House Republicans Defend Virginia Businesses & Right to Work Laws

RICHMOND, March 7, 2006 – Today the Virginia House of Delegates failed to confirm Gov. Kaine’s appointment of a former AFL-CIO director and the state’s top labor leader to head the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office.

Gov. Kaine nominated Daniel G. LeBlanc to head a state agency as Secretary of the Commonwealth which is a position not viewed as a cabinet level secretariat but one that from time to time meets with Secretaries and can have an effect on business-related and state policies. The Secretary of the Commonwealth also maintains oversight of political patronage and more than 4,000 gubernatorial appointments to boards and commissions.

The House based its decision not to appoint LeBlanc from a lengthy interview before the General Laws legislative committee. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) said that the decision was not made hastily but based on considerable debate and deliberation of Mr. LeBlanc’s career and his views on ‘Right-to-Work’ laws. “I have had constituents contact my office at a rate of 9-1 in opposition to his appointment. The people of the 97th district clearly understand where mainstream Virginians are and that we must continue to move our economy forward.”

As background, the right-to-work law prohibits any employer from requiring compulsory union membership as a condition of employment. The right-to-work law also prevents any business or union from denying an employee the right to work if they choose to do so.

One of the leading state business associations, The National Federation of Independent Businesses, believes abolishing the right-to-work law, would severely undermine one of the pillars of Virginia's successful economy.

Delegate Peace spoke about LeBlanc. “I am sure that he is a good and decent man but he has spent his life and sustained a career by opposing the right-to-work laws, which are an important part of our ability to attract new business and industry to Virginia. We must ensure a continuation of our economic growth to keep taxes low and create more jobs. Today the House confirmed that Virginia must remain open to business.”

Earlier this Assembly session, LeBlanc confirmed reports from an article in an online publication, the People's Weekly World, which quoted him as saying that white executives of Newport News Shipbuilding ran the shipyard and its black workers like "a plantation." The site, which bills itself as "a progressive, leftist, socialist and communist weekly," quoted LeBlanc as comparing "right-to-work" lawmakers with segregationists.

Also during the 75-minute session, lawmakers asked LeBlanc about his arrest record regarding a United Mine Workers strike approximately twenty years ago. He acknowledged that he had in fact been arrested.

Moreover in that same period Del. Dave Albo (R-Fairfax) questioned LeBlanc’s views on how the Kaine administration intends to carry out restoring voting and other civil rights of those who have been incarcerated. There has been much speculation that even the rights of violent offenders would be restored. Gov. Mark Warner restored rights to more than 3,000 former inmates during his term.

House Republicans Detail K-12 and Higher Education

RICHMOND, February 23, 2006 – Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) joined the Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Vincent F. “Vince” Callahan (R-Fairfax), Harvey B. Morgan (R-Gloucester), Robert Tata (R-Virginia Beach), John S. “Jack” Reid (R-Henrico), and other members of the House Majority Caucus – on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 to highlight House Republican education initiatives for primary, secondary and higher education. The House budget, approved by the Appropriations Committee and to be voted on by the full House today, February 23, includes significant increases in funding for public education and Virginia’s outstanding colleges and universities.

“Quality education is essential to our strength as a Commonwealth. The very cornerstones of our future social and economic health rest with the minds and talents of the people. I recognize that funding for education and giving people an opportunity to develop will sustain our progress as a Commonwealth,” said Delegate Chris Peace. “I am proud to support our House plan for education. The proposed budget allows for record investments in this core service at the same time providing for additional support across the board in other core priorities like transportation, mental health, healthcare and public safety – without raising taxes.”

Speaker Bill Howell stated that “We have supported substantial investments in K-12 education over the past decade coupled with high academic standards and accountability measures contained in the Standards of Learning (SOL) program put in place by Governor Allen in 1995. We also have been a catalyst for restructuring higher education to make our colleges and universities more efficient, more competitive, more accessible to Virginia students, and more accountable to tuition-paying parents and taxpayers. House Republicans are building upon this strong foundation for progress in the House budget for 2006-2008 – providing almost $12.0 billion alone just for elementary and secondary education and $419 million in additional general fund support for our colleges and universities.”

The almost $12.0 billion Republicans provided for in the House budget represents a total increase in K-through-12 spending of $1.6 billion over the next two years, or approximately 36 percent of the net new revenues available in the next biennium. Included in the funding are the costs of re-benchmarking the Standards of Quality, the funding of the state’s share of a 3-percent teacher pay raise, and the cost of an increase in the retired teacher health insurance credit.

“This record financial investment, the largest single adjustment in our budget, underscores the dedication and commitment of House Republicans to enhancing Virginia’s educational system and ensuring that it continues as one of the national leaders in student achievement,” said Delegate John S. “Jack” Reid (R-Henrico), member of the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the House General Laws Committee. “The budget we have prepared recognizes the importance of those who have an enormous impact on the quality of education and learning that children receive – our teachers. That is why our budget includes almost $160.0 million dollars in salary increases for teachers and other SOQ-related positions. We also target $15.7 million to fund an increase in the teacher retiree health care credit rate from $2.50 per month up to $4.00, which provides a monthly supplement for retired teachers to help them address the high cost of health insurance.”

For higher education, the House Republican budget will dedicate $419.0 million in additional general fund support, an increase of approximately 13 percent over base funding levels. A highlight of the House budget is its strong state support -- $137.0 million – for our higher education research institutions, which are helping to make important breakthroughs in medicine, technology and economic development. The value of the $137.0 million is approximately $30.0 million more than the Governor’s introduced budget and, unlike his budget, balances the funding between fiscal years to provide ongoing support to achieve research goals. In addition, Republicans provide through the House budget over $4.4 million in salary increases for college faculty to bring them to the four percent average increase for other state-supported employee groups.

“Under the strong House budget, every institution is up to at least 90 percent of its calculated funding need – plus we address anticipated enrollment growth and the need to help students and families afford their dreams of a college education,” said Delegate Morgan, Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee. “In total, our budget reflects an additional biennial investment of $221.5 million for college and university operating costs alone. By focusing our resources toward enrollment growth and base operating needs, we continue to provide the incentive for colleges and universities to keep increases to tuition and required fees reasonable. We also direct nearly $22.0 million for undergraduate need-based student financial support. In addition, there is over $17.0 million for the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program, which is $4.0 million more than the Governor’s introduced budget. The additional funding will increase the annualized TAG award for undergraduate students attending private colleges and universities up to a maximum $3,100 by 2008. The House budget also provides $12.0 million for graduate student financial aid, which is about $2.0 million more than the introduced budget. Overall, House Republicans are giving college students, professors and researchers a solid boost.”

Speaker Howell concluded with this observation: “Just to give you a little perspective about how strongly we are supporting education. When I first came to the General Assembly in 1988, the entire state budget was $12 billion a year. Now, we’re spending that much every two years on K-12 education alone. The additional investment we are making with this budget reaffirms our commitment to providing Virginia’s children with the very best opportunities in education.”

House Republicans Unveil Final Piece of Comprehensive Transportation Plan

RICHMOND, VA –– While many Virginians have demanded a House of Delegates Transportation plan during the first half of the General Assembly Session, Delegate Chris Peace has urged patience. Now after long and sometimes arduous deliberations, House Republicans rolled out their three part plan that addresses the real needs of the Commonwealth. “Good things take time, and we must consider all options. A plan for true and lasting reform needs more consideration than simply raising taxes” said Delegate Chris Peace (R-Mechanicsville) referring to his desire to see systematic solutions prior to investing the taxpayer’s money. During the first month of the Session, Senate and Executive Branch proposals were offered and included superficial approaches such as increasing taxes and spending without reform measures to ensure that added investment is well placed.

The House Republican plan is comprehensive and reform-based. Delegate Peace and his fellow House members have offered innovative legislative reforms that will overhaul how Virginia addresses infrastructure. Among other things the House plan acknowledges challenges facing local governments and considers them to be the best arbiters of how to manage and plan for road enhancements.

Peace said “I am proud to be a part of such a broad and deliberative approach to addressing Virginia’s transportation challenges through a comprehensive package of legislation that will transform the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and enable the Commonwealth and localities to spend taxpayer resources more efficiently and productively.”

Del. Peace also supports a Constitutional Amendment to protect existing and future revenues dedicated to transportation. To take effect, Peace will introduce the Amendment which must be passed in the 2007 Session and again in 2008 Session before voters can be asked to approve it in November 2008.

Legislation Gives Localities Tools for Infrastructure Planning

The five bills proposed by Delegate Peace and his fellow House Republicans are measures many localities desire to assist them in reasonable decision-making when assessing land use proposals. It also provides them tools to build needed transportation infrastructure. Del. Peace has co-patroned House Bills 1521 and 1104 in the package. HB 1521 promotes better managed growth requiring localities to include road and transportation improvements when preparing their comprehensive plans. Localities will incorporate transportation improvements, including transit, and their costs in the plans they are required to develop and update every five years. HB 1104 expands the present revenue-sharing fund program for counties to include cities and towns as well.

The bill would increase the match limits and total funding, while also allowing any local contribution to take the form of proffers from developers. The effect would be to allow localities to use proffers as their match for local revenue-sharing fund projects, thereby giving localities more input into transportation decisions. The other pieces of the package are House Bills 1513, 1528, and 1506.

“I oppose knee-jerk decision-making. It is true that we need to address crowded highways and secondary road improvements, but there is a better way. The growth management reform advancing through the legislature will assist localities with sensible management tools for fast-growing communities, while also avoiding turning back the clock on the expansion and progress that the private sector has made in Virginia to create such a vibrant and great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Del. Peace.

Endorsed by the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties, the House proposals are aimed at improving the coordination of land use regulation and transportation at the local level. It will help local governments coordinate transportation issues as a part of the land use decisions and work to curb sprawl.

“My neighbors in the 97th District expect their government to find sensible solutions to pressing problems in transportation, which means more than throwing millions or even billions of dollars at VDOT and hoping roads are improved anytime soon,” said Del. Chris Peace. “We need to shift the paradigm about how we approach these issues. Allowing for more local control and imaginative, private-sector solutions help the state address needs without adding to the burdens of taxpaying families.”

A Vision for a 21st Century VDOT

House Republicans offer a comprehensive approach to transform the delivery of transportation services and make VDOT a more responsive and effective agency, these proposals will ensure value for taxpayers, ease growing congestion, provide safer roadways, and guarantee a better quality of life for all Virginians.

Delegate Peace stated “Our package will mean more accountability, more public-private partnerships and leveraging of funds to make scarce taxpayer dollars stretch farther, and more targeted solutions to improve people’s daily commutes and quality of life.”

VDOT Reform Highlights

• HB 681 and HB 1104 increase the revenue sharing grants to cities, counties and towns for the maintenance, improvement, construction, or reconstruction of local road projects. These bills codify and expand the successful budgetary changes previously championed by House Republicans in the 2005 session in response to the positive implementation from the localities. This program leverages additional funds for transportation from local governments and private developers.
• HB 671 grants authority to counties, cities and towns to award design-build contracts for local transportation construction projects. It also gives localities an additional innovative procurement tool to more efficiently plan and construct significant local transportation projects with time or cost savings.
• HB 666 eliminates current limitations on the use of design-build contracts by VDOT. It would allow increased utilization of an innovative procurement process that provides greater efficiency, lower costs and better results in planning and building transportation infrastructure.
• HB 667 requires the contracting out of all maintenance of the Interstate Highway System. It builds on the current interstate maintenance outsourcing program by allowing the private sector to implement more efficient practices in maintaining Virginia’s 1,118 miles of Interstate roads at a lower cost to taxpayers.
• HB 676 requires the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner to report on the actions of the Department of Transportation regarding efforts to privatize, outsource and downsize. This bill would instill accountability in VDOT to make greater efforts to examine new approaches to building and maintaining a 21st century transportation system.

Transportation Investment Plan Supporting Innovations & Improvements with No New Taxes

The House plan generates additional funding for transportation projects to ease congestion, increase safety and enhance mobility. The reform and funding proposals represent a fundamental change in the manner in which Virginia plans, funds and builds transportation projects.

“Traffic congestion and poor roads in Virginia has negatively affected quality of life and jeopardizes our continued economic competitiveness and progress,” Peace said. “We should know that just throwing more money at the same failed approaches will not give Virginia the 21st Century system of transportation our citizens want and deserve. Our plan is focused on easing commutes and reducing sprawl in fast-growing communities, while also ensuring the free flow of people and commerce throughout the entire Commonwealth.” The House seeks to fund about $400 million every year, which is roughly equivalent to a 7-8 cent increase in the gas tax. But raising taxes in a time of growing state revenues would be wrong for taxpaying families and wrong for Virginia’s economic future. The House Republican plan is the only option on the table with the scope required to deliver better results with the added benefit of not depending on a tax hike.

In addition to the more than $4.4 billion in annual funding already dedicated to Virginia transportation, the House Republican plan would provide more than $1.2 billion in added revenues for transportation in the biennial budget now under consideration (or over $2.0 billion in four years). Key investment features of the plan include:

• Dedicating one third of insurance premium tax revenues from autos to transportation.
• Utilizing of a portion of recordation taxes for transportation, with the recognition that the major traffic congestion problems are located in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
• Fulfilling commitment to 2003 Federal Reimbursement Anticipation Notes (FRAN) debt service.
• Enforcing civil penalties on habitually dangerous drivers – those most likely to cause traffic accidents estimated to be responsible for approximately one quarter of all congestion on Virginia roads.
• Targeting a creative combination of continuing and prioritized spending of surplus General Fund dollars for specific projects statewide.

The House Republican plan will expedite specific highway and transit projects and elevate transportation projects to the same level as other capital projects for localities throughout the Commonwealth. The plan will:

• Direct one-time expenditure of surplus General Fund dollars to targeted, high-impact improvement projects already identified by the Commonwealth Transportation Board and localities.
• Create new revolving bond funds for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads modeled after the successful Route 58 Corridor Development Program benefiting Southside and Southwest Virginia.
• Expand transit capital program support to provide a 50% match on federal transit capital purchases.
• Support better transportation asset management and protection of higher costs for highway maintenance.
• Meet existing commitments and previously created programs, such as
  • Expanding the state and local partnership through popular revenue-sharing program
  • Strengthening Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund jump-starting PPTA projects
  • Creating Local Congestion Mitigation Fund that targets high-growth, high-congestion areas

“House Republicans are united and resolved that the fiscal debate not overshadow the transportation policy debate that’s going on this Session,” concluded Speaker Howell. “We understand that our transportation challenges are not ones out of which Virginia can pave its way or spend its way. Only a balanced, comprehensive approach will prevent us from being in the same situation 10 or 20 years from now that we find ourselves in today. Our plan stands alone in exceeding that standard. It is the right way forward for Virginia transportation.”

Full Death Tax Repeal Clears House 93-7

Richmond - Former Executive Director of Virginians for Death Tax Repeal, Delegate Christopher K. Peace, R-Mechanicsville, announces the advancement of tax relief for thousands of family owned businesses and farms today with legislation to repeal Virginia’s estate tax in 2007. The 93-7 vote sends a message of the support this measure has generated this year. The bill Peace co-patroned (HB 40) will now be sent to the Senate of Virginia for their consideration.

The legislation would fully phase-out Virginia’s death tax which is now upwards of 16%. Currently, Virginia is among the minority of states that has not conformed its death tax laws to the federal repeal now underway. “This unfair tax puts the Commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage. I thank those small businesses and family farmers who have made their voices heard at the legislature and made repeal of the death tax a priority,” said Del. Chris Peace. Full repeal was previously approved by the General Assembly in 2003, but was vetoed by then-Governor Mark Warner.

Prior to joining the Assembly, Peace led a group of over 60 members including the Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Coalition, the Virginia Auto Dealers Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses which helped the original Chief Patron, Del. Bob Tata during three prior years to see that this unfair tax be eliminated.

The NFIB saluted Peace during his campaign for his strong pro-business positions. "Chris Peace believes wholeheartedly in the role small business plays in his district and across Virginia," NFIB/Virginia State Director Gordon Dixon said. "Chris will represent small-business owners, their families and employees in his community exceptionally well in Richmond." Dixon said Peace's commitment to lower taxes and government accountability, among many pro–small-business positions, earned him NFIB's endorsement.

“The Virginia Death Tax hinders job creation, stifles productivity, unfairly burdens farmers and women-owned businesses. It forces families to take out insurances policies just o pay the tax. It is wrong and I am so pleased to see that the House of Delegates agrees,” said Peace.

At the Federal level, Congress is working on a permanent repeal compromise. Their agreement would still leave Virginia out of conformity and leave Virginia small business owners and family farmers with the same Virginia tax liability if the state tax was not fully repealed. In fact, such a compromise might leave Virginia with a higher liability than the current federal burden.

Although Delegate Peace did not take office before the filing deadline and therefore is prevented from submitting legislation, he is however permitted by rule to Co-Patron legislation. Peace helped shepherd this important measure through his chamber.

“I am hitting the ground running and carrying my common sense conservative vision to the General Assembly. On my first day of session I carefully reviewed pending legislation and signed-on to help my fellow Delegates do not only what is in Virginia’s best interest but also what will help the 97th District. I will keep my promises to my neighbors in the 97th District to keep taxes low, to fight for better health care and to always work to assist constituents through the bureaucracy of government.” Peace has signed on to these notable items of legislation that will benefit the citizens of the 97th House District:

* HB 94, 1278 Restricting Eminent domain abuse by definition of public uses and defines that public uses shall not include taking of private property for tax revenue; * HB 262 Prohibition of illegal aliens for admission to public Higher Education institutions; * HB 570 Internet Filters on Public library computers to protect children from sexual predators; * HB 757, 758, 759 Medicaid Reform including the development of public-private long-term care partnership program; * HB 786 State income tax credit for purchase of long-term care insurance; * HB 846 “Safe Kids Initiative” which includes mandatory minimum term of confinement for sex crimes against children; * HB 1012 Sex Offender & Crimes Against Minors Registry; includes person who uses communication system; * HB 1104 Highway improvements; expands present revenue-sharing fund program; * HB 1150 Creating a Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Authority and Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Revolving Fund; * HB 1272 Establishes the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependants Education Program to expand the eligibility of the program to include spouses of military members killed and disabled. * HB 1521 Reconnecting Virginia through sensible growth reform that asks localities to include road and transportation improvements when preparing the comprehensive plan.

You may find links to these bills at http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+mbr+H194S.

Delegate Peace was elected January 24, 2006 in a special election to represent the 97th District in the Virginia House of Delegates which includes portions of Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, and Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

Delegate Peace may be reached by phone at (804) 698-1097 and by email at DelCPeace@house.state.va.us. His Capitol office is Room 715 of the General Assembly Building which is found on the corner of 9th and Broad Streets in Richmond, Virginia.

Delegate Peace First Bill Passes House

Richmond- Delegate Christopher K. Peace, R-Mechanicsville, announced the results today of his inaugural piece of legislation as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Peace successfully co-patroned and helped to pass House Bill 1052 on Monday January 30th. The vote of the House of Delegates was 64-33.

House Bill 1052 requires that all new tax bills passed by the legislature that add new taxes or new rate increases have sunset clauses requiring an end date on all new taxes. Currently, taxes are only taken off the books only by a special act of the General Assembly.

“With record surpluses and the budget growing by leaps and bounds, new taxes are clearly not necessary. If new taxes are ever to be levied against the citizens of our Commonwealth, they should be periodically reviewed as to their continuing necessity” said Delegate Peace. “If anyone doubts whether this bill is really necessary, they need only look north to Washington and see that we are still, in 2006, paying a tax to finance the Spanish American War. In Virginia even, the Business Professional and Occupational Licensing (BPOL) Tax was initially passed to raise revenue to fight the War of 1812 and small businesses are still shouldering the burden.”

Although Delegate Peace did not take office before the filing deadline and therefore is prevented from submitting legislation, he is however permitted by rule to Co-Patron legislation. Peace helped shepherd this important measure through the legislature alongside his colleague from Henrico Del. Jack Reid (R).

“I am hitting the ground running. On my first day of session I carefully reviewed pending legislation and signed-on to help my fellow Delegates do not only what is in Virginia’s best interest but also what will help the 97th District. I will keep my promises to my neighbors in the 97th District to keep taxes low, to fight for better health care and to always work to assist constituents through the bureaucracy of government.” Peace has signed on to these notable items of legislation that will benefit the citizens of the 97th House District:

• HB 40 Full Repeal of the Death Tax; conformity of state and federal statutes. • HB 94, 1278 Restricting Eminent domain abuse by definition of public uses and defines that public uses shall not include taking of private property for tax revenue; • HB 262 Prohibition of illegal aliens for admission to public Higher Education institutions; • HB 570 Internet Filters on Public library computers to protect children from sexual predators; • HB 757, 758, 759 Medicaid Reform including the development of public-private long-term care partnership program; • HB 786 State income tax credit for purchase of long-term care insurance; • HB 846 “Safe Kids Initiative” which includes mandatory minimum term of confinement for sex crimes against children; • HB 1012 Sex Offender & Crimes Against Minors Registry; includes person who uses communication system; • HB 1104 Highway improvements; expands present revenue-sharing fund program; • HB 1150 Creating a Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Authority and Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Revolving Fund; • HB 1272 Establishes the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependants Education Program to expand the eligibility of the program to include spouses of military members killed and disabled. • HB 1521 Reconnecting Virginia through sensible growth reform that asks localities to include road and transportation improvements when preparing the comprehensive plan.

You may find links to these bills at http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+mbr+H194S.

Delegate Peace was elected January 24, 2006 in a special election to represent the 97th District in the Virginia House of Delegates which includes portions of Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, and Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

Delegate Peace may be reached by phone at (804) 698-1097 and by email at DelCPeace@house.state.va.us. His Capitol office is Room 715 of the General Assembly Building which is found on the corner of 9th and Broad Streets in Richmond, Virginia.