Governor McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bolling Discuss Job Creation Efforts as Virginia’s Unemployment Rate Falls to Three-Year Low

Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.8%, Lowest Since January 2009; Down from 7.2% in First Month of Administration McDonnell and Bolling Make Comments Following Tour of James River Air Conditioning, Inc. in Richmond

RICHMOND – During a visit to James River Air Conditioning, Inc. in Richmond this morning, Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling highlighted jobs and economic development successes in the Commonwealth over the last two years. This morning’s visit coincided with today’s release of the most recent federal employment data, which showed Virginia’s unemployment rate has fallen to 5.8 percent. This is the lowest unemployment rate in Virginia since January 2009; it is down from 6.2 percent in December 2011.

James River Air has been a part of the Richmond community for 43 years. Hugh E. Joyce founded James River Heating Air Conditioning Company in 1967. The company, initially called Joyce Air, began as a one-man operation, with the owner selling, installing and managing the entire operation. Today, the company has over 150 employees and serves the entire Central Virginia area through a fleet of over 80 service and installation trucks. James River Air specializes in residential and commercial air conditioning, as well as green energy solutions.

Speaking about today’s visit, Governor McDonnell remarked, “James River Air, a company that has been growing in the Commonwealth for 43 years, is a Virginia success story. Started as a one-man business in 1967, today the company employs 150 men and women. These are the success stories that we want and need more of here in Virginia. Unfortunately, too many companies did not weather the economic downturn as well as James River Air and were forced to close their doors, leaving too many hard working Virginians without a paycheck. That is why our administration’s top priority has always been job creation and economic development. We set to work on day one to bring more private-sector jobs back to Virginia, to get our economy back on track and Virginians back to work. This bipartisan effort is getting results. Today, we received the great news that Virginia’s unemployment rate has dropped to 5.8 percent; the lowest rate in three years. Our unemployment rate is down 1.4 percent since our first full month in office. Virginia truly is open for business, and we are seeing the results.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “While this is positive news, the reality is that too many Virginians are still unemployed. That is why we will continue to work tirelessly to bring new jobs and more opportunities to the Commonwealth. This session, we proposed targeted investments that will increase access to capital for businesses and support job creation funds and initiatives to attract new businesses to Virginia. These investments build on the over $100 million in funding approved over the last two years that has resulted in huge economic development projects coming to the Commonwealth, projects like Northrop Grumman moving its corporate headquarters from California to Virginia, and Microsoft Corp. making the largest economic investment in the history of Southern Virginia. Our economic development portfolio goes beyond bricks and mortar businesses. We are pursuing economic development opportunities in agriculture and forestry exports, as December brought the first delivery of $25 million worth of Virginia soybeans to China, with another delivery now under way. We are exploring a multitude of energy initiatives in pursuit of our goal of making Virginia the ‘Energy Capital of the East Coast,’ including advancing wind energy development off the coast of Virginia, and promoting energy efficiency in the Commonwealth by converting our fleet of state vehicles to alternative domestic fuels. We also know that future job creation depends upon present-day education. We must have a well-prepared workforce for the new jobs coming to this state. That is why we have placed an emphasis on increasing access and affordability at our higher education institutions, while also preparing our K-12 students for the highly-skilled jobs of the 21st century, and enhancing workforce development efforts for those looking for work or to further their careers. The more we can do at the state level to encourage private-sector growth and promote private-sector endeavors, the better off Virginia will be down the road. Virginians from all regions, and both parties, are working together to bring good work to the state. Our efforts are being recognized. CNBC and Pollina have both named Virginia the best state in the nation for business. Our work is not done, but today’s jobs numbers demonstrate that Virginia is on the right track. This is a very good day for all Virginians.”

Lieutenant Governor Bolling added, “Needless to say, I am delighted to see that our unemployment rate has fallen to 5.8 percent, the lowest rate in more than three years. This is a significant drop, and it is further indication that our efforts to get our economy growing again and create jobs are succeeding. During the past two years, we have worked hard to recruit new businesses and industry to our state and help existing businesses grow, closing 754 economic development deals. As a result, our unemployment rate has declined from 7.2 percent to 5.8 percent, a decline of almost 20 percent. However, many of our fellow Virginians continue to look for jobs, so we still have a lot of work today. I assure you that this will remain the top priority of our administration.”

88% of Governor McDonnell’s 2012 Legislative Agenda Passes General Assembly

Broad Bipartisan Support for “Kitchen Table” Agenda Focused on: Job Creation, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Pension System Reform, Transportation, Veteran’s Issues, Public Safety, Energy, and Government Reform Additional Reforms and Improvements Pending Budget Action

RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell’s 2012 legislative agenda received broad bipartisan support with 88 percent of his initiatives passing the General Assembly. The governor’s 2012 agenda builds on the common-sense, results-oriented conservative agenda of the past two sessions and advances initiatives that center around the governor’s top priority of spurring private-sector job creation and getting Virginia’s economy back on track.

Governor McDonnell’s legislative agenda as outlined in the State of the Commonwealth speech 60 days ago focused on nine core areas that impact the lives of all Virginians and the economic vitality of the Commonwealth: jobs and economic development, K-12 education, higher education, pension system reform, government reform, transportation, public safety, energy, and efforts to make Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in America. The following legislation was approved by the General Assembly:

· “The Greatest Opportunity” jobs and economic development agenda to increase access to capital for small businesses and implement greater coordination among economic development entities, along with budget items increasing the support of job creation initiatives. Legislation improving the competitiveness and governance of the Port of Virginia and the commercial spaceport at Wallops Island will also help bolster these economic engines of the Commonwealth.

· “Opportunity to Learn” K-12 education reform agenda focused on raising third grade reading standards for children, increasing incentives for schools and teachers, reducing mandates on local school divisions, expanding educational options like tuition tax credits, charter schools, and virtual schools for Virginia students, and funding for critical education and training programs

· Higher education reform and investment to prepare Virginians for top jobs, boost job-creating research and innovation, make college degrees more affordable for students, and advance toward the governor’s goal of having 100,000 more Virginians earn degrees in the next 15 years

· “A More Efficient, Effective Government” reform measures that merge and eliminate certain state agencies, boards and commissions, cut costly organizational memberships, reduce agency spending, and reduce unfunded mandates on localities saving millions of dollars

· Virginia Retirement System (VRS) initiatives to permanently and dramatically reform the long-term unfunded liabilities of the system, and a generally agreed to budget proposal to inject the largest employer contribution to VRS in history

· Transportation measures that provide additional funding for Virginia’s transportation infrastructure and continue the administration’s efforts to ensure greater accountability and transparency in Virginia’s transportation entities while delivering transportation projects more quickly and cost effectively, building off the 2011 reforms to put nearly $4 billion of new money to bid in the next three years

· Public safety measures that provide tough new mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drug dealers and life sentences for sex offenders who prey on children, further protect victims of crime, streamline procedures for Virginia’s asset forfeiture laws, reduce recidivism with successful prisoner re-entry programs and probation violation initiatives, and strengthen the response to emergencies

· Energy initiatives encouraging development of renewable thermal energy and including landfill gas in the definition of renewable energy, improving the approval process for 138kv transmission lines, increasing energy efficiency programs by requiring the SCC to consider all four cost benefit tests, Creating the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Fund to assist in the conversion of the state fleet, encouraging research and development of renewable energy technologies

· Veterans measures that improve absentee ballot access for overseas military, guarantee that unclaimed remains of veterans receive honorable burials and, providing a state hiring preference for members of the National Guard

Speaking about the 2012 General Assembly session, Governor McDonnell commented, “The focus of this session has been getting Virginians back to work, putting our economy back on track and enacting significant reforms. That is what the overwhelming majority of the bills considered by the General Assembly were about. It was the focus of my legislative agenda. Virginians will be able to look back on this session as one in which we increased access to college, made government smaller and smarter, ensured a well educated workforce, and put in place the resources our job creators need to grow their operations and employ more of our citizens. It has been a bipartisan effort. It has made Virginia a better place. It has been a continuation of the efforts that began on our very first day in office. 88 percent of our legislation was approved by the General Assembly this year and I thank them for their support. It was approved because these were common-sense measures designed to improve the lives of all Virginians, in all regions. It is this bipartisan, innovative approach to responsible governance that is helping the Commonwealth emerge from an extremely difficult economic downturn. In our first full month in office, unemployment was 7.2 percent. Today it is down a full point at 6.2 percent. Our work in Richmond is helping employers create more work for Virginians. We are getting results and I am confident that these initiatives will continue to reduce unemployment and create new revenue for Virginia.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “Our legislative agenda focused on the core areas of government. It started with our job creation agenda, which continues to promote investments in public policies that will help businesses start and grow in the Commonwealth. Through our K-12 education reforms, we will ensure that our children are receiving the high-quality education they must have to be ready for the top jobs of the 21st century. We are investing in higher education to increase access and affordability so that more Virginians can attend our world-class universities. By enacting dramatic long-term pension system reforms, and by making the largest investment into VRS in history, we have taken a great step toward ensuring the system’s long-term solvency, so that the retirements of thousands of hard-working Virginians will be there in the future. Our successful transportation legislation ensures that we continue the path of reform and new funding so we have the infrastructure needed to move goods across the Commonwealth and get our citizens to work and home on time. We have continued to make government more efficient and effective for Virginia’s taxpayers through legislation to streamline and eliminate certain state entities and reduce unfunded mandates on our localities. We have advanced initiatives to achieve our goal of having Virginia be the Energy Capital of the East Coast, by making it easier to develop and provide energy to our growing businesses and all residents of the Commonwealth. Finally, we are near our goal of being the most veteran-friendly state in America, by increasing job opportunities for members of the military who choose to make Virginia home. We have continued to keep our streets and communities safe through strong legislation that will make our citizens and communities more secure by new legislation targeting repeat drug dealers.”

Government McDonnell concluded, “Job creation is the top priority of this administration. My team comes to work every day focused on helping the private sector create more work for our citizens. The unemployment rate is falling. We continue to have budget surpluses. More Virginians are working, but there are far too many Virginians out of work. That is unacceptable. It is imperative that state government be a partner our private-sector employers can depend upon, not a burden they are restricted by. Our successful, legislative agenda makes state government a partner. It will help the private sector create good jobs, better prepare our students for the workforce, and position Virginia for economic growth and success in the future.”

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling added, “During this year’s legislative session, we had a great deal of success in advancing an aggressive agenda to create jobs in Virginia. I am pleased that the members of the General Assembly joined with us in supporting legislation to enhance our economic development infrastructure, increase access to capital for small businesses and support strategic economic sectors such as technology, manufacturing and agribusiness. During the past three years we have invested nearly $100 million in proven economic development and job creation programs, and these investments have made us more competitive in the global economic marketplace. It has propelled us to the top of the list of the most business-friendly state in the country according to CNBC and Pollina Research. As a result, we have helped to close more than 750 economic development deals, created 67,500 net new jobs and reduced our unemployment rate from 7.2 percent to 6.2 percent. While we still have a lot of work left to do, we can be pleased with the fact that our economy is now among the strongest in the nation.”

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said, “I am delighted that after seven years of hard work, the resolution for a property rights constitutional amendment passed again this year and now goes to the voters for approval in November. The amendment will protect Virginia's families, farmers, and small businesses from governments who want to seize their land just to turn it over to private developers for private uses. Enshrining property rights in the Virginia Constitution will finally ensure this fundamental right of the people is protected. Additionally, the passage of the law authorizing the immediate release of death benefits for families of those killed in the line of duty will ease the financial burdens suffered by the families of fallen heroes. The last thing families need to worry about is how they are going to find the money to pay for funeral costs while they wait for benefits to be paid out. We need to honor the fallen by helping their families in their time of greatest need.”

Speaker of the House William Howell said, “The 2012 Session not only has been busy but productive, and Governor McDonnell’s bold reform agenda on job creation, education, public safety and many other public policies that people care about contributed so much to the success we have been able to achieve for all Virginians. Republicans have continued to lead a broad-based effort to transform state government in a forward-looking and fiscally responsible manner. This year, we adopted House Bill 1291 and Senate Bill 678, the most significant legislation to reorganize the executive branch of state government in a generation. Our goal is, and remains, to improve the delivery of government services, maximize the return on investment of limited taxpayer dollars, and minimize the costs of government wherever possible. The General Assembly also passed HB 1295 and SB 679 which eliminated various state mandates on local and regional governments. Streamlining the operations of government at all levels helps sharpen our competitive edge for attracting and retaining job-creating businesses. And, we passed landmark reform legislation that strengthens and puts Virginia's retirement system once and for all on a positive, long-term financial footing. I consider today's passage of HB 1130, which I patroned, and SB 497/498 to be one of the most important legislative achievements of my 25-year career. VRS reform also has been a high priority of the Governor for many years. Like so many, I commend Governor McDonnell’s strong leadership which has helped lawmakers work cooperatively and in a bipartisan manner to enact common sense legislation on so many fronts.”

Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment added, “Governor McDonnell's ‘Greatest Opportunity’ initiative to create jobs and grow our economy met with tremendous success this session. The governor's proposals to spur business growth and economic development won strong bipartisan support in both houses, and will build upon the substantial progress we've already made under his leadership. We will continue to expect good results from these investments.”

Delegate Rosalyn Dance said, “I applaud the great work of my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor McDonnell to advance important legislation in Virginia that will position Virginia for economic success now and in the future. Most importantly, we have increased access to a great education for children in every region of the Commonwealth. Getting a good education is the best building block we can give Virginia’s children to be successful down the road. This legislation, and the many other ‘kitchen table’ bills that passed with bipartisan support this year, will truly make Virginia a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Below is a full breakdown of the governor’s 2012 legislative agenda. Items with an asterisk (*) next to it are dependent on the FY 2013/2014 budget.

Governor McDonnell’s 2012 Legislative Agenda at Session End

Economic Development and Job Creation: “The Greatest Opportunity”

HB33/SB242—Requires state agencies to give equal, non-discriminatory opportunities for bidders on public works construction projects

HB216/SB112—Expands the sales and use tax exemption for the purchase or lease of computer equipment or enabling software

HB243/SB338—Decreases from five to three years the legal presence requirement to be considered an existing Virginia manufacturer under the Virginia Investment Partnership Act

HB292/SB405—Adds the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the Secretary of Technology as voting members of the board of directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority

HB551/SB238*—Extends the sunset for the telework expenses tax credit for employers

HB585/SB344*—Creates a Small Business Investment Grant Fund

HB714/SB368*—Extends the time for claiming a major business facility job tax credit

HB737—Increases membership of the Modeling and Simulation Advisory Council

HB766/SB128*—Creates the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund

HB996—Authorizes the Department of Minority Business Enterprise to accept applications for certification through electronic means

HB1013/SB226*— Extend the sunset date for making investments that qualify for the capital gains subtraction

HB559/SB511— Allows natural gas infrastructure expansion for the purpose of economic development projects where it is not already available

SB523—Allows the Department of Minority Business Enterprise to certify sheltered workshops

Education: “Opportunity to Learn”

HB321*—Establishes a tax credit for those organizations or nonprofits who provide scholarships to low-income students or students with disabilities

HB504/SB271— Requires the Virginia Center for School Safety to provide training on anti-bullying tactics to public school personnel

HB578—Reduces burdens on virtual schools by requiring the Board of Education to develop licensure criteria for virtual teachers

HB756—Establishes the Innovation Technical Advisory Committee to review and give guidance during the planning process for charter schools, college partnership lab schools and virtual school programs

HB765/SB475—Allows public and private institutions of higher education to operate a college partnership laboratory schools by partnering with local public schools

HB1061/SB489—Modifies diplomas to ensure students graduate college or are career ready

HB1173/SB440—Strengthens public charter schools by protecting the funding, personnel and infrastructure needs for existing charter schools

HB1179—Allows school boards to provide character education programs during the summer

HB1181—Requires local school boards to provide reading intervention to those students who show deficiencies in third grade

HB1184—Allows high school students to complete an associate’s degree from a community college concurrent with a high school diploma

HB1215—Streamlines regulations governing virtual schools

Higher Education*

In his proposed 2013/2014 biennial budget, Governor McDonnell proposed a new higher education funding package which includes significant new investment and reform to prepare Virginians for top jobs, boost job-creating research and innovation, make college degrees more affordable for students, and advance toward the governor’s goal of having 100,000 more Virginians earn degrees in the next 15 years. The budget creates a new creative incentive-based funding formula for colleges that invests in the goals set in law in the governor’s landmark 2011 higher education reforms. Both houses adopted the governor’s general recommendations for $200 million in new funding and the innovative new funding model.

Government Reform: “A More Efficient, Effective Government”

HB637—Eliminates unnecessary steps in the grievance system for state employees

HB293/SB253—Requires the Department of Conservation and Recreation to consult with the Department of Emergency Management in implementing the dam safety program

HB455/SB495—Transfers the administration of the distribution of Wireless E-911 funds to the Department of Taxation

HB481—Provides electronic submission of Statement of Economic Interests disclosure forms

HB550—Provides for agency reports to be submitted in electronic format

HB739/SB599—Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to oversee and evaluate the Virginia College Savings Plan on a continuing basis

HB1034—Withdraws the Commonwealth from various unnecessary compacts

HB1065/SB407—Integrates the Erosion and Sediment Control, Stormwater and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Acts

HB1291/SB678—Governor’s reorganization of the executive branch of state government

HB1295/SB679—Eliminates several statewide mandates on local and regional government to eliminate boards, commissions and agencies to increase efficiency and save money

SB448—Allows all employers of domestic service individuals in the private home of the employer to pay unemployment taxes and file reports annually

Virginia Retirement System*

HB1129/HB1130/SB 498—Implements numerous reforms to the Virginia Retirement System to permanently reduce future unfunded liabilities and providing stability to the pubic workforce after years of turmoil in their retirement programs. The bi-partisan VRS agreement will create a 5 percent contribution for teachers and other local government employees along with commensurate pay raises for teachers and local government employees, a 1.65 percent multiplier for Plan 2 members for periods of service on or after Jan. 1, 2013, a COLA capped at 3 percent for Plan 2 members, a deferred COLA for early retirees who retire prior to their unreduced retirement date unless they are within five years of that date by Jan. 1, 2013, a 60-month AFC for anyone with less than five years of service as of Jan. 1, 2013, a phase in of a 7 percent rate of return on investments in VRS, and a mandatory hybrid plan that includes general state and local employees, and teachers hired on or after Jan. 1, 2014.

Governor McDonnell’s proposed biennial budget recommends a total of $2.21 billion in employer contributions to state employee and teacher funds by state and local governments – the largest employer contribution to VRS in history. The bills make permanent, important changes to the retirement system.

Transportation

HB601—Requires the NVTC to appoint the Secretary of Transportation or his designee as a principal member on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors and implements new WMATA governance reforms

HB813/SB284—Reorganizes the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority to make it a world-class spaceport

HB1183/ SB578— Improves operational efficiencies at the Virginia Port Authority to increase competitiveness, extends sunset provisions on several tax credits, and reforms the Authority’s governance structure

HB1245/SB237—Changes the composition of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to improve accountability and get the spending and governance of major projects back under control

HB1248/SB639*—Expands the revenue sharing program to include maintenance, enhances transportation planning to better integrate with land use to improve transparency and accountability, and increases funding for transportation infrastructure

HB876/SB503—Transfers the administration and collection of the motor vehicle fuels sales tax imposed in certain transportation districts from the Department of Taxation to the Department of Motor Vehicles

SB686—Allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish an electronic titling program for new vehicles

Public Safety

HB348/SB325—Updates Virginia asset forfeiture laws

HB718—Allows juveniles to be charged as adults for repeat drug dealing

HB752/SB459—Provides that any person who strangles another is guilty of a Class 6 felony

HB973/SB436—Imposes upon an adult offender a mandatory minimum life sentence for rape, forcible sodomy and object sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13

HB1033/SB445—Provides a circuit court jurisdiction to hear petitions to modify, dissolve, or extend a permanent protective order if the circuit court issued the order

HB523/SB369—Requires insurance policies that exclude coverage for earthquake damage to provide a notice regarding earthquake coverage

HB624—Requires registration on the sex offender registry for juveniles who were over the age of 13 at the time of the offense

HB968/SB159—Significantly increases penalties for repeat drug dealers

HB1298/SB685—Provides the authority and procedure for law enforcement officers to apply for a search warrant permitting the use of a GPS tracking device.

Energy

HB232/SB492—Encourages development of renewable thermal energy and includes landfill gas in the definition of renewable energy

HB587/SB418— Improves the process for approval of a 138kv transmission line

HB894/SB493— Increases energy efficiency programs by requiring the SCC to consider all four cost benefit tests

HB1016/SB485—Creates the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Fund to assist in the conversion of the state fleet. Virginia is currently evaluating private-sector solicitants received to convert the state vehicle fleet to an alternative fuel, one of the first states in the nation to do so

HB1102/SB413— Encourages research and development of renewable energy technologies

Veterans

HB439/SB433— Provides that a funeral director must submit the name and any other identifying information for unclaimed remains to the Department of Veterans Services for the purposes of determining whether the unclaimed remains are those of a veteran

HB730/SB297—Grants full voting privileges to the ex officio members of the Board of Veterans Services

HB719/SB528—Allows veterans who are permanently disabled from a service-related injury to purchase discounted hunting and fishing licenses

HB1121/SB254—Provides that the ratio of claims agents with the Department of Veterans Services to the number of veterans in the Commonwealth shall be one agent for every 23,000 veterans

HB384/SB527—Establishes a preference in state hiring for members of the Virginia National Guard

SB565—Improves registration and absentee voting for overseas military voters

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Citizen Input Needed: MRMC Planning Sessions

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MRMC Planning Session Information This post is to make you aware of a wonderful opportunity to give public input on the future of Memorial Regional Medical Center.

The charrette process that Bon Secours offers is first class and very inspiring. I have personally attended one similar hosted in the east end related to Community Hospital. It is my hope that you can attend these events and also share this opportunity with your community. This hospital is a valuable asset for Hanover County for not only quality care but also needed jobs. We need as many community leaders present as possible. I apologize for the short notice.

Bill to Reform State-run Monopoly and Help Small Business Passes

Peace champions legislation to create level field of competition for private sector vendors

NFIB, the leading small business organization, wholeheartedly supported the measure

Central Virginia- House Bill 263, patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) passed both chambers with bi-partisan support, and is now on the way to the Governor. Implementation of this legislation will expand the list of circumstances by which an exemption from a mandatory purchase requirement may be granted to include instances in which an identical article can be obtained at a verified lower cost from the private sector.

“Promoting transparency and cost efficiencies in government is one of our top priorities – particularly when the government is competing against the private sector,” said Nicole Riley, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business. “We commend Delegate Peace for his leadership on this matter and look forward to working with him throughout the next year to bring some additional reform to this government program.”

Under current law, state agencies are required to purchase goods and services produced by inmates in state correctional facilities.  The director of the Division of Purchases and Supply (DSP) of the Department of General Services may grant an exemption from the requirement if the item produced by Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE) of the Department of Corrections does not meet the requirements of the agency or if VCE cannot comply with the order of the agency due to a lack of materials or for any other reason.

Speaking to the passage Peace asserted, “This is a common sense free market enterprise measure.  Small businesses and vendors from the private sector across the Commonwealth have been “shut out” of this process all together.  We should not have the State be in direct competition with small businesses in such an economic climate as we see today.”

John Massad, Jr, a principle of one of the oldest office furniture dealers in Virginia stated, “After a long fight it finally seemed to make sense, but only after Delegate Peace made folks in State government realize what was truly going on.  Peace is a true supporter of the small business owner.  It took many meetings and attempts to get the correct facts out. Thanks to Delegate Peace for all of his efforts.”

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

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Substance Abuse Recovery Support Services Grant Program Passes

Autonomous Recovery Community Organizations (ARCO) deliver community based peer to peer Recovery Support Services (RSS) to the citizens of Virginia

Measure is a collaborative effort between Del. Peace and a Hanover Constituent

Central Virginia- According to a 2008 Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission (JLARC) study, the adverse effects of substance abuse cost State and local governments approximately $613 million in 2006, affecting many State agencies but disproportionately impacting the public safety area.  To mitigate these effects, the State and localities spent $102 million providing substance abuse services.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) is pleased to announce passage of House Bill 271, a measure to establish the Substance Abuse Recovery Support Services Grant Program to provide grants to recovery support services providers in the Commonwealth will benefit community based, peer to peer substance abuse service providers like The McShin Foundation and The Healing Place in the Richmond Region and citizens across the Commonwealth.  Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to convene a work group of stakeholders to develop criteria for awarding grants.

The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) provides information on mentoring and other peer support services offered at substance abuse treatment facilities. In 2009, 6,325 of 13,513 (47 percent) of surveyed facilities offered mentoring or other peer support services.

Founded in 2004 by Hanover resident John Shinholser, The McShin Foundation is Virginia's leading non-profit, full-service Recovery Community Organization (RCO), committed to serving individuals and families in their fight against Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). While providing the tools for recovering individuals to create positive lifestyles, we aim to spread the word of recovery and educate families, communities, and government regarding SUDs as well as reduce the stigma attached to them.

Mr. Shinholser speaking to the passage of the bill, “The passing of HB271 is a huge victory for the authentic recovery community (those recovering from substance use disorders) throughout Virginia. This bill allows for a reasonable recovery voice and starting point for future improvements in our recovery delivery system.  History will show this as the beginning of a new and improved way of helping people. Delegate Peace made this possible and is a true champion of what is good in our political system, as we say in recovery 'it works if you work it.'"

Supporting this method of treatment, the JLARC report goes further to say that “most populations that completed substance abuse treatment imposed lower net costs on the State and localities, and the majority  experienced better outcomes.  Still, the benefits of substance abuse treatment are not maximized because many Virginians do not seek services, are unable to access them, or do not receive services that are proven effective and best meet their needs. In addition, the majority of offenders do not appear to receive the substance abuse treatment they need despite imposing the greatest costs.  To further reduce the costs of drug and alcohol abuse, the State could ensure that existing services are effective, and then consider expanding the availability of substance abuse services.”

For more information about the mission and services provided by The McShin Foundation visit their website at: http://mcshinfoundation.org/

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

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Governor McDonnell Applauds House Passage of SB131 and HB321 to Spur Private-Sector Investment in Scholarships for Underprivileged Students to Attend Private Schools

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RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement after the House of Delegates passed SB131 and accepted the amendments to HB321, legislation that establishes a tax credit for donations by individuals or corporations to nonprofit organizations providing education improvement scholarships to low-income students or eligible students with disabilities in order for them to attend nonpublic elementary or secondary schools. “I want to applaud the House of Delegates for today passing an important component of my ‘Opportunity to Learn’ agenda that will greatly expand educational options for Virginia’s children. This legislation will truly spur private-sector investment in education by encouraging individuals and corporations to give to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships for low-income students or students with disabilities to attend a non-public school. School choice is an important component of my ‘Opportunity to Learn” agenda, ensuring that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to the high-quality education they deserve. I thank Senators Stanley, Obenshain and Stosch and Delegate Massie for their leadership on this issue, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for his support by making the tie vote in the Senate, and the House of Delegates for strongly supporting the passage of this legislation today. I look forward to signing this bill when it reaches my desk.”

 

Governor Signs Bill to Protect Health Care Consumers

New law will define the term surgery in the State code

Increases patient safety and professional competence in the performance of surgery.

Central Virginia- Governor Robert F. McDonnell has signed House Bill 266 patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), the measure will become law on July 1, 2012.

HB 266 is a measure to define "surgery" so that no person other than a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry, a licensed nurse practitioner, or a person who is acting pursuant to the orders and under the appropriate supervision of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry shall perform surgery.

“This definition accomplishes the needed objectives without unnecessarily restricting physicians or other properly trained professionals from practicing to the appropriate limits of their education and training, asserted Peace.  “I worked closely with my House colleagues that are also medical practitioners, Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield) and Del. Scott Garrett (R-Lynchburg) to assure the language of this bill protects both the health care consumer and the medical provider.”

"House Bill 266 is an effective way to help ensure patients are receiving safe and properly regulated surgical care," asserted Dr. Hugh M. Bryan, President of the Medical Society of Virginia.  "This bill will ensure that any provider who is performing surgery in the commonwealth will be licensed and regulated by either the Board of Medicine or the Board of Dentistry."

As federal and state policies promote team care approaches to health care delivery, there is a need to clearly define the roles and standards for surgical and other invasive treatments.

Virginians deserve assurances that only medically trained surgeons are permitted to operate on them.  Surgery performed by under-trained or inappropriately trained health practitioners can result in irreversible consequences.

“Assuring access to quality health care for the residents on the 97th District and across the Commonwealth is vital to my role as a legislator," stated Peace. “This legislation is an effective way to help ensure patients are receiving safe and proper surgical procedures by practitioners that are adequately trained and licensed.”

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

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Peace Bill to Allow Access to Historical Vital Records Signed by the Governor

Genealogical and historical researchers in Virginia to have increased access to identifying and accessing vital records

Central Virginia- House Bill 272 introduced by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) and signed by Governor Robert F. McDonnell changes the time period that marriage, divorce, and death records in the custody of the State Registrar may become public information from 50 years to 25 years.

Public interest in exploring one’s family history has been growing and there is increased interest in making vital records more publicly accessible.  Vital records are a reliable form of genealogical information because they are created close to the time of the event by someone with personal knowledge of the facts with processes furthering accuracy.

"Genealogical and historical researchers will be delighted with the passage of this bill, as it will open up materials that will facilitate their research. We would like to commend Delegate Peace for his initiative and effort in making this information more readily available," Stated Dr. Sandra G. Treadway, State Librarian.

Currently, the Code of Virginia § 32.1-271(D) allows the State Registrar to make marriage, divorce, and death records public 50 years after the date of occurrence.  Prior to public release by the State Registrar, marriage and divorce certificates are only released to immediate family members, although local Circuit Courts hold marriage and divorce records that are open to public inspection with no closed period.  Death records are made available to immediate family members, grandchildren and great-grand children. Social Security numbers will be redacted from all copies for security purposes.

With the July 1, 2012 enactment of HB 272 the State Registrar will be allowed to make the records publically available after 25 years, thereby increasing the accessibility of  vital records in the public domain and therefore available for family research.

This legislation was recommended by the Joint Commission on Health Care, a commission upon which Del. Peace is a member.  A total of 387 public comments were received by the Joint Commission in support of lessening the time period that marriage, divorce and death certificates are closed to the public.

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

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Majority Leader Cox Floor Remarks on House Passed Budget

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We have good and bad days down here at the General Assembly. Yesterday was one of those really good days.  The reason it was a really good day is because we dealt with the most important thing we do down here that probably affects every Virginian and that is our two year budget.  Another reason it was a good day was because we had a very civil discourse, people had a chance to air their feelings on both sides, and the bill passed with 79 out of l00 votes.  I want to personally thank the one-third of the folks on the other side of the aisle that supported the bill.  But I also want to thank those who opposed the bill.  Because, as the Minority Leader said, the other side was given ample opportunity to give their input, and ample opportunity to discuss the budget. He even said that it gives us a roadmap to get to where we (the Democrats) want to go.  The gentleman  from Fairfax, Mr. Sickles, said in the paper as only he can say it, “I think  the no votes were not super hard no votes,” and in fairness to him, he went on to say his biggest problem was the issue of transportation  in the budget.

Why was this budget so good?  Because it helps all the people that we care so much about from our police and sheriffs that make our communities safe to our teachers, our college students, our K-12 kids, all 1.2 million of them, and those that are helped by our health care safety net, especially those who are near and dear to our heart, those with intellectual disabilities.

Let me quickly once again give you some highlights of the budget, because this is the most important thing we do.  In K-12, we included $l57.2 million more in spending than the introduced budget.  Funding for the inflation update and K-3 class size reduction were included. My favorite program, early reading intervention, was funded. As a high school teacher, I understand that reading comprehension is absolutely crucial to student success. Yesterday Delegate Greason offered the floor amendment that dealt partially with the restoration of cost of competing funds, which is important to many delegates from Northern Virginia.

Higher education, the subcommittee I chaired for the last two years, has $200 million more for college education, but it is more than just the money- it is the accountability that was built into that particular piece. I ran into a college president last Wednesday night, and I heard something I thought I would never hear.  He said this is the best budget he had seen in the last ten years for higher education.  And why is that so?  The Governor laid out a vision of 100,000 new degrees and this budget makes substantial progress toward that end.  I know that Delegates Hugo and Albo have talked so much about access for our Virginia kids to college. That’s what we are all about— 1,700 new slots, substantial progress toward those new slots— we put in the money for those, for University of Virginia, William and Mary, Virginia Tech, and James Madison.  That doesn’t work for all universities— one of our goals has to be retention, helping our students get through college and get a degree on time. That will lower their debt, and help their retention. Finally, we have to make college affordable for every kid. This money is going to keep tuition increases down to 2 to 3 percent this year. That is a goal we have not seen in a long time.

Let me shift quickly to health care. The health care safety net is of big concern on both sides of the aisle. We have included $6.2 million to restore funding for free clinics. We also included funding for our hospitals and our nursing homes. We also included money for 200 new ID and 50 DD waivers.

Public safety. Talk about a core function of government, there is nothing more core than that.  Bills such as 5 year minimum mandatory sentences for repeat drug dealers — you have to fund those in the budget, and this budget funds those.  Sheriffs, who are essential to public safety, receive $7.4 million in new funding and receive a 2% pay increase. For our state police, we filled 40 vacant positions and created a 43 person sexual predator surveillance unit.

Our farmers and agribusinesses are certainly dear to many of our hearts. The whole farming community does so much for our economy. Delegate Landes put together a key bill that establishes a Governor’s opportunity fund for agriculture, and our budget includes funding for that program. Soil and water conservation districts—a small item, but could not be more important if you want to get your best management practices on the ground.

I could go on and on, but let me comment very quickly on the other side of the Capitol, their budget. Of course, I like ours a lot better.  What I find interesting is that they chose not to include the transportation funding. I fundamentally don’t agree with that stand, but I know it’s a stand a lot of folks on the other side of the aisle take.  So, if you think of it from the Democrat perspective, the Senate budget is pretty ideal.

So what’s my message? We need a budget, and we need a budget now. We have got fifteen days left to do the most important thing this House does. The Speaker just named the conferees. The conferees are ready to go to work– and a lot of the rest of you who want to be conferees are ready to go to work too– but this is day one of our opportunity to get a budget passed.

To my friends across the aisle– please join with us and continue working with us to help make sure the Democrats in the other body come to their senses and understand that we need to finish the number one job we are all sent to Richmond to do— adopting a new state budget before the end of the Session.

We owe it to all Virginians– our teachers, our tuition paying parents, our public safety workers– not to jeopardize their future, their livelihood, and their quality of life by not getting to work now to pass a budget. We owe it to them, and all Virginians, not to harm, but to help families, workers, and businesses when they are already struggling enough with anxiety about the economy and our future.

We owe it to all Virginians not to let some put partisan politics ahead of doing what’s best for all Virginians– which first and foremost means passing the Session’s most important bill, the state budget.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Agreement Reached on Tax Fairness Bill

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RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that an agreement has been reached among the governor’s office, several members of the General Assembly, Amazon and stakeholders, including brick and mortar retailers, on SB597, commonly referred to as the “Tax Fairness Bill.” The House of Delegates Finance Committee approved amendments today authorizing the state to require an out-of-state seller, with distribution facilities or other related entities in the state, to collect sales taxes on the sale of goods to in-state purchasers, without regard to the location of the seller, on September 1, 2013, or on or before January 1, 2014 if federal legislation is enacted, to level the playing field for all sellers with a later effective date. Thus, this agreement negotiated with Amazon requires certain online retailers to collect the sales and use tax in the same manner as a bricks and mortar retailer. The tax an online retailer will now begin to collect will relieve Virginians of their current obligation to self-report consumer use tax on their tax return. This new law simply requires collection of the existing tax at the point of sale. Speaking about the agreement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “We were very happy to announce in December that Amazon would be opening two fulfillment centers in Virginia, investing a total of $135 million and creating more than 1,350 jobs. This is great news and we look forward to the growing partnership between Amazon and the state in the years ahead. At the same time, we also continue to work towards keeping Virginia the best place in America to do business. The amendments made today to SB597 will bring sound economic policy to Virginia and addresses the concerns of all interested parties. It is also proof that, by working together, we can find solutions that ensure that businesses, whether it’s traditional retailers or online companies, continue to be able to grow and thrive in the Commonwealth. I thank every stakeholder in this issue for their time, diligence, and collaboration to ensure that our business policies in Virginia continue to be fair and sound. This bill helps to ensure that online retailers with a physical presence in Virginia are treated the same as traditional brick and mortar retailers who are already required to collect and remit existing sales taxes on goods sold in the Commonwealth.”

Amazon’s Vice President of Global Policy, Paul Misener, added, “Amazon is very grateful to Governor McDonnell for his focus on Virginia jobs and for his efforts to work with other governors toward national resolution of the sales tax issue this year.”

Senator Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach), patron of SB597, stated, “As Black Friday and Cyber Monday have shown in recent years, the internet retail sector is a fully developed and thriving member of the community of retail merchants. I’m glad to have sponsored this legislation that provides a level playing field for both brick and mortar retailers as well as those on the internet. I’m also glad that all parties came to the table to help move forward this important legislation.”

Rob Shinn with the Virginia Alliance for Main Street Fairness representing a coalition of hundreds of Virginia retailers noted, “We are extremely pleased with the agreement. Today’s announcement is a significant step toward tax fairness for the retail community by ensuring the same rules apply to all retailers doing business in Virginia.”

Amendment Language:

2. That the provisions of this act shall be effective on the sooner of September 1, 2013, or the effective date of federal legislation authorizing states to require a seller to collect taxes on sales of goods to in-state purchasers without regard to the location of the seller. If however, that federal law is enacted prior to August 15, 2013, and the effective date of that legislation is on or prior to January 1, 2014, the provisions of this act shall be effective January 1, 2014.

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Peace Bills on Health Care, Tourism, Public Safety and Education Head to Governor for Signature

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Four Measures Passed Senate Today with Broad Bi-partisan Support

One Bill was Part of the Opportunity to Learn Governor's Education Reform Agenda

Central Virginia- A number of bills patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-97th District) passed the Senate today and will now make their way to the Governor for his action.

First, House Bill 765, a part of Governor McDonnell's "Opportunity to Learn" initiative, Phase II, will allow any institution of higher education in Virginia to operate a college partnership laboratory school.  Peace carried the original legislation creating these collaborative partnerships at public colleges and universities in 2010. As in 2010, Del. Jennifer McClellan (D-City of Richmond) served as a co-patron. Del. McClellan attended a lab school at Virginia State University as a young woman.

A College Partnership Laboratory School is a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school established by a public institution of higher education operating in the Commonwealth which maintains and operates a teacher education program approved by the Board of Education.  Virginia currently has 14 approved sites including but not limited to James Madison University, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University.

"In 2010, the General Assembly passed legislation, as a part of Governor McDonnell's 'Opportunity to Learn' package, enabling public colleges and universities in Virginia to team with approved teacher-preparation programs in an effort to establish college partnership laboratory schools throughout the Commonwealth.  With this legislation we will see more partnerships between Virginia's higher educational institutions and K-12 public divisions, in turn increasing choices for K-12 students statewide," said Peace.

House Bill 268 is a measure that updates Virginia's existing occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice.  Virginia's OT scope of practice has not been reviewed since its enactment in 1997.  As with most medical professions, much has changed in the past fifteen years.  As a result, the existing OT scope of practice no longer accurately emphasizes the daily priorities for Virginia's practicing OTs.  In fact, some of the existing language has become antiquated.  This causes confusion for practitioners and results in frequent questions posed to the Board of Medicine and to the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association regarding how present day services fit into existing scope language. So in order to assure Virginia's licensed occupational therapists that the modern day services they provide, and upon which their patients depend, are clearly contemplated by Virginia law, the bill proposes a few modest updates which were approved unanimously by the Senate today.  These simple revisions bring Virginia's occupational therapy scope of practice in line with the American Occupational Therapy Association's model language.  To be clear, these changes do not empower any occupational therapist to perform any service for which they are not already licensed.

Next, House Bill 273 which also passed today requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Criminal Justice Services Board to provide compulsory minimum entry-level training standards for juvenile correctional officers.  The bill requires the DCJS Board to establish compulsory minimum entry-level, in service, and advance training standards for persons employed as juvenile correctional officers at juvenile correctional centers operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

DJJ currently develops, reviews, and provides all training for juvenile correctional officers.  The training requirements, timelines, and curricula are developed and reviewed by DJJ personnel only.  However, the DCJS Board has developed training standards for adult correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and jail officers. Requiring the DCJS Board to develop training requirements for juvenile correctional officers would be consistent with the other professions in the criminal justice field and will ensure the training provided is the most appropriate and effective.

Also passing today was House Bill 1185, an update to the Road to Revolution State Heritage Trail based upon demand from the state's most significant Revolutionary War era properties and organizations such as Mt. Vernon, Monticello, and Montpelier. In 2007, House Bill 1722 passed and created the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail supported by the historic, economic development and tourism communities. The bill established a heritage trail of sites that pay homage to Patrick Henry's leading role in liberating Virginia from Colonial rule to independence and included the following core sites: St. John's Church at Richmond, Virginia; Scotchtown at Beaverdam, Virginia; Hanover Tavern at Hanover, Virginia; the Hanover County Courthouse at Hanover, Virginia; Historic Polegreen Church at Mechanicsville, Virginia; and Red Hill Plantation at Brookneal, Virginia.

"As a native of Hanover County, I am pleased to see the Trail growing in much the same way as Civil War Trails. With this project we highlight all sites significant to men and women who played a role in liberating Virginia and establishing the United States of America. This tourism joint marketing and economic development effort will benefit the entire Commonwealth. We have a rich heritage and we need to collaborate and find creative opportunities for promoting these valuable resources," stated Peace.

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

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