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Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce "Help Housing Now" Legislation

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Richmond, Va. - On Tuesday, January 13 Delegate Chris Peace and Senator Don McEachin will hold a press conference to announce the formation of a bipartisan coalition of legislators who will introduce a series of bills aimed at assisting various sectors of the housing market. The conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the House briefing room in the General Assembly Building. Delegate Peace and Senator McEachin will be joined by additional patrons and co-patrons as well as representatives from the real estate, homebuilding and non-profit housing industries.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Hancock Greenfield, Director of Government Affairs for the Richmond Association of REALTORSR, at (804)422-5023.

Delegate Peace Cuts Ribbon at Grand Opening

On Saturday, January 3, Delegate Christopher K. Peace joined County Supervisors Stran Trout and Thomas Evelyn, Paul Robinson of the New Kent Economic Development Authority and New Kent resident Becky Ringley to cut the ceremonial red ribbon at the grand opening of Becky’s new State Farm Insurance office. Becky and her staff, Alicia Lugg and Stacey Wood, look forward to serving their neighbors in New Kent, Charles City and the surrounding community. Ms. Ringley is a former member of the New Kent Board of Supervisors. She appreciates the impact new businesses have on the county and will work hard to make her business a service and credit to the community. Her office is located in Quinton at the Brianwood Business Park, 2700 Pocahontas Trail.

“I was delighted to join Becky as she celebrated the opening of her new business and a new chapter in her life. I wish her much success and longevity as she works to meet the insurance needs of the community,” stated Delegate Peace.

Virginia Marks 223rd Anniversary of Statute of Religious Freedom

Delegate Christopher K. Peace joins with the Alliance Defense Fund and Gateways to Better Education to bring attention to two important dates in January. Sunday, January 11th and Friday the 16th provide two good opportunities for pastors, parents, teachers, and students to promote religious freedom in their local public schools. Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to “observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.”

January 16th is the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom in 1786. Thomas Jefferson drafted the legislation that protected the civil rights of people to express their religious beliefs without suffering discrimination. "Virginians can take pride in having crafted what has become a cornerstone of the unique American tradition of religious freedom and separation of church and state," said Delegate Peace.

Today, that protection is as important as ever. In too many instances, public school teachers tell Christian students they cannot include their faith in their homework assignments or classroom discussions. However, the U.S. Department of Education has issued guidelines explaining students’ religious liberties. Students can pray, read their Bibles, and talk about their faith at school during school hours. They can also express their faith in their class work and homework.

January 11th is Religious Freedom Sunday—a nationwide initiative established by Gateways to Better Education to bring greater awareness to Religious Freedom Day (Friday, January 16, 2009) and help public schools become more faith friendly.

Religious Freedom Sunday calls churches to ‘proclaim liberty throughout the land’ (Lev.25:10) by honoring the educators within their congregations and informing the students, parents, and educators in the church about students’ religious liberty in their public schools.

To help churches in this task and highlight the legal assistance ADF can give to individuals, Gateways has published “Free to Speak”—a pocket-sized summary of the U.S. Department of Education guidelines explaining students’ religious liberties. January 11th is a time when churches across America will distribute “Free to Speak” to its students and their families. For more information about ordering this pocket-sized pamphlet, visit www.gtbe.org/store or call (800) 929-1163.

Gateways to Better Education and the Alliance Defense Fund have joined efforts for Religious Freedom Day. They share a common goal to create a public school environment where students and school employees are free to share and live out their Christian faith

Henrico Student to Serve as Page

Mechanicsville, VA- On January 14, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) will welcome Austin Timberlake to service as a Page in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2009 General Assembly session. Austin Timberlake, 13, is an 8th grader at Elko Middle School who enjoys church youth group, computers, and Boy Scouts in his free time. In school, Austin enjoys math as his favorite subject and is on the Honor Roll.

Austin has high future aspirations, including most notably his desire to focus on the development and use of new technology as a career. He has taken a number of introductory technology classes. Austin has also shown an aptitude for mechanics by fixing his grandfather's lawn mower independent of instructions.

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

"Austin is a smart young man with a bright future," 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."

State Budget Shortfall

Seven states have NO shortfall in general funds. Forty Three states have shortfalls. Virginia is one of them. Governors from 39 other states did a better job (assuming governors present budget figures to legislatures) than Virginia.

Will this affect our status as a well managed state?

Considering all 50 states, Virginia ranked number 40 out of 50 in the percent of shortfall of general revenue funds.

Getting 20% on a class accounting test is not a passing grade.

Thirty-nine (39) states had either NO general revenue shortfall or a smaller percent of shortfalls of their general revenue funds than Virginia. In other words, Virginia lagged behind 79% of the states in accuracy of budget predictors for calculating shortfalls.

Our status could fall even further as Utah and Tennessee have only slightly greater percent in general revenue shortfalls.

You may access and download a PDF of the survey results at:

http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.pdf

Courtesy: Del. Bob Marshall and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING ON GOVERNOR KAINE'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

- Bolling applauds Kaine's efforts to reduce state spending, but expresses opposition to tax increases and calls for reforming the budget process- RICHMOND - Earlier today, Governor Timothy M. Kaine released his proposed amendments to the 2008/2010 state budget. In response to the Governor's action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:

"These are challenging economic times for Virginia. Because of a slowing economy and the Kaine administration's failure to include reasonable revenue projections in their 2008 budget recommendations, Virginia faces a financial shortfall of some $3B, if not more. It is important for us to close this budget shortfall and restore fiscal integrity to Virginia's state government and we are prepared to do that.

"I applaud Governor Kaine for his commitment to reduce state spending. The spending reductions that the Governor has recommended and the spending reductions that the General Assembly must make are not easy. However, when the economy is not growing government must do what families and businesses must do - we must tighten our belts, prioritize spending and live within our means. This is the only responsible way to bring the budget into balance.

"Earlier this year I voluntarily reduced my office budget by 8.8% to help address the budget shortfall. Additionally, I returned 5% of my budget to the state treasury in 2007 to mitigate the effects of the previous budget deficit.

"However, I am very concerned by the Governor's proposal to increase taxes by $167M. Throughout this process the Governor has repeatedly promised to balance the budget through spending cuts, not tax increases; and it is very disappointing to see him renege on this promise. The people of Virginia expect their leaders to keep their word, not break their promises.

"I am also concerned that the Governor's tax increases could have a devastating impact on tobacco industry jobs in Southside and the Richmond area. Given the overall economic slow down, these businesses are already suffering enough, and now is not the time to place additional tax burdens on their shoulders.

"I also continue to be concerned that the Governor is basing the budget on overly optimistic revenue projections in the 2009/2010 fiscal year. At a time when the economy is struggling and state tax collections are declining, the Governor continues to estimate that we will see economic growth of 4% in the upcoming fiscal year. If we fail to meet these revenue projections, we could face additional budget shortfalls next year. A more prudent course would be to assume little or no revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year and adjust state spending accordingly.

"To prevent these dramatic shortfalls, provide more accurate revenue projections and solve these problems in the future, we need to pursue real budget reform and increased transparency in the budget process. I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of the General Assembly to address these concerns, restore fiscal integrity to the budgeting process in Richmond and adopt budget amendments that put our state back on a sound fiscal foundation."

Delegate Peace Statement on the State of Emergency Medicine

-Virginia Improved Score on National Report Card- As a member of the Health, Welfare, and Institutions committee in the Virginia House of Delegates, Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) joins Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in announcing that Virginia increased its ranking significantly from an overall ranking of 46 to an overall ranking of 23 on the recently released National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). The state's score improved from a D+ in 2006 to a C, placing it above the country's overall score of C-.

The report card cited outstanding disaster and emergency preparedness plans as well as established injury prevention programs as two areas which impacted Virginia's upward move in the overall ranking.

During his service, Delegate Peace has actively supported a number of public health initiatives. In 2007 he supported House Bill 2161 which added provisions for additional performance improvement measures to the statewide emergency medical care system. One additional requirement is that the statewide Trauma Triage Plan is to be updated triennially. Enactment of this measure ensured operational improvements to the Emergency Medical Services system and emergency medical care delivered on scene, in transit, in hospital emergency departments and within the hospital environment.

"Increasing the quality of and access to emergency medical services improves the quality of life for residents of the Commonwealth," asserted Peace. "We have made many improvements in recent years and will continue to work with professional medical organizations, hospitals, and other public and private agencies in developing creative approaches to address areas of concern highlighted in the report."

Following the tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech in 2007, Peace also supported 2008 legislation which requires the governing body of each public institution of higher education to develop, adopt, and keep current a written crisis and emergency management plan; each plan must be reviewed and revised every four years. The emergency plan creates teams to assess threats on campus and establishes emergency warning systems.

The National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine was made possible, in part by funding from the Emergency Medicine Foundation, which gratefully acknowledges the support of the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Delegate Attends Airport Road Connector Groundbreaking

New road to provide direct link to Richmond International Airport Delegate Christopher K. Peace joined state and local elected officials today at the groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction of the Pocahontas 895 Airport Connector Road. The new roadway will provide a direct route between Pocahontas 895 and the Richmond International Airport (RIC). Upon completion, commuters will save time by avoiding four traffic lights and a rail crossing enroute to the airport. Surrounding local roads will see traffic congestion decrease and safety increase.

The Airport Connector is a public private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban, the company that operates and maintains Pocahontas 895. VDOT will own and oversee the Connector; Transurban will build, operate and maintain the road.

The 1.6 mile, four lane road links Pocahontas 895 with Charles City Road and Airport Drive at the airport. Funding for construction is being provided by the Federal Highway Administration who provided Transurban with a TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan.

"Jobs created during construction of the Airport Connector will stimulate the local economy. The Connector will also increase commuter and freight efficiency which will promote economic growth in eastern Henrico County," stated Peace. "When the public and private sectors collaborate wonderful things can be achieved. We must continue to offer creative solutions at every level of government to address our infrastructure needs throughout the Commonwealth."

Thanksgiving Dinner Food Drive

Sponsored by Footprints and MCEF (Mechanicsville Christian Emergency Functions) Please help us provide Thanksgiving Dinner for our neighbors in need.

October 17th through November 13th

Suggested Donations:

Stuffing Turkey Cooking Bags Boxed Mashed Potatoes Canned Gravy Canned Yams Canned Green Beans Canned Cranberry Sauce Canned Corn Canned Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gift Card from Ukrops or Food lion (for Turkey)

Bring your donations to:

Mechanicsville Fire Station # 7 7161 Stonewall Parkway Mechanicsville, VA 23111

What a Bargain Thrift Store 8165 Elm Dr Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Church of the Creator 7159 Mechanicsville Tpke Mechanicsville, VA 23111

East Hanover Rescue Squad 8105 Walnut Grove Rd Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Henry VFC # 6 9634 Chamberlayne Rd Mechanicsville, VA 23116

For more information, call Lynn Saunders, MCEF 334-6590 or Chuck & Georgeanna Sandford, Footprints 789-9039

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING PLEDGES TO WORK WITH GOVERNOR KAINE

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING PLEDGES TO WORK WITH GOVERNOR KAINE TO FIND RESPONSIBLE BUDGET SOLUTIONS - Bolling also expresses continued concern over Governor's budget estimates-

RICHMOND - Earlier today, Governor Tim Kaine announced a series of reductions to Virginia's state budget to bring the budget into balance in light of declining revenue collections. In response to the Governor's announcement, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:

"These are challenging economic times for Virginia, with the Commonwealth facing a potential budget shortfall of $2B to $3B in the remaining months of the current biennium. While some of this shortfall is due to a sharper than anticipated decline in the national economy, a significant portion of this shortfall is due to the unreasonable revenue estimates the Governor included in his budget last year. I warned at the time that the Commonwealth could face significant budget shortfalls if these revenue estimates were not met, and unfortunately that is precisely what has happened.

"I applaud the Governor for his commitment to bring the budget into balance through spending reductions and not higher taxes. While we can discuss where and how these spending reductions should be made, I am committed to working with the Governor to reduce the budget where necessary, while preserving to the greatest extent possible the core services of state government. This will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary task. When times get tough families and businesses must tightened their budgets and spend within their means, and state government should do the same.

"However, I am concerned that the Governor's budget reforecast still anticipates revenue growth of 3.6% in the 2010 fiscal year. Based on current economic performance, I continue to believe that this estimate could prove overly optimistic. A more prudent course would be to base our 2010 budget on a more conservative revenue estimate. While this would require additional spending reductions, if we continue to base our budget on unrealistic revenue estimates, we could face additional budget shortfalls next year.

"I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of the General Assembly to bring the budget into balance through spending reductions and adopt reasonable revenue estimates for future budget years. This is what the people of Virginia should expect and this is what we should deliver."

Link to Governor's Press Release:

Governor Kaine today announced the official revenue reforecast, and immediately announced an executive spending reduction plan to meet the fiscal year 2009 shortfall. The Governor's plan reduces government spending the scope of some government programs.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=797

Political Leaders Program Recognizes Local Delegate's Service

Del. Chris Peace receives Expression of Ideals Award from University of Virginia Institute The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia focuses on training future political and community leaders. Sorensen programs concentrate on three central themes: ethics in public service, the power of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues. Sorensen's annual alumni reunion is held each October in Richmond.

At this year's reunion, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was presented the Expression of Ideals Award. This yearly award is given to a graduate who best embodies Sorensen and displays a spirit of ethics and bipartisanship. Delegate Peace is a graduate of the 2004 Political Leaders Program and Chair of the Richmond Regional Board. In his remarks, Peace reiterated the principles of Sorensen, "When we listen to others, exchange ideas and understand where they are coming from, it only makes us better..." He continued by saying, "We can make a difference even though we do not agree; sharing our perspectives makes the discourse better."

According to their website, the Sorensen Institute has more than 1,000 graduates of its various programs. Sixteen alumni now serve in the Virginia General Assembly-two in the Senate and fourteen in the House. Dozens more have been appointed to boards and commissions, while nearly 100 have been elected to local office. In the November 2007 elections alone, a record 48 Sorensen graduates won elections: 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats, and 12 Independents. Other alumni are serving in critical positions of leadership in nonprofits, local governments or in the private sector.

2nd Annual Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday Set To Aid Virginia Families and Retailers

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) wishes to remind citizens of the upcoming Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, to be held Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13, 2008. 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 was signed into law by the Governor. “This weekend offers a great incentive for Virginians to consider energy efficient purchases. Reducing energy consumption is one part of our national goal for energy independence,” 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).

”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

Delegate to Serve on Richmond Habitat Board of Directors

Del. Peace supports making housing more accessible and affordable for 97th District residents The Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity last week selected Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-97th House of Delegates) to serve on its Board of Directors. This metropolitan organization serves the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City and New Kent and has built more than 280 homes in these areas since 1986.

"Like many Americans, many Habitat families are unable to afford traditional mortgages so Habitat offers working families a great product at an affordable price. In this time of economic uncertainty and housing foreclosures, our communities should reinforce a welcoming message and partner with Habitat just like the McLaughlins of New Kent did" stated Peace.

Locally, Elsie and Bert McLaughlin of New Kent County recently sold over 10 acres to Richmond Habitat at a greatly reduced rate to facilitate construction of the 1st Habitat subdivision in New Kent County. Their generosity demonstrated a commitment to workforce and affordable housing opportunities in New Kent.

Habitat for Humanity, International was founded on the conviction that all of God's children deserve a decent and safe place to live. Habitat is a proven model successfully enabling more than 1,000,000 people worldwide to move from inadequate shelter into simple, decent homes. Once accepted into the program families are required to invest 350 hours of labor into building their house and other Habitat homes, known as "sweat equity." Homeowners are expected to attend a series of educational workshops, including sessions on budgeting, predatory lending and home maintenance; the entire process takes about 18 months.

Delegate Peace statement on Seventh Anniversary of 9/11

- Remembering Lives Lost and Heroic Sacrifices Made- -"Today, our nation stops and remembers the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Seven years ago we sadly lost many of our best and brightest fellow citizens. We pause to remember the loss of thousands of innocent victims, a memory that will remain with us forever. We offer our continued thoughts and prayers to the families. Many survived these horrific events due to the heroism of first responders who risked and sacrificed their lives to shield others in peril. All of us came together on 9/11 as Americans, and we must remember that we are always stronger as one united American family."

"Ashley and I join with you this day as we honor the memory of each and every American who died; my family grieves alongside the families who lost loved ones. We pay tribute to the self-sacrificing men and women that serve in the military, the dedicated members of our law enforcement and emergency services communities, and the thousands of others across our country who continue to place themselves in harm's way to protect us from future attacks and tirelessly labor to secure our liberty."

Delegate Visits Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

-Peace observes military operations on seventh anniversary of 9/11 - Today, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) toured the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. Peace observed components of the Coalition Warfare Interoperability Demonstration (CWID). CWID tests operations, technologies and collaborative planning efforts to be used by military, governmental agencies and first responders in cases of natural disasters or emergency situations.

"The enhanced interoperability of CWID will improve communications particularly needed during times of crisis," stated Peace. "On this the anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, I am humbled to witness the combined efforts of our service members and civilian employees working together to develop technologies and response plans that will protect us from the threat of future attacks."

Delegate Peace went on, "Ashley and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those who were lost seven years ago today; and we honor the selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, the dedicated members of our law enforcement and intelligence communities, and the thousands of others at the local, State, and Federal levels who protect our country, work to prevent future attacks and secure our liberty."

According to their website, Dahlgren has been at the core of US Naval strength for nearly a century. Today, it also supports other branches of the military, the joint forces of our allies, and the Department of Homeland Security. From surface combat systems and advanced weapons to strategic strike capabilities and homeland protection, Dahlgren provides overwhelming technological advantage to our nation and our troops. The nation and Virginia are very fortunate to have this unique research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) facility.

Peace Statement on Off-Shoring Drilling

Congress recessed this month without passing energy legislation. Congress failed to even allow a vote on measures aimed at lowering the price of gas. It is past time to play politics with the price of gas. As gas prices continue to burden the current economy leaders must move America toward energy independence by among other things expanding our domestic capacity. Building more oil refineries to lower the cost of gas and reduce our dependence on foreign oil is a solution found favorable by 77% of Americans.

It is past time for an honest debate about drilling and producing. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid must pass legislation to remove restrictions on exploration and production in currently prohibited areas, lift barriers to Oil Shale exploration and production, expand exploration and production of America's vast natural gas resource and use this resource to reduce our foreign dependence, and increase our domestic refining capability, to keep us from importing an expensive pre-refined energy product.

The President lifted the Executive Order banning additional offshore oil drilling, but Congress continues to drag its feet. I urge citizens to call on Congress to lift the federal moratorium on offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf. In New Kent, write to Congressman Bobby Scott in his Richmond Office at 501 N. 2nd Street, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23219 to express your stance on policy that will move our nation towards energy independence and greater security. For more ways to get involved with this common sense movement visit http://www.americansolutions.com

Summer Break for Virginia Taxpayers:

Virginia's Working Families Saved from New Massive Statewide Tax--House Republicans lead defeat of House and Senate Democrat high tax measures --

--Instead of adopting regional fixes, Senate Democrats opted for higher taxes and more statewide spending as their Transportation "solution" --

--Two Richmond-area House Democrats supported proposed a 1% sales tax increase for the Richmond area including Hanover County-

This week marked the beginning of summer break for Virginia Taxpayers: Governor Kaine's Summer Tax Special mercifully ended early Thursday morning. Along with Senate and House Democrats the Governor tried and failed to have taxpayers stretch their already tight household budgets and share their paychecks with VDOT. Not only did the Governor's massive tax increase schemes fail but this week also witnessed the ending of his tax session which cost the Commonwealth nearly $20,000 per day.

"Virginia taxpayers rest easier today now that the high tax plans have failed. The Governor's decision to call the Special Session without first developing bi-partisan consensus was a mistake; we proposed both short-term and long-range strategies to deal with funding our infrastructure" asserted Peace.

Responding to growing maintenance and construction funding needs, House Republicans alternatively proposed creative and targeted measures designed to address transportation is a fiscally prudent manner. Unfortunately, the Senate of Virginia rejected nearly each piece of the responsible House plan. Assembly Democrats were proficient in saying no. "They said NO to Innovation, Prioritization, Spending Cuts, Accountability, External Audits, and Anything but Tax Hikes," said Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville).

House Republicans introduced legislation calling for a performance audit of VDOT, a Transportation Trust Fund Constitutional Amendment to guarantee dollars for roads are spent on roads, highway concessions including the application of tolls at certain "choke" points, and regional fixes to last year's comprehensive plan delivering relief to the most congested areas of the Commonwealth.

Rather than working within the context of a proposed budget to address transportation needs, Governor Kaine called legislators from their work and families to Richmond for a transportation session in his 3rd attempt to raise taxes in his tenure. Even within the Governor's own party deep philosophical divisions exist. The division was evidenced by the introduction of the Governor's tax bill (HB 6026) only in the House after failing to find a Senate Democrat patron. Hidden in his gas tax proposal, Senator Saslaw (SB 6009) proposed a penny increase in the retail sales and use tax on localities between Richmond and Fredericksburg. The legislation did not name the affected counties and cities, rather referred to localities in which daily vehicle miles traveled in the area. If successful, this increase would have meant a 1% food tax increase in the Town of Ashland and consumers would have seen the sales tax increase from the current 5% to 6%.

"This winter Kaine will have the opportunity to amend the budget, cut state spending on new social programs and focus on this important core service of government. It is time to live within our means. With food, gasoline, mortgages, and utility and natural gas bills rising, Virginians deserve better," said Peace.

Over the past four years, Republicans lead Virginia through some significant reforms and improvements to funding roads, rail and transit. Republicans reformed VDOT and encouraged public/private projects and linked land use decisions to transportation to manage growth and combat sprawl. In terms of funding, targeted funds were applied to reduce congestion and improve Virginia's Transportation network:

-In 2005, invested $850 million to reduce congestion (HB 1500)

-In 2006, built upon that progress by directing $568 million in surplus dollars and ongoing funding (HB 5002)

-In 2007, financed largest investment in two decades, $3 billion for road, rail & transit projects. (HB 3202)

-In 2008, restored $180 million in funding for key projects diverted by Governor Kaine. (HB 30)

As it stands, transportation receives 13% or $10 billion of the state's $77 billion budget. A lack of revenues is not the problem.

"In the end, Governor failed to present a creative plan like this that both parties could embrace. Difficult times require innovation and forward looking solutions instead of higher taxes," said Peace.

Special Session House Bill Would Have Improved Interstate 64

--Senate Committee Kills Measure to Widen I-64 in New Kent and Henrico Counties-- The Senate Finance Committee defeated House Bill 6055 which included a provision mandating VDOT to issue requests for proposals under the Public-Private Transportation Act for the widening of Interstate Route 64 from Route 199 in James City County to exit 200 at Interstate Route 295.

"Widening of this portion of I-64 would have been particularly beneficial to residents of the 97th District who reside in Sandston, Highland Springs and New Kent. These residents frequently travel this section of I-64 and welcome congestion relief additional lanes would provide," said Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville).

The measure also contained regional components to address the transportation needs of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Under the proposal as amended, and supported by Delegate Peace, Hampton Roads would have received up to $300 million per year in transportation funding produced by 30% of the increased economic growth at the public and private ports in Hampton Roads. Northern Virginia would have received up to $600 million per year from 30% of the increased economic growth at the Dulles and Reagan National airports. Neither region would have been affected by increased taxes or fees.

Responding to growing maintenance and construction funding needs, House Republicans alternatively proposed creative and targeted measures designed to address transportation in a fiscally prudent manner. Unfortunately, the Senate of Virginia rejected nearly each piece of the responsible House plan.

"We were working hard for fiscally responsible ways to address various funding issues. I had hoped for bipartisan cooperation, but instead House Republicans were the only ones offering legislation to meet the regional needs of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads without statewide increases in taxes and fees. I am disappointed that Senate Democrats killed this measure as it would have improved a major artery in the 97th District," said Peace.