Peace Supports Rewritten Amendment to HPV Measure

Governor Supports Peace Policy to Involve Parents The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been in the forefront of discussions being raised over the past few months at the General Assembly. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), who serves on the Health, Welfare and Institutions, lead the initial legislative effort to involve parents in this significant health decision that will affect many Virginians, especially middle school aged female children. Peace amended House Bill 2035 (Hamilton) to include an opt-out provision protecting a parent’s ability to direct the health care of their own children.

During the regular session, Peace offered a floor amendment which was agreed to that allows parents or guardians, after having reviewed materials describing the link between HPV and cervical cancer, to elect, in writing, for their daughter not to receive this vaccine. “The amendment preserves parental choice in the health decisions of their children,” stated Peace.

Without the opt-out amendment, the measure introduced this session is HB 2035 would have mandated females to receive three doses of properly spaced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine beginning on or after the child's eleventh birthday. Since HPV cannot innocently be “caught” in a classroom unlike measles or mumps. Before children enter school, it makes good public health sense that they be vaccinated against such diseases - diseases that can spread easily in school and cause epidemics; HPV doesn't fall into this category.

Upon review of the bill by the Governor, Kaine agreed with the spirit of the Peace amendment and decided to strengthen it further. The new amendment allows parents sole discretion over whether their child receives the vaccine. The Governor’s amendment does not require that parents opt-out of receipt of the vaccine in writing. The amendment was agreed to by a vote of 83-17 in the House and 39-0 in the Senate.

“The amendment preserves parental choice in the health decisions of their children,” stated Peace. “Legislators have addressed the public health needs of children across the Commonwealth while maintaining and encouraging parental involvement in the decision making process.”

Peace Speaks out to Support Boy Scouts and Caroline Jamboree

Delegate commends US Court of Appeals decision that protects major Caroline event The Boy Scouts Jamboree draws tens of thousands of Scouts and their leaders to Virginia's Fort A.P. Hill Army base in Caroline County every four years. The Jamboree is credited with boosting tax and sales revenue in Caroline County; it brought in $800,000 during the last gathering. Collectively the Boy Scouts spent an estimated $17 million in Virginia as a result of the Jamboree.

In an opinion handed down today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago concluded that there is no standing for challenging the National Boy Scout Jamboree statute. Furthermore they failed to conclude the words “duty to God” in the Scout Oath makes the group a religious organization. The suit, brought by the ACLU, was seeking a court finding of violations to the Establishment Clause.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace states, “As an elected representative for Caroline County, I am pleased with the opinion rendered by the Court today. Continuation of the Jamboree is vital to the economy and tax base of Caroline County. These revenues can be utilized to meet the needs of the local citizens and assure the provision of core community services.”

Assembly Rejects Intrusive and Overly-Broad Amendments to Smoking Bill

Delegate Peace joins fellow legislators to preserve free market and personal responsibility Delegate Christopher K. Peace voted to reject the Governor's amendment to HB 2422, a measure to prohibit smoking in restaurants in the Commonwealth unless a restaurant posts signs stating "Smoking Permitted" conspicuous to ordinary public view at each public entrance.

The Governor's changes would have had far-reaching consequences; his Amendments would have banned smoking everywhere there is food except for private residences - but including VFW, Masonic lodges, American Legions, Ruritan events like Shuckinpull or Steak N Race, Rotary benefits.

Peace voted in favor of House Bill 2422 when it was before the House of Delegates. The legislation would have made "no smoking" the default policy of restaurants in Virginia. Under the bill's provisions, smoking would only be allowed if a restaurant posted a sign at all exterior entrances stating "Smoking Permitted."

By adopting this policy, the legislation would allow market forces to encourage more restaurants to go smoke free while not imposing a blanket government ban on all establishments. In the 97th District, there have already been market forces at work, as an ever-increasing percentage of restaurants opt for "no smoking" policies.

The Governor's amendment to this bill, however, would impose a universal prohibition on smoking everywhere food is served, except private residences. This means that smoking would be prohibited at private catered weddings, even those held outdoors. Because food vendors participate in many large public events, smoking would be prohibited at street festivals like Hanover Heritage Day, Springfest or Fish Fry in King William County and the Harvest Festival in Bowling Green to name a few. Smoking would also be prohibited at other outdoor events like the Virginia State Fair and NASCAR races. It would even prevent smoking in hotel rooms if the establishment offered room service or at drive-in restaurants where the patrons remained in their vehicles.

"I am not a smoker, and, when dining out, frequently select restaurants I know to be smoke free. That is my right as a consumer. But, I am opposed to the imposition of a ban on public smoking - and, hence, an infringement on the rights of business owners - as far reaching as the one mandated under the Governor's amendment," said Delegate Peace.

Since the Governor proposed his amendment, Peace has been contacted by scores of constituents urging him to either support or reject it; the overwhelming majority asked the Delegate to oppose it.

Peace Speaks on Death Penalty

Delegate expresses commitment for public safety and protecting our judicial system Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) today voted against upholding the Governor's veto of five bills that would have expanded the death penalty to people convicted of arranging murders for hire, who kill judges or who kill witnesses to influence the outcome of a court case. All five bills passed with more than the 67 votes necessary to override the governor's veto in the 100-member House and the 27 required to do the same in the 40-seat Senate.

House Bill 2750 and House Bill 2347 would make the murder of a judge and the murder of a witness in a criminal case, respectively, into capital crimes; Senate Bill 1116 proposes a similar measure. House Bill 2348 and its counterpart Senate Bill 1288 would make accessories to first degree murder eligible for the death penalty, they modify Virginia's "triggerman rule."

To be eligible in Virginia for the death penalty, a criminal must commit a murder under one or more special circumstances. These circumstances include robbery or attempted robbery; rape or attempted rape or sodomy, or attempted sodomy, or object sexual penetration; abduction with intent to extort money; the killing of a law enforcement officer; a multiple homicide; murder for hire; murder while incarcerated; murder of more than 1 person in a 3 year period; drug related; pregnant woman; murder victim is less than 14 by an over 21 year old perpetrator.

Once a jury finds a person guilty of capital murder, they have a separate sentencing proceeding to determine whether the crime was vile enough to warrant the death penalty and/or whether the person represents a future danger so great he must be executed. A circuit judge then considers the juries recommendations as he imposes the sentence. The conviction then enters the appeals stage, which involves a number of possibilities.

"These measures are narrowly drawn death penalty statutes and Virginia's system contains adequate safeguards for the innocent," affirmed Delegate Peace. "We must enact laws that make Virginians safer and serve as a deterrent to criminals."

Road to Revolution Gains New Attractions

Hampden-Sydney College joins 3 additional Hanover sites to Heritage Trail House Bill 1722 creates "The Road to Revolution" state heritage trail and honors the first Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry. The establishment of a heritage trail of sites that will pay homage to Patrick Henry's leading role in liberating Virginia from Colonial rule to independence and strives to bring a considerable number of tourists to Central Virginia, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of our surrounding areas. A special thanks must go to Hanover County, Richmond Region 2007, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Convention Vistor's Bureau for their collaborative support of the trail and its on-going marketing efforts.

As this measure received such regional media attention, and passed the General Assembly unanimously, a number of partners have asked to have their sites included in the trail. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R- Mechanicsville), chief patron of House Bill 1722, requested the Governor amend the measure to add these key sites in the initial round and today the legislature hardily agreed to these amendments.

"I greatly appreciate the support which this measure has received from the historic, economic development and tourism communities across the commonwealth," Peace asserted.

The original bill consisted of the following core sites: St. John's Church at Richmond, Virginia; Scotchtown at Beaverdam, Virginia; Hanover Tavern at Hanover, Virginia; the Hanover County Courthouse at Hanover, Virginia; Historic Polegreen Church at Mechanicsville, Virginia; and Red Hill Plantation at Brookneal, Virginia.

Added sites include: Studley Plantation Henry's Birthplace, Rural Plains Henry's Marital Site, Pine Slash Henry's Honeymoon Cottage, and Hampden-Sydney College, Henry Original Founder.

"As a native of Hanover County, I am pleased to contribute to the memory of our first Governor, Patrick Henry, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of our area. We have a rich heritage and we need to collaborate and find creative opportunities for promoting these valuable resources," stated Peace.

Public Safety, A Legislative Priority

During my first term, the General Assembly took the initiative to pass several important laws which make the state a safer place to live and work. As members of the Courts of Justice committees, Sen. McDougle and I worked in our respective houses to improve public safety. In addition to Amber Alerts for Seniors, eliminating the triggerman rule and improving internet safety at home and at public libraries, Jessica’s Law is the most important new series of laws passed protecting those who can least protect themselves. Virginia now ranks in the top tier of states when it comes to cracking down on sexually violent predators. I am proud to have been a part of making Virginia’s children safer.

Consistently the legislature demonstrated support for our law enforcement community. Reforming the state’s approach to retirement benefits for those in the line of duty was another major victory for law enforcement. In 2006, the State Police and state Sheriff’s Associations honored me with a Rookie of the Year award for my legislative efforts fighting to get them better benefits. The state appropriately recognized the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, both police officers and sheriffs’ deputies, and this year Senate Bill 875 will make their retirement more competitive.

Similarly on the local level, I value the hard work of our law enforcement community which includes both the Sheriff’s and prosecutor’s office. This year Hanover has three first-rate choices for Commonwealth Attorney and I look forward to working with the person chosen by the voters to enforce those above laws passed to make our communities safer.

When the legislature reconvenes on April 4, my focus will remain on finding collaborative solutions to transportation and preserving freedom and personal responsibility through a more efficient and limited government. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime if you have a constituent concern, an idea or an item of state legislation that is of interest. It is my honor to serve.

Victory for Virginian's Property Rights

Richmond - Attorney General Bob McDonnell hailed the General Assembly passage today of eminent domain reform. This legislation p rovides that the power of eminent domain shall not be used to take private property to transfer ownership to another private party, for private economic gain, for an increase in tax revenues, or for an increase in employment. These are clearly not legitimate reasons to condemn a private property that our founders authorized in the state and federal constitutions. This legislation, sponsored by Delegate Rob Bell, Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Senator Steve Newman, and Senator Tommy Norment represents a milestone in the protection of Virginian fundamental constitutional right to own and enjoy private property. Speaking about today's vote Attorney General McDonnell remarked, "The right to private property is one of the foundations of our Republic. It is enshrined in the Constitution. However, as we have all witnessed, the Constitution is not always safe from bad court decisions which stray from the wisdom of our founding fathers. After the devastating United States Supreme Court ruling in Kelo v. City of New London in June 2005 I immediately called for additions to Virginia laws to make clear that the private property of Virginian s cannot be taken for private financial gain, an increase in tax revenue, or for an increase in employment. The legislation passed today accomplishes this important goal."

McDonnell continued noting, "I thank Delegate Bell, Senator Cuccinelli, Senator Newman and Senator Norment for their leadership on this issue. All property owners in Virginia should take great comfort in today's action. The idea that government could take a citizen's home to benefit private parties, or to increase taxes, is antithetical to the principles our nation was founded upon. Today's action is a victory for liberty in the Old Dominion."

Eminent domain is the right afforded to government by law to take private property for a legitimate public use. The term public use is generally defined by the state legislature. In Virginia it has been typically thought to mean construction of roads, airports, schools and similar-such projects. The issue moved to the forefront following the 2005 Supreme Court ruling in Kelo . In that case the United States Supreme Court allowed a Connecticut citizens home to be taken by the state strictly for the purpose of increasing the tax base by building a private business. This case created an immediate drive in Virginia , and nationally, to amend state laws to better protect the private property rights of citizens.

Attorney General McDonnell has long advocated new protections for private property. As a member of the House of Delegates he successfully advocated, prior to the Kelo ruling, for several significant private property protections. Since his election as Attorney General, he has advocated vigorously to prevent Kelo -type abuses in Virginia .

Attached: PEACE INTRODUCES EMINENT DOMAIN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Bolling Comments on Statewide Component for 97th District

The 2007 session of the Virginia General Assembly has ended. In the final hours of the session the members of the Senate and House of Delegates took final action on a number of key bills and resolutions. In this week’s edition of The Bolling Report I will bring you up to date on the most important issue considered by the General Assembly this year – transportation. I will report on other issues in a special edition of The Bolling Report next week.

The Senate and House of Delegates have given final approval to the compromise transportation plan offered by Republican legislative leaders. The final version of the transportation plan continues to have a statewide component that will raise an additional $600M a year for highway construction throughout Virginia, and two local option regional plans that will raise additional money for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

The statewide plan calls for transferring $184M a year in general fund revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund. Additional resources would come from a $10 increase in vehicle registration fees; an increase in abusive driver fees; and an increase in registration fees, fines and penalties for heavy trucks. A portion of this money would be used to issue $2.5B in transportation bonds...

For example, Governor Kaine and the State Senate had consistently refused to use existing general fund revenues for transportation. Instead, they wanted to rely solely on higher taxes and fees. It was this differing approach that resulted in the impasse on transportation that occurred in 2006. In an effort to move beyond this impasse Republican legislative leaders decided that a compromise was required, and the transportation plan discussed above is the product of this compromise.

There are many parts of the compromise plan that I like, and other parts that concern me greatly.

On the positive side, many of the key provisions in the statewide plan mirror recommendations I have been making for months.

For example, I like the fact that the statewide plan uses $500M in current budget surpluses for transportation and earmarks 50% of future budget surpluses for transportation.

I also like the fact that the statewide plan transfers $184M in existing general fund revenue resources to the Transportation Trust Fund. In fact, I would have supported a larger general fund transfer for transportation.

Likewise, I do not object to an increase in abusive driver fees, as long as those fees are not retroactively applied; and I do not object to an increase in registration fees for heavy trucks, which cause a great deal of damage to our roads; or an increase in fines and penalties for overweight vehicles.

I also support the responsible use of bonds to help advance critical transportation projects.

In addition, I am very pleased that the statewide plan includes a major emphasis on other issues that are critical to addressing our long term transportation needs. For example:

The plan includes a number of recommendations that will enhance our ability to do a better job linking land use planning with transportation planning.

The plan includes a number of recommendations that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the Department of Transportation and enable us to make certain that our transportation dollars are being spent wisely and that transportation projects are coming in on time and on budget.

The plan includes an increased emphasis on rail and mass transit, which is critical to meeting our long term transportation needs; as well as other so called “cultural changes”, such as car pooling, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, telecommuting, staggered working hours, etc.

All things considered, I think the General Assembly did a good job putting the statewide component of the transportation plan together.

STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN COMPONENTS

> Raises about $760 million the first year, $530 million in fiscal 2009 and $600 million annually thereafter.> Issues $2.5 billion in bonds by 2016 in annual increments of about $300 million beginning in 2008. > Uses $500 million in general fund revenues for transportation in 2008. > Dedicates half of each year's general fund surplus to transportation, providing an estimated $64 million a year. > Revenues from the real estate recordation tax would service the bond debt: $148 million in 2009, $172 million annually from 2010 through 2016 and $184 million annually thereafter. > Increases vehicle registration fees by $10 to raise $62.4 million annually. >Dedicates one-third of a tax on insurance premiums to transportation: $109.8 million in 2008, gradually increasing to $180 million in fiscal 2013. >Imposes harsh fees on abusive drivers: $57.5 million in 2008, $80.5 million in 2009 and $108.1 million annually thereafter. >Increases registration fees for heavy trucks: $31.2 million in 2008, gradually increasing to $36 million in 2013.

Gillespie: "Kaine owes it to Virginians to keep his promise on transportation"

Gillespie Lauds General Assembly Traffic Congestion Relief Plan Richmond, Virginia. (Feb. 24, 2007) Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Ed Gillespie called on Governor Tim Kaine to support the transportation plan communicated by the Virginia General Assembly (HB 3202) after passing with bi-partisan support in the House of Delegates and 21-18 in the Virginia Senate on Saturday.

"By increasing the Transportation Trust Fund, implementing critical VDOT reforms, and most importantly establishing the link between land use decisions and transportation spending, General Assembly has emerged with a clear vision and a 21st century transportation plan," stated Gillespie.

'Governor Kaine campaigned in 2005 saying he would ease traffic congestion in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia without raising taxes," said Gillespie. 'Without expending any effort to get a bill passed himself, Kaine has ended up with a transportation plan on his desk that would enable him to keep his promise."

'He owes it to Virginians to do just that,' concluded Gillespie.

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Patrick Henry to be tour's focus: Assembly approves heritage trail aimed at drawing tourists

Patrick Henry will be the star of a new driving tour centered in the Richmond area under legislation adopted by the General Assembly.

Alisa Bailey, president of the Virginia Tourism Corp., said yesterday that "The Road to Revolution" heritage trail could bring a significant influx of visitors and tourist dollars to the Richmond area.

The legislation, passed by the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate, is on its way to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who is expected to sign it.

Del. Christopher K. Peace, R-Hanover, the legislation's sponsor, said he wanted a way to spotlight Hanover County's history.

The driving tour would begin at Scotchtown, one of Henry's homes, near Beaverdam.

It would proceed to Hanover Courthouse, where Henry argued a famous religious-liberty case, then across the street to Hanover Tavern, where, legend has it, Henry tended bar.

From there visitors would drive to Polegreen Church near Mechanicsville, one of the churches that began a dissent against the established Anglican Church. Henry's mother took him to church services there.

The site most closely identified with Henry, St. John's Church on Church Hill in Richmond, would be the next stop. There, Henry made his famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech.

Tourists could continue to Red Hill Plantation in Charlotte County near Brookneal. Henry died there June 6, 1799.

The legislation directs the Virginia Department of Transportation to prepare signs with a common logo directing tourists to the sites.

"I talked to a few folks and they suggested we find a way to gather all the Henry sites under an umbrella historical tour," Peace said.

Bailey said most tourists don't have a lot of time and don't spend all their time visiting historical sites.

Many who come to Richmond will look for places to eat, sleep and shop, Bailey said. "This will add to the Richmond area's [tourism] footprint," she said. "It is another thing to sell to get people to come to this area."

BY TYLER WHITLEY TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Saturday, February 17, 2007

Contact staff writer Tyler Whitley at twhitley@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6780. This story can be found at: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149193246826&path=%21news%21politics&s=1045855935264

House Republicans Detail Legislative Agenda Success at Conclusion of 2007 General Assembly Session

-- Comprehensive Transportation Bill Offers Solutions Through Reforms, Funding, Land Use ---- Enacted Bills Address Eminent Domain, Public Safety and Health Care -- House GOP Strengthens Commitments to Education, Economic Development, Environment --

RICHMOND, VA -Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today detailed the legislative accomplishments of House Republicans at the close of the 2007 General Assembly Session.

The 2007 Session began with House Republicans putting forth a bold legislative agenda that addressed the critical issues that directly affect Virginians, remarked Speaker Howell. "With legislation focusing on addressing the transportation challenge, protecting property rights, and providing for healthcare, education, crime, and the environment, the ambition of our agenda was matched only by our determination to see our proposals enacted. I am pleased to report today that our dedication has delivered significant achievements that will improve the quality of life of the citizens we are elected to serve."

The Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform Act of 2007, approved by the House and Senate, is now on its way to Governor Kaine. "This the most significant legislation to address this core service approved since the special session of 1986," observed Howell. "Not only does this bill increase the funding for our roads, railways, and public transit, but it includes some of the most significant reforms to update the Commonwealth's approach to land use and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the manner in which we deliver transportation services. And by giving our two most congested regions, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, the ability to raise and retain funding for their unique needs, we have provided those regions with the tools they need now."

The House and Senate also approved legislation, House Bill 2954, negating the effects of the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Kelo v. New London, which increased the takings powers of government through eminent domain. "Our legislation to restrict the rights of governments under eminent domain increases the protection for every property owner," noted Howell. "Since the Kelo decision, Americans have had to look to state government to protect their property rights. We have answered that call, strengthening the rights of Virginians."

The House and Senate approved a package of amendments to the 2006-2008 Biennial Budget. House Bill 1650 increased funding to protect the Chesapeake Bay, further fulfilling a 2005 commitment made by House Republicans to provide $500 million for Bay cleanup. The package also included a 4% pay raise for state employees, sheriff's deputies, and college faculty, as well as the state share of a 3% increase for public school teachers. In addition, the amendments include a new program promoted by House Republicans to provide incentive funding to lower the costs of an education at state-supported colleges and universities.

"The fact that not a single delegate voted against House Bill 1650 is especially impressive," Speaker Howell said. "Chairman Callahan and the conferees for the House did an extraordinary job of putting together a package of budget amendments that won widespread, bipartisan support. The bill we approved increases our commitment to education, health care, and the environment."

Remarking on the conclusion of the 2007 session, Speaker Howell commented, "They call this the "Short Session," but judging from the impressive list of legislation approved, there was nothing short about our accomplishments. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I look forward to the enacted bills being signed into law by the Governor."

The following is a list* of selected House Republican-sponsored bills that have passed the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia, and that will now be sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

TRANSPORTATION - COMPREHENSIVE COMPROMISE OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR RESULTS House Bill 3202, the Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform Act, is the only comprehensive transportation plan to be approved by either house this session. This bill includes components that will give Virginia's fastest-growing localities more authority to combat sprawl and traffic congestion, enact significant reforms to the state's delivery of transportation services, and inject more than $2.5 billion statewide into the Commonwealth's network of roads, railways, and public transit with Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads given the authority to raise and retain local funds totaling an additional $400 million and $200 million respectively. House Bill 1650, the amendments to the 2006-2008 Biennial Budget, provides for $500 Million in General Fund revenues for transportation, including $339 million from the Transportation Reserve Fund, initiated at the behest of the House during the budget negotiations in 2006.

HB 3202 Howell, W. J. (Stafford) Passed House 64-34, Passed Senate 21-18 Achieves a comprehensive compromise that provides statewide funding of transportation projects through current and new revenue streams, authority to localities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads to raise and retain additional fees for their unique transportation needs, administrative and efficiency reforms impacting transportation, and substantial land-use planning changes. Authorizes the Commonwealth Transportation Board to issue $2.5 billion in bonds to construct important projects.

HB 1940 Purkey (Virginia Beach) Passed House 96-2, Killed in Senate Finance Dedicates one-half of any budget surplus remaining at the end of each fiscal year to be designated for deposit into the Transportation Trust Fund.

HB 2314 Lingamfelter (Prince William) Passed House 76-22, Passed Senate 29-10-1 Allows the CTB, in accordance with all applicable federal and state statutes, to impose and collect tolls for the use of any component of the Interstate Highway System within the Commonwealth, with the proceeds to be deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund and allocated by the Board.

HJ 18 Marshall, R. (Prince William) Passed House 97-1, Killed in Senate 11-29 Locks up the Transportation Trust Fund by a Constitutional Amendment securing funds dedicated for transportation cannot be diverted and can only be used for transportation purposes.

LAND USE AND PROPERTY RIGHTS In addition to the land use reforms included in HB 3202, the House and presented other proposals to protect the rights of private property owners and to combat sprawl in the fastest-growing regions of Virginia.

HJ 723 Bell (Albemarle) Passed House 67-30, Killed in Senate 16-23-3 Protects Virginians property rights by amending the Constitution to establish what constitutes a taking of private property for a public use in response to the 2005 Kelo v. New London case. Prohibits eminent domain use for economic development, increased tax revenue or job creation purposes.

HB 2500 Orrock (Spotsylvania) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Allows "high-growth" localities to use the "Northern Virginia" form of conditional zoning. Gives high-growth localities greater flexibility including the ability to accept proffers, the need for which is not generated solely by the rezoning.

HB 2954 Bell (Albemarle) Passed House 84-14, Passed Senate 36-2-2 Safeguards individual private property rights by defining public use for eminent domain purposes, restricting it from being used to generate tax revenue.

EDUCATION - BUILDING VIRGINIA'S FUTURE The House advanced legislation to improve and promote vocation-technical education, to make college more affordable and to expand opportunities to increase parental choice for the education of their children. In addition, HB1650 includes funding for the state-supported portion of a 3% pay raise for public school teachers, an increase for undergraduate student financial aid, a tuition moderation incentive fund, and investment for career and technical education opportunities and equipment.

HB 1442 Nutter (Montgomery) Passed House 75-25, Incorporated into HB 2039 Passed Senate 40-0 Expands the requirements for earning a standard diploma to include a sequence of two credits in career and technical education. Creates more standard diploma graduates with highly marketable credentials to move into high-demand positions in Virginia's workforce.

HB 1674 Scott, E. (Madison) Passed House 94-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Extends the sunset on the sales-and-use-tax exemption for textbooks and educational material distributed to professors and educators for free.

HB 1711 Callahan (Fairfax) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Authorizes the issuance of up to $92,883,000 in 9(c) bonds for capital projects, such as student housing, at public institutions of higher learning throughout the Commonwealth.

HB 1843 Saxman (Staunton) Passed House 53-45, Killed in Senate Finance Creates income tax credits for business entities and individual taxpayers who make contributions to eligible public school foundations and eligible scholarship foundations to foster greater access to quality educational opportunities for all students.

HB 1978 Lohr (Rockingham) Passed House 96-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Requires local school boards to include in their annual report to the Board of Education the number of students who complete a career or technical concentration or specialization and who meet the requirements for high school graduation

HB 2039 Hamilton (Newport News) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Establishes standard requirements for a technical diploma in career and technical education, including providing credits for career and technical education courses leading to an industry or trade certification.

HB 2114 Carrico (Grayson) Passed House 88-10, Passed Senate 40-0 Requires the Virginia Community College System to grant in-state tuition to any person enrolled in one of the System's institutions who lives out of state, but within a 30-mile radius of a Virginia community college, provided his state of residence has a reciprocal arrangement for Virginia residents.

HB 2302 Cole (Spotsylvania) Passed House 73-25, Passed Senate 20-19 Allows local school boards to enter into agreements with nonpublic schools within the school division to provide student transportation.

HB 2311 Lingamfelter (Prince William) Passed House 90-8, Passed Senate 40-0 Establishes Public Charter School Fund for the purposes of establishing or supporting public charter schools in the Commonwealth to stimulate the development of alternative public education programs.

HB 2623 Reid (Henrico) Passed House 74-23, Killed in Senate Education and Health 8-7 Prohibits illegal aliens from eligibility for in-state tuition rates at Virginia's public colleges and universities.

HJ 729 Cox (Colonial Heights) Passed House 92-4, Passed Senate 40-0 Directs JLARC to study the effectiveness and performance results of the Virginia Preschool Initiative and evaluate the cost and effectiveness of universal pre-kindergarten programs.

TAX REFORM, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOB CREATION For the first year, Virginians are on the same schedule to phase-out the death tax as residents of other states, long a top priority of small businesses and family-owned farms. In addition, Virginia's small-wage and low-income earners will soon be exempt from the state income tax. Incentives to increase job opportunities and economic development also received wide, bipartisan support.

HB 1744 Marshall, R. (Prince William) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Increases the income limit for elderly and disabled taxpayers in certain Northern Virginia localities from $72,000 to $75,000 for real property tax exemptions.

HB 1937 Purkey (Virginia Beach) Passed House 81-16, Killed in Senate Finance Classifies as intangible personal property idle equipment, hardware or software, of a research and development or technology, high technology, or nanotechnology business.

HB 1974 Fralin (Roanoke City) Passed House 94-2, Passed Senate 39-0 Allows localities to establish economic revitalization zones to provide incentives and regulatory flexibility to private entities that purchase property suitable for economic development.

HB 2127 Hugo (Fairfax) Passed House 78-17, Killed in Senate Finance Requires localities to provide individual notice to each real estate taxpayer of proposed tax rates to increase openness and transparency in real estate tax rates.

HB 2167 Cline (Rockbridge) Passed House 98-0, Killed in Senate Finance Includes computers systems, hardware and software to the successful Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday initiated by House Republicans and enacted in 2006.

HB 2181 Saxman (Staunton) Passed House 96-2, Passed Senate 39-0 Reforms the definition of idle machinery and tools for taxation purposes to support manufacturing industries across the Commonwealth.

HB 2230 Nutter (Montgomery) Passed House 100-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Allows localities to create a Tourism Financing Development Authority to promote establishment of tourism infrastructure.

HB 2468 Marshall, D. (Danville) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Provides greater flexibility for use of the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund to direct investment to projects in high-unemployment localities.

HB 3022 Cline (Rockbridge) Passed House 95-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Phases in increases in the filing threshold for individual and family for the state income tax, proving valuable tax relief by eliminating the tax liability for over 300,000 low-income Virginians.

HB 3171 Landes (Augusta) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Allows the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority to provide grants for research and development by nonprofit research institutions.

PROTECTING VIRGINIA'S ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES House Republicans remain ahead of schedule in fulfilling their commitment to dedicate more than $500 million to protecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay before 2015. Along with our continued investment into cleaning up the Bay, support for CSO projects and land conservation also were significant achievements this session

HB 1640 Wright (Lunenberg) Passed House 85-8, Passed Senate 39-0 Provides an exemption from the sales and use tax for multi-fuel heating stoves that are capable of burning a variety of alternative fuels, including shelled corn, wood pellets, cherry pits, and olive pits.

HB 1678 Cosgrove (Chesapeake) Passed House 94-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Establishes an annual sales tax holiday the first weekend of October for purchases of Energy Star qualified products with a sales price of $2,500 or less per product.

HB 1710 Callahan (Fairfax) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Provides new, innovative and flexible funding options for $500 million in grants for the installation of nutrient removal technologies at specified publicly owned water treatment plants as part of House Republican’s ongoing commitment to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.

HB 1758 Kilgore (Scott) Passed House 92-4, Passed Senate 38-0 Increases the penalty for obstructing or contaminating state waters to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

HB 1859 Wittman (Westmoreland) Passed House 98-0, Passed by Senate 38-0 Establishes as a goal of the Department of Environmental Quality to have citizen volunteers monitor 3,000 stream miles by 2010.

HB 2694 Cline (Rockbridge) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Expands projects that can be innovatively financed through the Virginia Resources Authority to include programs or projects for land conservation or land preservation.

HB 2708 Hugo (Fairfax) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Requires the electric utility provider to enter into an agreement to purchase any excess electricity generated by an eligible customer-generator upon the request of the customer

HB 2802 Byron (Campbell) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Consolidates the program that regulates the application of biosolids (sewage sludge) under one agency, the Department of Environmental Quality and provides better regulation and oversight.

HB 2825 Ware, R.L. (Powhatan) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Provides greater flexibility in the disbursement of funds from the Land Conservation Fund to natural area protection, open spaces and parks, farmlands and forest preservation, and historic area preservation.

CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Building upon an extensive record of strengthening Virginia's laws to protect citizens and increase penalties for violent offenders, House Republicans this year put forth legislation to combat gang violence, keep families safe from sexual predators, and responsibly address the growing challenge of illegal immigration.

HB 1618 Frederick (Prince William) Passed House 69-31, Killed in Senate Courts of Justice 11-3 Provides for the Governor to enter into an agreement with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would allow the Department of State Police to enforce civil immigration laws.

HB 1625 Ingram (Hopewell) Passed House 100-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Provides that any person holding public office who is convicted of any offense that requires registration on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry shall forfeit public office.

HB 1921 Griffith (Salem) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Protects immigrants by penalizing any person who exhorts anyone by knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing a passport or other immigration document, or other government identification document of another person.

HB 1970 Albo (Fairfax) Passed House 70-28, Killed in Senate Courts of Justice Provides that any alien who is present in the United States illegally and is removable, as verified by the federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

HB 2347 Gilbert (Shenandoah) Passed House 83-13, Passed Senate 30-10 Provides that the willful, deliberate and premeditated killing of any witness in a criminal case, when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with the person's duties in such case, is punishable as capital murder.

HB 2429 Albo (Fairfax) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Strengthens the penalties for any person who solicits, invites, recruits, encourages, or otherwise causes or attempts to cause another to participate, generally, in an act or acts of terrorism.

HB 2524 Iaquinto (Virginia Beach) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Expands the felonies that qualify as predicate criminal acts necessary for criminal gang member status.

HB 2687 Reid (Henrico) Passed House 62-37, Killed in Senate Courts of Justice 11-4 Discourages businesses from knowingly hiring illegal aliens by making it an unfair employment practice to knowingly employ an unauthorized alien within the Commonwealth.

HB 2750 Hurt (Pittsylvania) Passed House 81-14, Passed Senate 30-9 Makes it a capital murder for willful, deliberate and premeditated killing of a judge or justice when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with his official duties.

HB 2828 Peace (Hanover) Passed House 99-0, Killed in Senate Finance 13-0 Strengthens the jail term for stalking, when the victim is a minor & the offender is 10 or more years older.

HB 2926 Rust (Fairfax) Passed House 92-6, Killed in Senate Courts of Justice 11-4 Expands the powers of state and local law-enforcement officials to include immigration powers conferred upon the law-enforcement agency by agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

HB 2937 Miller, J. (Prince William) Passed House 70-29, Killed in Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services 11-4 Provides that no state or local funds shall be used by charity or community organizations to provide assistance to illegal aliens.

HB 3130 Byron (Campbell) Passed House 71-28, Killed in Senate Finance Prohibits the issuance of a business license to any individual who cannot provide legal documents proving such individual is legally eligible to be employed or to work in the United States.

PRESERVING AND PROTECTING VIRGINIANS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY In addition to approving an additional $5.5 million for emergency preparedness in its amendments to the 2006-2008 state budget, the House this year presented legislation to combat online predators and to protect schools and neighborhoods from convicted sexual offenders.

HB 1665 Marshall, R. (Prince William) Passed House 71-27, Killed in Senate Education and Health 9-6 Punishes any person who forces or coerces a pregnant female to have an abortion against her will.

HB 1712 Callahan (Fairfax) Passed House 97-1, Killed in Senate Finance- Incorporated into HB 1650 Provides for construction of a medium-security state prison in the Mount Roger’s Planning District in Southwest Virginia.

HB 2304 Sherwood (Frederick) Passed House 97-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Enables Virginia to assist other states in responding to emergencies and disasters.

HB 2344 Bell (Albemarle) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Prohibits sex offenders from entering the property of a public or private elementary or secondary school or a day care center.

HB 2372 Dudley (Franklin) Passed House 100-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Creates the Senior Alert Program for local, regional, or statewide notification of missing seniors or impaired adults.

HB 2648 Jones, S.C. (Suffolk) Passed House 72-25, Killed in Senate Education and Health 7-8 Provides that any person, including the pregnant female, who administers to or causes to be taken by a pregnant female any drug or uses means, with intent to destroy her unborn child, or to produce abortion or miscarriage and thereby destroys such child or produces such abortion or miscarriage is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

HB 2749 Hurt (Pittsylvania) Passed House 91-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Protects children from online predators by requiring a sex offender to include in the registration information any e-mail address and any instant messaging screen name that he uses or will use.

HB 2979 Bell (Albemarle) Passed House 99-0, Killed in Senate Courts of Justice 3-10 Increases the penalty for using a computer to solicit sex with a minor.

HEALTH CARE In their continuing effort to increase access to affordable quality health care, House Republicans advanced measures to significantly increase access to mental-health services, provide more coverage for low-income expectant mothers, and bolster Virginia’s commitment to long-term care for seniors.

HB 1883 Marshall, R. (Prince William) Passed House 60-35, Killed in Senate Education and Health 8-7 Requires abortion clinics to be licensed & comply with requirements in place for ambulatory surgery centers.

HB 2032 Hamilton (Newport News) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Expands the type of long-term care services that must be provided by the Department of Aging, including transportation, educational, and housing services and opportunities for self-care and independent living.

HB 2033 Hamilton (Newport News) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Coordinates the long-term care services of the Commonwealth through the Secretary of Health and Human Resources with input from various agencies to better facilitate interagency service development and implementation, communication, and cooperation.

HB 2035 Hamilton (Newport News) Passed House 80-17, Passed Senate 40-0 Requires on October 1, 2008 young females to receive the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer, but parents or guardians may elect for their daughter(s) not to receive it.

HB 2161 O’Bannon (Henrico) Passed House 94-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Improves the performance measures for the Statewide Emergency Medical Care System.

HB 2198 Nixon (Chesterfield) Passed House 97-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Facilitates increased and improved interoperability of electronic health records systems throughout Virginia.

HB 2319 Welch (Virginia Beach) Passed House 93-1, Passed Senate 29-10 Enacts Abraham’s Law specifying reasons that a decision by parents to refuse a particular medical treatment for a child with a life-threatening condition is not a refusal to provide necessary care.

HB 2624 Reid (Henrico) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Requires state agencies to report on their progress on addressing the impact of Virginia’s aging population.

HJ 637 O’Bannon (Henrico) Passed House 91-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Establishes a joint subcommittee to study childhood obesity in Virginia's public schools.

GOVERNMENT AND ELECTION REFORM Increasing government accountability and protecting the integrity of the electoral process remain top priorities or House Republicans. This year, legislation to increase transparency, to strengthen campaign finance disclosure requirements, and to expand retirement options for state employees all garnered solid support.

HB 1830 Putney (Bedford) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 34-5 Changes the participation in the deferred compensation plan for new state employees hired on or after January 1, 2008, to an "opt-out" plan rather than an "opt-in" plan.

HB 1977 Fralin (Roanoke City) Passed House 62-32, Passed Senate 34-6 Provides that surplus inaugural committee funds shall be used only to return contributions to contributors or make charitable contributions.

HB 2101 Orrock (Spotsylvania) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Requires legislation authorizing a statewide bond referendum to include a neutral explanation or a fiscal impact about the referendum for distribution to voters.

HB 2386 May (Loudoun) Passed House 97-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Develops and implements a centralized system to accept campaign finance reports from local office candidates.

HB 3068 Hogan (Halifax) Passed House 85-13, Passed Senate 35-3-1 Establishes a new mechanism for regulating the rates of investor-owned electric utilities, balancing the protection of the consumer and the need for increased energy generation in Virginia.

HJ 593 Griffith (Salem) Passed House 56-39, Killed in Senate Privileges and Elections 7-8 Provides for a Constitutional Amendment allowing the General Assembly to suspend or nullify administrative rules and regulations by a majority vote.

HONORING OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN Honoring and providing for those who protect our nation – and their families – received extensive attention again this session by House Republicans, as the House put forth bills that would increase educational opportunities for those in service to the United States and honor them by memorializing their service to our country.

HB 1822 Suit (Virginia Beach) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Provides in-state tuition rates for any active duty members, activated guard or reservist members, or guard or reservist members mobilized or on temporary active orders for six months or more that are either stationed or assigned by their military service to a work location in Virginia, and residing in Virginia.

HB 1996 Suit (Virginia Beach) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Expands in-state tuition rates to dependents of activated or temporarily mobilized reservists or guard members.

HB 2092 Tata (Virginia Beach) Passed House 98-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Eliminates the requirement that a student must have been attending a public school in the Commonwealth while residing with his custodial parent prior to the parent's deployment outside the United States in order to attend school without paying tuition.

HB 2179 Janis (Henrico) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 40-0 Clarifies that qualified survivors and dependents shall be admitted to any public institution of higher education or other public accredited postsecondary institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia, free of tuition and all required fees under the War Orphans Act.

HB 2240 Cox (Colonial Heights) Passed House 99-0, Passed Senate 39-0 Advances state funding for the construction of an educational wing of the Virginia War Memorial, with funding made available upon certification that $2 million in private funds have been raised.

UPHOLDING FAMILY VALUES Adhering to common-sense conservative principles and upholding the traditional values of Virginians, House Republicans fought for legislation to protect school children from pornography, expand parental involvement in their children’s education and extra-curricular school activities, and increase the information available to those making difficult medical decisions.

HB 1727 Lohr (Rockingham) Passed House 82-15, Killed in Senate Education and Health 6-9 Requires that local school boards either provide notice and an opportunity for parents to opt their children out of participation in any school-sponsored club or require the prior express written permission of parents to be filed with the school before any student may be a member of a school-sponsored club.

HB 2197 Nixon (Chesterfield) Passed House 80-14, Passed Senate 31-9 Protects children from pornography by requiring libraries receiving state funding to install technology protection measures to filter or block Internet access through such computers to child pornography.

HB 2808 Byron (Campbell) Passed House 60-38, Killed in Education and Health 6-9 Requires that, prior to performing an abortion, a pregnant woman will be offered the opportunity to view an ultrasound image of her fetus.

Please Note: This list is not intended to be a complete compilation of all Republican-sponsored legislation in the 2007 Session. Additional House Republican initiatives are included in Amendments to the 2006-2008 Biennial Budget (HB 1650) which passed the House 98-0 and the Senate 40-0.

For more details about any bill listed above, please contact the office of the delegate who patroned the measure or click on the bill number, which is linked to the General Assembly’s Legislative Information Service. # # #

Tim Kaine's failed leadership

The Washington TimesBy Ed Gillespie Published February 23, 2007

Citizens across Virginia are watching with interest as Republicans in the General Assembly work to solve the pressing problem of traffic congestion in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, but one who should be doing more than simply watching is Gov. Tim Kaine.

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone in Richmond who thinks Mr. Kaine has been even marginally relevant in the ongoing debate over Virginia's most vexing policy challenge. He has followed a self-marginalizing path on transportation — and he's running out of time to change his course.

There is a viable compromise plan on the table that would funnel billions in new dollars to the most gridlocked areas of the state. But for weeks now, Mr. Kaine has been hunkered down at an undisclosed location, irresolute and uncharacteristically silent. He's been awaiting a sign of a breakthrough so he can race in and take credit, but otherwise has meekly avoided doing anything to irk the Senate's increasingly isolated advocates of higher taxes.

At their behest, Mr. Kaine last year jettisoned his no-new-taxes campaign commitment with embarrassing haste and ease, jeopardizing both his credibility and long-term political viability in the process. He ended up with nothing for the commuters stuck in traffic and nothing for his legacy.

Despite that recent experience, he began this session of the legislature with another proposal for massive tax increases to fund transportation needs in Virginia — virtually identical to the one that failed to pass the legislature just last year, calling a billion dollars per year in new revenue "modest."

Mr. Kaine would probably tell us Terrell Owens is a "modest" athlete, Madonna is a "modest" entertainer and Donald Trump is a "modest" little real-estate developer.

This was a brash effort to raise taxes at a time when record revenue to our commonwealth's coffers has created a billion-dollar budget surplus — a surplus the governor proposes to spend on seemingly everything but transportation, which he says is his top priority.

I don't know what his definition of "priority" is, but I do know that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

But let's be honest: Mr. Kaine is not expecting a different result from the same failed approach to transportation. He's expecting the exact same result, and is hoping to campaign against Republicans for not going along with his tax hike, even though he said when he ran for governor in 2005 that we can solve our transportation needs without raising taxes.

His stated goal is for Democrats to take control of the General Assembly this November, and he's working with Sen. James Webb and former Gov. Mark Warner to raise millions toward that end. But Mr. Kaine will soon learn that voters can tell when a politician would rather run on a problem than fix it. His plan to run against Republicans in the General Assembly for the good of the Democratic Party rather than work with Republicans in the General Assembly for the good of Virginia will backfire in November.

If his approach is not the definition of insanity, it is the definition of failed leadership. Virginians know gubernatorial leadership when they see it. Our last five governors demonstrated that an effective chief executive can set the agenda, reach across party lines, and get results:

• Gov. Gerald Baliles championed a major transportation plan.

• Gov. Douglas Wilder managed the state through a recession without a tax increase and passed one-gun-a-month legislation.

• Gov. George Allen abolished parole, reformed welfare, brought high academic standards and accountability to education, revamped the state's economic development apparatus, and opened the way for innovative public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.

• Gov. Jim Gilmore hired thousands of new teachers and passed car-tax and food-tax relief.

• Gov. Mark Warner raised taxes by an unprecedented amount to remedy a perceived structural imbalance.

Whether you agree with their policies or not, these governors got in the game and got things done, which Mr. Kaine has yet to do. Nearly nine in ten Republicans in both houses of the General Assembly and all but one of the legislature's Republican leaders have offered a forward-looking plan to invest billions in transportation where they are most urgently needed. They have come together to provide strong and sensible leadership, proposing the largest transportation investment in Virginia in two decades without new statewide tax increases and without imposing regional taxes, which voters have already rejected.

As the General Assembly session comes to a close, the question is whether Mr. Kaine will emerge from the shadows and finally engage in a meaningful way. It's now time for Citizen Kaine to start acting like Gov. Kaine, and to realize that doing nothing is no longer in the interest of his party or our commonwealth.

If another year goes by in Richmond without sending major relief to the congestion-choked regions of our commonwealth, the people stuck in traffic will know which party put forward a positive solution, and which party chose to play politics.

And the Republican Party of Virginia will make sure they do.

Ed Gillespie is chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

View this story online: http://www.washtimes.com/functions/print.php?StoryID=20070222-084946-6110r

Aging in Place / Assisted Living Facilities Bill Passes House

Delegate Peace supported by AARP and other Senior Citizen groups to give seniors a choice in long term care Richmond, VA - On February 5th, the General Assembly's House of Delegates recognized and affirmed the value of aging in place. Delegate Chris Peace supported by the AARP, Virginia Association of Home Care, Virginia Assisted Living Association and others passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Monday and has been referred to Senate. This bill gives seniors a residential choice in their own long term care.

"This bill put into policy the concept of consumer choice. AARP supports consumers being able to chose long-term care services in settings of their choice." Bill Kallio, AARP Virginia State Director.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R- Mechanicsville), chief patron of House Bill 3207, appreciates the support from associations such as AARP. His bill will ensure a resident of a long term care facility, and his family are active participants in the direction and management of the resident’s care. It also clarifies that a resident may not removed arbitrarily by the Department of Social Services from the senior residential facility contrary to an appropriate joint decision of the resident, his family, his physician, and the facility. The bill recognizes the importance of a residents and his family’s choice in developing the residents plan of care, while preserving the authority of assisted living facilities to determine it is no longer capable of providing for or managing the care of a resident. HB 3027 does not eliminate the prohibited conditions of admission or residence in an assisted living facility set forth in the Code of Virginia.

"With a 93 year old grandmother who lives with in-home care, I recognize the mental and physical health benefits of helping seniors remain in place, in a place of their choosing. The state should respect the wishes of residential facilities, doctors, families, and their loved ones," said Mr. Peace.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates on January 24, 2006 in a Special Election where he carried four of the seven jurisdictions and over 65% of the precincts. As the representative for the 97th District, Delegate Peace serves parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County. Peace now sits on the prominent House Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions, and Science and Technology Committees.

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Del. Chris Peace Statement on Payday Lending Reform

House Bill 2563 Stricken from CalendarFebruary 6, 2007

House Bill 2563, the payday lending industry's so-called "reform" bill, was stricken from the docket rather than allow restructuring of the industry to occur. On Saturday, February 3rd, the 72% cap was put on as an amendment to curb abuses. Payday lenders charge more than 10 times the interest of any other small loan lender.

The Payday Loan Debt Trap: How It Works

Payday lenders target Virginia's working families many of whom live paycheck to paycheck. For example, the average salary for a firefighter in the Richmond area is $38,310 annually, or $1473 every two weeks before taxes. If a financial emergency occurs and he or she takes out the maximum amount of $1500 in payday loans (3 loans at $500 each = $1500) plus $225 in fees ($75 per loan x 3 loans = $225), the amount due at the end of 2 weeks will be more than the firefighter's biweekly salary. As a result, the borrower will be forced to reborrow the money, paying an additional $225 in fees while still owing $1500 in principal. This cycle will continue until the borrower is able to work his or her way out of the debt.

The average payday borrower takes out 8 payday loans each year from a single lender, and an estimated 13 loans when multiple lenders are taken into consideration.

Virginia's working families deserve fair credit options, not payday lenders whose profits depend on trapping working families in debt.

Peace's Statement on Re-regulation of Utilities

House Bill 3068 Passes House (85-13)February 6, 2007

House Bill 3068 establishes a “Hybrid Regulatory Model,” and helps ensure a secure, reliable energy future for the Commonwealth. This model is achieved by doing 5 important things:

Restores Virginia to full cost-of-service regulation by the State Corporation Commission, including the provision for rate decreases if warranted. The bill reaffirms the sweeping powers of review and regulation of utility costs, rates and earnings spelled out in Chapter 10 of the Code.

Adds important new consumer protections that provide the SCC with broad powers to protect the interests of Virginia consumers, ensure that their electric rates are fair and reasonable, and determine each utility’s fair rate of return. Under the bill, the SCC is authorized to:

Set and reduce utility rates. Determine fair rates of return for Virginia utilities. Return earnings above authorized levels to customers. Conduct comprehensive reviews of utility books, records, rates and earnings. Approve or disapprove utility construction projects such as new generating units.

Provides incentives for utilities to build new generation to meet growing demand, to add environmental equipment at their power stations, and for excellent customer service -- all subject to SCC review and approval.

Provides incentives for utilities to find renewable forms of energy and demand-side management and conservation programs.

Maintains restructuring’s incentives for utility efficiency and superior performance.

This bill is a result of a year long task force. Today Virginia takes the first meaningful step towards ending the move toward pure deregulation and return to a cost-of-service model with these improvements.

Bolling Report Summary on Transporation Plans

Transportation Proposals Begin Working Through Legislative ProcessJanuary 27, 2007

Transportation has once again taken center stage at the Virginia General Assembly. I will use this edition of The Bolling Report to update you on the transportation proposals currently being debated in Richmond.

As I’ve often said, building a transportation system for the 21st century is the most important issue currently facing Virginia. While transportation challenges exist in every part of our state, these challenges are critical in two regions of our state – Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

It was against this back drop that the General Assembly labored for nine months in 2006 to find a transportation solution.

In 2006 Governor Kaine and leaders in the State Senate insisted on higher taxes to provide additional money for the Transportation Trust Fund, while the House of Delegate resisted these proposals, arguing that we should be able to adequately fund transportation with existing revenues.

Unfortunately, these differences could not be resolved and nothing was done to address our transportation challenges. Therefore, transportation remains the number one issue currently facing Virginia, and it is once again center stage at the General Assembly.

As the 2007 session of the General Assembly approached, Governor Tim Kaine was the first to introduce a transportation funding initiative.

The Governor proposed using $500M in existing general fund revenues to provide a one time shot in the arm to targeted transportation projects. In addition, he proposed generating an additional $550M a year for transportation by enacting the following tax and fee increases:

Increasing Virginia’s motor vehicle sales tax from 3% to 5%. Imposing an abusive driver fee on motorists who drive under the influence, drive recklessly or commit certain other offenses. Increasing the registration fee for vehicles by $15 a year Increasing the registration fee on heavy trucks, commensurate with the increase on automobiles. Republican leaders in the General Assembly dismissed the Governor’s recommendations, arguing that they represented the same proposals that were rejected by the General Assembly in 2006.

Following weeks of closed door meetings, Republican leaders in the General Assembly announced last week that they had reached agreement on their own transportation proposal. I will attempt to provide you with a summary of the proposal’s key fiscal provisions below.

(In addition to these fiscal provisions, the Republican proposal also includes a number of recommendations on land use planning and enhancing efficiency within the Department of Transportation. Due to space limitations, this report will focus on the proposal’s fiscal provisions.)

STATEWIDE PLAN

First, the Republican transportation proposal would generate $339M in one time money for critical transportation projects by appropriating money that was set aside for transportation in last years budget but never allocated to specific projects.

Second, the proposal would transfer $250M a year in existing general fund revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund on an ongoing basis.

Third, the proposal would generate an additional $246M a year for the Transportation Trust Fund by:

Increasing the vehicle registration fee by $10 a year Imposing an abusive driver fee on motorists who commit various driving related offenses Equalizing the state tax on diesel fuel with the tax on gasoline (the state tax on diesel is currently 16 cents per gallon while the tax on gasoline is currently 17.5 cents per gallon) Increasing registration fees and penalties for heavy and overweight commercial trucks Dedicating 50% of future non-designated budget surpluses to the Transportation Trust Fund. This is currently estimated at $64M a year.

The proposal would further authorize the issuance of $2B in transportation bonds to help move critical projects forward at a more rapid rate than would otherwise be possible.

REGIONAL PLANS

In recognition of the unique transportation challenges in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, the Republican proposal would generate additional funding for transportation projects by authorizing local "self help plans" in these regions of the state. Highlights of these regional plans will be discussed below:

Northern Virginia

The Northern Virginia plan would generate up to $383 million a year in transportation funding for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and effected localities.

The proposal would affect the following localities: the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William; and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Money derived from the plan would go to the Northern Virginia Transportation Fund. Money in the Fund would be allocated as follows:

First call on the Fund would be to pay debt service on bonds. The next $50M would go to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The next $30M would go to Virginia Railway Express.

Once phase two of the Dulles Rail project begins, at least $20M each year would be dedicated to that project. 45% of remaining revenues would go to participating localities to be used for urban and secondary road improvements.

The plan would also empower the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to impose tolls for newly constructed or reconstructed highways under their control.

Effected localities would be authorized to impose the following additional fees and taxes upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of their local government body:

Drivers Licenses - A fee of $100 for the initial issuance of a driver’s license. (does not include minors who have successfully completed a driver safety course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles) Grantors Tax - A tax of .40 for each $100 of value on each property or land transaction in effected localities, such as the selling of a house. Rental Car Tax - A tax of 2% on all vehicle rental transactions Commercial Real Estate Tax - A tax of .25% of the fair market value of all commercial and industrial properties in the effected areas. (includes all multi-unit residential properties)

Effected localities must vote to participate in the plan on or before January 1, 2008.

Hampton Roads

The Hampton Roads plan would generate $209 million a year for the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. The Authority would have a broad array of powers regarding the planning and construction of highways, bridges and tunnels in the effected region.

The plan would also empower the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority to impose tolls for any "new or improved highway, bridge, tunnel or transportation facility constructed by the Authority."

The Hampton Roads plan would affect the following localities: the Counties of Isle of Wight, James City and York and the Cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

These localities must vote to participate in the plan on or before September 1, 2007. (NOTE: Legislation introduced in the Senate provides that if the governing body of at least six of the effected localities votes to participate in the Authority all effected localities will be required to participate in the Authority. This provision is not included in legislation introduced in the House of Delegates.)

The plan would authorize effected localities to impose the following additional fees and taxes:

Drivers Licenses - An additional fee of $20 on the initial issuance or renewal of a drivers license Vehicle Registrations - An additional vehicle registration fee of $10 (in addition to the increase proposed in the statewide plan) Vehicle License Fee - A one time license fee equal to 1% of the retail value of all vehicles at the time they are first registered in an effected locality Vehicle Inspection Fees - An additional vehicle inspection fee in the amount of $10 Sales Tax - A sales tax in the amount of 5% on all vehicle repairs. (currently, such repairs are considered a service and are not subject to the state sales tax) Grantors Tax - A tax of .30 for each $100 of value on each property or land transaction in effected localities, such as the selling of a house. Rental Car Tax - A tax of 2% on all vehicle rental transactions Commercial Real Estate Tax - A tax of .30% of the fair market value of all commercial property and real estate

While most Republicans in the General Assembly seem prepared to support these plans, some conservative Republicans object to the fact that they include new taxes and fees. Supporters of the proposals argue that new taxes and fees are necessary to generate the money that is required to meet our transportation needs, and that some compromise on taxes and fees must be made in order to secure approval of the proposal in the Senate.

In addition, Governor Kaine and Democrats are concerned that the statewide plan would take money away from general fund revenue needs, such as education, public safety, health care, etc. They have also complained that the regional plans would "balkanize" statewide transportation spending by creating special taxing districts in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Whether these differences can be resolved or not, and whether the plans can obtain sufficient votes for passage or not, remains to be seen. Passage in the House of Delegates seems likely, but passage in the Senate could be more difficult. This picture will become clearer as the plans begin working their way through the legislative process this week.

It is important for you to let your legislators know how you feel about these proposals. Please take time to contact your legislators and share your thoughts with them. I know they would be glad to have your input.

The Bolling Report

Transportation Reform Act of 2007 - Click Here for Details

This comprehensive transportation plan will: 1) give Virginia’s fast-growing localities more authority to combat sprawl and traffic congestion; enact significant reforms to the state’s delivery of transportation services; and 3) inject over $2 billion into Virginia’s network of roads, railways and public transit. It does so without statewide tax increases. It also does so without any regional (or statewide) sales, income or gas tax increases.

In addition, the plan dedicates at least $250 million each in General Fund revenues to transportation, requiring spending reductions. It removes more revenue authority from localities than it grants, making it more than revenue neutral in granting authority. Finally, tax cuts going into effect in FY 08 (e.g., Death Tax repeal, $140 million annualized reduction) offset the increases in fees in the statewide portion of the plan, excluding the abuser fee penalties on repeat DUI, reckless or aggressive drivers.

Attachments Highlights of Road Plan Plan Overview VDOT Statewide Revenues Bonds Land Use

Hanover County Student Serves as Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julie E. CoggsdaleJanuary 15, 2007 (804) 698-1097 julie@chrispeace.com

Kelsey Paylor chosen to represent 97th District

Mechanicsville, VA – Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) welcomes Kelsey Paylor in her first year of service as a Page in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Kelsey Paylor, 13, is an 8th grader at Stonewall Jackson Middle School who enjoys horseback riding and oil painting in her free time. She participates in the Peers Always Lending Support (PALS) program and is active in sports such as basketball. “Whenever I play basketball at home I always beat my brother Grant” Paylor commented.

In school Paylor looks forward to Science and loves to witness the cause and effect relationships produced by experiments. Last year, Paylor took part in People to People where she was able to visit Washington D.C. and view the many historic monuments in the District. Her favorites included those of Patrick Henry and James Madison.

As for being chosen to represent the 97th District, Paylor mentioned “I really enjoy working as a Page but I miss my mom’s home-cooking.” She also stated that one of her favorite aspects of being a Page is her “newfound freedom and independence.”

“Kelsey is a testament to the Hanover Public School system’s goal of not only educating, but also instilling civic duty in our students,” said Peace. ‘As a fellow Hanoverian, I am proud to have such a wonderful young lady representing our county.”

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to represent the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates on January 24, 2006. The 97th District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County. Peace now sits on the prominent House Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions, and Science and Technology Committees.

Do Unto Others

Richmond Times-Dispatch Jan 17, 2007

It used to happen every 10 years. Virginia's Democratic legislators would produce a redistricting map; Virginia's Republican legislators would erupt in outrage at Democratic perfidy. The lines maximized Democratic potential while restraining Republican. Thanks in large part to gerrymandering, for many years the partisan lineup in the General Assembly did not accurately reflect the state's political sentiments. Democrats owed their dominance not to the attractiveness of their platform or to their reputation for probity but to their artful exploitation of redistricting schemes.

Republicans studied at the feet of masters. And when the GOP won belated legislative majorities, what did it do? Need any naif ask? The party of reform produced a gerrymander that must have made its teachers proud. As soon as Republicans won the power to draw the maps, they discovered the virtues of gerrymandering; as soon as Democrats lost the power to draw the maps, they discovered the virtues of reform.

In 1992 certain Republicans proposed a constitutional amendment to remove redistricting from the legislature and move it to an independent panel of noteworthy figures charged to create districts without regard to partisan advantage. The proposal's enthusiastic patrons included a back-bencher from Stafford by the name of Bill Howell. Fifteen years later Howell serves as speaker. Recently a committee in the august chamber he leads spiked a Democratic proposal to transfer redistricting to an independent panel. The only response is to smile -- at both sides of the aisle.

In an editorial supporting redistricting reform The Washington Post warns Republicans that Democrats, who have been chipping away at the GOP's Assembly numbers, could claim a majority in time for the redistricting based on the 2010 Census. Accepting a nonpartisan alternative to gerrymandering now could promote GOP interests in the long run. Although political analysts might question whether The Post has been consulting a Ouija board, many would not be surprised if Democrats took the State Senate this November. Republicans probably reached their zenith in the first election cycle after gerrymandering, thereby inflating their numbers and inflaming their already considerable egos.

The Post notes that in 2005, the year prior to the 2006 national donnybrook, only 12 of Virginia's 100 House races "were competitive enough to end with a margin of victory of less than 10 percentage points." In the 2003 Senate elections "just four of the 40 races were that close." If gerrymandering pleases incumbents and the ideological activists who benefit from a lack of mainstream competition, then it also denies any faction or side the standing to claim a legislative mandate. Gerrymanders render many Assembly elections all but meaningless.

Gov. Tim Kaine consistently has embraced redistricting reform. Too many other politicians in both parties let their immediate partisan concerns dictate their consciences. The electorate shares the blame. Redistricting works because voting habits are readily tracked and easy to predict. Decisive portions of the citizenry demand neither high standards nor philosophical coherence from their party's candidates. Yet while the public as a whole grows increasingly alienated from a process that puts politicians first, individuals have not risen against gerrymandering. Apathy has consequences