Peace Supports Gov. Mitt Romney

PEACE JOINS GOV. MITT ROMNEY’S NATIONAL FAITH & VALUES STEERING COMMITTEE

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) recently announced that he has joined Governor Mitt Romney as a member of Romney for President National Faith and Values Steering Committee, which is a coalition of supporters who will advise Governor Romney on matters of faith and values.

“I understand the importance of supporting a candidate who will reflect your values when it comes to pro-family issues. As a former advocate for The Family Foundation of Virginia, the Commonwealth’s oldest and largest pro-family organization, I worked to pass legislation that protects children from viewing pornography at the public library as well as efforts to protect the rights of parents to be involved with their children’s lives when it comes to medical decisions, such as the use of contraception or treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. As a Delegate, I have earnestly supported legislation to protect the unborn and successfully fought to defend a parent’s role in raising a child when making serious medical decisions such as HPV vaccination,” said Del. Peace.

He continued “The Romneys celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this year and have five sons, five daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. They are clearly a family Ashley and I can be proud of and one which reflects our traditional Virginia values.”

In a previous statement by the Governor, Romney said "The men and women of our National Steering Committee represent decades spent defending faith, religious expression and traditional values. I believe that our Party and our nation must stand for strong families, traditional marriage and the sanctity of human life. I am proud to be joined by these leaders in our campaign to change Washington."

Peace is especially excited to reunite with noted Constitutional Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Jay Sekulow who taught the Delegate in law school. Peace said that Sekulow has argued and won some of the most important pro-family cases before the Supreme Court in the last decade. Chair of the Steering Committee Mr. Sekulow said, "Governor Romney has a strong record of defending traditional values and supporting the faith community. He is the one candidate who has spoken to the importance of promoting stronger families. In Washington, he will stand alongside those defending our most important values."

Governor Mitt Romney is the first Republican to file for ballot access in Virginia. Yesterday, Governor Romney announced his intent to participate in the Virginia Presidential Primary Election to be held on February 12, 2008. Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Delegate Chris Peace submitted the necessary petitions and paperwork to the Virginia State Board of Elections office requesting that Governor Romney's name appear on the Virginia Republican primary ballot.

Peace will be offering remarks on Saturday as Governor Romney’s surrogate at the Republican Party of Virginia's 24th Annual Huffman Advance and Presidential Straw Poll. Peace feels Romney has a vision for how to bring needed conservative change to Washington and to keep America strong.

Delegate Peace Presents Springfest Donation

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) presented a donation check in the amount of $1000 to King William County officials and local businessmen at Boyer Heating and Air in Aylett. For the past five years, King William residents of all ages have experienced Springfest as a safe, fun event that brings them together in their community, without having to travel a long distance. Through this generous donation, Delegate Peace enthusiastically supports this initial effort to keep a family-friendly community tradition alive.

Peace stated, “Springfest is a wonderful community event that brings all King William residents together, young and old alike. I look forward to this annual event and am delighted to be a part of the efforts to continue Springfest. Those of us committed to this cause hope this year will be the biggest and best event yet”

In addition to a vigorous fundraising effort, inspired by Katy Lloyd, County Public Information Officer, and joined by numerous King William residents and businesses, volunteers are needed to recruit employers, community organizations and churches into this community based campaign. To learn more about how your business/organization can help through our sponsorship opportunities contact Katy Lloyd at 769-4985 or klloyd@kingwilliamcounty.us.

Peace Speaks to Mattaponi Crime Solvers

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) recently spoke at the monthly meeting of the Mattaponi Crime Solvers. Crime Solvers brings together law enforcement, the community and the news media in a joint effort to solve local crimes. This group represents an unprecedented level of law enforcement cooperation and support from the King William and King and Queen communities. Peace shared with attendees some of the recent public safety successes of the General Assembly such as increasing safety on local school buses, implementation of the Senior Alert Program similar to the Amber Alert Program for missing children, strengthening laws protecting Virginians from convicted sex offenders, sexual predators, and violent sexual predators and passage of a law that provides that any holder of public office who is convicted of an offense requiring registration on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry will forfeit his public office once all rights of appeal have expired. Delegate Peace noted he will introduce a bill this session which calls for a mandatory minimum sentence for conviction of stalking a minor.

Delegate Peace commended the group, led by Mr. Donald Hicks, President of King William Ruritans and Mr. Shirley Jones of King & Queen County, on their efforts to battle crime in their communities. Peace reiterated that in order to stay safe at home he remains committed to protect the 2nd amendment, support our law enforcement officials, and enforce the laws we have, including ways where the state can play a role in immigration enforcement. Along with House Republicans, Peace called on the Governor to sign an agreement with the federal Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which would create a certain number of specially trained state troopers for the purpose of having expanded immigration enforcement capabilities to arrest undocumented individuals.

“We must have a Governor who helps us fight this battle. Virginia as well as the Nation is wrestling with the greatest threat to our sovereignty. Our society is held together by what we have in common: a language and a shared view of history. We are losing both. In response, states must begin to address this issue. WE can start by removing eligibility for social service benefits, requiring all arresting officers to confirm legal presence using national database, and authorize jail staff to begin deportation proceedings in cooperation with ICE,” stated Peace.

In a recent book DAY OF RECKONING: HOW HUBRIS, IDEOLOGY AND GREED ARE TEARING AMERICA APART, by Patrick Buchanan, the author notes that "European-Americans, 89% of the nation when JFK took the oath, are now 66% and sinking. Before 2050, America [may be] a Third World nation...By 2060, America will add 167 million people and 105 million immigrants will be here, triple the 37 million today...Hispanics will be over 100 million in 2050 and concentrated in a Southwest most Mexicans believe belongs to them."

Peace continued, “We must hold businesses accountable too especially ones that knowingly hire illegal Immigrants. I will also introduce legislation that prohibits any alien who is unlawfully present in the United States to not be eligible for admission in any public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth and I support the implementation of English immersion programs in our public schools.”

Mattaponi Crime Solvers is a member of the Virginia Crime Stoppers Association, Inc. is an alliance of local Crime Stoppers, Crime Solvers and Crime Line programs. The VCSA offers training conferences to assist in the formation of a new local program, and to provide mutual assistance to existing programs.

Since 1983, the VCSA has grown from six programs in the greater Richmond area to over 50 programs throughout the state. Of the 95 counties in Virginia, 57 are involved with a Crime Stopper program, and 12 independent cities have a Crime Stopper program. Crime Stopper programs now serve 85% of Virginia's population.

Peace Decries Governor’s Proposal to End Abstinence Education Funding

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) strongly opposes Governor Kaine’s proposal to eliminate $275,000 in funding from the upcoming biennial budget for five statewide non-profit programs that teach abstinence education. In a statement encouraging the Governor to continue funding for these programs, Peace said “I find it hard to believe that in a $74 billion state budget the Governor chose to target our teens with this fringe position. We should not only promote but encourage abstinence. This is the only way to work towards prevention of STD's, and unwanted pregnancies while saving millions in taxpayer funds.” Abstinence only education programs are an appropriate alternative to other programs that should be available to parents, children, school systems and other organizations. The proposed elimination of $275,000 in funding from the biennial budget helps make these programs available, at least on a limited basis. There is no sound rationale for eliminating this funding.

One survey found that eight of 10 Virginia parents want their children to be taught abstinence as part of a comprehensive sex-education program. Since these programs started the teenage pregnancy rate in Virginia has declined, and the cost of teenage childbearing has been reduced. According to the Virginia Department of Health, in 2004, the decline in the teenage pregnancy rate saved Virginia taxpayers nearly $135 million.

Teens in Virginia and throughout the nation are receptive to messages about abstaining from sex, according to recent analysis. Data collected in an on-going evaluation of abstinence programs funded by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Virginia Abstinence Education Initiative mirror the national findings. Students participating in the evaluation say they strongly agree that having sex as a teenager would make it harder for them to study and stay in school in the future.

Goal 2015 is a campaign to reduce the teenage pregnancy rate in Virginia to no more than 47.5 per 1000 females 15 to 19 by the year 2015. To continue to reduce the teen pregnancy rate it is important to involve teens, parents, and policy makers. Vital to this effort is support at the state and local levels. Some people may view teen pregnancy as a problem that only affects teens and their families, but in reality teenage pregnancy impacts every aspect of the community.

“It is vital to the Commonwealth that we examine the cost of teenage childbearing. By identifying the cost to taxpayers at both the state and federal levels, we can show the significant broader economical impact of teenage childbearing, thus highlighting the need for involvement in the issue beyond the health and human services fields,” stated Delegate Peace.

Peace Participated in Inaugural Habitat Run

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) served as the Grand Marshall for the Caroline 4 Miler, a run to raise funds for the next build by Caroline Habitat for Humanity. The run was organized by county resident, Kevin Unterbrink of Carmel Church. Mr. Unterbrink set out to organize the run to promote health awareness and benefit Habitat. T. J. Ketchum and Nate Brooks assisted Unterbrink with the very successful event.

The run was held at Caroline High School; the course started at the parking lot, wound around the stadium and headed off into the Caroline Recreation Park.

“I salute all of those that came out to participate, both as runners and spectators. The dedication and commitment to the Caroline community demonstrated by Kevin Unterbrink and his associates is commendable. I look forward to participating in this event in years to come,” said Delegate Peace.

On the Death of Congresswoman Davis

"Ashley and I were very sad to hear that Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis had died from long and courageous fight with cancer." "Representing part of the 1st Congressional District, I had the honor to work with Cong. Davis and her staff on a number of issues. She truly had a heart for her constituents and served them well."

"I will most remember Mrs. Davis' great and abiding faith. Her love for God and trust in him had to have carried her through some of the darkest days. I am reminded of the Psalmist who writes about that comforting rod and staff. Surely goodness and love will follow her and she will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. "

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and their sons at this time."

1st Annual Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday

-- Republican Initiative on Tax-Free Shopping for Energy Efficient Products to be held October 5 thru 8 -- -- Purchases of Environmentally Friendly Appliances Save Energy Consumption -- -- Energy Star Items Eligible for Tax Break Range From Refrigerators to Light Bulbs --

Virginia House of Delegates Member Christopher K. Peace (R- Hanover) lauded the upcoming Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, to be held from Friday, October 5 through Monday, October 8, 2007. The weekend of sales tax-free purchases on Energy Star-rated products priced at $2,500 or less per item became law due to HB 1678, co- sponsored by Delegate Peace, overwhelmingly passed by the General Assembly during the 2007 session and signed into law by the Governor .

“This weekend offers a great incentive for Virginians to consider energy efficient purchases . Reducing energy consumption i sone part of our national goal for energy independance,” said Peace. “Consumers have one more opportunity in addition to the Back to School sales tax holiday to make buying decisions that positively impact their individual lives in addition to stimulating economic investment. This approach is another successful example of a good policy initiated by General Assembly Republicans that provides real, tangible benefits to Virginians.”

Based on the success of the Republican initiated Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, lawmakers enacted the Energy Star tax break to encourage the purchase of these energy efficient products. To qualify as an Energy Star product, the item must meet strict guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When compared to their traditional counterparts, Energy Star products use approximately 30% less energy. In 2006, Republicans also enacted a 20% deduction on income taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient appliances as part of SB 262, patroned by Senator Frank W. Wagner (R-Virginia Beach).

Peace added “Virginians making this choice may also save money each month on their gas and electricity bills by consuming less energy. A win-win exists because we help reduce pollution impacts on our air and water.”

Individual retailers may choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any nonexempt items during the holiday, passing the savings on to their customers. Online purchases and used Energy Star products also qualify for the tax-free holiday. Additional information on the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday is online from the Virginia Department of Taxation at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=EnergyStarQualifiedProductsHoliday.

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Seminar Highlights Driving Courtesy and Sharing of Roadways

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) in collaboration with the Virginia Farm Bureau hosted a farm safety/rural roads seminar for King William County residents on Thursday, October 27.

In his opening remarks Delegate Peace shared his inspiration behind the seminar, “A number of months ago I spoke at Lee-Davis High School and met a young lady named Meagan. She told me a tragic story about her grandfather’s fatal farming related accident. Her sad story really moved me to act. Tonight, with the help of the local media, I hope to reduce the number of farm work-related injuries and deaths by increasing safety and health awareness and promoting safe practices; in addition we want to increase public awareness of the importance of safety and health in agriculture. I told Meagan that our office would do everything we could either legislatively or through public awareness campaigns to try to minimize the amount of accidents that do occur.”

Mr. Bruce Stone, Safety Manger for the Virginia Farm Bureau, shared a presentation which highlighted the need for farmers and motorists to share responsibility for keeping rural roads safe. Stone asserted, “Common sense and roadway courtesy are vital to keeping roads safe for farm equipment and passenger vehicles. With more automobiles traveling rural roads and farm consolidation creating more frequent tractor travel on highways, the potential for collisions involving farm machinery and automobiles is increasing.”

Delegate Peace is hopeful that through action, his office and Farm Bureau’s working together in the 97th District, they can take another step in promoting safety and health in agricultural and rural communities.

Statement on Farm Safety Seminar - King William County - 9.27.07

I want to thank Farm Bureau for co-hosting this evening.

I would also like to recognize Julie Coggsdale in our office who along with Katy Lloyd did a remarkable job putting this event together.

A number of months ago I spoke at Lee-Davis High School and met a young lady named Meagan. She told me a tragic story about her grandfather’s fatal farming related accident. Her sad story really moved me to act.

Tonight, with the help of the local media, I hope to reduce the number of farm work-related injuries and deaths by increasing safety and health awareness and promoting safe practices; in addition I want to increase public awareness of the importance of safety and health in agriculture.

Virginia Farm Bureau offers a number of great programs to help farmers stay safe.

Farm Tractor Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Incentive Self-propelled Harvesting Equipment -Fire Extinguisher Program Farm Safety Inspections

I told Meagan that our office would do everything we could either legislatively or through public awareness campaigns to try to minimize the amount of accidents that do occur.

I am hopeful that through our action, our office and Farm Bureau’s working together in our area we can take another step in promoting safety and health in agricultural and rural communities.

Thank you for coming.

VA Retains Bond Ratings

The Governor announced today that Virginia retained its highest possible ranking as a Tier 1 state in the 2007 Moody’s U.S. States Credit Scorecard. The report also noted that Virginia retained its Triple-A bond rating. Likewise, Standard & Poor’s, another leading rating agency, also affirmed Virginia ’s Triple-A status in its June U.S. Public Finance Report Card. Fitch, the third bond rating agency, reaffirmed Virginia ’s Triple-A bond rating on June 1.

Virginia has held a Triple-A bond rating since 1938, when Moody’s first began to rate state and municipal governments. The “Tier One” ranking by Moody’s places the Commonwealth in the top ten of all states.

Virginia is one of nine states to be Triple-A rated by Moody’s for 2007, and one of nine states to retain its ranking in the first tier of the scorecard.

The Commonwealth received top tier ranking in three of Moody’s four categories of analysis. Moody’s describes its rating as an “assessment of the expected willingness of state leadership to preserve a strong financial profile in the future, recognizing that all states face inevitable cyclical downturns as well as persistent constituent demands in excess of available fiscal resources.”

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Peace Offers Welcoming Remarks to America’s Newest Citizens at Naturalization Ceremony

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Today at Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry, a orator of the American Revolution and first governor of Virginia, 37 of America’s newest citizens were naturalized in a special citizenship ceremony. People of many different ages and 25 different countries raised their hands and swore an oath to become citizens of the United States of America.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) offered welcoming remarks to those receiving the Oath of Allegiance.

Peace spoke about their road to citizenship stating, “Undoubtedly within this class of new citizens there is one story after another about the long road to citizenship -- about a difficult journey -- about hardships and struggles to arrive at this moment. Again, let me say to you congratulations. You are an American. For 400 years, people like you from all walks – from all corners of the globe – speaking various tongues -- have come together hoping to form a more perfect union – to enjoy life, advance liberty and pursue happiness. Watching you take the Oath of Allegiance I am reminded how privileged we are to be here in this country and to be Americans.”

Peace reminded the new citizens that with citizenship comes new opportunity coupled with new responsibility. “All who swore an oath of citizenship today make a lifetime commitment to support the values and the laws of America. The pledge comes with great privileges, and it also comes with great responsibilities. New citizens should take time to learn the customs and values that define this nation, including civic responsibility and the language. America is a nation of immigrants, and we're also a nation of laws. All of you are here because you followed the rules,” affirmed Peace.

USCIS naturalizes about 700,000 individuals a year. During Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, 20,401 residents of Virginia became United States citizens. More information about the naturalization process and is available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

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 of Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions, and Science and Technology Committees.

Prayers for Peace and the Nation on the Anniversary of 9-11

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer (ECUSA)

Regarding Errors by Kaine Administration relating to State Budget Shortfall and Future New Spending Initiatives

Virginia House of Delegates member Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) today issued the following statement regarding the reported anticipated budget shortfall – that has contributed to Governor Kaine suggesting a withdrawal from the Commonwealth’s Revenue Stabilization (or “Rainy Day”) Fund:

“Virginia faces a cumulative revenue shortfall of approximately $641 million for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008. Continued surpluses are preferable and generally indicate a strong economy. But in this case 46% of this reported shortfall is not the result of an emerging economic crisis. In fact, as one indicator, unemployment continues to remain low. This potential shortfall is truthfully attributable to forecasting in accuracies by the Kaine Administration. While the Warner and Kaine administrations tout the recent rating that Virginia is the "best governed state in the nation," these Executives have set records for raising taxes and twice have made egregious accounting errors. The last example of "funny numbers" resulted in a temporary correction to anticipated K-12 funding.

This time inaccurate projections totaling $295 million are largely attributable to two sources: the Land Conservation Tax Credit ($175 million) and errors in calculating interest earning to the general fund ($120 million).

Unlike previous recessions, where the state actually collected less revenue, our legislative challenge will be to build a budget that assumes moderate revenue growth in the 2008-10 biennium and looks to limit or even cap increases in new spending on new programs. The Kaine administration is currently proposing mandatory pre-school estimated to cost the state upwards of $300 million dollars.

Moreover, to responsibly manage the anticipated $641 million budget shortfall, it is both premature and totally unnecessary to drawn down the state’s ‘Rainy Day’ Fund, which is currently fully funded at $1.3 billion. The General Assembly has spent the last four year replenishing this fund. We should only use it to respond to a severe crisis or economic downturn, as opposed to using it as a safety net catching errors in the Governor's revenue forecast. We should demand accountability in our Chief Executive.

Prior to even considering tapping into the state’s ‘Rainy Day’ Fund, sound management practices dictate that we scour the budget and make only necessary decisions what should be funded and what should not. Likewise, we should not further extend ourselves by commiting scarce taxpayer dollars to new and unproven programs. Rather, spending decisions ought to be aimed at maintaining a structurally balanced and fiscally responsible budget for the future.”

Delegate Peace Reminds Residents of National “Do Not Call List”: Previously Registered Numbers May Expire

The National Do Not Call Registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency. The Registry which was established in 2002, came with a five-year expiration date.

The nationwide registry, houses 148 million numbers, nearly half (or 63 million) of which were registered in 2003, the program's first year, which means they'll start to fall off the list as early as next summer

Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) today is reminding 97th District residents of this expiration date. “If you wish to not be contacted by telemarketers, access the site and re-submit your telephone number,” stated Peace. “This action will assure that you remain on the “Do Not Call List” for another five years.”

You may access the site by using the following link: https://www.donotcall.gov/

Peace Urges Governor to Declare Hanover Disaster Area

Delegate Peace joins Board in Support of Resolution Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) in support of a resolution passed by the Hanover Board of Supervisors today urged the Governor to declare Hanover County a disaster are due to drought and heat. Such a designation is vital in order to provide the means for those affected to qualify for any available disaster relief assistance.

“As a supporter of the Virginia Agribusiness Council's Ag Initiative and endorsed by the Farm Bureau, I believe that agribusiness as well as our district's farming culture must be defended and preserved stated Peace. This year has been hard on farmers and they deserve some relief. I hope Gov. Kaine will hear our voices and respond. This office will be working hard to help the county see this process through. I want to thank Supervisor Jack Ward and the County Board for their leadership in bringing this critical issue to my attention.”

Agricultural Use of the Public Roads in Virginia

Safety and health are vital components to any successful farming operation. With more automobiles traveling rural roads and farm consolidation creating more frequent tractor travel on highways, the potential for collisions involving farm machinery and automobiles is increasing. Farmers and motorists share responsibility for keeping rural roads safe; common sense and roadway courtesy are vital to keeping roads safe for farm equipment and passenger vehicles. Please join Delegate Chris Peace and the Virginia Farm Bureau for an informative seminar and learn more about how to safely share the road. Sponsored by: Delegate Christopher K. Peace Virginia Farm Bureau

September 27, 2007 at 7 P.M. Administration Building Board Room 180 Horse Landing Rd King William, VA

Statement on 8.13.07 Abuser Fee Court Ruling

Mechanicsville - Delegate Christopher K. Peace issued the following statement regarding today's Henrico Circuit Court ruling that the abuser fees in the 2007 transportation package are constitutional.

“The General Assembly in adopting the comprehensive transportation reform bill received legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney General that held that the transportation package passed by the legislature was constitutional. This ruling reaffirms this opinion. The bill that passed the legislature contained provisions applying abuser fees equally. Unfortunately the Governor removed the out-of-state driver provisions from the bill. As a matter of policy out of state drivers should be subject to the abuser fee law but changes to the policy should take place in the legislature. I am confident that the General Assembly will address the concerns of Virginia drivers next session and among other amendments apply the fees fairly.”

Tax-Free Shopping for School Items to be held August 3, 4, 5, 2007

2nd Annual Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Mechanicsville, VA – Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) reminds citizens of the upcoming Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, to be held from Friday August 3 through Sunday August 5, 2007. The weekend of sales tax-free purchases on specific school-related items was first initiated by the House Republican Caucus in the summer of 2005. House Bill 532, patroned by the late Delegate Harry Parrish (R-Manassas), was overwhelmingly passed by the General Assembly during the 2006 session and signed into law by Governor Timothy M. Kaine that same year.

The first Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday in 2006 was widely popular, saving Virginians an estimate $3.6 million. Helping to offset the rising costs of school items – estimated to tally over $500 per family – state sales taxes will not be charged on school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, or on articles of clothing, including footwear, costing up to $100.

Delegate Peace and his fellow House Republicans have continuously advocated that the holiday also apply to computers. Because computers and related equipment can be a major expense for working families, Peace supports efforts to press for their inclusion in the 2008 session.

“Quality education is essential to our strength as a Commonwealth. The very cornerstones of our future social and economic health rest with the minds and talents of the people,” stated Peace. “Providing Virginia families with this much-needed break is important to maintaining our high quality of life. And, encouraging families to shop Virginia first gives an added boost to our job-creating retailers and economy.”

Individual retailers may choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any nonexempt items during the holiday, passing the savings on to their customers. Additional information on the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is online from the Virginia Department of Taxation at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=STHoliday .

Howell and Kaine Respond

Abuser fees will improve safety on Virginia’s roads, improving driver behavior and – ultimately – reducing accidents and congestion.

A new – more clearly defined and significantly improved – schedule of the offenses to which these fees actually apply has been prepared by the Virginia Supreme Court. This schedule should end much confusion – as well as inaccurate and misleading information – that has been promulgated about these fees.

Legislators intended for these fees to apply to both Virginia and non-Virginia drivers. The Governor and legislators are committed to finding -- by the time the General Assembly returns in January -- and enacting a way to appropriately assess these fees on out-of-state drivers

Legislators intended for these fees to apply to those who commit serious traffic-related misdemeanors and felonies, and to those who have shown a repeated disregard for the rules of Virginia’s roads. The Governor and legislators are committed to ensuring that the fines are applied in this manner, and will examine and, if needed, make revisions to existing statutes when the General Assembly returns in January.

An important advance for safer motoring, abuser fees enjoy the strong support of groups like MADD, AAA, DriveSmart Virginia, and others committed to improving roadway safety.

Abuser fees are one component of a groundbreaking comprehensive transportation initiative. In total, the $3 billion transportation plan represents the single largest investment in Virginia’s transportation system in 21 years, and it was approved with strong bipartisan support.

There is no need for the General Assembly to convene prior to January 2008.

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