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Tenth Amendment Resolution Passes House

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

Central VA- On December 15, 1791 representatives cast the necessary vote to ratify the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.  Today, Virginia Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) joined Delegate Clay Athey (R-Front Royal) and fellow legislators in support of House Joint Resolution 125.  HJR 125 passed the House of Delegates late last night by a vote of 76-20.

HJ 125 affirms 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.

Over the past few years, states around the country have 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.

In his Sunday Richmond Times-Dispatch Commentary of February 22, 2009, Delegate Peace wrote: "[Even] 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… and the ultimate danger is the erosion of the principles of Federalism whereby Virginia becomes, effectively, a ward of the federal super state."

In keeping with 10th Amendment principles, additional legislation supporting an individual's right and power to participate in the health care system recently passed.  House Bill 722, introduced by Del. Peace was incorporated into House Bill 10 patroned by Del. Marshall.  HB 10, by a vote of 72-26, passed the House.  HB 10 will prevent the federal government from mandating that Virginians enter into a contract with an insurance company against their will, and under penalty of fines and possibly jail time if they don't comply.

Similar to HB 10, HB 722 presents a declaration of rights for Virginians to elect insurance coverage by providing that a resident of the commonwealth shall not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual health insurance coverage.  This applies regardless of whether the person is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer or a plan sponsored by the commonwealth or the federal government.  The measure also states that no resident shall be liable for any penalty, assessment, fee, or fine as a result of his failure to procure or obtain health insurance coverage.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Health Care Freedom Act Passes House

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-- Measure Asserts individual's right and power to participate in health care system-- Central Virginia – Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) joined Delegate Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) and Delegate John O’Bannon (R-Henrico) to address the manner that Virginia's General Assembly can best go about resisting health insurance initiatives currently before Congress.

House Bill 722, introduced by Del. Peace was incorporated into House Bill 10 patroned by Del. Marshall.  HB 10, by a vote of 72-26, passed the House.  HB 10 will prevent the federal government from mandating that Virginians enter into a contract with an insurance company against their will, and under penalty of fines and possibly jail time if they don’t comply.

Similar to HB 10, HB 722 presents a declaration of rights for Virginians to elect insurance coverage by providing that a resident of the commonwealth shall not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual health insurance coverage.  This applies regardless of whether the person is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer or a plan sponsored by the commonwealth or the federal government.  The measure also states that no resident shall be liable for any penalty, assessment, fee, or fine as a result of his failure to procure or obtain health insurance coverage.

Speaking to the bill, Delegate Peace stressed, “Pursuant to the 10th Amendment, Congress’ only duty is to serve citizens under the express powers of the US Constitution.  Forcing citizens to purchase private health insurance violates the agreement between elected representatives and citizens.  As Lincoln asserted in his historical Gettysburg Address, “government is “of, by and for the people.”

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Property Tax Assessment Bill Passes House

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-- Measure Protects Taxpayer in Real Property Tax Appeals – Central Virginia - A measure to change the burden of proof from the taxpayer to the assessor when a taxpayer appeals their real property assessment to a board of equalization or to a circuit court passed the House by a vote of 86-13. 

Upon implementation of this measure, the assessor would have the burden of proving that the property in question is valued at its fair market value or that the assessment is uniform in its application and is otherwise valid or legal.

Under current law, a property owner may appeal to a Board of Equalization or a circuit court seeking relief from an erroneous real property assessment.  In all such cases, the taxpayer has the burden of proving that the property in question is valued at more than its fair market value.

"I supported this measure because it will give residents greater protection from imperfect assessments in a very difficult time for valuing real property," stressed Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover).  "During these challenging economic times, when average working Virginians are struggling to make ends meet, there are those who want to raise taxes.  Working Virginians, young families and seniors on fixed incomes are especially hurting.  I cannot support government reaching further into the taxpayers' pockets."

While New Kent County residents have recently seen a 6.6 percent increase in their real estate property tax assessment, surrounding localities have seen a decline of up to 8 percent.  County residents that choose to avail themselves of an appeal may benefit from this new policy. 

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Governor Bob McDonnell Announces Education Reform Legislation

McDonnell Joined at Unveiling of “The Opportunity to Learn” Legislative Package by

Former Governor L. Douglas Wilder; Republican and Democratic Legislators

Highlights Bipartisan Commitment to Placing Virginia in the Vanguard of the National Charter School Movement; Promotes Virtual and College Laboratory Schools

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell held an afternoon press conference today to unveil “The Opportunity to Learn,” his education reform legislative package for this current session of the General Assembly designed to offer options and innovation for all Virginia schoolchildren, but especially those who are at-risk or in underperforming school systems.  “The Opportunity to Learn” package is highlighted by measures to facilitate the expansion of high quality charter schools in the Commonwealth, and further utilize and incorporate virtual and college laboratory schools into Virginia’s public school system. McDonnell was joined at the event by a bipartisan group of Virginia leaders, all united in support of greater educational options for Virginia students. Among those in attendance were former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder; Virginia Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson; Delegate Rosalyn Dance (D-Petersburg); and Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg). Also at today’s event were representatives from the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as parents and prospective students at the soon-to-open Patrick Henry Charter School in Richmond.  Hampton University President Bill Harvey, a supporter of the legislation, was unable to attend as scheduled due to winter weather. 

Speaking about “The Opportunity to Learn” legislative package, Governor McDonnell remarked, “There is broad support for the basic principle that a child’s educational opportunities should be determined by her intellect and work ethic, not her zip code. We all agree that every Virginia student, in every community, should have the opportunity to learn and to grow and to compete in this global economy. President Obama speaks often of his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and charter schools for young people. I share that commitment. This kind of bipartisan support for increasing opportunities and choices within our public education system can be seen in the distinguished group of leaders here with us today. We all know that when we bring innovation to education the winners are the students, parents and teachers of Virginia. And with the President’s “Race to the Top” program allocating federal grant monies to states that share the Administration’s commitment to educational innovation, Virginia can literally not afford to stick to the status quo.”

McDonnell continued, “It has been 12 years since we passed our law authorizing charter schools in the Commonwealth. However, in a nation with 4600 charter schools Virginia has only three, with a fourth slated to open soon in Richmond. We rank at the very bottom in studies of state’s charter school laws. That represents a failure to follow through with the clear intention of the General Assembly to provide this additional educational opportunity for Virginia students. Part of the difficulty has come from uncertainty regarding how to evaluate charter school applications. Local school boards have struggled to determine a good proposal from a bad one. Our legislation will create a process in which the Board of Education, utilizing charter school experts, will review all applications before they come before a local School Board. This will help provide needed guidance and direction and consistency in the approval process and will also add an appeals process, to allow charter school applicants an additional opportunity to receive approval. Charter schools are public schools with the ability to innovate in the education of our young people. They are not a silver bullet, but for parents and children, seeking new options in the public education system, they can be a positive and rewarding alternative.”

McDonnell concluded, “The 21st Century economy is not limited by regional or national borders, and the 21st Century education system should no longer be limited by traditional brick and mortar. Virtual schools provide excellent instruction, adhere to the same Standards of Learning as all Virginia schools, and bring the world to children in their own cities and counties. We should broaden access to this dynamic means of education. And we should also utilize the incredible resources and talent available through Virginia’s world-class colleges and universities by expanding the number of college laboratory schools in our state. We know education doesn’t stop at the 12th grade, and partnering our institutions of higher learning with the hunger for learning possessed by Virginia’s young people is a smart idea. All of the initiatives in “The Opportunity to Learn” legislative package will help our young people, regardless of where they live, gain the opportunity to go wherever their talent, dreams and hard work will take them. That is a worthy goal, and one that all Virginians can come together to support.”

Former Governor L. Douglas Wilder remarked, “Governor McDonnell knows that our children are the keys to our future here in the Commonwealth.  He and I agree that there is no greater goal then to ensure that they have a first-rate education.  By giving our students and their parents’ options and resources, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure their success.”

Hampton University President Bill Harvey commented, “Virginia is fortunate to have a college and university system that is among the best in the world.  It is absolutely necessary to continue their strength while building on the current foundation of our primary and secondary schools by providing choices and options to our younger students.  I thank Governor McDonnell for his leadership on educational reform and look forward to seeing these bills passed into law, and these new opportunities provided to our students.”      

“The Opportunity to Learn”

Governor Bob McDonnell’s 2010 Education Reform Legislation

Charter Schools

Pre-certification by the Board of Education and Appeal Process for charter applicants denied by local  School Board (Senator Newman, and Delegates Dance and Lingamfelter)

SUMMARY – This legislation is critical to Virginia’s application to the Race to the Top grant by the US DOE – and with it $350 million for Virginia schools and localities. It requires the public charter school applicant to submit its proposed charter application to the Board of Education for review, comment, and a pre-certification recommendation prior to the submission of such application to a local school board.  The Board's review must include a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved by the local school division. Also, provides for an opportunity for a public charter school applicant to appeal a local school board decision, to the State Board of Education.

“As public servants, we must always focus on the needs of Virginia’s children first.  This effort recognizes that while Virginia has a strong system of public education, we can and must do better.  President Obama understands that and these reforms are in line with the innovations and resources necessary to provide access to the quality of education he wants all children to have – here in Virginia, and across the nation.” –Delegate Rosalyn Dance (D-Petersburg)

Virtual Schools

Virtual School Programs (Senator Newman and Delegate D. Bell)

SUMMARY – Establishes virtual school programs of local school divisions around the Commonwealth. The purpose of the bill is to stimulate the growth of these innovative education programs among local school divisions to help students who struggle in a traditional classroom environment and provide parents with an option within Virginia’s public school system.  Virtual school students utilize technology in order to learn full-time through a distance learning environment outside of the traditional classroom. They continue to have the services of a highly qualified, Virginia-certified teacher; must take all mandated state testing (SOLs); and adhere to attendance requirements. In addition, it will encourage the growth of online learning programs by directing the Department of Education to maintain a page on their website that provides information for online learning options for parents across the state.

“It is critical that we provide every tool possible for local school divisions, teachers, parents and students to access information, coursework and expertise regardless of where they live.  It is equally important that we ensure providers of online courses and web based learning are strong, committed partners with our local school systems.  This bill will ensure that happens.” –Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg)

Lab Schools

College Partnership Lab Schools (Senator Newman and Delegates McClellan and Peace)

SUMMARY – Establishes college partnership laboratory schools for the purpose of stimulating the development of innovative public education programs by providing opportunities for greater cooperation and coordination between institutions of higher education and K-12 education systems. The laboratory schools are created by a contract between the higher education institute and the Board of Education.  Students in the K-12 education system that attend College Partnership Lab Schools can benefit from the resources available to higher education institutions and would not be limited by the administrative constraints of traditional public schools.  College lab schools provide for more flexibility, innovation, and autonomy, outside of the traditional public school system. This flexibility will help ensure that students have the opportunity to attend a school that best fits their individual learning style.  The bill is patterned after the legislation originally offered by Delegate Dwight Jones, now Mayor of Richmond. 

“Undoubtedly Virginia's teaching schools are among the best in the nation so it makes common sense that we provide our school-age children with greater access to these educational resources. Led by the best and brightest minds in our university system, College Lab Schools will offer opportunities for all children to succeed in education regardless of whether they need remedial help or want to specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math.” –Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover)

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Measure to Review State Mandated Health Benefits Unanimously Supported

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-- Evaluation of health insurance mandated benefits may prove to reduce costs for consumers---- Bill supported by the Virginia Association of Health Plans, National Federation of Independent Businesses and Virginia Hospital and Health Care Association --

Central Virginia - As health insurance reform is currently a kitchen table topic of discussion, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) presented House Bill 726. This legislation calls for the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits to review mandated health insurance benefits to assess their social and financial impact and their medical efficacy. The bill requires the Commission to submit a schedule of evaluations to the standing committees having jurisdiction over health insurance matters.

Virginia's insurance laws require that most health insurance plans including Managed Care Health Insurance Plans (MCHIPs), provide certain benefits, known as mandated benefits, in each and every individual or group contract they offer in Virginia. A full list of Virginia mandated benefits may be found at

http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/webpages/boimandated.htm

Additionally, they must offer and make available to citizens, as an individual policyholder, or employers, if you have group coverage, the option to purchase certain benefits known as mandated offers of coverage. Mandates apply only to Virginia-issued contracts or policies. The number of mandated benefits required by law in Virginia placing requirements on the content of private health benefit plans has increased over the years.

Mandate benefits in Virginia range from statutes that require health plans to cover services by particular types of providers (e.g., chiropractors, optometrists) or requirements to cover specific diagnostic or treatment services (e.g., mammography, inpatient hospital care following delivery). While individual mandates are often very popular since they are intended to provide specific populations with greater access to particular services, there is a cumulative price tag associated with ensuring such access.

Speaking to the bill, Delegate Christopher K. Peace maintained, "Mandating benefits can cause health insurance premiums to rise substantially. As a result, the prospect of reducing the number of mandated benefits by investigating the medical effectiveness and examining the cost-impact of mandates may prove to lower premiums for individuals and businesses."

By the late 1960s, state legislatures had passed only a handful of mandated benefits; today, the Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) has identified 2,133 mandated benefits and providers and found that a state with 30-40 mandates can boost total policy costs between 20% and 45%.

“Mandates increase the cost of healthcare, making it less affordable; Virginia ranks 3rd in the nation in the number of mandated benefits. Small business owners want to and do offer healthcare plans that cover a wide variety of benefits. Providing these types of benefits is important to the productivity of our members and their employees,” states Julia Hammond, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Civil War Preservation Bill Advances

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Del. Peace says preservation is consistent with the public interest in education, recreation and heritage tourism

Central Virginia – House Bill 717, introduced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R), establishes in the Code of Virginia a vehicle to pursue Civil War site preservation in the Commonwealth in advance of the state’s 2011 Sesquicentennial commemoration.

"Virginia has a rich history and heritage. More especially, our district is home to the Battle of Cold Harbor, which is one of the most endangered sites in America.  The state should work with individuals and non-profits to see that our posterity is preserved for future generations. We must work and find opportunities for preserving and interpreting these valuable resources," stated Peace. 

The Virginia Civil War Site Preservation Fund has existed only in budget language since it was created with strong bipartisan support in 2007. The bill would retain oversight and grant award authority with the Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Since its inception, with over $5 million 2,000 acres of historic battlefields have been protected in perpetuity. 

Peace’s measure creates the Fund as a non-reverting fund into which state general funds will be added only if specifically appropriated by the General Assembly.  No state funds are being requested at this time; rather, the primary sources of the funds are anticipated to be from grants or awards from the United States Government and from public and private gifts and bequests.  The Fund will make awards to private non-profit organizations or to state or local government agencies.

Additionally, funds will be used solely for the fee simple purchase or purchase of protective interests in those Virginia Civil War battlefield historic sites recognized by the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program.

"Virginia is poised to capitalize on enhanced revenue generated through these protection measures. The civil war tourist spends more and stays longer according to studies. Tourism is beneficial to communities across the Commonwealth,” said Peace. In Virginia, tourism marketing historically returns $5 in tax revenue to state and local coffers for every dollar spent in the same fiscal year.  That $5 generally breaks down into $2.88 in state tax revenues and $2.12 in local tax revenues. 

Additionally the travel industry in Virginia in 2008 generated $18.7 billion in visitor spending; supported 210,000 jobs; provided $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia's communities and $4.3 billion in payroll and salaries for local, state and federal economies.

This bill was requested by the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) and co-patroned by Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford).  According to CWPT website, the Civil War Preservation Trust is America's largest non-profit organization (501-C3) devoted to the preservation of our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields.  The Trust also promotes educational programs and heritage tourism initiatives to inform the public of the war's history and the fundamental conflicts that sparked it.  For more information visit: http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus. 

"Virginia has the enviable position of being where much of the history of our nation was made. With that comes the responsibility to all Americans that we preserve those sites,” stated Waite Rawls, Executive Director of the Museum of the Confederacy.

HB 717 passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 99-0 today.  This bill has a companion measure carried by Sen. Ed Houck (D-Spotsylvania). Sen. Houck’s district is home to the Battle of Chancellorsville among others.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Governor McDonnell to Undo Proposed Freeze of Local Composite Index

-Introduced Budget Froze LCI for First Time -

Governor Identifies Savings to Allow for Annual Update to Index

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that he will support updating the Local Composite Index (LCI), the formula which determines state and local education funding responsibility, in the upcoming budget.  The move will mean another proposed change to the introduced budget, which froze the LCI at its current level. The LCI has historically always been adjusted every two years to account for changing local economic conditions. The proposal to freeze the Index was unprecedented, and would have cost certain localities in Northern Virginia $128.3 million in state education funding.

Speaking about his decision, Governor McDonnell stated, “For nearly forty years, the Local Composite Index has been an impartial means by which to determine state and local responsibility for education funding in Virginia. The application of this Index has always been done in an objective manner, using the most recent fiscal data to most fairly apportion state resources. For many school districts, particularly in Northern Virginia, the biennial update of the Index has meant far less funding from the state than that received by school districts in localities experiencing lesser rates of economic growth. Accordingly, I will not support the proposed freeze in the budget introduced by the previous Administration. The Local Composite Index must be applied to all localities, at all times, in the same objective and fair manner by which it has always been utilized.”

McDonnell continued, “The decision to continue to update the Local Composite Index is one that I reached after extensive meetings with my finance staff, legislators, and local government officials. I thank all these individuals for their input and thoughts during the process. Ensuring that we have a fair formula that is implemented without regard to temporary or political considerations is the best means by which to appropriate education funding in the Commonwealth. Every time the Index is readjusted some school systems gain funding, while others receive less. This has occurred for nearly forty years, and local officials understand the routine and objective biennial implementation of the Index.”

In announcing his decision to undo the proposed freeze of the Index, McDonnell also identified specific budget savings to account for the additional state spending required. The update will cost the state $29 million in FY 2011. To cover this increased funding, McDonnell will recommend to the General Assembly the transfer of $13 million from Literary Fund balances; $8 million through the use of available balances in the Health Insurance Fund to reduce state health insurance premiums; $5.2 million will be found in Real ID savings and an available $3 million will be captured in additional Non-General Fund balances.  Budget recommendations will continue to be made and communicated to the legislature in the coming days.

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Resolution in Support of Workplace Readiness Skills Passes Unanimously

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-- Del. Peace sponsored bill to highlight Career and Technical Education Programs--

Central Virginia – Passing the House unanimously, House Resolution 101 is a measure which requests the Board of Education approve the revised Virginia's Workplace Readiness Skills and test.  Introduced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), this resolution emerged from the Commission on Youth’s Study of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Virginia and was unanimously adopted by the Commission.  This resolution was requested by the members of Commission on Youth’s Advisory Group for the Study of CTE, comprised of representatives from business and industry, small business owners, community colleges, local government, local school officials, and parents.  The measure is supported by the Virginia Association for CTE, the Virginia Manufacturers Association, and the Alliance for Construction Excellence.

In 2008, to ensure that Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills were up-to-date with today's workplace, the Department of Education began the process of updating the list of workplace readiness skills.  The skills list is being refined and expanded from 13 to 21 skills, and will be fully implemented as part of the CTE curriculum in the fall of 2010.

In order to verify student mastery of Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills, Virginia CTE uses the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Workplace Readiness Skills (WRS) exam.  This exam must be accompanied by one of three Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) tests to measure technological competence.  These exams have been approved by the Board of Education so that students may earn verified credit.

Speaking to the resolution, Delegate Peace asserts, “Training of skilled workers that will become members of our future work force is essential to the continued economic development of our communities.  Career and Technical Education adds to the tapestry of education in Virginia.  Education is more than just K-12 and higher education.  CTE helps students, workers and lifelong learners fulfill their potential through vocational education opportunities.”

In 2009, the Commission on Youth conducted a study of Virginia’s Career and Technical Education programs to gain information on the Commonwealth’s shifting educational needs.  The Commission convened eight Regional Roundtables.  A major finding from these Roundtables was that employers desire entry-level workers who come ready to work.  Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills incorporate those entry level skills most desired by employers including basic reading and writing, a strong work ethic and positive attitude, communications, teamwork and self-presentation.   “Virginia's Workplace Readiness Skills bridge the gap so that students possess the crucial skills necessary to be successful in the workplace while meeting the demands and needs of the business community,” stated Amy Atkinson, Executive Director of the Commission on Youth.  

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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House Passes Offshore Energy Measure

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-- Del. Peace co-patrons legislation allowing for oil exploration 50 miles off shore --

Central Virginia - In a recent letter to Ken Salazar, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) urged his support for the development of energy resources off the coast of Virginia.  A study by ICF International estimates that developing Virginia's offshore energy resources could result in nearly $19.5 billion in federal, state, and local government revenues. 

Peace reiterated his support of these initiatives by co-patroning House Bill 787, a measure which states the policy of the Commonwealth to support oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off Virginia's coast.  Currently, the policy is limited to supporting exploration for natural gas resources 50 miles or more offshore.  The legislation passed the House by a vote of 69-28 on February 3. 

"In these challenging fiscal times, the economic impact of the Lease Sale cannot be downplayed.   Delaying the opportunity for Virginians to benefit from the development of oil and natural gas resources would subsequently delay the opportunity to bring critical jobs to Virginia, and threaten the potential for future revenue sources," commented Peace. "This policy is strongly supported by Governor Bob McDonnell."

In September of 2008, Congress lifted the federal moratoria on offshore exploration.  This action brings with it tremendous opportunity for our Commonwealth to begin investments that will reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, while also helping to strengthen our economy. 

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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.

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Governor Bob McDonnell Commends Nature Conservancy on Largest Conservation Easement in Virginia History

- Group Acquires 13,350 Acres of Land in Dragon Run Swamp on Middle Peninsula-

RICHMOND- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today commended the Nature Conservancy for placing 13,350 acres of land in Dragon Run Swamp on the Middle Peninsula in a conservation easement. This is the largest conservation easement in Virginia history. The Nature Conservancy purchased the land from the Hancock Timber Resource Group.  The group then sold the property to The Forestland Group and retained a permanent conservation easement on the entire property.  This acquisition adds to protected lands at Dragon Run, with protected land in this area now totaling 20,000 acres. Dragon Run Swamp is considered to be one of the most ecologically important areas in the Chesapeake Bay region.

            Speaking about today’s announcement by the Nature Conservancy, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Virginia is blessed with beautiful rivers and waterways, rolling mountains, broad valleys, open spaces and vast natural resources.  It is critical that we preserve and protect this natural beauty for Virginians to enjoy for generations to come. There is a bipartisan commitment to this common goal. I commend Governor Tim Kaine and Speaker Bill Howell for their efforts to preserve 400,000 acres during Governor Kaine’s term, and I have pledged to work to conserve an additional 400,000 acres more during my term in office.  Today I commend the Nature Conservancy for their success in conserving 13,350 acres of land in Dragon Run Swamp, a vital and pristine area that plays a crucial role in the health of the Chesapeake Bay. This represents the largest conservation easement of land at one time in the history of Virginia. I applaud the efforts and success of the Nature Conservancy and its partners.”  

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Title, Mortgage & Power of Attorney Reform Measures Pass House of Delegates

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Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R) announces passage of three legal reform measures: House Bills 714, 715, 719. By request of the Virginia Land Title Association, House Bill 715 passed by a vote of 98-0 and provides for title insurance companies to exercise the authority that settlement agents currently possess to release the lien of a deed of trust and authorizes a settlement agent to release a deed of trust lien upon written confirmation from the lien creditor that such obligation has a zero balance. In the instance that a lender and settlement agent each have gone out of business during the life a loan, this measure gives the title company the authority to release the lien upon receipt of evidence that all requirements of the loan have been met and that the loan is paid in full.  Without this legislation, property owners must either pay an attorney to have the lien judicially released, or file a claim on their policy of title insurance.  The bill will allow title issues to be resolved with less time and money passing a savings along to the individual consumer. 

Another measure, House Bill 714 passed by a vote of 98-0.  This bill clarifies that, in the event of a foreclosure sale, which are more frequent in this economy, a trustee shall cause the proceeds of the sale to be applied to the payment of taxes on the property.  Simply put, a Trustee's Deed is a deed of foreclosure; a Trustee's Deed is prepared after the foreclosure sale of a property and recorded in the land records of the county in which the property is located.  The Trustee's Deed transfers the property to the buyer who purchased the foreclosed property.  Peace’s bill requires that proceeds of the sale of a foreclosed property go toward paying the taxes.

Also passing by a vote of 98-0 this week was House Bill 719, a measure which establishes in the Code of Virginia a Uniform Durable Power of Attorney that was adopted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2006.  Powers of attorney will be dealt with in a uniform manner and portability and acceptance of powers of attorney will be improved as well as the protection incapacitated principals.   The original Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act, last amended in 1987, was at one time followed by all but a few jurisdictions.  Despite initial uniformity, the study found that a majority of states had enacted non-uniform provisions to deal with specific matters upon which the Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act is silent.

These legal reform measures will be heard in the Senate of Virginia.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third 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 & all of New Kent County.

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