State Funding Increased for New Kent County Airport

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) today announced that the New Kent County Airport recently received an increase of $12,344.70 in the amount of grant funding they are awarded from the Virginia Department of Aviation. Additional funds will be utilized for site preparation for a new T-hanger; airport facilities use T-hangers for storing aircraft. State aviation funding programs to assist sponsors of public-use airports with a variety of improvement activities are managed by the Virginia Department of Aviation; the grant is a part of the Commonwealth Airport Fund Capital Improvement Program.

Bill Kelly, manager of the New Kent County Airport stated, “The New Kent County Airport is pleased to have received an additional $12,344.70 in additional grant funds from the Virginia Department of Aviation in support of its new T-hangar complex. The funds decrease local taxpayer burden in the project.”

The Virginia Department of Aviation is a state transportation agency whose mission is to cultivate an advanced aviation system that is safe, secure, and provides for economic development; promotes aviation awareness and education.

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Caroline County Bridge Naming Bills Pass

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-Naming bridges to honor fallen troopers now possible- Soon, two bridges spanning Interstate 95 may be named for Virginia State Troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) sponsored House Bills 6009 and 6010. HB 6009 designates the Route 207 bridge over I-95 in Caroline County the "Trooper Robert Tinsley Lohr Memorial Bridge." On July 22, 1978, Trooper Lohr was assisting a motorist on I-95 near Carmel Church; where he was struck at 4:20 a.m. while performing his duties to the citizens of Caroline County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trooper Farmer and died later that same morning.

House Bill 6010 designates the Route 639 bridge over I-95 the "Trooper Robin Lee Farmer Memorial Bridge." Trooper Farmer was conducting a motor vehicle safety checking detail on September 3, 1981. He was killed in a two-vehicle collision crash while in pursuit of a driver who refused to stop at the safety checking detail.

Speaking about the passage of these measures Caroline County Sheriff Tony Lippa stated, "I am grateful to the Caroline County Board of Supervisors for the resolution and to Delegate Chris Peace in the presentation to the General Assembly for our cause. As a former trooper, sergeant, and first sergeant here in Caroline County, I had the pleasure to have known and worked with Trooper Farmer. I am extremely happy to see that these two bridges will bear the names of the Troopers stationed in Caroline County and they will be remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in public safety. "

“I would like to thank Roger Cavendish, a resident of the 97th District, for bringing the idea for these bills to my attention,” affirmed Delegate Peace. “Through the naming of these bridges Virginia will honor the service and sacrifice of Troopers Farmer and Lohr and will celebrate their dedication and commitment to service. These brave men placed their lives in harms way for the safety and well-being of others.”

Local Clinic Receives State Grant

-King William Dawn Community Doctors receives funds to provide services to uninsured- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) is delighted to announce that King William Dawn Community Doctors recently received a $26,000 grant. Grant funding was awarded by the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) to provide medications to eligible residents.

Through this funding, the clinic will supply free medications and increase access to quality health care for the uninsured and medically underserved in the 97th District. Over the past three years, with monies from this program, six local organizations have generated 33,719 prescriptions worth $10.5 million for over 4,536 residents.

“The rising cost of healthcare in this country means that some people must choose between buying medicine or buying food. Providing free prescription medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine will aid greatly in improving quality of life,” asserted Peace. “Many chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are avoidable and can be managed with an appropriate drug regimen.”

The King William Dawn Community Doctors is a free clinic located in Aylett which provides healthcare services to uninsured and low income residents of King William and King & Queen counties. For further details contact: Jeanette Holmes 804-769-3022.

The Virginia Health Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds innovative initiatives to increase access to primary health care for uninsured and medically underserved Virginians, and strengthen Virginia’s health care safety net. VHCF was initiated in 1992 by the Virginia General Assembly and its Joint Commission on Health Care.

Peace Measure Supports Safer Virginia

- Virginia Criminal Information Network bill becomes law - Legislation advanced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) at the request of Attorney General Bob McDonnell took effect July 1, 2008.

The new law provides that when a protective order is issued, the district court must enter information into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) system by the end of the business day, and a copy of the order shall also be delivered to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service.

This reform measure will help to establish the precise time when protective orders are entered so that victims can be protected and so that when they expire they can be cleared from VCIN. The law also requires that clerks make electronic reports of certain proceedings or adjudications to the Central Criminal Records Exchange.

Peace stated, “Virginians can be proud of Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s efforts to create a safer Virginia. This statute will safeguard those in need of protection quickly and should provide needed peace of mind for potential victims.”

Measure Increases Juvenile Felony Court-Appointed Fees

Juvenile Justice reform measure seeks to get adequate representation As a result of the 2008 passage of Senate Bill 610, beginning July 1, Virginia’s court-appointed attorneys will receive greater compensation for work on high-level felony cases tried in Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was patron of the House bill.

“Ensuring that juveniles charged in Virginia with serious crimes have adequate legal representation is vital,” asserted Delegate Peace. “Increasing compensation for court-appointed attorneys is a step toward reforming the juvenile justice system across the Commonwealth.”

Passage of this measure allows court-appointed lawyers to apply for waivers of up to $650 for serious felony cases tried in juvenile court. Previously, fees for all cases tried in juvenile court were $120 with a waiver of an additional $120.

With this newest waiver, court-appointed lawyers who handle the most serious juvenile cases, offenses that if tried in adult court could be punishable by 20 or more years in prison, can apply for an additional $650 for a total fee of $890.

Peace Appointed to Commission on Youth

Delegate Peace to Serve on Youth Centered Commission House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) recently named Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) to a seat on the Virginia Commission on Youth. The Virginia Commission on Youth is a standing legislative commission of the General Assembly which, by mandate, provides a legislative forum in which complex issues may be explored and resolved.

The Commission was enacted in 1989 and began operations in 1991. The Commission is bipartisan with twelve members (six Delegates, three Senators, and three citizen members). According to the Code of Virginia, the role and function of the Commission is "to study and provide recommendations addressing the needs of and services to the Commonwealth's youth and families."

The Commission monitors the development of laws and policies in federal, state and local governments which impact youth and their families and contribute to the General Assembly's ability to make sound policy decisions based on well-studied and reasoned recommendations.

Local Delegate Appointed to Two National Committees

Delegate Peace Asked to Serve on Committees for the Southern Legislators Conference & National Conference of State Legislatures House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) recently named Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) to a seat on the Human Services & Public Safety Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). "I am honored that the Speaker has entrusted me with this responsibility and opportunity to represent Virginia and work toward addressing the critical health care needs of our community" Peace said.

SLC's mission is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 16 member states. In large measure this is achieved through the meetings, publications and policy positions of the Conference's seven standing committees. Committee members are appointed by their chamber's legislative leadership and each committee elects its own officers. Through the deliberations of Committee members, the issues facing all Southern state legislatures are considered.

The Human Services and Public Safety Committee has a broad agenda which most typically addresses the challenges states face in the areas of human services and corrections, and policies and programs utilized to meet them. Most recently the Committee has undertaken assessments of Medicaid and reform; the nursing shortage; long-term health care; the Children's Health Insurance Program; and such corrections issues as criminal justice DNA statutes; the aging inmate population; female offenders; sentencing reform and prison staffing in Southern states. Peace is familiar with many of these issues from his service on the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee.

Additionally, Speaker Howell appointed Peace to sit on the Human Services & Welfare committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

Finally, Speaker Howell appointed Peace to sit on the joint subcommittee to study the benefits of adopting a single sales factor to apportion the income of multistate corporations for purposes of the corporation income tax. As a member of the House Finance Committee, Peace will work with members and the private sector. This study is a result of House Joint Resolution 177 passed during the 2008 General Assembly session.

Statement: Gov. Gilmore and Del. Frederick

I wish Gov. Gilmore and Del. Frederick many congratulations on their victories today at the State Convention. Gov. Gilmore is a principled leader who, as Senator, will work to bring greater tax relief and security to Virginians. I have likewise known Del. Frederick for many years. He is a hard working campaigner who understands organizing the grassroots. We need his energy and now we will have it. All Republicans should rally together for victory in November.

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Peace Statement on Transportation

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“For over a year we have asked for a plan from the Governor's office and now we have it. Instead of knee-jerk reactions we should take some time and review what merits his plan may have if any. So the tone must change. At first glance though, I believe that many of the taxes proposed are regressive and hit working people hard." "I would also hope that before any revenue is raised that we have a lock-box to guarantee that the money actually goes to transportation. State and local governments should work together to create better long range planning. Traffic is an effect of the land use decisions made at the local level. As an alternative we must ask whether there is a way to empower the local governments in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads to address the transportation issues in their regions.”

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Peace attends Broadband Bill Signing

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- Governor signs House Bill 1329 into law bringing rural residents closer to broadband internet service- Today, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), accompanied by his wife Ashley, attended a bill singing ceremony for his legislation, House Bill 1329, which passed the General Assembly during the 2008 session.

The new law signed today goes into effect July 1, 2008 and provides a solution to the deficit in rural areas of broadband build out by leveraging all of the state's existing assets (towers, high structures, etc.) to facilitate the deployment of networks to give citizens who do not have this service the same accesss to telecommunication as those who do, namely in metro/urban areas throughout the state.

The new code section will expedite broadband service delivery to "unserved" areas across the 97th District and the Commonwealth, enhancing first responder ability to communicate in areas currently lacking cell/radio coverage, and serve to create an opportunity for economic development coordinators to provide additional incentives to draw business and industry to rural areas in the Commonwealth. The measure also creates a moderate revenue stream to cover the costs of maintenance.

"Offering of broadband and wireless internet service will be a huge advancement for those living in rural areas throughout Virginia. There is a great nexus between economic development and broadband access. I am looking forward to working with the private service providers to implement this new program," Peace said.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his second term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

Peace Statement on Bond Package

House Passed $2.6 Billion Bond Infrastructure Package Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) today issued the following statement on the bipartisan legislative agreement on a comprehensive, forward-looking bond package benefiting Virginia higher education, mental health facilities and state parks, House Bill 5001 and Senate Bill 5001:

"Today's approval of the approximately $2.6 billion package to better meet the needs of higher education, mental health care, and state parks today will be a major legislative accomplishment that meets many state infrastructure needs, promotes jobs creation and economic growth, and enhances the quality of life for all Virginians. The $1.9 billion for Virginia's colleges and universities - the largest ever capital infusion for our academic institutions - is especially great news for students, tuition-paying families and businesses that benefit from university research and wise investments in the knowledge-based economy of the future.

When the 2008 Regular Session adjourned six weeks ago, a team of dedicated Delegates and Senators continued to negotiate diligently to reach an agreement on six-year capital outlay plan. They worked cooperatively, taking a bipartisan and bicameral approach that also proactively included representatives of the Administration.

Like the original House plan, the final package fundamentally reforms the state capital outlay process by incorporating a business-like approach. It sets out a comprehensive, multi-year capital construction plan that provides greater accountability, prevents cost-overruns and supports higher education institutions' strategic plans. Equally important, the final agreement includes an emergency clause, which will allow 75 projects that are ready now to proceed almost immediately, providing an economic stimulus of $1.5 billion over the next two years.

For Virginia higher education, the final agreement creates more space for deserving students, which is needed due to steadily increasing numbers of students enrolling at our outstanding colleges and universities. The $1.9 billion in academic projects is important for economic growth and job creation - promoting research and medical breakthroughs, more construction jobs and a better return on investment for taxpayer dollars by including public-private partnerships that enable leveraging of private investments. And, the final agreement benefits from the House's commitment to tuition restraint that will keep college affordable for students from low- and middle-income families.

The final bond package also provides for the rebuilding of Western State Mental Health Hospital, constructs two new state parks, and constructs a new school for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-disabled in Staunton. That progress in on top of the significant legislative achievements for mental health already enacted during the 2008 Session.

I congratulate Chairman Putney and his team of House conferees, their counterparts from the Senate, and the representatives of the Administration for working so cooperatively and productively over the last several weeks, and for producing a six-year capital outlay plan that represents a great value for all Virginians."

Peace Keynote at Early Education Forum

On Monday, March 31, 2008, the Committee for Economic Development (CED), a national business-led public policy group, in partnership with the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business and Greater Richmond Chamber hosted a public forum on the economic promise of investing in early childhood development for all children. Delegate Christopher K. Peace was one of the keynote speakers. Peace remarked that, “To improve economic growth, financial security and sustainability of our communities, investments must be made in education, at all levels.” He noted the critical need for workforce supply and quality, and the role which business leaders play in shaping this issue, highlighting the need for public-private partnerships in addressing concerns.

Peace presented a number of issues within the educational arena which legislators and business people may address. Issues such as, working together to reduce the current dropout epidemic facing our nation and increase graduation rates, cutting wasteful spending of educational dollars and ensuring a greater amount of tax dollars are spent in the classroom, employing the use of technology in the classroom, and making targeted investments in needy areas of education.

Investing in high-quality early childhood education is one of the most promising ways to help strengthen the future economic and fiscal position of states and the nation. Given the education challenges the country is currently facing, this forum addressed how local business, civic, and education leaders can actively encourage investment in early education and move forward on strengthening the nation’s economy, workforce, and community.

Joan Marable, Director of Public Affairs for the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce stated, “We appreciate Delegate Peace’s dedication to the early childhood development issue. He understands the economic impact of preparing children to enter school ready to succeed and is willing to explore changes to the early care system that will benefit everyone in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

"Retailers for Life"

Peace Supports Retail Merchants Association’s Donor Appreciation Day During the month of April 2008, a partnership between The Retail Merchants (RMA) Association and the Donate Life Partnership (DLP) will be working together to save the lives of those in need of Organ Donations.

Throughout this month they will be working strenuously to bring increased knowledge and awareness to the concept of Organ Donation as well as encourage the masses to assist in saving lives through becoming organ donors themselves. RMA will provide retail locations all throughout Virginia where customers will have to opportunity to further their education about the significance of Organ Donation, not to mention the availability to sign up to become Organ Donors themselves.

The event will come to a peak on Saturday, April 19, 2008, in which the entire region will proclaim, "Retail Merchants Association’s Donor Appreciation Day." During this day specific localities and stores will be offering sale incentives to encourage everyone to come out and receive education on this dire issue.

Statistics show that a total of four Virginians die each week while waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. By becoming an organ donor one person can save up to seven lives! Come out and become a part of this community wide contribution and educating event.

Delegate Christopher Peace, who is an organ donor states, "I am excited and looking forward to this event. Unfortunately there are not enough people who are educated on the extent their organ donation can go to save many lives."

During this day specific localities and stores will be offering sale incentives to encourage everyone to come out and get education on this dire issue. Statistics show that a total of four Virginians die each week while waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. By becoming an organ donor one person can save up to seven lives! Come out and become a part of this community wide contribution and educating event.

Anyone considering becoming an organ donor can do so on-line or via email, both of which remain confidential. For additional information about Organ Donation you can access it through the website: www.save7lives.org. If you or your business is interested in participating in this regional wide event you may contact Preston Perrin at 804-662-5504 or pperrin@retailmerchants.com for more information.

Peace Supports Retail Merchants Association’s Donor Appreciation Day

During the month of April 2008, a partnership between The Retail Merchants (RMA) Association and the Donate Life Partnership (DLP) will be working together to save the lives of those in need of Organ Donations. Throughout this month they will be working strenuously to bring increased knowledge and awareness to the concept of Organ Donation as well as encourage the masses to assist in saving lives through becoming organ donors themselves. RMA will provide retail locations all throughout Virginia where customers will have to opportunity to further their education about the significance of Organ Donation, not to mention the availability to sign up to become Organ Donors themselves.

The event will come to a peak on Saturday, April 19, 2008, in which the entire region will proclaim, “Retail Merchants Association’s Donor Appreciation Day.” During this day specific localities and stores will be offering sale incentives to encourage everyone to come out and receive education on this dire issue.

Statistics show that a total of four Virginians die each week while waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. By becoming an organ donor one person can save up to seven lives! Come out and become a part of this community wide contribution and educating event.

Delegate Christopher Peace, who is an organ donor states, “I am excited and looking forward to this event. Unfortunately there are not enough people who are educated on the extent their organ donation can go to save many lives.”

During this day specific localities and stores will be offering sale incentives to encourage everyone to come out and get education on this dire issue. Statistics show that a total of four Virginians die each week while waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. By becoming an organ donor one person can save up to seven lives! Come out and become a part of this community wide contribution and educating event.

Anyone considering becoming an organ donor can do so on-line or via email, both of which remain confidential. For additional information about Organ Donation you can access it through the website: www.save7lives.org. If you or your business is interested in participating in this regional wide event you may contact Preston Perrin at 804-662-5504 or pperrin@retailmerchants.com for more information.

Bolling to seek 2nd Lt. Gov. term

By BOB LEWIS, AP Political Writer RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will seek re-election next year, forgoing an anticipated run for governor, people familiar with his campaign said Monday.

Bolling will announce his decision at a Capitol Square news conference, said two GOP operatives who did not wish to upstage Bolling's 1:30 p.m. announcement.

His decision not to run for governor combined with former Gov. George Allen's announcement to sit out the governor's race leaves Attorney General Bob McDonnell uncontested for the GOP nomination.

The election, still 20 months away, finds Democrats Brian Moran, a delegate from Alexandria, and state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County jockeying for their party's nomination.

Bolling, 50, served nearly 2½ terms in the Senate from Hanover County before winning a narrow victory for lieutenant governor over former state Sen. Leslie Byrne in 2005.

An anti-tax conservative and protege of former Gov. Jim Gilmore, Bolling found new opportunities this year to exercise the rare discretion his position affords.

Bolling was more strategically important this year in the first legislative session in 12 years with Democrats holding a one-seat majority in the 40-member Senate.

It was Bolling's ruling that the version of the state budget drawn by the Senate Democrats needed passage by a four-fifths majority that briefly ensnared the spending blueprint for government.

Bolling invoked a provision of the state Constitution that required a 32-vote majority because the Senate version of the budget changed the way state lottery proceeds were appropriated. The Constitution directs lottery profits to localities for use in public education.

Bewildered Democrats recessed to discuss Bolling's maneuver. When they returned, they challenged his ruling and overturned it with a simple majority vote.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press

Reverend Marvin Fields Gives House of Delegates Invocation

Local Minister Opens Daily Floor Session with Prayer Reverend Marvin Fields, pastor of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dawn, gave the opening prayer today for the House of Delegates session. Rev. Fields is the son of Deacon & Deaconess Thomas Fields. He graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School and married Joyce Harrison. The couple has a daughter, Marquita and a son, Rev. Duane T. Fields Jr. of Oxford Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

"He and his family are an inspiration to me for their witness and commitment to God's work to renew the human spirit and improve the human condition," Peace said.

Delegate Peace recognized the Fields family for their efforts to help youth make right choices and avoid lives of gangs and drugs but more especially for their work on the Dawn Wastewater Treatment facility. Because of their dedication to their community, it is a new day in Dawn.

Resolution Commending 97th District Localities Passes

Peace commends Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties for their support of the tradition of hunting with dogs The practice of hunting with dogs is a hot topic across the Commonwealth. Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), today announces passage of a House Resolution 19, commending Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties for their support of the tradition of dog hunting. Moreover, this resolution is an "expression of the House of Delegates' support for the tradition of hunting with dogs."

"Hunting with dogs contributes to public safety by helping to control excess wildlife populations that would otherwise increase auto accidents, crop and property damage, and animal diseases," Peace affirmed. "The tradition of hunting with dogs is wholesome family-oriented and teaches self-reliance, individual responsibility, and the values of community stewardship of the state’s natural resources."

Copies of the resolution are to be prepared for presentation to the governing authorities of Caroline, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Spotsylvania Counties.

Towing Bill Rolls Through the General Assembly

Del. Peace and Sen. Norment make stand for small business towers Burdensome regulations for small business towers proposed by the Virginia Board of Towing and Recovery Operations (BTRO) will be delayed due to a joint effort by New Kent representatives Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), Chief Patron of House Bill 1296, and Sen. Tommy Norment, Chief Patron of Senate Bill 707. The members' legislation significantly alters the manner in which BTRO conducts its business.

In a victory for the "little guy," the legislation extends the effective date for Board regulations pertaining to public safety towing and recovery services to July 1, 2010 and also requires the Board to hold four public meetings to receive comments and recommendations prior to drafting any public safety towing regulations. This new process is an open government tool to create greater accountability and sunlight on the process. Delaying the public safety regulations will allow smaller towers to continue to operate their businesses without having to buy unnecessary and expensive equipment. Under the Board's proposals, among other items, many small towers would have had to buy another tow truck costing them upwards of $60,000. This burden would shut down small operators known as Class B towers.

Norment and Peace also recommended that in even-numbered years, the chairman of the Board must be a licensed Class A operator and the vice-chairman a licensed Class B operator, and in odd-numbered years, the chairman will be a licensed Class B operator and the vice-chairman a licensed Class A operator. Current Virginia law stated that the Chairman had to be a Class A tower. Class A towers are the heavy duty towers who haul tractor trailer highway accidents. Class B's are those who primarily use roll-back trucks to help motorists stranded on the side of the road.

"The Board of Towing and Recovery Operators have been acting without accountability and needed a strong message sent to them that government whether legislatively or through regulation should not be so burdensome as to put people out of business. Without this legislation, the BTRO proposals would have gone through and small business people throughout our district who perform a great community service would be out of a job and that is wrong," said Peace.

David Adams, New Kent County Class B tower, stated "This bill is a good start toward assuring fairness in representation on the Board and has increased conversation about the regulations. Passing of this bill will make the process fair to all towers."

SB 707 passed the House by a vote of 100-0 today and will now go to the Governor for his signature.