FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2017
Contact: Julie E. Coggsdale
(804) 698-1097
delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
Peace Champions Pro Business Policies
Measures to require fiscal responsibility and accountability before General Assembly
CENTRAL VA- Included in his 2017 legislative package, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) introduced House Bill 1943, a measure that requires the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget (DPB), to provide an opportunity for businesses affected by a proposed change in regulation to comment on the financial impact of the proposed new rule. DPB would be required to consider these comments in the economic impact analysis of the proposed regulation.
Currently, there is no requirement that DPB seek out the input of businesses that will be affected by a regulatory change when the agency creates economic impact analysis. Businesses affected by a proposed regulation are in the best position to assess the potential impact on their industry, and businesses do not share the same perspective as a state agency of the impact of a regulation. Passage of this common sense policy would create greater transparency in the rule making process and improve the credibility of the economic impact analysis.
Peace’s bill has broad support from private industry such as Virginia’s manufacturers, Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership, Caliber Virginia, Virginia Association of Community Based Providers, Virginia Council of Private Education, and the Virginia Network of Private Providers to highlight a few.
Speaking about the bill, Peace said, “Allowing businesses to have a greater voice in the regulatory process especially as it pertains to the direct financial impact on their bottom line is critical to good government. Onerous regulatory requirements often make it extremely difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to do business. Regulations should be transparent, fair, and impose minimal financial burdens on businesses and families.”
Additionally, Peace has introduced House Bill 1530 which would remove the exemption from the Administrative Process Act (APA) currently applied to regulations adopted by the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) to implement certification programs for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses (SWaM) and employment services organizations. Putting these important decisions under the APA will allow affected businesses a right of appeal and notice and an opportunity to be heard.
“Obtaining or maintaining certification as a SWaM impact our local economy; it is important to allow an aggrieved business to have an administrative appeal in order to ensure fairness in the process. It is vital to ensure the right to due process,” said Peace.
Peace also introduced budget language supported by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which would require all state agencies to notify the budget committees within ninety days if an agency has been awarded or received payment of a grant from the federal government equal to or in excess of $250,000. Additionally, state agencies must provide these committees notices, including a detailed explanation, when federal grant funds are returned.
“Virginia received more than $9 billion in federal grants in fiscal year 2016,” said Ryan Dunn, Executive VP with the VA Chamber of Commerce. “It’s common sense to notify the legislature if a state agency receives or returns a federal grant. This legislation increases transparency and accountability in how public servants do the people’s business and how significant sums of taxpayer money are being managed.”
Delegate Chris Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values, defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.
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