Local Delegate Promotes House Republican Record onEnvironmental Stewardship

--Virginians recognize Earth Day 2009-- HANOVER, VA – Highlighting the numerous accomplishments of Virginia Republicans to encourage a healthy and sustainable environment, Virginia House of Delegates Member Christopher K. Peace (R-97th District) today issued the following fact sheet on today’s observance of Earth Day.

Below is a summary of other environmental legislation initiated and successfully enacted by House Republicans over the past several sessions. This list is not intended to be a complete compilation of all Republican-sponsored environmental legislation, but provides an overview of the breadth and depth of creative solutions by Republicans to meet Virginia’s environmental challenges.

Preserving and Protecting the Chesapeake Bay – HB 1150 (2006) HB 1650 & HB 1710 (2007)

Continued effort to fulfill House Republican’s commitment to dedicate more than $500 million to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay before 2015 through water treatment plant upgrades and nutrient removal coupled with oversight and performance measures.

By upgrading sewage treatment plants in the Bay watershed with nutrient removal technology, Virginia can achieve approximately 20% of necessary pollution load reductions.

Advancing Innovative Financing for Land Conservation – HB 2694 & HB 2825 (2007)

Expanded the financial tools available to fund land conservation and preservation projects and programs throughout the Commonwealth through an innovative Land Conservation Tax Credit.

Over 420,000 acres of Virginia’s most pristine land has been protected from sprawl and development since 2000 using the market-based land conservation tax credit program, according data compiled by the VA Department of Taxation.

Creating a Natural Resources Commitment Fund – HB 1335 & HB 30 (2008), HB 2351 (2009)

Established and provided $20 million for cost-sharing programs to implement agricultural best management practices through the Natural Resources Commitment Fund.

Best management practices are important tools in controlling non-point source pollution – like animal waste, cropland, and forested land – and environmental contamination.

Preserving Civil War Battlefields across Virginia – HB 30 (2008)

Provided over $5 million for matching grants and $30 million in bonds for land acquisition of open space and preservation of endangered Civil War historic sites.

Allows for land acquisition for conservation, open space and historic preservation as well as matching grants in partnership with private non-profit organizations for battlefield sites.

Encouraging Energy Conservation – HB 2531 (2009)

Encourages energy conservation, effective July 1, 2009, by examining development of energy conservation and efficiency targets that can be accomplished by cost-effective demand-side management.

Helps Virginia conserve 10% or more of its electricity consumption in future years and keep prices competitive through reduced demand and improved efficiency.

Improving Air Quality – HB 1055 (2006)

Adopted stronger air emissions’ regulations (so-called “Smokestack Bill”) to provide further controls to protect Virginia’s pristine environment.

Cutting smokestack emissions from power plants will save lives, spare asthma sufferers, help clean up the Chesapeake Bay and protect wildlife.

Reducing Water Pollution – HB 2168 (2009)

Improves the ability to clean up Virginia’s waterways from storm-water nonpoint pollution through a nutrient offset program that allows compliance through offsets in the same tributary.

Addressing water quality impairments caused by agricultural and land development activities through a proven free market approach reduces pollution run-off into Virginia’s waterways.

Partnering to Eliminate Environmental Threats – HB 2646 (2009)

Establishes a market-based betterment loan program to address failing sewage systems in order to reduce threats to public health and ground and surface waters.

Assisting homeowners’ and businesses’ efforts to eliminate their negative impacts on Virginia’s waters through private financing of system upgrades and improvements.

Virginia Delegate Chris Peace Hammers Home his Support for Affordable Housing

Delegate Chris Peace and VHDA Officials Put "Advocacy into Action" on Richmond Habitat Home Build in New Kent County What: Delegate Chris Peace, Virginia's 97th District Representative and skilled volunteers from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) will roll up sleeves, take hammer in hand, and put their advocacy for affordable housing into action, framing 2 new Habitat homes in New Kent County. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity (RMHFH) officially broke ground on New Kent County's 1st Habitat subdivision last month. VHDA celebrates 10 years of partnership with RMHFH through pro bono mortgage servicing.

Who: Delegate Chris Peace, 97th District, Virginia; Richard Taylor, Government Relations, VHDA and 30 other officials and staff from VHDA

When: Friday, April 3, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where: Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity – New Kent County Subdivision 6321 Hopewell Road, New Kent, VA 23124

Click on the following link for directions to build site

http://www.richmondhabitat.org/pdfs/Driving%20Directions%20-%20New%20Kent.pdf

For more information on Delegate Peace's advocacy for affordable housing:

http://virginiatomorrow.com/2009/01/14/delegate-chris-peacehelp-housing-now

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity (RMHFH) changes lives by making it possible for families to realize the dream of homeownership. We join forces with Richmond area low and moderately low income families, local government, businesses, faith groups, schools, associations and individual volunteers and donors to build decent, modest homes that families can afford to buy through interest free mortgages we offer. For more information on Richmond Habitat, visit www.richmondhabitat.org

The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is the state's mortgage finance agency. Created in 1972 by the Virginia General Assembly, our mission is to help low- and moderate-income Virginians attain quality, affordable housing. Our vision is to be the Leading Mobilizing Force for Affordable Housing in Virginia.

April 2009: Peace Progress

Peace Progress A Monthly 97th District Update: April 2009 In this issue:Message from Chris Get Involved Mark Your Calendars Public Service Announcement Constituent Services New Media Services

Message From Chris

Peace Comments on Vote Against Changes to Virginia's Unemployment Insurance Laws

Delegate Chris Peace (R-97th District) offers his perspective regarding his vote against permanent changes to Virginia's unemployment insurance laws during the General Assembly Reconvened Session. The changes would have allowed Virginia to receive only short-term, temporary federal funding to support long-term expansion.

"The mainstream media's coverage of Virginia's 2009 Reconvened Session has mischaracterized the real issue related to unemployment insurance laws in Virginia.

"The Governor amended legislation previously passed during the regular session of the General Assembly. He proposed permanently changing our unemployment insurance laws just to receive $125 million in temporary federal funds. I along with my fellow House Republicans believed that this short-term federal stimulus money would lead to job losses rather than affecting real stimulus or job creation. When federal funds expire our Commonwealth would be responsible for funding this mandate. This Federal government bribe was rightly turned away.

"Virginians are experiencing tough economic times. My House colleagues and I are aware of the hardships that come when jobs are lost. This is why we worked this past session on meaningful, comprehensive and free market initiatives that extend tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs here in the Commonwealth, and approved funding for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to Virginia. The budget which was passed also accelerates capital projects and could create up to 3,400 new jobs. This type of economic development is the best thing we can do for those currently out of work. When this recession is over we can look back on this moment and say we chose getting Virginians working again."

Get Involved

**If you would like to serve on my 97th District Advisory Committee please contact my office. I need support from many people active in the communities of the 97th. I desire input from constituents, local leaders, the business community, the faith-based community, educators, and more. I feel that to effectively serve the people of the 97th District and the Commonwealth, it is important that I develop a clear understanding of all of the issues and how they will impact the citizens of our district and Virginia. Advisory Committee meetings will be held on a regular basis. If interested in serving please contact my office at 804-730-3737 or e-mail me at info@chrispeace.com or julie@chrispeace.com

Norman Sulser is the 97th legislative district chair. He can be reached at msulsern@verizon.net

Mark Your Calendars

Caroline: May 8th, 2009, Saturday) Madison Ruritan Club's - (AYCE) Seafood Festival Saturday, - 1 pm - 5 pm Located behind Ladysmith Elementary School. Proceed one block West from Route 1 (Jeff Davis Hwy) on Ladysmith Road, turn left on Allen St and follow signs to Madison Ruritan Building. Adults: $25.00 Children: (6-12) - $12.00 Under 6 - Free Price includes; Fried Fish, Fried & Roasted Oysters, Fried Scallops, Steamed Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw, Hot Dogs and beverages: Beer, Tea, Soda Advance Tickets Only, NO tickets will be available at the gate - NO REFUNDS Tickets available at: Ladysmith Pharmacy & the Hair Jungle Call 804-448-3111 or 804-448-0587 or email mailto:madison_ruritan@bealenet.com for tickets or more info Deadline for All Ticket Sales is May 2nd

Hanover: Bring out your 4 legged friend to the WOOF WAG WALK event at Taylor Park. The Woof Wag Walk special event is scheduled for April 25 at Taylor Park in Ashland. This fun-filled event for you and your dog features pet-oriented vendors, pet adoptions, contests, doggie fashion show and more. The event runs 9am-2pm at Taylor Park on Saturday April 25.

Henrico: KidFest: Attention kids! Come out and enjoy a day in the park just for you. Enjoy games, arts and crafts, information booths, and more, all tailored just for kids! Catch the high-energy alternative show by up-and-coming young artists Mission Six along with the rock 'n roll tunes of the talented blues rock guitarist Grant Austin Taylor. Be sure to peruse the art exhibits by local galleries that feature children artists. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Rachel Leyco, 501-5134. Sat, May 16, 1-4 p.m. No rain date. Deep Run Park. Free.

King and Queen: The Walkerton Community Fire Association BBQ Dinner: Walkerton Community Fire Association holds an annual BBQ dinner in May on the 3rd Sunday from 4-7 p.m. For more information please contact Ed Wilson at 769-2060.

King William: SPRING FEST 2009 When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 4-9p.m. ( Rain Date May 3, 2009 ) For more information, call 804-769-0808 Where: King William County Court House Live music by Sunshine City and The Lost Vagabonds, children's play area, classic cars, arts & crafts, community booths, great food and Fireworks. Also, see the LifeEvac III helicopter fly-in (schedule permitting), and visit the King William Historical Museum. Festival will take place at the historical King William Court House. Bring your lawnchairs and enjoy the day. Parking is at Hamilton-Holmes Middle School with free shuttle service to the festival. Handicap parking will be available at the Court House.

New Kent: April 22 Providence Forge Ruritan Catfish Fry 4-8 pm at the Providence Forge Recreation Center at 9900 Carriage Road. Fried Catfish and Trout, Hush Puppies, Beans, Cole Slaw and beverages. Meal served at 5:30 pm. Music by the Milltown Boys. Tickets $20 available from Club members or call Gammon Well at 966-2615.

Spotsylvania: The Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with the Hershey Corporation, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society, will sponsor a track meet on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Courtland High School Track. Events will begin promptly at 4:00p.m. In the event of significant weather, the meet will be re-scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 4:00p.m. Please note the program will NOT be postponed due to drizzle. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made over WFLS (93.3FM), WBQB (101.5 FM), WJYJ (90.5 FM), WGRX (104.5) and WGRQ (95.9) and the cancellation line at Parks and Recreation (898-8546) as soon as a decision to postpone has been made. Please listen carefully to the announcements.

Hanover County Sheriff's Office: Public Service Announcement Contact: Deputy Jim McLaughlin (804) 365-6335

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Services Unit would like to remind you that spring has sprung and with that comes people who will be trying their best to take your money in many different ways. There will be many people passing through the county that will try to scam you out of your money this spring and summer.

The scam might begin by offering home repairs, such as repairing your roof, asphalting your driveway, sealing your driveway, removing trees, trimming trees, or even repairing utilities.

Please remember you contact someone to make a repair don't let them contact you. How would they know you need a repair?

The best way to handle this is not to answer the door if it is someone you don't know. Use the peephole in your door; remember there is no law that says you have to open your door.

When having any repairs done always get three quotes; always ask for and check references, then check them through the Better Business Bureau.

Do not sign any paperwork (contract) without reading the entire document. If you don't understand it, have a lawyer or trusted friend read it.

Don't give anyone cash or money up front without a contract (even if it is a family member). Remember there are many different ways to say fraud.... IT'S NOW OR NEVER! (Don't pass up this deal, no time left.) IT'S A SECRET! (Don't tell anyone else; I can't give them the same deal.) CASH ONLY! (I can only take cash. No Checks!) THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! (It probably is!) SOMETHING FOR NOTHING! (That's probably what you will get in return!)

Constituent Services

I am always happy to assist residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my constituents and the state.

My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. I encourage you to contact us. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth.

I may be reached at: Capitol Office: PO Box 406 Richmond, VA 23218 Phone: 804-698-1097 Fax: 804-698-6797 E-mail:delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

District Office: 7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F PO Box 819 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-3737 Fax: 804-730-5049 E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

***Please make note of the legislative e-mail address change. To insure consistency among all Virginia government entities, the General Assembly of Virginia is changing all website and email addresses from the 'state.va.us' naming convention to virginia.gov. Therefore our new e-mail address is delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

New Media Services

Please visit my website and find me on Facebook:

Website Facebook

If you are a member of Facebook, please login and sign on as a supporter on my page. You may find my supporter page: Christopher K. Peace by using the search box in the top right-hand corner of the main page after you login. Once on the page, click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.

Delegates Peace and Fralin File State Sovereignty Resolution

--The federal government is a creature of the states - not the other way around --(Walter E. Williams January 27, 1995)

From the Capitol where representatives cast the necessary vote on December 15, 1791 to ratify the United States Constitution, Virginia Delegates Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) and William H. Fralin, Jr. (R-Roanoke) today introduced a House resolution to affirm those founding principles of Federalism guaranteed under the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The resolution sets forth the principle that the Commonwealth of Virginia is sovereign and has authority to claim powers not specified or granted to the federal government.

Delegate Peace wrote in his Richmond Times-Dispatch Commentary (February 22, 2009), " Case law expounded upon this fundamental principle... Printz v. United States held that the federal system limits the ability of the federal government to use state governments as an instrumentality of the national government. But this traditional notion of Federalism has devolved into “cooperative federalism,” where Congress creates new state programs by affixing certain conditions to the receipt of those funds. These coercive acts may become so intolerable that long-term sustainability is in real question, and the ultimate danger is the erosion of the principles of Federalism whereby Virginia becomes, effectively, a ward of the federal super state.”

As a result, over the past year, states around the country passed resolutions claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment and resolving to serve notice and demand to the federal government to cease and desist mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers. Virginia, upon passage of this legislation, joins the movement that so clearly demonstrates the imbalance and growing concern that the federal government is increasing its dominance over their state policy affairs.

Del. Fralin states that “The Tenth Amendment assures that we, the people of the United States of America and each sovereign state of the United States, now have, and have always had, rights the federal government may not usurp. The states today in some cases are treated as agents of the federal government; and many federal laws are directly in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. "

STATEMENT OF DEL. PEACE: On the Retirement of Del. Frank D. Hargrove

--Delegate Peace pays tribute to a true Hanover Gentleman-- Richmond, VA- When I was a young boy, Frank Hargrove welcomed my inquiries about Republican values and became for me a mentor and role model. He remains so today yet whatismore he is a friend whom I will always respect. To paraphrase General Lee's farewell to his troops benediction With nearly thirty years of exemplary service to his native commonwealth, marked by unsurpassed courage, fortitude, constancy and devotion, Delegate Frank Hargrove leaves office having made Virginia a better place. I hope Frank takes with him the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed and of the loving admiration of his many colleagues. I earnestly pray that God will extend to Frank His blessing and protection in the years ahead.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace’s 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.

House Republicans Highlight Success

– Priority Bills to Balance Budget, Boost Economy & Restore Prosperity Advance – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and House Majority Caucus Chairman Samuel A. “Sam” Nixon, Jr. (R-Chesterfield) today highlighted the many legislative successes so far by members of the Republican Majority Caucus through the halfway point of the 2009 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. The announcement comes at the 2009 session’s midway mark, commonly referred to as “crossover.” By that date, which this year fell on February 10, each house must have acted on the bills filed by its respective members.

“During these trying economic times, Virginians rightly expected their elected state officials to advance practical solutions that will balance the budget without earmarks, hasten economic recovery and restore prosperity to Virginia’s ailing economy,” noted Howell. “House Republicans have delivered real results to the financial challenges citizens are facing. Our aggressive reform agenda sets forth a fiscally responsible approach to dealing with the kitchen-table concerns of Virginia families, businesses and taxpayers. Our strong majority caucus has developed new ideas, received support from Democrats and Independents and achieved House passage of scores of positive reforms.

“House Republicans successfully passed legislation to improve job creation, stimulate economic development, support educators, make higher education more affordable, ensure health insurance coverage for small businesses, ease congestion on Virginia’s transportation system and promote alternative energy development and conservation. Most of these bills garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, producing valuable momentum as these common-sense measures now go to be considered by the Senate of Virginia.”

“Offering practical solutions to Virginia’s challenges is a hallmark of House Republican leadership in the General Assembly,” said Chairman Nixon. “With our Commonwealth confronting the most difficult economic environment in decades, it is essential to build and expand upon our many accomplishments. Our individual legislative solutions, along with the House’s fiscally prudent action on amendments to the 2008-2010 biennial budget without raising taxes, displays the reasoned and comprehensive approach taken by House Republicans this year to help meet Virginia’s challenges. The overwhelming bipartisan support for many items on our agenda underscores the ability of Republicans to govern effectively and responded appropriately to the concerns of Virginians.”

Below is a partial list of measures advanced by the House Republican Caucus – grouped by topic – that the House of Delegates approved by the February 10 midpoint deadline of the 2009 Session.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY & STIMULUS

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Expedites five significant higher education capital projects worth $230 million to start construction one year sooner in order to stimulate creation of 3,400 new jobs and advance higher learning opportunities.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Supports efforts to increase economic development and marketing efforts in Virginia by providing an additional $3 million for tourism to leverage $13.5 million in private sector investments, restoring $500,000 to the Economic Development Partnership, and increasing the deal-closing Governor’s Opportunity Fund.

HB 2575 (Del. Putney – Bedford) Passed House 99-0 Extends by 10 years the successful major business facility job tax credit and expedites the drawdown of those credits over the next two years to help stimulate much-needed job creation in the private sector.

HB 2550 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 99-0 Provides innovative financing for large, job-creating economic development projects that create over 400 new jobs and invest over $250 million in Virginia communities.

HB 2583 (Del. Merricks – Pittsylvania) Passed House 91-3-4 Retains a portion of state revenue holdings in Virginia financial institutions, increasing their capital holdings by almost $400 million so they can reinvest in local jobs and stimulate the local credit market.

HB 2437 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 99-0 Allows manufacturers' corporate income tax to be based on sales, phased in by 2013, thereby helping Virginia remain competitive to retain and create approximately 9,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs.

HB 2056 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 97-0-1 Provides economic grant incentives for workforce training programs and facilities to support an advanced workforce training program in Hampton Roads that creates 1,000 new jobs.

ECONOMIC SECURITY & PROSPERITY

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Provides $1.5 million for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support training programs for a major automotive supplier that will create 318 new jobs and invest $194 million in Virginia.

HB 1938 (Del. Peace – Hanover) Passed House 99-0 Increases to $2,000 the amount of the livable tax credit for Virginians purchasing a new home or retrofitting an existing residency to improve accessibility.

HB 2262 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 99-0 Strengthens the Attorney General’s enforcement authority under the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act to go after predatory mortgage lenders using fraud and deception.

HB 2031 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 98-0 Requires the licensure and registration of mortgage loan originators and establishes licensing procedures and criteria to ensure consumer protection.

HB 2132 (Del. J. Miller – Manassas) Passed House 99-0 Allows localities to cooperate with school divisions to offer residential housing assistance grants and other arrangements to provide affordable housing alternatives to teachers and other educational staff.

HB 2096 (Del. Orrock – Caroline) Passed House 98-0 Encourages charity organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, to build affordable housing by allowing localities to waive building permit and other local fees.

HB 2354 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 99-0 Allows for the temporary suspension of any mandate on a local government by a state agency if it would help alleviate the localities’ fiscal hardships.

HJ 647 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 98-1 Increases the amount that can be appropriated to the Rainy Day Fund to strengthen Virginia’s ability to effectively weather future economic downturns.

HJ 640 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 56-43 Protects in the State Constitution Virginia’s Right-to-Work status, a key cornerstone of why Virginia has been ranked #1 in the nation as the best place for business to do business.

GOVERNMENT REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

HB 1634 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 78-14-3 Closes the loophole on fundraising by elected officials while in legislative session in order to eliminate the influence of campaign contributions on the consideration and outcome of legislation.

HB 1883 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 98-0 Strengthens the transparency and oversight of lobbyist registration by increasing reporting and reforming compliance procedures.

HB 2463 (Del. O’Bannon - Henrico) Passed House 95-3 Creates an Efficiency Review Commission to systematically review every agency of state government to make certain that they are necessary and are performing their work efficiently and without redundancy.

HB 2285 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 99-0 Improves spending transparency through Virginia’s searchable database website to include more information on state revenues, appropriations and expenditures.

HB 2657 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 99-0 Prohibits the use of the Commonwealth’s publicly owned Executive Mansion for partisan political fundraising events.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE & ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES

HB 2404 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 98-0 Creates the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation to assist in identifying and administering the development of alternative energy sources to create jobs and promote energy independence.

HB 2531 (Del. Kilgore – Scott) Passed House 87-12 Encourages energy conservation, primarily by businesses, by examining the development of energy conservation and demand-response targets that can be accomplished through cost-effective demand-side management portfolios.

HB 2152 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0 Provides for relief from capacity charges that discourage renewable energy generation without increasing the cost of energy to consumers.

HB 2175 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 80-18 Breaks down barriers in the regulation process for completing small renewable energy projects so more projects can be built faster and at a lower cost, helping to reduce electric grid consumption.

HB 2172 (Del. Hogan – Halifax) Passed House 97-2 Streamlines the regulatory process for renewable energy generation projects so they can be connected more easily into the existing electrical grid for aid in addressing overall energy demand through the use of alternative energy resources.

HB 2371 (Del. Nutter – Montgomery) Passed House 98-0-1 Encourages consumer-driven choices for commercial costumers generating renewable power by providing real-time, dynamic energy rates so utilities can bring that renewable power into their overall grid to lower overall costs and satisfy demand.

HB 2268 (Del. Poindexter – Franklin) Passed House 99-0 Expands the definition of renewable energy to encourage new alternative energy projects with greater use of organic, biomass sources to meet rising energy demand.

HB 1633 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 58-41 Directs the royalties from exploration of domestic energy sources that will create local jobs to transportation improvements, Chesapeake Bay clean-up, renewable energy research and home energy assistance.

HB 2001 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0 Expands the eligibility of the Biofuels Production Incentive Grant Program to include advanced biofuels that are made from winter cover crops, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin oil and algae.

HB 2002 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 98-0 Encourages the production of sustainably produced biofuels made from traditional agricultural crops as part of Virginia’s comprehensive energy plan.

HEALTH CARE REFORM

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Restores the 200 MR Waiver slots cut by Governor Kaine in his budget amendments and funds an additional 200 slots in order to reduce the urgent waiting list for the MR Waiver program.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Dedicates $1.5 million in additional funding for critical and cost-effective early intervention services for children with developmental delays, including children with autism and autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2024 (Del. D. Marshall – Danville) Passed House 99-0 Reduces the number of uninsured Virginians by allowing small businesses that do not currently offer health insurance to their employees to offer plans with the choice of what mandates to cover.

HB 1598 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 88-0-1 Revises the criteria for issuance of a Certificate of Public Need which will result in increased competition in the delivery of health care services, opening greater access to high quality care.

HB 2044 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 96-0-1 Creates an advisory committee of health care and technology experts to assist in developing standards for health care information systems that reduce medical errors, reduce costs and save lives.

HB 1853 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 99-0 Sets out an aggressive goal of eliminating the urgent care waiting list for the home and community-based MR Waiver program that grows by one family within the next 10 years (by 2018-2020 biennium).

HB 2061 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 99-0 Reforms the process for placing juveniles in outpatient mental health treatment services and monitoring those cases.

HB 2557 (Del. Nixon – Chesterfield) Passed House 99-0 Applies any mandate that may be imposed on small businesses to the state employee health insurance plan and requires information on cost and utilization of any proposed mandate.

K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Expands access and creates more in-state Virginia students by providing $12.5 million for new enrollment at Virginia’s public institutions of higher education and setting aside 70% of those slots for Virginians.

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Lessens the possibility of schools having to layoff younger teachers and helps schools divisions better manage their budgets by establishing a Teacher and Support Staff Enhanced Retirement Incentive Plan.

HB 2464 (Del. Morgan – Gloucester) Passed House 98-0-1 Continues and improves upon the 2005 landmark restructuring of Virginia’s higher education system

HB 1965 (Del. Saxman – Staunton) Passed House 50-47 Creates an income tax credit for businesses that support public school scholarships for families that decide to send their students to the school of their choice. Part of the qualifying education expenses covered by such scholarships would be services used for children with autism spectrum disorder.

HB 2104 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 59-39 Provides a grant for families in Virginia with a child who has autism spectrum disorder to use at a private school if their child is demonstrating substantial unmet academic or development progress in a public school.

HB 2018 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 72-24 Creates a permanent, perpetual School Construction Revolving Fund to better assist local school districts in financing construction and renovation. Leveraging innovative public-private financing and expertise will help build needed classrooms faster, at lower costs and in a more dynamic way.

HB 2304 (Del. Griffith – Salem) Passed House 98-0 Maintains the one-year period in which anyone aggrieved by a decision on special education program placement, eligibility or other matters made in a due process hearing may appeal to a circuit court. The State Board of Education has proposed decreasing the time-period to 90 days.

HJ 678 (Del. Tata – Virginia Beach) Passed House 95-0 Requests Virginia’s public higher education administration study methods to attract students to the Virginia Community College system for teacher preparation programs.

TRANSPORTATION

HB 1579 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 67-31 Increases transportation funding for Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and other regions of the Commonwealth by dedicating a portion of future growth in existing revenue sources so Virginia can reinvest in its roads, rail and transit, increase mobility and strengthen the flow of job-creating commerce.

HB 2066 (Del. Hamilton – Newport News) Passed House 68-29-1 Improves the Public-Private Partnership Transportation Act by streamlining the regulatory process to increase the number of public-private projects that could be built faster and at a lower cost.

HB 2079 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 65-31-1 Expedites improvements and expansion of two transportation projects critical to Hampton Roads – the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension project and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

HB 2019 (Del. Rust – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0 Directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to designate corridors of statewide significance in the Statewide Transportation Plan and localities to include them in their comprehensive plans.

HJ 620 (Del. Oder – Newport News) Passed House 99-0 Locks-up from legislative raids the Transportation Trust Fund by an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia so money dedicated and supposed to go to transportation actually is used for transportation.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

HB 2351 (Del. Landes – Augusta) Passed House 99-0 Dedicates a portion of future surplus funds to the Natural Resources Commitment Fund and increases the share allocated from the Fund to the Agriculture Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program.

HB 2168 (Del. Abbitt – Appomattox) Passed House 98-0 Improves the ability to clean up Virginia’s waterways from storm-water nonpoint pollution through a nutrient offset program that allows compliance through offsets in the same tributary.

HB 2165 (Del. Lohr – Rockingham) Passed House 98-0 Makes it easier for Virginia farmers to undertake small-scale conversions of renewable biomass from feedstock produced on the farm for energy production.

HB 2646 (Del. Poindexter - Franklin) Passed House 92-7 Establishes a market-based betterment loan program to address onsite sewage systems or alternative discharging sewage systems in order to reduce threats to public health as well as ground and surface waters.

HB 2565 (Del. Knight – Virginia Beach) Passed House 98-0 Encourages localities to develop lease of development rights, transfer of development rights and agricultural and forestal districts with assistance from the Office of Farmland Preservation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY

HB 1600 (Del. Putney – Bedford) House to Pass on Feb. 12 Protects children from online predators by appropriating $1.0 million to the Northern Virginia and Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

HB 2402 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 99-0 Combats identify theft in cases where people obtain money, loans and credit through the use of identifying information of another person.

HB 1868 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 96-0 Increases permanently penalty for underage drinking and driving to a Class I misdemeanor to deter reckless behavior by young people.

HB 2041 (Del. Iaquinto – Virginia Beach) Passed House 91-7 Removes drunk drivers from Virginia roadways by requiring the instillation of an ignition interlock system so convicted drunk drivers will not put other law-abiding Virginians in harm’s way.

HB 1693 (Del. Albo – Fairfax) Passed House 99-0 Strengthens Virginia’s DUI laws by requiring mandatory jail sentence when a blood alcohol test is done at a hospital

HB 2358 (Del. Gilbert – Shenandoah) Passed House 73-25 Redefines the “triggerman rule” as it applies to capital murder cases to include accessories and principles in the second degree in cases dealing with terrorism and murder for hire.

HB 2638 (Del. Pogge – James City) Passed House 75-22 Expands the death penalty for those convicted of the murder of law-enforcement officers including auxiliary police officers and deputy sheriffs and fire marshals and assistant fire marshals.

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO VIRGINIA’S QUALITY OF LIFE

HB 1732 (Del. Cox – Colonial Heights) Passed House 97-0 Develops and deploys an automated system for the electronic preparation of veterans’ disability claims (similar to “Turbo Vet”) so more of our veterans can receive their disability payments in a timely manner.

HB 1727 (Del. Cole – Spotsylvania) Passed House 99-0 Establishes an interstate compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.

HB 1712 (Del. Janis – Henrico) Passed House 98-0 Conforms Virginia’s absentee ballot laws to similar federal laws to make certain that all absentee ballots from active duty military personnel are counted.

HB 1877 (Del. Cosgrove – Chesapeake) Passed House 97-0-1 Allows law enforcement officers including firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders to vote by absentee ballot.

HB 2579 (Del. Byron – Campbell) Passed House 62-36 Adds an ultrasound to the information given a woman considering an abortion under informed consent to give better assurance on the gestation age than the current approach of guessing.

HB 2634 (Del. Cline – Rockbridge) Passed House 64-34 Requires that any person, who seeks an abortion past the first trimester, must allow their unborn child to receive anesthesia so that they do not feel the pain that is ending their lives.

HJ 648 (Del. O’Bannon – Henrico) Passed House 97-0 Amends the Virginia Constitution to allow for exemption from property taxes for disabled veterans.

HJ 725 (Del. Bell – Albemarle) Passed House 68-31 Protects private property rights by amending the Virginia Constitution to narrowly define under what circumstances eminent domain powers can used for public use.

Note: This list is not intended to be a complete compilation of all House Republican-sponsored legislation in the 2009 Session. For more details about a bill listed above, please contact the office of the delegate who patroned the measure.

Letter written by a member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation

February 3rd, 2009 Dear Fellow Conservative:

Election Day 2008 produced a liberal governing majority that no one envisioned even as little as two years ago. The Democrats control both chambers of Congress as well as the Presidency. And while they are motivated by politics rather than solutions, Americans perceive them as the true agents of change and reform.

Buried within election data is troubling news. The Republican Party is losing grassroots support, and conservatives are peeling away from the party. According to exit polls, one-in-five self-identified conservatives voted for Barack Obama, clearly illustrating the Republican Party’s inability to project conservative values with credibility.

And this reality has been manifested into a set of greater truths: Americans in 2009 believe that Republicans are tied to the status quo, cannot be trusted on the issues that matter most to them, and are incoherent when articulating a positive vision for the future. But in light of this, I believe Republicans, by firmly embracing conservative solutions-based traditions, can rise again and set the best course for America. From the desk of an eternal optimist, better days are ahead.

Before coming to Congress, I helped transform the Republican Party in the State of Georgia from permanent minority party status to a governing, conservative, principled and solutions-based majority. Now, it is some of the most fertile ground for conservatives in the nation. This happened in Georgia because of a commitment to what is at the core of leadership: to lead with principle! Yet right now, conservatives are correct about a Washington in which too few are fighting consistently for their values and concerns.

The Republican Party is at its best when its leadership has a bold vision and is rooted to conservative principles: personal responsibility, liberty, limited government, traditional values, providing for the common defense, and optimism about the future. But Republicans seem to have lost the ability to intelligently or ideologically define these principles and convey them to the American people. Moreover, elected conservative leaders need to act immediately in order to facilitate the rebuilding of the Republican Party and reconnect it to the conservative movement.

• Back to basics: The first step starts with a little bit of self-reflection and “re-learning” the core principles of conservatism. Only through understanding the past can our core principles be applied and developed into meaningful solutions to tackle the challenges facing America.

• Party of Solutions: A new Republican platform of ideas and language must be created and championed, built on a foundation of conservative solutions. It will also need to be built from the ground up from fresh and innovative ideas.

• Rebuild the party’s infrastructure and coalitions: There must be a specific focus on nurturing the grassroots, shoring up ties with existing coalitions and leading thinkers, and creating new infrastructure to meet the challenges of politicking in a new century.

• Hold Democrats accountable: This begins with a proactive and coordinated strategy between elected conservative leaders and outside allies. Americans need to be reminded on a daily basis that Democrats want to play politics and centralize power, raise taxes, cut defense spending, and undermine traditional values.

• Go on offense, engage and educate: Yes, Virginia, someone in Washington is fighting for you. And when Republicans stay on offense and engage, then it garners attention and provides opportunities to educate every American on conservative solutions that work. Look no further than the Energy Revolt on the floor of the House of Representatives this past August which gave Republicans a needed voice and identity.

• Remain unified and disciplined: Hostile Democrat majorities and liberal special interests are more energized than they have been in decades. Without unity and discipline, the differences between the two parties become blurred, and conservatives have every right to question allegiance to Republicans.

• Reclaim the American lexicon: Democrats have been successful in altering the mindset of what made this nation great through language and institutions. Once, Americans valued “responsibility,” “self-determination,” and “hard work.” Now, these ideals have been replaced by fuzzy appeals to “diversity,” “fairness,” and “social justice.” No longer can Republicans cede the language or institutions.

• Broaden the appeal: Republicans win elections when they run on an across-the-board conservative solutions-based agenda. However, the appeal must be broadened to acknowledge and embrace the demographics in our country. Failure to do so will relegate the party to permanent minority status.

My letter ends with a direct appeal to you. With continued optimism and clarity of purpose, action can be taken to rebuild the Republican Party, reconnect it to its conservative roots and provide the solutions to tackle the challenges facing America. Last week’s principled and unified opposition to a big-government spending spree that would mortgage our nation’s future and prolong economic strife was just the beginning. Please join me and set us on the course for a better tomorrow.

Yours truly, Tom Price, M.D.

Peace Praised for Vote on Smoking Ban

--Delegate Chris Peace to receive the first TEDDY award for superior representation----Peace defends rights of small business owners and stands for principles of freedom and liberty--

Richmond, VA- The website http://news.oldva.org/uncategorized/delegate-chris-to-receive-the-first-teddy-award-for-superior-representation/ has awarded Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) the first TEDDY award for superior representation for his vote on Senate Bill 1105.

SB 1105 is a measure to prohibit smoking in all indoor restaurants and bar and lounge areas in the Commonwealth. The bill also requires the posting of “No Smoking” signs and provides for a $25 civil penalty for a violation of these provisions.

Listening to the voice of his constituents from the 97th District, Peace voted AGAINST the measure citing freedom of choice and the needs of small businesses which employs a large number of citizens across the District.

Delegate Peace asserted, “I represent mostly rural communities where people go to certain establishments to enjoy themselves, and that may include smoking. This is an issue of liberty and freedom of choice; people should be allowed to make their own choices.”

The website states, “For always voting to serve his constituents, and usually voting the right way, OVN is pleased to give the first TEDDY award to Delegate Chris Peace. Among other things, Chris voted against Tim Kaine’s anti Virginia, smoking bill.”

Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), also known as T.R., and to the public (but never to friends and intimates) as Teddy, was the 26th President of the United States. A leader of the Republican Party and of the Progressive Party, he was a Governor of New York and a professional historian, naturalist, explorer, hunter, author, and soldier. He is most famous for his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" image. Originating from a story from one of Roosevelt's hunting expeditions, teddy bears are named after him.