June 2009: Peace Progress
2009 Session Newsletter #6
Message from Chris What turned out to be a brief imitation of Spring ended this week, as temperatures became more seasonal in Richmond. With just one week remaining before the scheduled end of this year’s General Assembly session, the state’s fiscal situation became clearer, along with the challenges we face in completing our work on amending the existing biennial budget.
Shortfall/Stimulus/Budget
Governor Kaine's administration released newly revised figures on the state's anticipated revenues. As expected, those expectations are even lower than they were when the Governor introduced his package of budget amendments in December. What he then projected to be a $2.9 billion shortfall he is now saying will be a $3.7 billion shortfall. I believe it will get worse and there may be a prospect of a special session later in the year to address the ever diminishing economic climate.
When Governor Kaine downgraded his own revenue forecast, the federal government passed a multi-hundred-billion-dollar spending plan, some of which is being forwarded to the state governments for distribution. As is the case with most funds that come from the federal government, there are strings attached.
The federal spending package provides funds to give states a meaningful tool to manage their budgets over the next two fiscal years. For example, the federal package would give Virginia a total of $1.2 billion for state stabilization funds for education, public safety grants and "flex funds" - monies that can be allocated largely at the state's discretion - to be spent during fiscal years 2010 and 2011, just over $600 million per year.
Obviously, these monies are insufficient to cover the existing shortfall, let alone the newly revised amount that Governor Kaine announced. So, those planning on federal largesse to stave off cuts in Virginia's budget were disappointed.
The educational stabilization fund dollars, which amounted to $492 million in FY 2010, were designed to restore reductions in K-12 and higher education to the fiscal year 2009 level. While hardly a windfall, those funds will help ease the pain of the cuts for our public schools.
There are $12 million available each fiscal year in the public safety grants. The flex fund amounts to about $108 million in each of the two fiscal years. The key with all of these monies is to utilize them very judiciously.
It is essential that - wherever possible - Virginia not use these one-time monies to cover long-term expenses. The strings that come with these funds undoubtedly will require some of the monies be used to reduce our shortfall. But while concocting various accounting gimmicks and schemes that might allow us to use the federal funds in a manner that avoids making cuts to Virginia's budget may sound attractive, it is a perilous course.
We can't count on Virginia receiving these funds from the federal government on an ongoing basis. If we misguidedly made revisions to Virginia's budget with that assumption, taxpayers might end up on the hook for an even larger shortfall when the funds end abruptly in 2011. That is not an attractive prospect.
Since the Senate amended the House's spending plan this week with their own plan, the General Assembly is now back on course to complete its work on revising the state's two-year spending plan. More encouragingly, the prospects for resolving the differences between the House and Senate over changes to the budget by the scheduled adjournment on February 28 look promising.
Transportation Legislation for New Kent
Working with Senator Tommy Norment, Senate Bill 1405 will designate Virginia Route 64 (Old Roxbury Road) that crosses Interstate 64 in New Kent County the “John McLaughlin Memorial Bridge.” Sheriff Wakie Howard requested of our office to memorialize this bridge in Mr. McLaughlin's honor. This Senate bill was carried by Sen. Norment and myself as co-patron. It passed unanimously February 23, 2009.
John Joseph McLaughlin, Sr., of Quinton, was a respected and admired citizen and community supporter, and died on May 18, 2006. He was extremely proud of being one of the first auxiliary deputies of the New Kent County Sheriff's Office, a devoted 41-year member and retiree of the Virginia Army National Guard, and an active member of the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association.
Naming the bridge is most appropriate because he committed daily to improving the quality of life of his fellow residents as the chairman of the New Kent Highway Safety and Transportation Commission.
In other volunteer and civic activities, John McLaughlin served as chairman of the New Kent County Fire Department for several years, as well as president, secretary, and dedicated member of the Quinton Volunteer Fire Department and EMS Company No. 2. McLaughlin was a member of the New Kent Ruritan, the Providence Forge Ruritan, the Eagle Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion Post No. 0242, and the American Red Cross.
John McLaughlin received many honors for his extraordinary community service, including the Quinton Volunteer Fire Department Company No. 2 Firefighter of the Year award and the Chesapeake District Ruritan of the Year award.
John McLaughlin will be fondly remembered and missed by his devoted wife, Juaneta Phillips McLaughlin, his three loving children and their spouses, his wonderful grandchildren, his numerous other close family members and friends, and the congregation of Providence United Methodist Church.
Visitors
Even though the session is hurtling towards a close, friendly faces from home are still taking the time to stop by our Richmond offices. I was glad to see students from Rappahannock Community College this week including Bryan Tyler, Courtney Legler and Caitlin Congdon. I also had a visit from Alyssa Salomon, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship winner and Providence Forge resident on Friday, February 20, 2009. The Fellowship Program is one of many important statewide education and outreach programs provided by the museum.
There are a lot of bills involving major issues that will be decided during the session’s last week. If you want to let us know where you stand on an issue, you can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, you can still call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s column. Next week in this same place, look for our final column from Richmond this year.
2009 Session Newsletter #5
Message from Chris With temperatures making it feel more like May than February, members of the House of Delegates didn’t get to spend much time outdoors. This week, we had some of the longest days of the session, completing our work on all bills filed by delegates and approving a package of amendments to the 2008-2010 Biennial Budget. That made for some particularly long days spent indoors, specifically in the House Chamber.
Budget
This week marked the deadline for both the House and the Senate to complete work on their respective plans to amend Virginia’s existing budget. While both bodies introduced their plans earlier in the week, only the House approved a spending plan. The Senate decided not to vote on its own version of the budget. They will instead wait for the House’s plan to arrive and amend it.
Considering the challenges of the current economic downturn, the House’s plan made significant improvements on the cuts proposed by Governor Kaine in December. The primary goal of the plan is to balance the budget, end earmarks, protect core services, and enact policies that put us back on the road to economic recovery. The plan achieves those goals, and then some.
The House plan speeds up the timeline for five major state colleges and university construction projects, which are estimated to aid in creating 3,400 new jobs. Since dollars spent promoting tourism have consistently shown one of the strongest returns on investment, one of the amendments made by the House provides an additional $3 million in funding to help enhance the vitality of this key component of our economy. And, we restored $500,000 to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to help them market Virginia’s #1 ranking as the best place in America for businesses to do business.
We also worked to mitigate the effects of Governor Kaine’s cuts to education. The package of amendments we approved included the Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan, which will help local school divisions retain young teachers, reducing the possibility of layoffs. We also restored $50 million of the cuts proposed by Governor Kaine to higher education. And to make it possible for more Virginia students to attend our state-supported colleges and universities, we structured $12.5 million for enrollment growth requiring a higher percentage of in-state students.
The House plan also makes mental health care a priority, providing $1.5 million for early intervention services for developmentally delayed children, including those with autism and autism-spectrum disorders. We also voted to restore the 200 Mental Retardation (MR) waiver slots that the Governor proposed to cut, and also increased by another 200 the number of MR waivers available in 2010. This decision was the latest in a continuing effort by House Republicans to fund and strengthen the MR Waiver program, which is a home and community based program that funds services to help individuals with intellectual disability remain in the community and avoid institutional care.
Since public safety remains a top priority, the plan approved by the House rejects Governor Kaine’s risky scheme to provide early release for certain felons. In addition, the plan offsets a portion of the Kaine Administration’s proposed cuts by restoring over $9 million to sheriffs and commonwealth’s attorneys, all of whom are on the front lines in the battle to keep Virginia’s families, neighborhoods and businesses safe.
Most impressively, the House approved its package of amendments by an 88 to 11 margin, with the win plan winning strong bipartisan support.
The House Gives Back
Valentine’s Day causes many offices in the General Assembly to decorate, usually in a way that would please your local Hallmark store. But this year, many house staffers got involved in additional charitable activities. As a result, fundraising efforts in the building collected more than $6400 for the Richmond Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, there was a big drive for the Central Virginia Food Bank that netted a lot of food donations and over $1000 in cash donations.
My Legislation
Appreciating that the gift of sight is precious, State Delegate Chris Peace introduced legislation to protect and advance the delivery of vision care services in Virginia. Local area doctors of optometry brought to the Delegate’s attention concern that illegal sale of cosmetic contact lenses by beauty parlors and flea markets were causing sight threatening eye infections, corneal abrasions, and corneal ulcers. The unsuspecting consumer wanting to change the color of their eyes did not realize that even cosmetic contacts require an eye doctor to determine the proper fit and type of contact lens, in addition to providing training on proper contact lens care. Cosmetic contact lenses sold by untrained professionals has caused an increase in these sight threatening problems.
Delegate Peace’s sight preservation bill also includes a provision so that doctors of optometry may provide patients with the newest technological advancements in treating eye disease. As an example, in the near future, it is expected that the FDA will approve a contact lens which includes medication in the special type of contact lenses to treat ocular allergies.
The legislation passed the Virginia General Assembly, and is now on the way to Governor.
Visitors
It doesn’t matter how busy the week gets, it’s always a good time to see smiling faces from home. This week was no different. I was visited by Dreama Chandler from the Virginia Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Tom Simcoe of New Kent, Virginia Board from Mechanicsville representing Dominion Power, Rich Shelton and Gay Brooks form Cumberland Hospital in New Kent, SharaLynn Oxendine and Ellie St. John of the Virginia Production Alliance, Kristie Helmick from Mechanicsville and fellow Sorensen Alum.
Although the session is winding down, we never tire of visitors. If you’ll be visiting the Capitol before the end of session, make sure to stop by our office, located in Room 715 of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, if you just want me to know your opinion on a particular issue, you can call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s column, and there’ll be more news from the Capitol next week.
2009 Session Newsletter #4
This week is the mid point of the 2008 session, commonly known as "crossover." House and the Senate will complete work on all the bills submitted by their own members, and also will have approved their respective versions of amendments to Virginia's two-year budget. Washington is taking a distinctly different approach to handling the effects of the ongoing recession than Richmond. There is no large-scale cash bailout being proposed in Richmond. The Constitution of Virginia prohibits it. The state cannot incur large debts in an attempt to revitalize its economy. Our budget must be balanced every year; thank God. Still, the latest incarnations of the federal government bailout may result in a windfall from whatever massive spending package emerges, but, federal monies often come with strings, and basing a budget on a one-time cash injection is very risky business.
The General Assembly plans to adjourn February 28 after completing its work on amending the Commonwealth's budget, and the challenging assignment of closing the state's $3 to 4 billion shortfall. I'll have details on what actions the House is proposing to accomplish that task in next week's column.
My Legislation
House Resolution 680 expresses the General Assembly's support for and calls upon the Governor to establish a commemorative commission to honor the life, achievements, and legacy of Virginia Indians on the grounds of Capitol Square. The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly no later than the first day of the next Regular Session of the General Assembly for the 2009 and 2010 interims. This bill passed the House by a vote of 95-0.
The legislation points out that despite hardships brought about by the loss of lands, languages and civil rights, American Indians in Virginia persisted and continued to contribute to the Commonwealth through agriculture, land stewardship, teaching, military and civil service, the arts, and other avenues of productive citizenship. Representing several state recognized tribes I am proud of this initiative.
A memorial to Virginia Indians and their ancestors would remind everyone who visits the Capitol grounds that Virginia Indians' courage, persistence, determination and cultural values have significantly enhanced and contributed to our society for centuries. The memorial would also be a tangible acknowledgement of the achievements of generations of Virginia's Native people.
Visitors
Many friendly faces stopped in to visit this week including: Jerry Clark for Mechanicsville, Lisa Brown from Sandston, Abigail Brown, Laura Briere, Leeanne Brooks and Steve Vehorn from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Charlie Woodhouse and Robert O'Brien of the Virginia Ready-mix Association, Rebecca Collins and Brian Baird of the Virginia Society of Health System Pharmacists, Rev. Helen Zottoli of the United Methodist Church from Aylett, Adalyn Brugger of Mechanicsville representing Planned Parenthood, John Budesky, Jeff Summers, Stran Trout and Bill Whitley of New Kent County government, Jacob Stroman, Hap Connors, Jerry Logan and Kathy Smith of Spotsylvania County government.
Contact Me
If you'll be visiting Richmond during this year's session, make sure to stop by our office, located in Room 715 of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, if you just want me to know your opinion on a particular issue, you can call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229.
Peace in the News Click the link to read my Sunday Commentray in the Times Dispatch
Have a great week, and look for more news from Richmond in this same place next week.
2009 Session Newsletter #3
Do you think there are 1,840 things wrong with Virginia? That’s how many bills legislators filed for this year’s General Assembly session. Every one of those bills proposes some change to the Code of Virginia, the laws that govern our commonwealth. Every bill, however, will not become law. If you think the number of bills is particularly high, you may want to know that the total is actually 20% lower than it was in 2007, the last previous 46-day “short session.” In fact, you have to go all the way back to 1995 to find a session where legislators submitted fewer bills than they have for this session.
The reason for the reduction is the new House of Delegates policy that limits to 15 the number of bills each delegate can submit. So, while the number of bills submitted by senators this short session actually increased by 8%, the number introduced by delegates declined by 32%.
The reduction of bills in the House is especially dramatic. Every legislative session beginning with 1994 can be tracked online at the Legislative Information System (http://leg1.state.va.us). The number of bills filed by delegates this year is the lowest of the 16 years for which statistics are available through that site.
The total number of bills filed by the 100 members of the House still exceeded the total filed by the 40 senators. But, these new limits have had the effect they were supposed to have, returning the character of odd-year sessions to what was originally intended by the Constitution of Virginia. Legislators are now focusing their attentions on making amendments to the biennial budget – especially critical considering the current multi-billion-dollar shortfall – and considering a limited number of bills.
So, are there 1,840 things wrong with Virginia? Of course not. But, there are a lot of things legislators would like to see changed. Many of the bills that are considered each session pass unanimously or near-unanimously. That’s because there are often small adjustments that have to be made to the Code and changes that enjoy widespread agreement. Those bills rarely receive attention in the media, as items on which there is widespread agreement aren’t as “newsworthy” contentious ones. After all, when was the last time you saw a headline that read, “Everyone Agrees!”
MY LEGISLATION
I am proud to report that another of my bills, House Bill 1940 passed the House by a vote of 98-0. This measure requires the State Board for Community Colleges, in consultation with the Virginia Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, to develop a competitive grant pilot program to provide grants to community colleges to establish open education resource centers in the Commonwealth.
The main purpose of establishing Open Education Resource Centers is to provide centralized clearinghouses open education courses, course materials, research, and professional training. According to the website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page , “Open educational resources (OER) are an Internet empowered worldwide community effort to create an education commons.
The term "open educational resources" was first adopted at UNESCO's 2002 Forum on the Impact of Open Courseware for Higher Education in Developing Countries funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Open educational resources are educational materials and resources offered freely and openly for anyone to use and under some licenses to re-mix, improve and redistribute. Open educational resources include:
Learning content includes full courses, course materials, content modules, learning objects, collections, and journals. Tools used are software to support the creation, delivery, use and improvement of open learning content including searching and organization of content, content and learning management systems, content development tools, and on-line learning communities.
The Center would be required to:
o Develop a model for the creation of OER course content and use; o Develop two elementary, secondary, or community college courses using open education resources. All courses would be developed to meet SOL requirements; o Develop a professional in-service training and development course that introduces faculty, staff, and course developers to OER; o Conduct a two-year study that compares OER with non-OER courses and materials with regard to quality and cost, and evaluates the efficacy of the pilot program for statewide replication. The study report would be submitted to the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2011; o Provide outreach to school districts and community colleges at regional and state educational and technology conferences to support the establishment of local OER centers.; and o Recommend a sustainable funding stream for Open Education Centers.
VISITORS
It was a busy week for visitors to the General Assembly. I am always pleased to see friendly faces from the 97th District “family,” and new faces stop by and visit. Folks that stopped by are: Elizabeth Beatley, Adelaide Lewis and Katy Greer with the Virginia Counselors Association, Kristine Hadeed, Allen Alegro, Ashley Overholser, Betty Jackson, and Gordon Diehl from Germanna Community College, Eugene Rivara on behalf of the King William PTA, Sharon Straus from Hanover ARC, Bill Frazier, William Lane, Wickham Coleman, and Matt Faulconer from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Elaine Smith from the Richmond Dietetic Association, The Honorable Harry Whitt, King William County Treasurer, The Honorable Laura Ecimovic, New Kent County Commissioner of Revenue, The Honorable Scott Harris, Hanover County Commissioner of Revenue, Steve Scheibe on behalf of Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, Tim Bowring and Heather Antill on behalf of Hanover Habitat for Humanity, The Honorable Sally Pearson, King William County Commissioner of Revenue, Bill Newborg from Metro Cast Communications, Joshua Gemerek for Bay Aging, Henry and Nancy Barlow, Lynwood and Becky Broaddus, and Sue and Park Dodd on behalf of the Caroline Farm Bureau, Bob Winsor, Roland Winston and Bob Enerson on behalf of Equality Virginia, Laura Gentry on behalf of Virginia Small Farmers, Robert Massey on behalf of Spotsylvania Farm Bureau, Ron Thompson from Virginia Tech, Jennifer Harrison from Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets, Ross Luck from Luck Chevrolet, Bobby Whitten from Whitten Brothers, John Ayers from Marks and Harrison, Ben Owen from the King William Department of Social Services, Chris Giacobone and Peter Meyer from Fas Mart in Mechanicsville, Norman Faulkner from VA BioDiesel, Debbie Preston from the Masonic Home of VA, Becky Massey, Lois Smith of Spotsylvania on behalf of the Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association, Courtney Macon, New Kent resident and students at Maggie Walker Governor’s School,
CONTACT ME
If you’ll be visiting Richmond during this year’s session, make sure to stop by our office, located in Room 715 of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, if you just want me to know your opinion on a particular issue, you can call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229.
Have a great week, and look for more news from Richmond in this same place next week.
2009 Session Newsletter #2
There may not have been any snow on Capitol Square this week, but temperatures were low and the winds were high enough to make them seem even lower. Those who had to venture outside moved a lot more quickly as a result. Displaying good timing and cleverness, members of the Virginia Credit Union League – credit union employees from across the state – sported long red knitted scarves as they made their way around Capitol Square. The scarves were impossible to miss, making the credit union employees simultaneously notable and warm.
This year’s session is the usually referred to as the “short session”. That’s because it only lasts 46 days as opposed sessions in even years, which last sixty. Odd-year sessions are shorter because the General Assembly is only required to make amendments to the existing biennial budget. In long sessions, an entirely new budget must be constructed and approved.
Usually, amending the budget is a task that takes significantly less work than constructing one from scratch. But, the state’s budget shortfall makes amending the existing budget a lot more challenging than usual this year. Still, the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for this year on February 28.
My Legislation As I noted last week, there will be many other issues before us during this session than the budget. Among the hundreds of bills that will be discussed are several that I am submitting. One of them, House Bill 1942 is a measure to clarify the manner in which school boards may establish a single-gender class, program, or school in a school division. The bill provides that participation must be voluntary and the school division must provide a substantially equal coeducational school, class, or program. Mechanicsville Elementary School has one such program. School principal, Amy Woodward and teachers Laurie Walton and Kevin Layne came and testified on Monday to the success of the program when the bill was heard in sub-committee. They reported that 90 percent of students in the single-gender and coed classes passed last year's Standards of Learning tests. According to a recent article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Single-sex classes have been on the rise nationwide, though slower to take hold in Virginia. But of the state's approximate 12 schools that offer single-sex classes, five are in the Richmond area. The House Education Committee voted (17-3) to report the measure; it will now be discussed on the House floor.
97th District Page
I 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. 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.
Visitors
Thankfully visitors also keep coming to our office. It is so refreshing to visit with old friends and meet new ones. This week we have had many friendly faces stop by including Margaret O’Donnell form the Career and Technical Education program in Caroline, Matt Danielson from New Kent, Carl Shuler, Robert Herron, Mark Matthews, Lou Simpson, Anthony Rinaldi, Sonny Sundaramurthy, and Bob Enroughty from the Virginia Citizen Defense League, Donald campen, Leon App and Herb Dunford from the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District, Helen Elliott and the Nelson Family representing the Family Foundation, Victor Golderos and George Slemp from New Kent, John Copeland from Caroline, General Registrars Danette Moen, Kellie Acors, and William Taylor, Patti Jackson from Mechanicsville, Herb Lux from Spotsylvania, Shawn Lawrence, Ellen Sears and a group from the Disability Resource Center in Fredericksburg, Grayson Jennings from Mechanicsville, Steve Nelson, VCU School of Business, Jamie Robin from Ruther Glen, Mary Devoy from Mechanicsville, Wayne Lauterbach and Chris Burgess representing the Credit Unions.
If you’ll be visiting Richmond during this year’s session, make sure to stop by our office, located in Room 715 of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. Or, if you just want me to know your opinion on a particular issue, you can call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229.
Have a great week, and look for more news from Richmond in this same place next week.
2009 Session Newsletter #1
This year’s General Assembly began with all of the customary events taking place. Legislators reacquainted themselves with their surroundings, sharing details with their fellow members about important bills and news from home. On opening day, Governor Kaine delivered his State of the Commonwealth Address with all of the usual ceremony. But although much was similar to past sessions, there are a lot of differences this year. Obvious to everyone, some of the big differences involve the current economic climate and its effects on state government. Our economy is in recession and the state budget is experiencing a shortfall. Legislators are examining ways to make the recession both short and shallow. And, we’re working on closing a budget shortfall that Governor Kaine says is $2.9 billion.
For the House of Delegates, the challenge of the task at hand is not the only difference this year. There are several major changes to House operations. For starters, Delegates are dealing with the first-ever limit on the number of bills they can introduce. Limiting bills is common for other state legislatures, but Virginia has never attempted one. As it turns out, this may have been the ideal year to attempt such a limit. By doing so, the House can integrate some other reforms.
This year, votes made by delegates in subcommittees will be available online through the Legislative Information System. In previous years, the number of bills and resolutions submitted (often numbering in the thousands) made posting information on legislation at every juncture of the process a daunting task. With the new bill limit, that change is now a reality.
The House has also cut its operating budget by 15% this year, finding savings in every nook and cranny available. But in examining ways to cut its own budget, the House found an affordable way put its session online for viewing by the general public. So, you can now go online at the General Assembly’s website (http://legis.state.va.us) to view House floor sessions.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
The House of Delegates considers an average of about two thousand bills and resolutions every year. To manage this workload in the sixty days allowed under the Constitution of Virginia, the House has fourteen standing committees to process legislation. This year, I have been appointed to serve on four committees. Speaker Howell appointed me to serve on the Health, Welfare and Institutions, Finance, Courts of Justice and Science & Technology committees. I have also been appointed as a Deputy Whip.
BUDGET
The budget shortfall will remain the focus of most news accounts coming from Richmond this year. Ordinarily when you hear about a state budget shortfall, it means Virginia’s government does not have as much money as it thought it would. This year, it’s different. Because of the housing slump, job losses, and reductions in consumer spending, Virginia is receiving less in revenues from the real estate, income tax, and sales taxes. As a result, the Commonwealth will have much less than it had last year.
Most often, two options are touted to resolve budget shortfalls: raising taxes or cutting spending. Of these, raising taxes is especially perilous in recessions. When government takes more money from people in the form of higher taxes, families have less money to spend. With less money to spend, families buy less, and when families buy less, recessions get worse.
That leaves cutting spending as the lesser of two difficult options. Looking for savings in government isn’t always easy. But there may be more opportunities for reducing spending in Virginia’s budget than in other states. The National Association of State Budget Officers lists Virginia as one of the top five states in spending growth over the last decade. All totaled, Virginia’s budget has more than doubled in a decade, handily outpacing population and inflation.
As required by Virginia’s constitution, Governor Kaine has already proposed his ideas for cutting spending. Now, the responsibility of acting on those proposals and considering other ideas falls to the General Assembly. That task will be the primary preoccupation of this year’s session.
CONTACT ME
My legislative assistant, Julie Coggsdale, is staffing our office here in Richmond, located in Room 715 of the General Assembly Building. You can contact us here by sending an e-mail to Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406. If you just want to be sure I know how you feel about a particular issue being considered during this General Assembly session, you can call on the toll-free Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1.800.889.0229. There, you can leave your message about a bill and it will be promptly forwarded to my office.
Friendly faces from home are always a welcome sight here in Richmond, so if you’re planning to visit the Capitol between now and early March, please be sure to stop by our office. Despite the record breaking cold snap, try to stay warm and enjoy the week. Look for more news from Richmond in this same place next week.
May 2009: Peace Progress
Peace Progress
A Monthly 97th District Update May 2009
In this issue:
v Message from Chris
v Get Involved
v Mark Your Calendars
v Public Service Announcement
v Constituent Services
v New Media Services
Message From Chris
Jack Kemp, "Bleeding Heart Conservatism," and the Richmond Region
Happy Odd Day! As I write this message, my dad informed me that May 7, 2009 is only one of six days this century that the consecutive numbers of month, day and year are all odd. They are 1/3/05, 3/5/07, 5/7/09, 7/9/11, 9/11/13, 11/13/15. But I digress...
George W. Bush called himself a "compassionate conservative." But before Bush, Jack Kemp, recently deceased, called himself a "bleeding-heart conservative" and espoused a notion that he was going "to change minds." I want to share with you a brief snapshot of a powerful mind opening experience I had recently.
Last month Homeward hosted an unusual opportunity for community and elected leaders to learn firsthand about the lives of those we often forget, the less fortunate. On April 23rd, I arrived at The Conrad Center of Freedom House, located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way, across from City Jail, to begin my day participating in our region's first "Walking in Their Shoes" event as part of Affordable Housing Awareness Week. Homeward's mission is to prevent, reduce and end homelessness by facilitating creative solutions through the collaboration, coordination and cooperation of regional resources and services.
On average the Richmond region sees 1,150 men, women, and children homeless. In this economy, potentially thousands more are one paycheck or one personal crisis away from a similar situation. On this day, I experienced a glimpse of what sorts of life circumstances led these families and individuals to homelessness. As a participant in "Walking in Their Shoes" I also had the opportunity to explore the paths which would actually lead them out of homelessness which is the ultimate goal. These paths included finding access to services, job searches and reentry programs. In my "role" as a single parent, I had to find a way from Azalea and Chamberlayne to the City's Social Services office on Marshall Street near the Capitol. It was striking to see some of my colleagues heading to the Capitol while I was on a bus to sign up for Food Stamps and TANF. Talk about two worlds! When I arrived I learned how getting back on your feet can often be a full time job especially if you were toting children. The info desk clerk informed me that it would be at least a 4 hour process to sign up for services that would then take between 30 and 45 days to process. If you would like to know more about by day please do not hesitate to write or call. Homeward's link is enclosed in this message.
This experience seems all the more relevant in light of the passing of Cong. Jack Kemp. I really appreciated former Republican candidate for Attorney General and Governor Wyatt Durrette's words when he wrote in Virginia Tomorrow: "[Kemp] understood that if your heart is not torn by the plight of many less fortunate among us, and you have no capacity to care about them, you are crippled as a human being. It is not the "bleeding heart" that merits scorn, but rather what one does and how one approaches public policy and the proper role of governments at various levels that matters. This is where the debate should focus."
If we are to develop as individuals, as a people, as a community, and even as a successful, sustainable party we must execute the play called by our congressional quarterback decades ago. We need to build bridges across all lines for more than political points. In life's huddle, we can never fail if we get out of our comfort zones, listen to others and try to learn more about other's perspectives. Be courageous.
Virginia Tomorrow article:
http://virginiatomorrow.com/2009/05/04/wyatt-durrette-jack-kemp-and-bleeding-heart-conservatism/
Time Magazine Piece on Kemp:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1896881,00.html
Homeward: http://www.homewardva.org
Get Involved
**If you would like to serve on my 97th District Advisory Committee please contact my office. I need support from many people active in the communities of the 97th. I desire input from constituents, local leaders, the business community, the faith-based community, educators, and more. I feel that to effectively serve the people of the 97th District and the Commonwealth, it is important that I develop a clear understanding of all of the issues and how they will impact the citizens of our district and Virginia. Advisory Committee meetings will be held on a regular basis. If interested in serving please contact my office at 804-730-3737 or e-mail me at info@chrispeace.com or julie@chrispeace.com
Norman Sulser is the 97th legislative district chair. He can be reached at msulsern@verizon.net
Mark Your Calendars
Caroline:
Ladysmith Day, May 16th, 2009 10am-5pm is a day to celebrate what makes this area unique. In order to fully utilize the resources of our area, this event will occur at different locations around Ladysmith. The events will be serviced by a system of trolley shuttles, to allow attendees to travel from one event, to the others; free of charge.
The trolleys will be divided into four routes, all beginning at the Street Festival at the Ladysmith Business Park. Please visit the trolley route page to learn where the trolleys will go, and what events are planned at each stop. The trolleys will run from 10 am - 5 pm. Trolleys will be spaced 30 - 40 minutes apart, except at the Virginia Bazaar, where trolleys will stop every 15 to 20 minutes. Those who live in Pendleton, Lake Land'Or, Ladysmith Village, Lake Caroline, Campbell's Creek, and Glen Meadows are encouraged to walk/bike/drive to their respective trolley stop, and ride the trolley to ease stress on the parking lot at the Street Festival.
Hanover:
Rock N Skate. Pole Green Park Saturday, May 16 9AM to 12 Noon. Skateboarders, do you like to 'pump up the volume? Love that adrenaline rush? Come out with your friends and show off your best pivot, ollie or transfer! The newly revamped event features: skateboard demonstrations, give-aways, climbing wall, and music to jam to. Food will also be available for purchase.
Henrico:
Varina Day. For all ages. The Varina Ruritan Club, in cooperation with Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks, is hosting its 14th Annual Varina Community Day. Come out and celebrate the community! Live music and entertainment will be held throughout the day. Children's activities include a petting zoo, face painting, a moonwalk, and more. If your organization would like to reserve a booth for Varina Day, please call Randy Welch at 328-4500. Information: Jeannie Murray, 501-5121. Sat, June 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dorey Park. Free.
King and Queen County:
Virginia Celebrates with Style, June 13th, 2009 Festival 10AM-5PM
Enjoy Wine Tasting, Artwork and a day of music at the historic Locust Grove Farm in Walkerton - King and Queen County. Just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg or Virginia Beach. Artists and Virginia Farm Wineries will be attending the event on the bluffs of the Mattaponi River at Locust Grove Farm. Only 30 minutes from Richmond on the Middle Peninsula. Reservations and Information 804-769-8201.
King William:
King William County Parks and Recreation Presents: Tea Tyme, Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Cool Spring Primary School Cafeteria. It's Tea Tyme in the Spring. Come out for an afternoon of tea with a few of your closest friends. You will create a beautiful craft, enjoy some fruity tea, and a few snacks. If you like, you can dress up for the occasion. Please bring a teacup and saucer. Registration Fe: $10 per person. A photographer will be onsite to take pictures, (cost of photo not included in the registration fee). For girls ages 6-13. For more information call Ramonda Pollard, Recreation Coordinator at 769-4994 or e-mail at rpollard@kingwilliamcounty.us
New Kent:
May 13 B-B-Q Dinner 5:30 to 8 pm at the Providence Forge Recreation Center on Carriage Road East of Providence Forge. $7 per plate, $15 per quart. The Benefit the Adam Fund. For more information call Lynn McPherson at 932-8349.
Spotsylvania:
2009 Spring Concert Featuring Music From The Musical, "Oklahoma" Saturday May 16 8:00 PM and Sunday May 17 3:00 PM. Concerts are held at the Spotsylvania Middle School 8801 Courthouse Rd. Linda Monner, Conductor, Marilla Haas, Accompanist. www.spotsylvanians.com for more details.
For More Information Contact
Phil Giaramita, (804) 864-7008 or (804) 652-5997
The current H1N1 influenza outbreak is caused by an influenza A virus not previously detected in humans or animals. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills and fatigue. Persons with H1N1 flu are contagious for up to seven days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic. Dr. Remley advised anyone with these symptoms to protect themselves, their families and their neighbors by: staying home from work or school and limiting their contact with others to keep from infecting them calling their health care providers or local health department before seeking care so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after use washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. "We have established an information line at (877) ASK-VDH3, or (877) 275-8343, for anyone with concerns or questions about H1N1 flu," said Dr. Remley. The hotline, which will be open May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., assisted 750 callers today.
Constituent Services
I am always happy to assist residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my constituents and the state. My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. I encourage you to contact us. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth. I may be reached at: Capitol Office: PO Box 406 Richmond, VA 23218 Phone: 804-698-1097
Fax: 804-698-6797
E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
District Office: 7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F PO Box 819 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-3737 Fax: 804-730-5049 E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
***Please make note of the legislative e-mail address change. To insure consistency among all Virginia government entities, the General Assembly of Virginia is changing all website and email addresses from the 'state.va.us' naming convention to virginia.gov. Therefore our new e-mail address is delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
New Media Services
Please visit my website and find me on Facebook:
Website: www.chrispeace.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com
If you are a member of Facebook, please login and sign on as a supporter on my page. You may find my supporter page: Christopher K. Peace by using the search box in the top right-hand corner of the main page after you login. Once on the page, click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.
April 2009: Peace Progress
Peace Progress A Monthly 97th District Update: April 2009 In this issue:Message from Chris Get Involved Mark Your Calendars Public Service Announcement Constituent Services New Media Services
Message From Chris
Peace Comments on Vote Against Changes to Virginia's Unemployment Insurance Laws
Delegate Chris Peace (R-97th District) offers his perspective regarding his vote against permanent changes to Virginia's unemployment insurance laws during the General Assembly Reconvened Session. The changes would have allowed Virginia to receive only short-term, temporary federal funding to support long-term expansion.
"The mainstream media's coverage of Virginia's 2009 Reconvened Session has mischaracterized the real issue related to unemployment insurance laws in Virginia.
"The Governor amended legislation previously passed during the regular session of the General Assembly. He proposed permanently changing our unemployment insurance laws just to receive $125 million in temporary federal funds. I along with my fellow House Republicans believed that this short-term federal stimulus money would lead to job losses rather than affecting real stimulus or job creation. When federal funds expire our Commonwealth would be responsible for funding this mandate. This Federal government bribe was rightly turned away.
"Virginians are experiencing tough economic times. My House colleagues and I are aware of the hardships that come when jobs are lost. This is why we worked this past session on meaningful, comprehensive and free market initiatives that extend tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs here in the Commonwealth, and approved funding for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to Virginia. The budget which was passed also accelerates capital projects and could create up to 3,400 new jobs. This type of economic development is the best thing we can do for those currently out of work. When this recession is over we can look back on this moment and say we chose getting Virginians working again."
Get Involved
**If you would like to serve on my 97th District Advisory Committee please contact my office. I need support from many people active in the communities of the 97th. I desire input from constituents, local leaders, the business community, the faith-based community, educators, and more. I feel that to effectively serve the people of the 97th District and the Commonwealth, it is important that I develop a clear understanding of all of the issues and how they will impact the citizens of our district and Virginia. Advisory Committee meetings will be held on a regular basis. If interested in serving please contact my office at 804-730-3737 or e-mail me at info@chrispeace.com or julie@chrispeace.com
Norman Sulser is the 97th legislative district chair. He can be reached at msulsern@verizon.net
Mark Your Calendars
Caroline: May 8th, 2009, Saturday) Madison Ruritan Club's - (AYCE) Seafood Festival Saturday, - 1 pm - 5 pm Located behind Ladysmith Elementary School. Proceed one block West from Route 1 (Jeff Davis Hwy) on Ladysmith Road, turn left on Allen St and follow signs to Madison Ruritan Building. Adults: $25.00 Children: (6-12) - $12.00 Under 6 - Free Price includes; Fried Fish, Fried & Roasted Oysters, Fried Scallops, Steamed Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw, Hot Dogs and beverages: Beer, Tea, Soda Advance Tickets Only, NO tickets will be available at the gate - NO REFUNDS Tickets available at: Ladysmith Pharmacy & the Hair Jungle Call 804-448-3111 or 804-448-0587 or email mailto:madison_ruritan@bealenet.com for tickets or more info Deadline for All Ticket Sales is May 2nd
Hanover: Bring out your 4 legged friend to the WOOF WAG WALK event at Taylor Park. The Woof Wag Walk special event is scheduled for April 25 at Taylor Park in Ashland. This fun-filled event for you and your dog features pet-oriented vendors, pet adoptions, contests, doggie fashion show and more. The event runs 9am-2pm at Taylor Park on Saturday April 25.
Henrico: KidFest: Attention kids! Come out and enjoy a day in the park just for you. Enjoy games, arts and crafts, information booths, and more, all tailored just for kids! Catch the high-energy alternative show by up-and-coming young artists Mission Six along with the rock 'n roll tunes of the talented blues rock guitarist Grant Austin Taylor. Be sure to peruse the art exhibits by local galleries that feature children artists. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Rachel Leyco, 501-5134. Sat, May 16, 1-4 p.m. No rain date. Deep Run Park. Free.
King and Queen: The Walkerton Community Fire Association BBQ Dinner: Walkerton Community Fire Association holds an annual BBQ dinner in May on the 3rd Sunday from 4-7 p.m. For more information please contact Ed Wilson at 769-2060.
King William: SPRING FEST 2009 When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 4-9p.m. ( Rain Date May 3, 2009 ) For more information, call 804-769-0808 Where: King William County Court House Live music by Sunshine City and The Lost Vagabonds, children's play area, classic cars, arts & crafts, community booths, great food and Fireworks. Also, see the LifeEvac III helicopter fly-in (schedule permitting), and visit the King William Historical Museum. Festival will take place at the historical King William Court House. Bring your lawnchairs and enjoy the day. Parking is at Hamilton-Holmes Middle School with free shuttle service to the festival. Handicap parking will be available at the Court House.
New Kent: April 22 Providence Forge Ruritan Catfish Fry 4-8 pm at the Providence Forge Recreation Center at 9900 Carriage Road. Fried Catfish and Trout, Hush Puppies, Beans, Cole Slaw and beverages. Meal served at 5:30 pm. Music by the Milltown Boys. Tickets $20 available from Club members or call Gammon Well at 966-2615.
Spotsylvania: The Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with the Hershey Corporation, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society, will sponsor a track meet on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Courtland High School Track. Events will begin promptly at 4:00p.m. In the event of significant weather, the meet will be re-scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 4:00p.m. Please note the program will NOT be postponed due to drizzle. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made over WFLS (93.3FM), WBQB (101.5 FM), WJYJ (90.5 FM), WGRX (104.5) and WGRQ (95.9) and the cancellation line at Parks and Recreation (898-8546) as soon as a decision to postpone has been made. Please listen carefully to the announcements.
Hanover County Sheriff's Office: Public Service Announcement Contact: Deputy Jim McLaughlin (804) 365-6335
The Hanover County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Services Unit would like to remind you that spring has sprung and with that comes people who will be trying their best to take your money in many different ways. There will be many people passing through the county that will try to scam you out of your money this spring and summer.
The scam might begin by offering home repairs, such as repairing your roof, asphalting your driveway, sealing your driveway, removing trees, trimming trees, or even repairing utilities.
Please remember you contact someone to make a repair don't let them contact you. How would they know you need a repair?
The best way to handle this is not to answer the door if it is someone you don't know. Use the peephole in your door; remember there is no law that says you have to open your door.
When having any repairs done always get three quotes; always ask for and check references, then check them through the Better Business Bureau.
Do not sign any paperwork (contract) without reading the entire document. If you don't understand it, have a lawyer or trusted friend read it.
Don't give anyone cash or money up front without a contract (even if it is a family member). Remember there are many different ways to say fraud.... IT'S NOW OR NEVER! (Don't pass up this deal, no time left.) IT'S A SECRET! (Don't tell anyone else; I can't give them the same deal.) CASH ONLY! (I can only take cash. No Checks!) THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! (It probably is!) SOMETHING FOR NOTHING! (That's probably what you will get in return!)
Constituent Services
I am always happy to assist residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my constituents and the state.
My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. I encourage you to contact us. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth.
I may be reached at: Capitol Office: PO Box 406 Richmond, VA 23218 Phone: 804-698-1097 Fax: 804-698-6797 E-mail:delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
District Office: 7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F PO Box 819 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-3737 Fax: 804-730-5049 E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
***Please make note of the legislative e-mail address change. To insure consistency among all Virginia government entities, the General Assembly of Virginia is changing all website and email addresses from the 'state.va.us' naming convention to virginia.gov. Therefore our new e-mail address is delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
New Media Services
Please visit my website and find me on Facebook:
If you are a member of Facebook, please login and sign on as a supporter on my page. You may find my supporter page: Christopher K. Peace by using the search box in the top right-hand corner of the main page after you login. Once on the page, click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.