Textbook Tax Parity Act Passes

Measure to make textbook purchases less expensive heads for a Governor's signature The Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to exempt students who attend career colleges from paying a sales tax on their textbooks. The Textbook Tax Parity Act sponsored by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-97th) and Senator Stephen H. Martin (R-11th), exempts students attending career colleges in Virginia from paying the five percent sales tax on textbooks.

Currently, students at all non-profit colleges in the Commonwealth are exempt from paying the sales tax. Though the implementation of the Act though not until 2010, it addresses an equity issue between students at non-profit and proprietary schools by leveling the playing field. For those seeking to enhance skills or transition within the workforce will now be able to seek additional educational opportunities at a lower cost.

Shortly after the vote in the House of Delegates, Delegate Peace said "This measure supports the diverse higher education choices available to students across the Commonwealth."

The House voted to pass the Act by a vote of 91-6. The bill must now go to the Governor for a signature.

Streamlining Adult Adoption Measure Passes State Legislature

Peace measure addressing Caroline County family concern awaiting Governor’s signature Adopting children who are seventeen and aging out of foster care will be made easier because of legislation introduced by Del. Christopher K. Peace's (R-Hanover). The idea for House Bill 138, which unanimously passed the Virginia General Assembly, initially came from constituents of Del. Peace who live in Caroline County.

Specifically, a family desired to adopt a young woman who turned eighteen during the process of petitioning for adoption. Unfortunately the courts invalidated their petition because the child reached majority prior to the final order of adoption. The Peace measure provides that a petition filed while a child is under 18 years of age shall not become invalid because the child reaches 18 years of age prior to the entry of a final order of adoption.

"Government should not be an impediment to those good people who believe that every child deserves a loving family. I am delighted at the passage of this measure. Adoption of those children in need of loving, safe environments will now be made easier," Peace stated.

According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, in 2007, 8,173 children were in foster care in Virginia.

Renewable Fuel Incentive Program Passes State Legislature

Virginia lawmakers endorse tax credit incentive program for biodiesel fuels Winning support from the agribusiness and environmental communities, Del. Christopher K. Peace's (R-Mechanicsville) tax credit program will provide incentives to produce renewable fuels beginning July 1, 2008. House Bill 139 passed the Virginia General Assembly’s Senate Finance committee unanimously this week and is scheduled to pass the full Senate within days.

Farm Bureau, Agribusiness Council, Virginia Conservation Network and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters joined in unique support of Chief patron Peace. This new incentive will provide greater opportunity for those who seek to produce biodiesel up to two million gallons of fuel per year. This bill allocates an amount of $0.01 to each gallon produced as an incentive for both corporate and private companies to produce more biodiesel and environmentally friendly fuels. This bill creates a $5,000 cap on the credit and the credit applies to both corporate and private producers.

"With renewable fuels we are making our way towards a secure supply which frees us from further dependence on foreign sources of energy. Reducing greenhouse gases and economic development in our rural areas makes biofuel a win-win. Bio-diesel is a cleaner burning replacement fuel made from natural, renewable sources," Peace said.

Andrew Smith, Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau stated, "Delegate Peace should be commended for working to bring the interested parties together to develop an incentive to help in increasing biodiesel production, by helping small producers. We need to develop our renewable energy sources in a way that isn't just the mega facility route, but those that are smaller community based. The increased use of these types of fuels not only reduce our addiction to foreign energy sources, but help generate new markets for our domestically grown crops here in Virginia. "

Rural Residents Closer to Broadband Service

Peace measure to increase access broadband and wireless service passed House A strong signal is coming from the Virginia General Assembly to rural Virginia residents who do not have access to high-speed and wireless internet service. Del. Christopher K. Peaces (R-Hanover) introduced a broadband wireless service measure which passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 99-0 earlier this month. The measure has been communicated to the Senate, where it was referred to the committee on Commerce and Labor.

House Bill (HB) 1329 will require state agencies to lease or convey their communication towers to broadband service providers to provide service to areas that do not receive adequate service. Sen. Richard H. Stuart (R-Westmoreland) has a companion measure, Senate Bill (SB) 206, which passed unanimously. Stuart's measure is currently in the House committee on General Laws.

Verizon Wireless supports the Peace measure because it seeks to create a reasonable and good sense approach to the problems of the lack of broadband service in rural areas. Many residents in our rural communities have long wanted access to the latest technology. Delegate Peace seeks to address that need by making state owned property available to companies through opportunities to lease space in an expeditious and economical manner. By not having to build out the infrastructure, internet service providers may be able to "piggy-back" in un-served areas to provide new services.

According to Ray Lamura, President of the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association (VCTA), "We appreciate the opportunity to work with Del. Peace and his staff on this important legislation. Del. Peace's proposal appropriately targets un-served areas and areas presently not served by private providers. The use of government facilities to enhance broadband availability to Virginians with no options is an appropriate public policy."

Peace stated, "Increasing wireless and broadband internet service to un-served areas in the 97th District is a great priority of mine and important to my constituents. Not only will residents benefit, but so will small or at home businesses. Economic development directors will now have another tool to draw businesses to our localities."

Delegate Peace hopes that the Senate will see House Bill 1329 sees this legislation in a favorable light.

Targeted Tax Incentive for Producers of Biofuel Passes House

Peace chief-patrons House Bill 139 to create a targeted tax incentive for producers of biodiesel A targeted tax credit passed the House of Delegates this week to provide tax credits to producers of biodiesel fuel for their contribution of up to two million gallons of fuel each year. This bill allocates an amount of $0.01 to each gallon produced as an incentive for both corporate and private companies to produce more biodiesel and environmentally friendly fuels. This bill creates a $5,000 cap on the credit

Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) said upon passage "With biofuels we are making our way towards a secure supply which frees us from further dependence on foreign sources of energy. Reducing greenhouse gases and economic development in our rural areas makes biofuel a win win. Bio-diesel and ethanol are cleaner burning replacement fuels made from natural, renewable sources."

According to Virginia Farm Bureau’s website, "Renewable resources can greatly benefit our society, environment, and of course the rural and agricultural economy by expanding our markets for commodities such as soybeans, corn, and agreements with wind turbine operators."

Biodiesel also supports agriculture and rural economies. One example of a successful producer is Virginia Biodiesel in New Kent County. Virginia is an excellent venue for investing in bioenergy programs like this new tax credit. Bio-fuel plants, like VA Biodiesel, can begin to produce more because of the Commonwealth's access to ports, rail and interstate along the eastern seaboard. Now new producers may choose to come on line expanding supply of this value add resource. Greater supply will lower costs and make biofuel more attractive to consumers.

A "producer" would be any person, entity, or agricultural cooperative association that, in a calendar year, produced in the Commonwealth at least two million gallons of biodiesel fuels using feedstock originating domestically within the United States.

Andrew Smith, Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau stated, "Delegate Peace should be commended for working to bring the interested parties together to develop an incentive to help in increasing biodiesel production, by helping small producers. We need to develop our renewable energy sources in a way that isn't just the mega facility route, but those that are smaller community based. The increased use of these types of fuels not only reduce our addiction to foreign energy sources, but help generate new markets for our domestically grown crops here in Virginia. "

HB 139 has been referred to the Senate Finance committee and will be heard this week.

Real Estate Tax Exemption for Elderly and Disabled Passes House

Peace Adds Hanover to Measure so County Officials can provide additional real estate tax reliefBill Awaits a Hearing in the State Senate Before Gubernatorial Approval

Working in a bi-partisan manner with Delegate Mamye Bacote (R-Newport News), Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) added the County of Hanover to House Bill 698, which would allow Hanover, along with Newport News, to raise the financial worth and income limitations on the real estate tax relief which local governments can offer the elderly and handicapped by local ordinance.

Peace commented, "Meaningful property tax relief is a top priority of this General Assembly. The elderly and disabled on fixed incomes are becoming more and more burdened by rising taxes and have less ability to pay. This bill is good fiscal policy."

The Hanover County Real Estate Tax Relief Program provides discounts on tax bills to elderly or permanently disabled citizens who meet certain income and net worth requirements. The discount applies to the taxes on the value of the house and up to one acre of land, according to Commissioner of Revenue T. Scott Harris.

Applicants must be 65 years of age or permanently and totally disabled on December 31 of the previous year. Disability certification is required. The property for which tax exemption is claimed must be owned or partially owned and lived in by the applicant on December 31 of the previous year. If the applicant is in a hospital or extended care facility, they may still qualify as long as the house is not rented or leased.

Prior to this impending change in law, the gross combined income cannot exceed $50,000. Income of relatives (other than the spouse) living in the house over and above $10,000 must be included in the gross income. Net worth cannot exceed $200,000. The house and up to ten acres are excluded from the $200,000 net worth value. This change in law would increase this threshold income and net worth level to not exceed $62,000 and $350,000, respectively.

Applications are filed annually between January 15 - March 1. Further information and assistance is available from the Commissioner's Office. Our staff will be happy to assist you either over the telephone at (804) 365-6128 or in person. HB 698 is still pending committee assignment in the State Senate.

House Highlights $1.8 Billion Bond Initiative

Bi-Partisan Package Includes Funding for Higher Education, Parks & Mental Health Care"Business-like Approach" with Over 100 Building Projects Key Parts of New 6-year Capital Plan

Providing for the mental health, research and anticipated enrollment needs of Virginia's burgeoning student population, as well as adding an immediate stimulus to the state’s economy, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today praised members of the House Appropriations Committee and its chairman, Delegate Lacey E. Putney (I-Bedford), for their outstanding work on House Bill 1547, the 21st Century Capital Improvement Program for Virginia Higher Education, Mental Health and State Parks. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) is a co-patron of this important measure.

Delegate Peace stated, "Passage of this measure will impact every resident of the 97th District and the Commonwealth. Extending the bond package beyond the Governor's proposed higher education to include metal health and state parks will serve to address many needs in the state."

"Last December, the Governor announced his bond package and, while a good start, it was focused on higher education only," Speaker Howell noted. "Chairman Putney set a goal of producing a truly comprehensive bond package that includes not just addressing the infrastructure needs of Virginia's colleges and universities, but also rebuilding our state's mental health facilities and expanding opportunities to enjoy our Commonwealth’s natural beauty and resources. With this proposal, he and the Committee he leads have met – and in many important ways exceeded – that goal."

"The House plan includes much-needed funding to jump start critical projects in higher education, provides for the rebuilding of Western State Mental Health Hospital, and constructs two new state parks. And, the entire package is fiscally responsible, representing real value for Virginia and Virginians."

The plan includes an extensive list of projects for Virginia's higher education system, the bulk of which are geared toward increasing capacity and improving academic research. Virginians system of community colleges will benefit from the package, as well.

Comprising 65 projects, the plan provides for an economic stimulus of $1.2 billion over the next two years. Another 30 projects with construction values estimated at $600 million are approved for preplanning in 2010.

Chairman Putney stressed the "business-like" approach to crafting a 6-year capital plan. The package features extensive preplanning, which will provide for greater accountability and better cost estimates, resulting in projects being completed sooner.

"Winston Churchill once said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty," Delegate Putney observed. "I am an optimist, and I saw an opportunity to fundamentally begin to change the way we look at capital construction in Virginia. By embracing a long-range approach, we have brought sound business practices to this process and increased the accountability in how we spend the people’s money."

"I commend Governor Kaine, Speaker Howell and Chairman Putney for their leadership in putting forward ideas to find billions of dollars for higher education construction," said House Minority Leader Delegate Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry). "We look forward to working with House Republicans on this important legislation."

"The 21st Century Capital Improvement Program in House Bill 1547 is the best example I have seen in my tenure in the House of Delegates of working for a bi-partisan solution to address the needs of the Commonwealth," said Delegate Shephen C. Shannon (D-Fairfax). "Governor Kaine made investing in higher education a top priority and legislators from both sides of the aisle have been taking the initiative and working to make this a reality. I want to thank Chairman Putney for putting together a common sense, business approach to capital construction. Not only are the immediate needs of higher education addressed, but we now have an objective tool to evaluate capital requests and needs."

Del. Chris Peace's Statement on the Resignation of Gene Nichols

College of William and Mary President Resigns Today, College of William and Mary president Gene Nichol announced that he is resigning effective immediately. Nichol said he came to this decision after being informed that the college would not renew his contract.

"The College of William and Mary has a long standing reputation of high academic achievement and for graduating our future community leaders. Recent decisions regarding the Wren Cross, the Feather-logo, and the Sex Worker's Art Show made by former President Nichol have been very damaging to the reputation of the College and the Commonwealth," stated Delegate Christopher K. Peace.

House Republicans Promote Crime Safety Legislation

Legislation Strengthening Public Safety in House GOP Agenda Highlighting the continued efforts of House Republicans to crack down on dangerous substance abuse, Delegates Clifford “Clay” Athey, Jr. (R-Warren), Chairman of the Policy Committee of the House Republican Caucus, Delegates John A. Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake), L. Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William) and Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) presented legislation to protect our neighborhoods and our children in the Commonwealth.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace’s HB 13 provides mandatory minimum sentences for adults convicted of stalking a minor, providing that if at the time of the offense of stalking, the victim is a minor and the offender is 10 or more years older than the victim. The House Courts of Justice Committee approved this policy unanimously and referred the bill to Appropriations for funding local and state jail impacts. In this tight budget year, funding will be scarce. Should the policy be carried over for the year need funds could be secured.

"With law enforcement and local Commonwealth's Attorneys working together, this legislation will help to protect our most vulnerable citizens," stated Delegate Peace. "It is scary to think that approximately one in three predators will be convicted of a new sexual offense within five years and the actual risk of re-offense can approach 100 percent."

Delegate Cosgrove's HB 223 prohibiting adults convicted of an offense prohibiting proximity to children from entering or loitering within 100 feet of a public recreation or community center. Del. Cosgrove commented, "I am proud to be the sponsor of House Bill 223 that will keep predators out of areas that are gathering places for our children. Recreation and community centers need to be kept safe and our children must be protected at all times from those who would harm and abuse them."

Delegate Lingamfelter's HB 1182 would add grand larceny to the list of predicate criminal acts constituting gang-related crimes. "Gangs are out of control," said Delegate Lingamfelter. "Our neighborhoods and way of life are threatened by lawlessness. We need House Bill 1182 to deal effectively with criminal gang activity."

Taxpayer Rebate Measure Passes House

Peace co-patron’s House Bill 1318 and announced first major step to meaningful tax relief Today, the House of Delegates passed House Bill (HB) 1318, patroned by Delegate John O’Bannon (R-Henrico). This bill would require surplus taxpayer funds otherwise designated for the Revenue Stabilization Fund to be deposited in a special non-reverting fund called the Virginia Taxpayer Surplus Relief Fund. The bill passed by a 99-0 vote. Tax relief under the fund will be provided if the excess amount is more than $50 million.

As a co-patron of this measure, Peace said that "Even in challenging economic times, we must remain committed and fight for tax relief measures to be able to allow taxpayers to get back some of their hard earned money." HB 1318 awaits a committee assignment in the State Senate.

Delegate Peace initially worked on a similar measure in the form of a constitutional amendment while working for then Delegate Eric I. Cantor who is now the 7th District U.S. Congressman.

Higher-Ed Illegal Immigration Measure Passes with Bi-partisan Majority

State Senate to Consider Peace’s Higher Education Bill Denying Admission to Illegal Immigrants Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) announces passage of House Bill (HB) 14, a bill denying Virginia colleges and universities from admitting illegal aliens to their schools. The bill passed with a bi-partisan majority (73-26) picking up 5 more votes than its first floor vote.

According to a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) survey, 11 of Virginia’s 15 senior colleges and universities have policies in place barring illegal immigrants from gaining admittance to their schools. Virginia Tech, Radford University, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University are the four schools that do not bar illegal immigrants from applying. Of Virginia’s 23 public community colleges, 12 permit enrollment of illegal aliens and 11 prohibit. SCHEV estimates that 800-1,000 illegal aliens are enrolled in Virginia’s colleges and universities.

"Institutions of higher education that allow admission of illegal aliens are endorsing a practice that is in violation of our national interest and a burden the hard-working citizens and immigrants who have become proud U.S. citizens through a long and legal process. We should end the practice of giving spots in our colleges to illegal immigrant and instead create more room for our sons and daughters," Peace said.

HB 14 has been assigned to the State Senate Committee for Education and Health. Hearing on the bill is still pending. Democrats hold a 10-5 majority on this Senate committee.

Hanover to Gain Seat on Richmond Metropolitan Authority

House Bill to add Hanover to RMA Board Membership House Bill 544, passed by the House of Delegates today by a vote of 55-42, adds Hanover County to the membership of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board. The bill gives Hanover County one seat on the Board.

The Richmond Metropolitan Authority was created to alleviate highway congestion, promote highway safety and construction, and improve the services of toll and free highways in the greater Richmond area. The Board has broad authorities to own property and land for its purposes, including parking garages or any land for highway development.

"This proposal adds additional representation for Hanover County on the Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board. It is important for Hanover to have a seat at the table because we are becoming a much more active part of this dynamic Richmond Capital Region," Peace said.

House of Delegates Working to Assist Virginia’s Seniors

Legislation Promotes Long Term Care, Tax Exemption, and State Park Discount Programs AARP visited the Capitol this week to begin an intensive advocacy effort promoting long term care, access to transit to health care and other parts of their legislative agenda. In addition to these efforts to address the priorities of Virginia’s aging population, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) today discussed other legislation to help improve the lives of Virginia's senior citizens.

Peace is chief patron of a budget amendment to secure funds for the Department for the Aging. The funding would create the Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The program provides for additional funding to the Department to increase the number of local ombudsmen throughout the state. State code requires one ombudsman to every 2,000 long-term care beds.

"This amendment will help to improve the quality of care that seniors receive," Peace said. "With a grandmother age 94, I understand and appreciate the difficult choices families must make when an senior loved one is involved and we must work to improve access to care for this growing population," Peace further stated.

House Bill 1447, patroned by Delegate Ingram, expands on House Republicans previous efforts relating to the delivery of long-term health care services. The bill adds representatives of housing, transportation, and other appropriate local organizations that provide long-term care services to the membership of local long-term care coordination committees. House Bill 1447 was passed unanimously by the House last Friday.

"The majority of long-term care services for the elderly and disabled are provided at the local level by public and private organizations and most by family caregivers who need access to coordinated information and services," noted Delegate Ingram.

Delegate Sherwood's House Bill 163 updates the basis upon which localities grant a real estate tax exemption or deferral to elderly and handicapped persons. Under the current law, the previous year's income and financial worth is used. House Bill 163 is on second reading today on the House floor after passing unanimously out of the House Finance Committee.

"It has come to my attention that a senior citizen may become ineligible for a real estate tax exemption when the death of a spouse occurs," declared Delegate Sherwood. "This legislation will give localities an expanded tool to help provide relief to the elderly and handicapped."

Delegate Danny Marshall is patron of HB 378 provides for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to establish a Virginia Golden Age Card authorizing citizens of the Commonwealth who are 60 years of age or older to enter the camping facilities of Virginia's state parks at a 50% discount for a maximum of 14 days in any calendar year.

"Although my bill was carried over to next year, it is a good bill to help seniors," said Delegate Marshall. "Most of our senior citizens have paid Virginia taxes all their adult lives and are now living on fixed incomes. Giving them the opportunity to get a discount in Virginia’s state parks is a way to make recreational facilities more economical and available to them."

Today, during a meeting with members of the Hanover and Mechanicsville Chapters of AARP, Delegate Peace offered remarks on the impact of payday lending legislation as it affects the senior community. "I support reforming the industry that often leads people into further financial problems. I have great concern for families that have faced financial troubles with payday lenders," Peace noted.

November Adoption Month Approved by House of Delegates

Delegate Peace’s Resolutions will help Virginia’s children and families The Senate of Virginia will soon vote on Delegate Chris Peace’s (R-Hanover) resolutions regarding helping children and families. House Joint Resolutions 5 and 41 (HJR) passed the House of Delegates unanimously today.

"Young people with strong character and moral convictions will be successful and contributing members of our communities. They need the knowledge and integrity to make wise decisions when confronted by situations involving alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, and violence. They also benefit from the love, leadership, and fortitude displayed in all aspects of their lives by caring and responsible adults who instruct and discipline them in preparation for life's inevitable challenges," Peace said.

HJR 5 designates October as the Right Choices for Youth Month in Virginia in order to promote character and integrity amongst Virginia youth.

HJR 41 recognizes November as Virginia Adoption Awareness Month in order to promote and make Virginians aware of adoption services and the adoption process in Virginia.

HJR 5 and HJR 41 now await adoption by the State Senate.

New Transparency in Government Law Passes House of Delegates

Del. Peace’s House Bill 140 will require local governments and school boards to post approved budgets on-line for free citizen access Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) introduced House Bill 140 (HB) to require local governing bodies and school boards to publish their budgets on the Internet or make them available in hardcopy. The bill passed by a vote of 97-0 and was communicated to the Senate.

"Virginians should expect more accountability in government. Open government laws enable citizens to be more informed about how their money is being spent. I am pleased to see this measure for more government transparency and take its first major step," Peace said. "I look forward to seeing it pass through the Senate and coming to the Governor’s desk for approval."

Currently there is no requirement for local governments to post their budgets online or in hard copy for citizens and residents. HB 140 will create such a requirement for all elected bodies of local governments. This bill mirrors the public release of the state budget online. To view the state budget visit the following web site: http://leg2.state.va.us/MoneyWeb.NSF/sb2008

Legislation is awaiting assignment to a Senate committee.

Textbook Transformation Measure Wins Unanimous Support

Peace’s bill to reform antiquated code and save taxpayer dollars advances Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) introduced House Bill 137, which will allow local option for school boards to enter into contracts with textbook publishers and reorganize the process for purchases. Currently, state law currently allows only the State Board of Education to enter into contracts with publishers. The bill also expands the definition of textbook to include print, electronic, online, and other manipulative-based programs.

"Principled reform is needed in a number of key areas of education including the very tools our students use," said Del. Peace. "Students would benefit from a dynamic learning platform delivered more efficiently. Taxpayers also stand the prospect of real savings. For every dollar saved through updating the definition of textbook investments could be made in the classroom or teacher salaries."

Peace’s measure also reorganizes the textbook purchasing process and repeals several sections of outdated code such as the requirement for the state to maintain all textbooks in Virginia. It provides that if consumable materials are sold to students, the local school board must provide those materials at a reduced price, or free of charge, to students who are unable to afford them.

"A 19th century scientist said, ‘The principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done.’ We must be preparing our children for college and/or the workforce. We must keep up with the technological advances elsewhere in the world if we want to remain a preeminent global economic force."

This measure reported unanimously out of the House Committee on Education; final House passage is expected early next week. Senator John Watkins is carrying a companion measure in the Senate. Mr. Watkins and Peace served as co-chairs of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science Advisory Committee studying Open Education Resource technology and textbooks.

Delegate Peace Seeks to Honor our Disabled Veterans

House Bill 1 will honor the service of veterans to a grateful State and Nation advances Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) sponsored House Bill 1 (HB) to amend state law to permit disabled veterans who are 50% disabled to be eligible for special “DV” license plates. With this change Virginia furthers honors the service of our veterans.

HB 1 has progressed unanimously from the House Committee on Transportation to the House Committee on Appropriations. In this process, it was amended to add Purple Heart recipients who upon passage will have access to plates at no charge from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"I am honored to patron this bill which encourages our Commonwealth to honor our veterans all of whom made significant sacrifices in defense of our Nation and state," Peace said.

The U.S. Veterans Administration decided that those who are at least 50% disabled will start getting additional benefits. This bill will expand the definition to conform to these changes to disability definitions.

The House Committee on Appropriations will meet at a later time to consider the amended HB 1 before reporting the bill to the House floor for final approval.

Hanover Delegate to Serve on Money Committee

Delegate Peace appointed by Speaker to serve on House Finance CommitteeLast Hanover representative to serve on a financial committee was nearly 150 years ago

House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, named Del. Christopher K. Peace, (R-Mechanicsville) to four committees in the Virginia House of Delegates including Finance, Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions and Science and Technology. According to the records kept by the Clerk of the House of Delegates, Peace is the first Hanoverian to serve on any money committee since William B. Newton served on Finance from 1861 to 1862. The Finance committee is the revenue generating arm of the House “money” committees. All tax legislation passes through Finance.

"I am honored and humbled by this appointment. The Speaker has entrusted me with great responsibility" Peace said, "I look forward to opportunity to advocate for the taxpayer."

Of particular interest to Del. Peace is the budget process. "The Governor has introduced a record budget calling for the establishment of new entitlement programs in spite of projected budget shortfalls and declining revenues. The people’s House should embody fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraint. Restraint is necessary and new taxes aren’t," said Del. Peace.

Peace's other appointments include the Courts committee which addresses changes to the criminal code as well as the civil laws including real estate, adoption, custody and support among other items. It is also primarily responsible for certifying judges for in Virginia we have an appointed judiciary. This committee considers more total legislation than the other House committees combined. The Health committee focuses on hospital and health care issues along with scope of practice and hot-button social issues.

In addition to these assignments, Del. Kirk Cox (R- Colonial Heights) who is the Majority Whip appointed Peace to serve as a Deputy Whip. A whips task is to work with members of the majority party ascertain their individual positions on important issues and make sure that they not only attend important meetings but vote accordingly.

Hanover Student to Serve as Page

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) welcomes Trevor Coley to service as a Page in the Virginia House of Delegates. Trevor Coley, 13, is an 8th grader at Stonewall Jackson Middle School who enjoys math, computers, and politics in his free time. Trevor also enjoys country music and his grandmother’s pot roast. In school, Trevor enjoys Social Studies as his favorite subject, is in the Honor Roll at Stonewall Jackson Middle School, and also participates in Beta Club.

Trevor has high future aspirations, most notably his desire to attend Harvard University and work as a CPA or lawyer in real estate. Trevor also aspires to work on a political campaign. For inspiration, Trevor looks up to his mother and President Ronald Reagan.

As for being chosen to represent the 97th District, Trevor mentioned "I am really truly grateful for the opportunity to work as a Page. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can at the General Assembly."

"Trevor is a smart young man with a bright future," said Peace. "I want to give him every opportunity to have this once in a lifetime experience. With a few members who were once pages, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the legislature one day."

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907 "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."