia's prosperous business environment through the political process. Founded in 1988, VA FREE provides a wealth of objective, non-partisan information to business. Our information, services and programs foster a business community prepared to take the lead in electing legislators who advance free enterprise and responsible, pro-business government.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.
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