Legislation

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2013 Legislative Survey

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It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the citizens of the 97th House District. Working together, we have accomplished many things for our community and our Commonwealth.

As we begin the 2013 legislative session, I hope you will take a few moments to share with me your thoughts on some of the issues facing the General Assembly.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. For questions or concerns, I may be reached at 804-698-1097 or via e-mail at delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

Click to take Delegate Peace's 2013 Legislative Survey

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Peace joins Governor at signing of Civil War Preservation Bill

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Preservation is consistent with the public interest in education, recreation and heritage tourism

Central Virginia – On Tuesday, at the Historic Wagner Farm in Chancellorsville, Virginia, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) joined Governor Bob McDonnell, Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and nearly 200 observers as McDonnell signed House Bill 717 into law.  HB 717 patroned by Peace establishes in the Code of Virginia a vehicle to pursue Civil War site preservation in the Commonwealth in advance of the state’s 2011 Sesquicentennial commemoration.

"We must continue to work to celebrate Virginia’s rich history and heritage.  My district is home to the Battle of Cold Harbor, which is one of the most endangered sites in America.  The state should work with individuals and non-profits to see that our past is preserved for future generations.We must work and find opportunities for preserving and interpreting these valuable resources," stated Peace.

The Virginia Civil War Site Preservation Fund has existed only in budget language since it was created with strong bipartisan support in 2007.  The bill would retain oversight and grant award authority with the Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.  Since its inception, with over $5 million 2,000 acres of historic battlefields have been protected in perpetuity.

Enactment of this measure creates the Fund as a non-reverting fund into which state general funds will be added only if specifically appropriated by the General Assembly.  No state funds are being requested at this time; rather, the primary sources of the funds are anticipated to be from grants or awards from the United States Government and from public and private gifts and bequests.  The Fund will make awards to private non-profit organizations or to state or local government agencies.

Funds will be used for purchase of protective interests in those Virginia Civil War battlefield historic sites recognized by the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program.

"Virginia is poised to capitalize on enhanced revenue generated through these protection measures. The civil war tourist spends more and stays longer according to studies.  Tourism is beneficial to communities across the Commonwealth,” said Peace.  In Virginia, tourism marketing historically returns $5 in tax revenue to state and local coffers for every dollar spent in the same fiscal year.  That $5 generally breaks down into $2.88 in state tax revenues and $2.12 in local tax revenues.”

Additionally the travel industry in Virginia in 2008 generated $18.7 billion in visitor spending; supported 210,000 jobs; provided $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia's communities and $4.3 billion in payroll and salaries for local, state and federal economies.

This bill was requested by the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) and co-patroned by Speaker Howell.  According to CWPT website, the Civil War Preservation Trust is America's largest non-profit organization (501-C3) devoted to the preservation of our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields.  The Trust also promotes educational programs and heritage tourism initiatives to inform the public of the war's history and the fundamental conflicts that sparked it.  For more information visit: http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus

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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Bit by Bit: Off-Shore Exploration Gets Major Boost

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-- Del. Peace Co-Patroned Domestic Energy Measure -

-- New Federal drilling policy beneficial to Virginia -

-- Policy can create jobs and generate revenue--

CENTRAL VA - In September of 2008, Congress lifted the federal moratoria on offshore exploration providing for a tremendous opportunity for the Commonwealth to begin investments that will reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, while also helping to strengthen our economy.  These opportunities met bi-partisan support during the 2010 General Assembly session. Passed by a vote of 69-28 in the House and 32-8 in the Senate, House Bill 787 was signed into law by Governor McDonnell on March 10 of this year.  Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was delighted to co-patron HB 787.  Passage of this measure makes it the policy of the Commonwealth to support oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off of the coast of Virginia.

Prior to Session, Del. Peace wrote Ken Salazar, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, to support the development of energy resources off the coast of Virginia. The text of this letter is enclosed.  A study by ICF International estimates that developing Virginia's offshore energy resources could result in nearly $19.5 billion in federal, state, and local government revenues.  The collective pressure from Del. Peace and his colleagues has paid off.  President Barrack Obama now plans to unveil new drilling policy today designed to create jobs and reduce the nation's addiction to foreign oil imports.

(Ref:) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/03/31/AR2010033104699.html

Delegate Peace contends, "The development of Virginia's offshore energy reserves would mean thousands of new jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue.  It is vital in the economic times that legislators take steps to create jobs and implement revenue generating policies." "This action brings with it tremendous opportunity for our Commonwealth to begin investments that will reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, while also helping to strengthen our economy."

A recent study on the issue, produced in 2005 by a professor at Old Dominion University, estimated that offshore natural gas production off of the Virginia coast would, over a 10-year period, likely create 2,578 new jobs, induce capital investment of $7.84 billion, yield $644 million in direct and indirect payroll, and result in $271 million in state and local taxes.  The numbers were based on a conservative projection of the possible cubic feet of natural gas existing in the targeted area offshore.

Governor Bob McDonnell fulfilled one of his campaign pledges to help us move toward energy independence and create jobs to get our economy moving again by signing House Bill 787.  Governor McDonnell also signed an additional energy measure into law.  House Bill 756 will require that all revenues and royalties paid to the Commonwealth as a result of offshore natural gas and oil drilling be allocated as follows: 70 percent to the Transportation Trust Fund, 20 percent to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, and 10 percent to localities for improvements to infrastructure and transportation.

TEXT OF LETTER FROM DEL. PEACE TO SECRETARY SALAZAR

December 14, 2009

The Honorable Ken Salazar

U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, NW

Washington, DC 20240

Dear Secretary Salazar:

As a Virginian and member of the House of Delegates, I would like to express my support for the development of energy resources off the coast of Virginia and the pending Sale 220 scheduled for 2011.

A study by ICF International estimates that developing Virginia's offshore energy resources could result in nearly $19.5 billion in federal, state, and local government revenues.  In these challenging fiscal times, the economic impact of the Lease Sale cannot be downplayed.  Delaying the opportunity for Virginians to benefit from the development of oil and natural gas resources would subsequently delay the opportunity to bring critical jobs to Virginia, and threaten the potential for future revenue sources.

Last year, I was pleased to see Congress lift the federal moratoria on offshore exploration. This action brings with it tremendous opportunity for our nation to begin investments that will reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, while also helping to strengthen our economy.

I support the safe exploration of offshore energy resources, and urge your office to see Virginia Lease Sale 220 through on schedule.

Your consideration of my comments is greatly appreciated.

            With kind regards,

             Christopher K. Peace

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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Governor McDonnell Signs Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act Legislation

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Del. Christopher Peace presented with signing pen for his work to pass Virginia's legislation defending constitutional liberties and principles of federalism

CENTRAL VIRGINIA- Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed into law the Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act in a mid-afternoon ceremony on March 24th in Richmond. McDonnell was joined at the bill signing by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Senators Steve Martin, Fred Quayle, and Jill Vogel and Delegates Bob Marshall and Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover). Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel also attended the event.  The signing ceremony was held in the Governor's Cabinet conference room in the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square.

The Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act sets as the policy of the Commonwealth that no individual, with several specific exceptions, can be required to purchase health insurance coverage. The Act was passed with bipartisan support, in sharp contrast to the narrow straight line partisan vote that enacted the federal health care bill.

 In the press conference, Governor McDonnell emphasized the need to expand access to quality health care and reduce costs for all Virginians but stressed that an unprecedented federal mandate on individuals violates the U.S. Constitution. The Governor continued, "The states have long been leaders in identifying and implementing innovative policies to expand access to, and improve the affordability of, healthcare coverage. Virginia will continue to play that important role.  We will do this through promoting incentives for the purchase of long term care and individual medical savings accounts, focusing on preventative health and combating obesity, studying our medical delivery systems with the objective of reforming them to work better for our citizens, expanding free clinics and aggressively finding new ways to reduce the cost of our Medicaid system, which has already grown 1600% in the past 25 years. There are fiscally responsible ways by which we can reform healthcare and expand quality coverage that do not involve the forcing of unfunded and unprecedented mandates onto individuals and states, and the unsustainable growing of our national debt."

In terms of state-based health reform, Delegate Peace, as a member of the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, initiated legislative efforts to allow for the interstate purchase of insurance known as the Health Choice Act, review existing mandated health benefits burdensome to business and costly to payers, improve access to allied health professions as a means to quality care at a lower cost, and streamline the bureaucratic process for appeals of coverage at large insurance companies. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli complimented Delegate Peace for his efforts. 

Delegate Peace stressed his support of the legislation and the recent lawsuit filed to challenge the constitutionality of the measure saying, "Congress' only duty is to serve citizens under the express powers of the US Constitution.  Forcing citizens to purchase health insurance violates a sacred social compact. The Virginia Assembly is seeking to reinforce the principle that the federal government is a creature of the states and not vice versa."

In the 2010 Virginia General Assembly Session Peace introduced House Bill 722 and co-patroned House Bill 10 commonly known as the Health Care Freedom Act. Peace's measure presented as a declaration of right that a resident of the Commonwealth shall not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual health insurance coverage. The provisions of this legislation would apply regardless of whether the person is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer or a plan sponsored by the Commonwealth or the federal government. The measure also protected Virginians from any penalty, assessment, fee, or fine as a result of a failure to purchase or otherwise obtain health insurance coverage.  House Bill 722 was incorporated into House Bill 10 which passed the legislature in a broad, bi-partisan manner. In the Senate, the bill passed 23 - 17 and 80 - 17 in the House of Delegates on March 10th.

The bills signed ceremonially today by the Governor were SB283, SB311, SB417 and HB10. HB 10 will be amended to reflect the previously enacted changes to the Senate bills.

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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Governor Bob McDonnell Signs First Initiative of “Opportunity to Learn” Education Reform Agenda

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--McDonnell Travels to Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia to Highlight Legislation Establishing College Partnership Laboratory Schools--

 

 

Governor’s Education Reform Measures Received Broad Bipartisan Support; Joined at Event by Republican and Democratic Lawmakers, University Officials, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones

CHARLOTTESVILLE -College Partnership Laboratory Schools are public, nonsectarian schools established by a public institution of higher education operating in the Commonwealth and operating a teacher education program approved by the Board of Education. They are created by contract between the higher education institute establishing the school and the Board of Education. Students that attend college lab schools can benefit from the resources available to higher education institutions and would not be limited by the administrative constraints of traditional public schools. College lab schools provide for more flexibility, innovation, and autonomy, outside of the traditional public school system, but are still subject to the Standards of Quality, Standards of Learning, the Standards of Accreditation. This flexibility will help ensure that students have the opportunity to attend a school that best fits their individual learning style, while learning from quality teachers. Lab schools are designed to offer options and innovation for all Virginia schoolchildren, but especially those who are disadvantaged or at-risk. The legislation signed today was patterned after a measure put forward by Mayor Jones in 2006.

Speaking about today’s bill signing ceremony, Governor McDonnell remarked, "It could not be more fitting that we are signing these bills at the University of Virginia – one of the nation’s top universities and an institution that has expressed interest in opening up a college laboratory school. College partnership laboratory schools will give public school students new opportunities to learn in a challenging environment, taught by great teachers from Virginia’s universities. Lab schools offer students more flexibility, innovation and autonomy, while providing access to the state of the art resources possessed by our Commonwealth’s institutions of higher learning. Students who attend lab schools will gain expertise in subjects crucial to success in our global economy, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They will be better prepared for today’s highly-skilled, high-demand jobs."

Governor McDonnell continued, "College laboratory schools are just one way by which we will continue to provide Virginia’s students with the educational opportunities they deserve. I have said many times before, a child’s educational opportunities should be determined by her intellect and work ethic, not by her zip code. This session we placed an emphasis on passing legislation encouraging positive education reform through the expansion of charter schools, virtual schools and college lab partnership schools. All three of these education reform initiatives passed with bipartisan support in the General Assembly. All three will provide our young people and their parents with increased access to options and innovation in our public schools, particularly students who are disadvantaged or at-risk."

Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg), who led the effort to pass "The Opportunity to Learn" agenda in the State Senate, commented, "The resources and opportunities made available by partnering with local colleges through laboratory schools will truly improve Virginia’s public education system by leaps and bounds. By allowing K-12 schools to partner with Virginia’s excellent public universities, students will have the ability to learn in a more innovative, flexible and challenging environment."

Delegate Chris Peace (R-Mechanicsville), patron of the college laboratory bill in the House, added, "I am thrilled by our success this legislative session in expanding educational opportunities for Virginia’s young people. College partnership laboratory schools are a great way to provide students access to valuable educational resources, especially those students who are disadvantaged or at-risk."

Delegate Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), who served as chief co-patron of the college laboratory legislation in the House also noted, "Virginia has one of the best college and university systems in the world. Encouraging our primary and secondary schools to partner with these top-notch institutions of higher learning will increase the opportunities available, and the potential for achievement, for our school-age children."

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Republicans had a very productive Session – focusing on:

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• Balancing the $4.2 billion budget deficit without a tax increase;• Supporting Governor McDonnell’s “jobs and opportunity” agenda; and • Reforming public education, including strengthening charter schools

We’re now in the last days of the 2010 Session: • General Assembly (House & Senate) passed about 850 bills • Already, Speaker Howell has signed and sent 2/3rds of them to Gov. McDonnell • New state budget for 2011-2012 Biennium is last major item to be resolved,

While I cannot say definitively how it all will turn out, this much we know for sure: • There WILL NOT BE a 17% Income Tax Hike proposed by Gov. Kaine; • There WILL NOT BE fee increases with no nexus to services provided; • There WILL BE no return of the Car Tax, as Gov. Kaine proposed; and • There WILL BE less spending in the state budget than there was in 2006. In fact, this is the first time in recent memory that state spending will be less than the previous year.

While no one sought the current budget circumstances and the economic downturn, Republicans in the General Assembly have worked closely with Gov. McDonnell to institute long-term stuctural reforms – in education, public safety, health care state employee retirement and more to strengthen Virginia for future jobs & prosperity.

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Bills to Create College Laboratory Schools Passes

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-- HB 1389 Successful with Solid Bipartisan Support—-- Companion Bill Passes Senate --

CENTRAL VA – Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) is delighted to announce that House Bill 1389, a measure which establishes college partnership laboratory schools within public colleges and universities for the particular purpose of stimulating the development of innovative public education programs in institutions of higher education through collaboration with K-12 educational systems today passed the House by a vote of 77-20 with bipartisan support.

The companion measure, Senate Bill 736 patroned by Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) passed by a vote of 25-15. HB 1389 and SB 736 are legislative initiatives contained in Governor Bob McDonnell’s “The Opportunity to Learn” Legislative Package.

A College Partnership Laboratory School is a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school established by a public institution of higher education operating in the Commonwealth which maintains and operates a teacher education program approved by the Board of Education. Virginia currently has 14 approved sites including but not limited to James Madison University, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University.

Lab partnerships offer options and innovation for all Virginia school children, but especially those who are disadvantaged or at-risk. College lab schools give students more opportunities and parents more options for their child’s public education. These schools have worked in the past and there is currently interest within the higher education community to open College Partnership Laboratory Schools. Each lab school would have a governing board that is party to the contract with the Board of Education. This board would be under the control of the college or university establishing the lab school and its members are selected by the higher education institute.

College lab schools shall receive such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly in accordance with the appropriations act; they will not receive a portion of any locality’s share of education dollars. The governing board of a laboratory school is authorized to accept gifts, donations, or grants of any kind and to spend such funds in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the donor. Schools are also eligible to apply for and receive available funds from the state non-reverting College Partnership Laboratory School Fund and the sponsoring institution of higher education.

“The firm bipartisan support by which this measure passed shows a dedication to increasing opportunities and choices within our public education system,” asserted Delegate Peace. “Providing educational options through utilizing the strengths and talents at the Commonwealth’s colleges and universities are necessary steps toward assuring academic success for our youngest citizens.”

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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Motion Picture Film Production Bill on way to Governor

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-- Measure to lure film production to Virginia will generate revenue--

CENTRAL VA – House Bill 861, patroned by Del. Ben Cline (R-Rockbridge) and co-patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) passed the House by a vote of 79-17-1 and now is on the way to the Governor’s desk for him to sign into law. 

The legislation provides refundable income tax credits to any motion picture production company with qualifying expenses of at least $250,000 with respect to a film production in the Commonwealth, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011; total allowable credits for any biennium cannot exceed $5 million.  The measure is contained in the Governor’s Jobs and Opportunities Agenda which is focused on encouraging job creation, stimulating economic development and creating more opportunities for Virginians. 

The Virginia Production Alliance asserts that when HBO’s Emmy Award winning series John Adams filmed across Virginia, including Hanover County, it left $80,000,000 in Virginia over the 75 days of filming.  The revenue generated in Hanover alone through expenditures at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sunbelt rentals, local hotels and purchasing of meals had a definite fiscal impact on the County. 

“Filmmaking has a positive effect on tourism.  The vast natural and historic resources across Virginia are attractive to production companies,” stated Peace.  “Localities chosen as filming locations stand to benefit greatly.”

Currently, Virginia's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund is only $200,000, ranking the Commonwealth last among the 42 states that offer incentives.  The Film Office said that since 2006 Virginia has lost 12 major film projects to other states, with a $367 million economic impact.  According to a December 2005 VCU Center for Public Policy Study, “Economic Analysis of Virginia’s Video Production Industry,” film production in Virginia would return $14 for every $1 invested.  The industry employs 4,000 Virginians.

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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Bill to designate US 1 as Historic Route 1 Passes

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-- Measure will stimulate economic development & tourism across the Commonwealth--

CENTRAL VA – House Bill 530, patroned by Del. Nixon (R-Chesterfield) is a measure to designate U.S. Route 1 in Virginia as "Historic Route 1."  Through Virginia, U.S. 1 is paralleled by Interstates: the remainder of Interstate 85 to Petersburg, Interstate 95 through Richmond and Fredericksburg to Alexandria, and Interstate 395 into Arlington.  Within Virginia, U.S. 1 is called Jefferson Davis Highway by state law, although local communities have renamed it and it is best known as "Jeff Davis Highway". 

In its original form, the bill merely designated the portion in Chesterfield County and the City of Colonial Heights as "Historic Route 1."  Through bipartisan efforts, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), and Del. John Cox (R-Hanover), joined Del. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) and seventeen other Delegates in a letter to Governor McDonnell requesting him to offer amendments that would extend designation to the entire length of Route 1 in the Commonwealth.  The legislation, as amended, was passed by a vote of 97-0. 

Localities may use the new designation as a useful tool to promote economic development and historic tourism efforts, generating well needed revenue.  A strong supporter of historic preservation and tourism, Peace previously championed House Bill 1722 which created “The Road to Revolution” state heritage trail and honors the first Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry.

Peace, working with Alisa Bailey of Virginia Tourism Corporation and Jack Berry of the Richmond Convention & Visitor's Bureau, established the heritage trail of sites that pay homage to Patrick Henry’s leading role in liberating Virginia from Colonial rule.  Through on-going marketing efforts, the Trail strives to bring a considerable number of tourists to Central Virginia, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of surrounding areas.

“Stimulating the economy, creating jobs and generating tourism revenue is important in these fiscal times,” stated Peace.  “Continuing to promote Virginia’s vast historic sites will allow us to reach in to the purses of those that travel our highways and byways from across the Nation.” 

In other economic development news from the legislature, Governor Bob McDonnell "Jobs and Opportunity Agenda" focuses on spurring job creation, promoting economic development and creating more opportunities for Virginians.  Among the highlights of McDonnell's agenda advancing through the legislative process are measures to double the Governor's Opportunity Fund, create a state HUB Zone Program, lower the threshold for Virginia's Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit, provide tax credits for movie production, help veterans open small businesses, direct future royalties and revenue from offshore energy production to transportation and green energy development, and create the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation to encourage and facilitate energy research and economic development at Virginia's universities and in the Commonwealth's rural areas.

According to the Governor’s staff, a preliminary economic impact analysis prepared by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership estimates that just the budget initiatives component of McDonnell's "Jobs and Opportunity Agenda" alone will lead to over $311 million in new revenue for the Commonwealth over five years, and the creation of more than 29,000 new jobs over the biennium.

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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McDonnell “Opportunity to Learn” Education Reform

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Statement of the Governor on Senate Committee Passage of McDonnell “Opportunity to Learn” Education Reform Package and First Phase of “Race to the Top” Competition

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following passage of his education reform legislative package by the Senate Education and Health Committee with a bipartisan vote this morning. The full House of Delegates also approved McDonnell’s charter school bill with a bipartisan vote this afternoon. McDonnell also commented on the official announcement from the United States Department of Education that the Commonwealth will not be a finalist in Phase 1 of the “Race to the Top” federal grant competition.

“I am pleased with the broad bipartisan support all three of our education reform initiatives received in Senate Committee today. Our legislative measures to ensure thorough consideration and strengthen applications for high-quality charter schools in the Commonwealth, establish college laboratory schools, and expand and improve virtual education will help more Virginia students, no matter where they live, gain access to the educational opportunities they need to thrive and succeed. I thank Senator Steve Newman and Senator Edd Houck in particular for their leadership in making these successful votes possible, and all the members who joined together across party lines to help Virginia’s schoolchildren. I also appreciate the good work of the VEA, Virginia School Boards Association, and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents in crafting and supporting the legislation.

The importance of this morning’s vote was demonstrated just a few hours later as we have learned that the Commonwealth will not be a finalist in Phase 1 of the “Race to the Top” federal education grant program administered by the United States Department of Education. This program is rewarding states that have brought significant innovation to their public school systems, particularly through their efforts to expand high-quality charter schools. Virginia currently has one of the weakest charter school laws in the nation. While 4600 charter schools exist nationally, only three are in our state. Today’s decision in Washington shows that we have waited far too long to bring new positive public school innovations like charters, college laboratory schools and virtual schools to young people in the state. I look forward to helping lead a bipartisan effort to bring innovation and opportunities to Virginia’s public schools, to the benefit of students, parents and teachers.

While we are disappointed to not be considered in this first phase, we appreciate the leadership of President Obama and Secretary Duncan on this issue and look forward to competing in Phase Two. Virginia’s “Race to the Top” application for Phase One reflected where things stood prior to our taking office, as well as our commitment to effect real change during this Administration. With the recent votes in the House and Senate for our educational reform agenda, we will now be able to demonstrate that Virginia is ready to engage in real education reform and implement creative and successful initiatives to better educate all our public school children. We will also continue to focus on recruiting and rewarding our best teachers and principals, and ensuring students have more access to science, technology, engineering and math in our schools. Our work to ensure that every Virginia student, in every community, gets a world-class education is a key component of our Commonwealth of Opportunity.”

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Peace Consumer Protection Measure a Success

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-- Business License Bill to go to Governor --

CENTRAL VA – One of the consumer protection bills introduced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) this session has passed both the House and Senate.  The measure will now be sent to the Governor for his consideration.  House Bill 713, aka the BPOL bill, requires any contractor applying for or renewing a business license in any locality to furnish prior to the issuance or renewal of the business license either (i) satisfactory proof that he is duly licensed or certified as a contractor or (ii) a written statement, supported by an affidavit, that he is not subject to licensure or certification as a contractor or subcontractor.  The bill also prohibits any locality from issuing or renewing a business license unless the contractor has furnished his contractor license or certificate number or evidence of being exempt licensure as a contractor.

The Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax is a tax on businesses for the privilege of engaging in business at a definite place of business within a Virginia locality. The measure or basis of the BPOL tax generally is the gross receipts of the business. The BPOL tax is a tax on gross receipts, not net income. Under current BPOL law, any locality may charge a license fee in an amount not to exceed:

 • $50 for any locality with a population of 25,000 and greater

• $30 for any locality with a population smaller than 25,000

The locality may not assess a license tax on gross receipts upon which it charges a license fee. Additionally, the locality may not impose a license tax on a business with gross receipts:

 • less than $100,000 in any locality with a population greater than 50,000

• less than $50,000 in any locality with a population of 25,000 but no more than 50,000

Peace stated, “This bill is a consumer protection bill which was brought to me by a resident of the 97th District.  Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors to perform work may expose themselves to unnecessary liability.  Work performed by an unlicensed contractor is not secured by a warranty.  Homeowners and businessmen lose hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the mental stress, to uncertified/unlicensed contractors and craftsmen posing as contractors.’

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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Job Creation Off Shore Exploration Bill on way to Governor

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-- Measure Passes House and Senate --

 CENTRAL VA – Passed by a vote of 69-28 in the House and 32-8 in the Senate, House Bill 787 is on the way to the Governor’s desk for signature.  Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was delighted to co-patron HB 787.  Passage of this measure makes it the policy of the Commonwealth to support oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off of the coast of Virginia.

“The development of Virginia’s offshore energy reserves would mean thousands of new jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue.  It is vital in the economic times that legislators take steps to create jobs and implement revenue generating policies,” asserted Peace.  “This action brings with it tremendous opportunity for our Commonwealth to begin investments that will reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, while also helping to strengthen our economy.”

A recent study on the issue, produced in 2005 by a professor at Old Dominion University, estimated that offshore natural gas production off of the Virginia coast would, over a 10-year period, likely create 2,578 new jobs, induce capital investment of $7.84 billion, yield $644 million in direct and indirect payroll, and result in $271 million in state and local taxes.  The numbers were based on a conservative projection of the possible cubic feet of natural gas existing in the targeted area offshore.

By signing this bill into law, Governor McDonnell fulfills one of his campaign pledges to support such measures which will help us move toward energy independence and create jobs to get our economy moving again. 

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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