Peace Remarks: Help Housing Now Press Conference
Good morning, My name is Chris Peace and it's my honor to represent the people of the 97th District of the House of Delegates which includes the counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Hanover and New Kent. In this time of economic challenge elected leaders must come together to put Virginia First in bipartisan ways, working together for solutions and in this case to Help Housing Now. In that spirit I am so encouraged to have with me today at the lectern Senator Donald McEachin, our other fellow legislators, and representatives of the housing industry-both for profits and non-profits.
More than six months ago, after Congress passed the Economic Recovery Act of 2008, I approached the Richmond Association of REALTORS and asked them "What should Virginia do to help the housing industry and address consumer confidence."
Knowing that Virginia must have a balanced budget and cannot print money, I knew the our stimulus options were limited; nevertheless I presented them with the idea of establishing in Virginia an incentive program that included a first-time home buyer tax credit, similar to that federal credit.
Since that initial meeting, the realtors (state and local), state homebuilders, and other interested parties conducted several work sessions. This workgroup asked many others including legislators, industry representatives, and non-profits for input. What developed were broad discussions about what the Virginia General Assembly could do not only to reach out to a the sagging housing sector, but also what we could do now to ensure that in the future all of Virginia's citizens would access well-designed, quality constructed housing in safe neighborhoods with good schools and close to good paying jobs. Housing is not simply a pivotal economic engine, but also a key component in our quality of life.
As we stand here today as legislators and citizens, we know that there is no silver bullet for a speedy recovery for our national and state economies. And yet we also know that when the recovery begins, how quickly it happens, and how strong it is depends--in large measure-- upon the recovery of the housing industry. The measures we present today have been thoughtfully considered and will prove to be assets for both the housing industry, homeowners, and for those who are displaced from a home now needing access to housing as renters.
Before I turn the podium over to Senator McEachin I would like to emphasize that we are cognizant of how the downturn in the housing market has helped increase Virginia's budget shortfall. Fewer home sales equal fewer recordations, grantor and other taxes which equal less revenue for the state. So we believe it is imperative that the General Assembly take whatever prudent steps it can to incentivize activity in the housing market.
Second, in light of the difficult financial situation in which the state finds itself, the measures we are presenting today will not result any net increase in spending or dedication of existing General Funds.
I look forward to working with all of my colleagues and Senator McEachin as we work to pass this Help Housing Now legislation.
Henrico School Artwork on Display at General Assembly
Cashell Donahoe Elementary School and Elko Middle School Students: Talent on Display Students from Henrico County’s Cashell Donahoe Elementary School and Elko Middle School will have their artwork on display at the General Assembly during the 2009 session. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) annually reserves the wall space outside of his Capitol office for display of artwork created by the talented students of the 97th District.
“Citizens from all over the state of Virginia visit the General Assembly Building each year and I think this is a great opportunity for students from Henrico County schools to demonstrate their talents,” stated Delegate Peace. “I receive many compliments from Capitol visitors about the beautiful artwork; many are amazed at the remarkable talent of such young artists.”
Delegate Peace hosts a reception at the Capitol, for students whose artwork has been on display, their parents and the school art teacher at the end of session. Students and parents will meet with the Delegate and have the opportunity to tour the Capitol and observe session live.
Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce "Help Housing Now" Legislation
Richmond, Va. - On Tuesday, January 13 Delegate Chris Peace and Senator Don McEachin will hold a press conference to announce the formation of a bipartisan coalition of legislators who will introduce a series of bills aimed at assisting various sectors of the housing market. The conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the House briefing room in the General Assembly Building. Delegate Peace and Senator McEachin will be joined by additional patrons and co-patrons as well as representatives from the real estate, homebuilding and non-profit housing industries.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Hancock Greenfield, Director of Government Affairs for the Richmond Association of REALTORSR, at (804)422-5023.
Henrico Student to Serve as Page
Mechanicsville, VA- On January 14, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) will welcome Austin Timberlake to service as a Page in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2009 General Assembly session. Austin Timberlake, 13, is an 8th grader at Elko Middle School who enjoys church youth group, computers, and Boy Scouts in his free time. In school, Austin enjoys math as his favorite subject and is on the Honor Roll.
Austin has high future aspirations, including most notably his desire to focus on the development and use of new technology as a career. He has taken a number of introductory technology classes. Austin has also shown an aptitude for mechanics by fixing his grandfather's lawn mower independent of instructions.
As for being chosen to represent the 97th District, Austin mentioned "I am really truly grateful for the opportunity to work as a Page. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can at the General Assembly."
"Austin is a smart young man with a bright future," said Peace. "I want to give him every opportunity to have this once in a lifetime experience. With a few members who were once pages, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the legislature one day."
State Budget Shortfall
Seven states have NO shortfall in general funds. Forty Three states have shortfalls. Virginia is one of them. Governors from 39 other states did a better job (assuming governors present budget figures to legislatures) than Virginia.
Will this affect our status as a well managed state?
Considering all 50 states, Virginia ranked number 40 out of 50 in the percent of shortfall of general revenue funds.
Getting 20% on a class accounting test is not a passing grade.
Thirty-nine (39) states had either NO general revenue shortfall or a smaller percent of shortfalls of their general revenue funds than Virginia. In other words, Virginia lagged behind 79% of the states in accuracy of budget predictors for calculating shortfalls.
Our status could fall even further as Utah and Tennessee have only slightly greater percent in general revenue shortfalls.
You may access and download a PDF of the survey results at:
http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.pdf
Courtesy: Del. Bob Marshall and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Special Session House Bill Would Have Improved Interstate 64
--Senate Committee Kills Measure to Widen I-64 in New Kent and Henrico Counties-- The Senate Finance Committee defeated House Bill 6055 which included a provision mandating VDOT to issue requests for proposals under the Public-Private Transportation Act for the widening of Interstate Route 64 from Route 199 in James City County to exit 200 at Interstate Route 295.
"Widening of this portion of I-64 would have been particularly beneficial to residents of the 97th District who reside in Sandston, Highland Springs and New Kent. These residents frequently travel this section of I-64 and welcome congestion relief additional lanes would provide," said Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville).
The measure also contained regional components to address the transportation needs of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Under the proposal as amended, and supported by Delegate Peace, Hampton Roads would have received up to $300 million per year in transportation funding produced by 30% of the increased economic growth at the public and private ports in Hampton Roads. Northern Virginia would have received up to $600 million per year from 30% of the increased economic growth at the Dulles and Reagan National airports. Neither region would have been affected by increased taxes or fees.
Responding to growing maintenance and construction funding needs, House Republicans alternatively proposed creative and targeted measures designed to address transportation in a fiscally prudent manner. Unfortunately, the Senate of Virginia rejected nearly each piece of the responsible House plan.
"We were working hard for fiscally responsible ways to address various funding issues. I had hoped for bipartisan cooperation, but instead House Republicans were the only ones offering legislation to meet the regional needs of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads without statewide increases in taxes and fees. I am disappointed that Senate Democrats killed this measure as it would have improved a major artery in the 97th District," said Peace.
Caroline County Bridge Naming Bills Pass
-Naming bridges to honor fallen troopers now possible- Soon, two bridges spanning Interstate 95 may be named for Virginia State Troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) sponsored House Bills 6009 and 6010. HB 6009 designates the Route 207 bridge over I-95 in Caroline County the "Trooper Robert Tinsley Lohr Memorial Bridge." On July 22, 1978, Trooper Lohr was assisting a motorist on I-95 near Carmel Church; where he was struck at 4:20 a.m. while performing his duties to the citizens of Caroline County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trooper Farmer and died later that same morning.
House Bill 6010 designates the Route 639 bridge over I-95 the "Trooper Robin Lee Farmer Memorial Bridge." Trooper Farmer was conducting a motor vehicle safety checking detail on September 3, 1981. He was killed in a two-vehicle collision crash while in pursuit of a driver who refused to stop at the safety checking detail.
Speaking about the passage of these measures Caroline County Sheriff Tony Lippa stated, "I am grateful to the Caroline County Board of Supervisors for the resolution and to Delegate Chris Peace in the presentation to the General Assembly for our cause. As a former trooper, sergeant, and first sergeant here in Caroline County, I had the pleasure to have known and worked with Trooper Farmer. I am extremely happy to see that these two bridges will bear the names of the Troopers stationed in Caroline County and they will be remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in public safety. "
“I would like to thank Roger Cavendish, a resident of the 97th District, for bringing the idea for these bills to my attention,” affirmed Delegate Peace. “Through the naming of these bridges Virginia will honor the service and sacrifice of Troopers Farmer and Lohr and will celebrate their dedication and commitment to service. These brave men placed their lives in harms way for the safety and well-being of others.”
Peace Measure Supports Safer Virginia
- Virginia Criminal Information Network bill becomes law - Legislation advanced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) at the request of Attorney General Bob McDonnell took effect July 1, 2008.
The new law provides that when a protective order is issued, the district court must enter information into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) system by the end of the business day, and a copy of the order shall also be delivered to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service.
This reform measure will help to establish the precise time when protective orders are entered so that victims can be protected and so that when they expire they can be cleared from VCIN. The law also requires that clerks make electronic reports of certain proceedings or adjudications to the Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Peace stated, “Virginians can be proud of Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s efforts to create a safer Virginia. This statute will safeguard those in need of protection quickly and should provide needed peace of mind for potential victims.”
Measure Increases Juvenile Felony Court-Appointed Fees
Juvenile Justice reform measure seeks to get adequate representation As a result of the 2008 passage of Senate Bill 610, beginning July 1, Virginia’s court-appointed attorneys will receive greater compensation for work on high-level felony cases tried in Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was patron of the House bill.
“Ensuring that juveniles charged in Virginia with serious crimes have adequate legal representation is vital,” asserted Delegate Peace. “Increasing compensation for court-appointed attorneys is a step toward reforming the juvenile justice system across the Commonwealth.”
Passage of this measure allows court-appointed lawyers to apply for waivers of up to $650 for serious felony cases tried in juvenile court. Previously, fees for all cases tried in juvenile court were $120 with a waiver of an additional $120.
With this newest waiver, court-appointed lawyers who handle the most serious juvenile cases, offenses that if tried in adult court could be punishable by 20 or more years in prison, can apply for an additional $650 for a total fee of $890.
Peace Statement on Transportation
“For over a year we have asked for a plan from the Governor's office and now we have it. Instead of knee-jerk reactions we should take some time and review what merits his plan may have if any. So the tone must change. At first glance though, I believe that many of the taxes proposed are regressive and hit working people hard." "I would also hope that before any revenue is raised that we have a lock-box to guarantee that the money actually goes to transportation. State and local governments should work together to create better long range planning. Traffic is an effect of the land use decisions made at the local level. As an alternative we must ask whether there is a way to empower the local governments in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads to address the transportation issues in their regions.”
Peace attends Broadband Bill Signing
- Governor signs House Bill 1329 into law bringing rural residents closer to broadband internet service- Today, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), accompanied by his wife Ashley, attended a bill singing ceremony for his legislation, House Bill 1329, which passed the General Assembly during the 2008 session.
The new law signed today goes into effect July 1, 2008 and provides a solution to the deficit in rural areas of broadband build out by leveraging all of the state's existing assets (towers, high structures, etc.) to facilitate the deployment of networks to give citizens who do not have this service the same accesss to telecommunication as those who do, namely in metro/urban areas throughout the state.
The new code section will expedite broadband service delivery to "unserved" areas across the 97th District and the Commonwealth, enhancing first responder ability to communicate in areas currently lacking cell/radio coverage, and serve to create an opportunity for economic development coordinators to provide additional incentives to draw business and industry to rural areas in the Commonwealth. The measure also creates a moderate revenue stream to cover the costs of maintenance.
"Offering of broadband and wireless internet service will be a huge advancement for those living in rural areas throughout Virginia. There is a great nexus between economic development and broadband access. I am looking forward to working with the private service providers to implement this new program," Peace said.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his second 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.
Reverend Marvin Fields Gives House of Delegates Invocation
Local Minister Opens Daily Floor Session with Prayer Reverend Marvin Fields, pastor of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dawn, gave the opening prayer today for the House of Delegates session. Rev. Fields is the son of Deacon & Deaconess Thomas Fields. He graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School and married Joyce Harrison. The couple has a daughter, Marquita and a son, Rev. Duane T. Fields Jr. of Oxford Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
"He and his family are an inspiration to me for their witness and commitment to God's work to renew the human spirit and improve the human condition," Peace said.
Delegate Peace recognized the Fields family for their efforts to help youth make right choices and avoid lives of gangs and drugs but more especially for their work on the Dawn Wastewater Treatment facility. Because of their dedication to their community, it is a new day in Dawn.
Resolution Commending 97th District Localities Passes
Peace commends Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties for their support of the tradition of hunting with dogs The practice of hunting with dogs is a hot topic across the Commonwealth. Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), today announces passage of a House Resolution 19, commending Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties for their support of the tradition of dog hunting. Moreover, this resolution is an "expression of the House of Delegates' support for the tradition of hunting with dogs."
"Hunting with dogs contributes to public safety by helping to control excess wildlife populations that would otherwise increase auto accidents, crop and property damage, and animal diseases," Peace affirmed. "The tradition of hunting with dogs is wholesome family-oriented and teaches self-reliance, individual responsibility, and the values of community stewardship of the state’s natural resources."
Copies of the resolution are to be prepared for presentation to the governing authorities of Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties.
Towing Bill Rolls Through the General Assembly
Del. Peace and Sen. Norment make stand for small business towers Burdensome regulations for small business towers proposed by the Virginia Board of Towing and Recovery Operations (BTRO) will be delayed due to a joint effort by New Kent representatives Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), Chief Patron of House Bill 1296, and Sen. Tommy Norment, Chief Patron of Senate Bill 707. The members' legislation significantly alters the manner in which BTRO conducts its business.
In a victory for the "little guy," the legislation extends the effective date for Board regulations pertaining to public safety towing and recovery services to July 1, 2010 and also requires the Board to hold four public meetings to receive comments and recommendations prior to drafting any public safety towing regulations. This new process is an open government tool to create greater accountability and sunlight on the process. Delaying the public safety regulations will allow smaller towers to continue to operate their businesses without having to buy unnecessary and expensive equipment. Under the Board's proposals, among other items, many small towers would have had to buy another tow truck costing them upwards of $60,000. This burden would shut down small operators known as Class B towers.
Norment and Peace also recommended that in even-numbered years, the chairman of the Board must be a licensed Class A operator and the vice-chairman a licensed Class B operator, and in odd-numbered years, the chairman will be a licensed Class B operator and the vice-chairman a licensed Class A operator. Current Virginia law stated that the Chairman had to be a Class A tower. Class A towers are the heavy duty towers who haul tractor trailer highway accidents. Class B's are those who primarily use roll-back trucks to help motorists stranded on the side of the road.
"The Board of Towing and Recovery Operators have been acting without accountability and needed a strong message sent to them that government whether legislatively or through regulation should not be so burdensome as to put people out of business. Without this legislation, the BTRO proposals would have gone through and small business people throughout our district who perform a great community service would be out of a job and that is wrong," said Peace.
David Adams, New Kent County Class B tower, stated "This bill is a good start toward assuring fairness in representation on the Board and has increased conversation about the regulations. Passing of this bill will make the process fair to all towers."
SB 707 passed the House by a vote of 100-0 today and will now go to the Governor for his signature.
Textbook Tax Parity Act Passes
Measure to make textbook purchases less expensive heads for a Governor's signature The Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to exempt students who attend career colleges from paying a sales tax on their textbooks. The Textbook Tax Parity Act sponsored by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-97th) and Senator Stephen H. Martin (R-11th), exempts students attending career colleges in Virginia from paying the five percent sales tax on textbooks.
Currently, students at all non-profit colleges in the Commonwealth are exempt from paying the sales tax. Though the implementation of the Act though not until 2010, it addresses an equity issue between students at non-profit and proprietary schools by leveling the playing field. For those seeking to enhance skills or transition within the workforce will now be able to seek additional educational opportunities at a lower cost.
Shortly after the vote in the House of Delegates, Delegate Peace said "This measure supports the diverse higher education choices available to students across the Commonwealth."
The House voted to pass the Act by a vote of 91-6. The bill must now go to the Governor for a signature.
Streamlining Adult Adoption Measure Passes State Legislature
Peace measure addressing Caroline County family concern awaiting Governor’s signature Adopting children who are seventeen and aging out of foster care will be made easier because of legislation introduced by Del. Christopher K. Peace's (R-Hanover). The idea for House Bill 138, which unanimously passed the Virginia General Assembly, initially came from constituents of Del. Peace who live in Caroline County.
Specifically, a family desired to adopt a young woman who turned eighteen during the process of petitioning for adoption. Unfortunately the courts invalidated their petition because the child reached majority prior to the final order of adoption. The Peace measure provides that a petition filed while a child is under 18 years of age shall not become invalid because the child reaches 18 years of age prior to the entry of a final order of adoption.
"Government should not be an impediment to those good people who believe that every child deserves a loving family. I am delighted at the passage of this measure. Adoption of those children in need of loving, safe environments will now be made easier," Peace stated.
According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, in 2007, 8,173 children were in foster care in Virginia.
Renewable Fuel Incentive Program Passes State Legislature
Virginia lawmakers endorse tax credit incentive program for biodiesel fuels Winning support from the agribusiness and environmental communities, Del. Christopher K. Peace's (R-Mechanicsville) tax credit program will provide incentives to produce renewable fuels beginning July 1, 2008. House Bill 139 passed the Virginia General Assembly’s Senate Finance committee unanimously this week and is scheduled to pass the full Senate within days.
Farm Bureau, Agribusiness Council, Virginia Conservation Network and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters joined in unique support of Chief patron Peace. This new incentive will provide greater opportunity for those who seek to produce biodiesel up to two million gallons of fuel per year. This bill allocates an amount of $0.01 to each gallon produced as an incentive for both corporate and private companies to produce more biodiesel and environmentally friendly fuels. This bill creates a $5,000 cap on the credit and the credit applies to both corporate and private producers.
"With renewable fuels we are making our way towards a secure supply which frees us from further dependence on foreign sources of energy. Reducing greenhouse gases and economic development in our rural areas makes biofuel a win-win. Bio-diesel is a cleaner burning replacement fuel made from natural, renewable sources," Peace said.
Andrew Smith, Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau stated, "Delegate Peace should be commended for working to bring the interested parties together to develop an incentive to help in increasing biodiesel production, by helping small producers. We need to develop our renewable energy sources in a way that isn't just the mega facility route, but those that are smaller community based. The increased use of these types of fuels not only reduce our addiction to foreign energy sources, but help generate new markets for our domestically grown crops here in Virginia. "
Rural Residents Closer to Broadband Service
Peace measure to increase access broadband and wireless service passed House A strong signal is coming from the Virginia General Assembly to rural Virginia residents who do not have access to high-speed and wireless internet service. Del. Christopher K. Peaces (R-Hanover) introduced a broadband wireless service measure which passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 99-0 earlier this month. The measure has been communicated to the Senate, where it was referred to the committee on Commerce and Labor.
House Bill (HB) 1329 will require state agencies to lease or convey their communication towers to broadband service providers to provide service to areas that do not receive adequate service. Sen. Richard H. Stuart (R-Westmoreland) has a companion measure, Senate Bill (SB) 206, which passed unanimously. Stuart's measure is currently in the House committee on General Laws.
Verizon Wireless supports the Peace measure because it seeks to create a reasonable and good sense approach to the problems of the lack of broadband service in rural areas. Many residents in our rural communities have long wanted access to the latest technology. Delegate Peace seeks to address that need by making state owned property available to companies through opportunities to lease space in an expeditious and economical manner. By not having to build out the infrastructure, internet service providers may be able to "piggy-back" in un-served areas to provide new services.
According to Ray Lamura, President of the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association (VCTA), "We appreciate the opportunity to work with Del. Peace and his staff on this important legislation. Del. Peace's proposal appropriately targets un-served areas and areas presently not served by private providers. The use of government facilities to enhance broadband availability to Virginians with no options is an appropriate public policy."
Peace stated, "Increasing wireless and broadband internet service to un-served areas in the 97th District is a great priority of mine and important to my constituents. Not only will residents benefit, but so will small or at home businesses. Economic development directors will now have another tool to draw businesses to our localities."
Delegate Peace hopes that the Senate will see House Bill 1329 sees this legislation in a favorable light.
Targeted Tax Incentive for Producers of Biofuel Passes House
Peace chief-patrons House Bill 139 to create a targeted tax incentive for producers of biodiesel A targeted tax credit passed the House of Delegates this week to provide tax credits to producers of biodiesel fuel for their contribution of up to two million gallons of fuel each year. This bill allocates an amount of $0.01 to each gallon produced as an incentive for both corporate and private companies to produce more biodiesel and environmentally friendly fuels. This bill creates a $5,000 cap on the credit
Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) said upon passage "With biofuels we are making our way towards a secure supply which frees us from further dependence on foreign sources of energy. Reducing greenhouse gases and economic development in our rural areas makes biofuel a win win. Bio-diesel and ethanol are cleaner burning replacement fuels made from natural, renewable sources."
According to Virginia Farm Bureau’s website, "Renewable resources can greatly benefit our society, environment, and of course the rural and agricultural economy by expanding our markets for commodities such as soybeans, corn, and agreements with wind turbine operators."
Biodiesel also supports agriculture and rural economies. One example of a successful producer is Virginia Biodiesel in New Kent County. Virginia is an excellent venue for investing in bioenergy programs like this new tax credit. Bio-fuel plants, like VA Biodiesel, can begin to produce more because of the Commonwealth's access to ports, rail and interstate along the eastern seaboard. Now new producers may choose to come on line expanding supply of this value add resource. Greater supply will lower costs and make biofuel more attractive to consumers.
A "producer" would be any person, entity, or agricultural cooperative association that, in a calendar year, produced in the Commonwealth at least two million gallons of biodiesel fuels using feedstock originating domestically within the United States.
Andrew Smith, Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau stated, "Delegate Peace should be commended for working to bring the interested parties together to develop an incentive to help in increasing biodiesel production, by helping small producers. We need to develop our renewable energy sources in a way that isn't just the mega facility route, but those that are smaller community based. The increased use of these types of fuels not only reduce our addiction to foreign energy sources, but help generate new markets for our domestically grown crops here in Virginia. "
HB 139 has been referred to the Senate Finance committee and will be heard this week.