Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorses Chris Peace for Re-Election

CENTRAL VA- Delegate Christopher K. Peace this week received the endorsement of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) AgPAC, a political action committee of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, in the race for the 97th House District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Expressing appreciation of the endorsement, Peace said, "I'm honored to have received this endorsement; it is a strong vote of confidence from the farmers of the Commonwealth. Agribusiness is an important part of Virginia's economy.  I am focused on working with my colleagues in the General Assembly and the agricultural community to get Virginia's economy moving again.  By embracing a solution-oriented approach, I will work to enact the right policies at this critical time to assure a more prosperous future for farmers and every other sector of Virginia's economy.  I support the right to farm and forest."

Peace is among 88 candidates that Virginia VFBF AgPAC has endorsed for House seats. Endorsements were made based on the recommendations of local committees of farmers.

“Each of these candidates has demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs and challenges farmers are facing and/or have proven their support through their favorable voting records while holding positions in the General Assembly.  We believe these candidates will help agriculture and forestry maintain its vitality as the number one industry in Virginia”   said Wayne F. Pryor, chairman of VFBF AgPAC and VFBF president.

The non-partisan VFBF AgPAC was created by Farm Bureau in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues. A full list of candidates endorsed by the committee can be viewed online at www.VaFarmBureau.org

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Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Tomorrow’s 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech and the March on Washington

Governor Directs Capitol Bell Tower to Ring at 3:00 pm Tomorrow in Commemoration; Encourages Other Virginia Locations to Ring Bells at Same Time
  
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech and the March on Washington. Governor McDonnell also directed the ringing of the bells of the Old Bell Tower in Capitol Square in Richmond at 3pm tomorrow, which will coincide with similar occurrences at locations nationwide. He also encouraged other Virginia institutions to do the same.
 
“Tomorrow marks 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke those four transcendent words: I have a dream. The 1963 March on Washington will forever be etched in the annals of this great nation as a pivotal moment in American history.  Although there is much work still to be done, his message, that August day fifty years ago, a message of justice, equality, and reform, set the tone for generations of progress and healing.  Today, Dr. King’s words continue to inspire people across the world to pursue peace, fairness and the furtherance of human civil rights.  Dr. King’s vision and words, his strength of character and compassion, and his model for peaceful demonstration and dialogue have made America, and the world, a better and more just place. I urge all Virginians to pause tomorrow and remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the March on Washington, and the greatness of this wonderful nation that we call home.”

Virginia Experiences Fourth Consecutive Budget Surplus

-- Financial Literacy Report Card Gives Virginia Students Top Marks--

Central Virginia - As a member of the House Appropriation Committee, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was delighted to receive Governor McDonnell's news of Virginia's fourth consecutive budget surplus.  The FY 2013 surplus-the largest since 2005-totaled $585 million, contributing to a total surplus of almost $2 billion in the last four years.  In his remarks, Governor McDonnell acknowledged the critical role of Virginia's General Assembly, particularly the budget committee members, in achieving fiscal responsibility in state government.

Speaking about the surpluses, Delegate Peace said, "I am highly pleased with Virginia's fiscal position.  State government, like families throughout the Commonwealth, has had to make tough financial decisions.  These tough decisions have restored our financial footing and put us on the right track for an economic recovery that creates jobs and promotes homeownership."

In keeping with the fiscally prudent measures practiced by the Commonwealth, the General Assembly and the Department of Education developed a course school divisions may use to provide required instruction and content to teach financial literacy in high schools.  Virginia was one of only six states to achieve a top grade on the National Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools, published by Champlain College's Center for Financial Literacy. Virginia received praise in this report for efforts by the Virginia General Assembly and the Governor to promote financial literacy through a stand-alone financial literacy course as part of the requirements for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

The curriculum was developed by the Virginia Department of Education alongside Virginia 529 and the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation.  Training for educators was provided at no cost because of private sector support for the initiative.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), speaking about the report card, said, "I am proud of the many Virginians who have worked hard to achieve this high level of financial literacy in the Commonwealth.  Financial literacy is vital to creating economic prosperity, and I am glad we have found a cost-effective way to achieve this worthwhile goal."

He added, "Lessons learned in the classroom will translate into much needed skills at home and in the workplace."

Governor McDonnell Announces State Rainy Day Fund to Exceed $1 Billion at Close of FY 2016

Balance Will be 3rd Largest in Virginia History
Fund Will Have Grown 350% from Close of Fiscal Year 2010 to End of Fiscal Year 2016
Recovery of Fund Puts Commonwealth in Strong Financial Position
 
RICHMOND- Three days before he delivers his fourth and final annual ‘end of the fiscal year’ address to the members of the money committees of the General Assembly, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that a portion of his remarks will highlight the news that Virginia’s Rainy Day Fund is on pace to exceed $1 billion by the close of Fiscal Year (FY) 2016. The projection represents a dramatic upswing in the balance sheet of the Commonwealth’s emergency cash reserve, which stood at only $295.2 million at the conclusion of FY 2010, midway through the governor’s first year in office. The growth in the Rainy Day Fund, made possible through conservative budgeting in Richmond and ongoing private sector job-creation across the Commonwealth, helps to restore the state’s financial health and places Virginia in a strong position for both future economic growth as well as the navigation of any potential future financial downturns.
 
            Based on the size of the overall budget surplus, the McDonnell Administration’s fourth in as many years, the Constitution prescribes an additional $313.9 million will be deposited to the Rainy Day Fund in FY’s 2015 and 2016. The governor will include that amount in the new budget he will propose this December. The amount is based on actual collections of general fund revenues in fiscal year 2013 and the official budget estimate for general fund revenues in FY 2014. The governor has previously announced that the Commonwealth concluded FY 2013 with a revenue surplus of over $261 million. This is the first time a single gubernatorial administration has posted four consecutive revenue surpluses since the Allen Administration in the mid-1990’s. On Monday the governor will announce the second half of Virginia’s final surplus amount: savings within state government generated through the administration’s conservative fiscal policies. Taken together the revenue surplus and savings surplus will provide the total surplus amount for the Commonwealth for FY 2013.
 
            Speaking about the rapid, positive turnaround in the financial health of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, the governor remarked, “We all know these are uncertain fiscal times. In the states, that uncertainty is only heightened by the failure of the federal government to provide budgetary certainty and make the long-term decisions necessary for proper planning moving forward. With that in mind, it is crucial that we have the liquidity necessary to weather any potential disruptions and downturns in the years ahead. That’s the role of Virginia’s Rainy Day Fund, which was wisely created by the General Assembly after Governor Doug Wilder devised the smart idea of a “Revenue Reserve.” This Fund provides the Commonwealth with a financial safety-net of sorts. It is also watched closely by the bond rating firms that are so important to our financial standing in the global markets.”
 
            The governor continued, “With today’s announcement, I am pleased to note that a significant portion of the revenue surplus for this year, as has been the case previously in our administration as well, will not be spent.  Rather, it will be saved and deposited to the Rainy Day Fund allowing that Fund to grow to nearly $688 million by the end of FY 2014 and cross $1 billion by the end of FY 2016. That is the result of our four consecutive budget surpluses, which have provided the means by which we have been able to replenish Virginia’s nest egg. In our first year in office, the Fund was only $295 million. By the end of 2016 it will have grown by 350%. It will reach the third-highest amount in its history, and the highest amount since the end of FY 2007, just prior to the economic downturn. The work to restore the Rainy Day Fund is yet another bipartisan accomplishment in Richmond. We’ve budgeted conservatively, saved taxpayer dollars and properly planned for the years ahead. These steps have put the Commonwealth in a much stronger financial position than we saw just three years ago. I thank the members of the General Assembly for their work with us in achieving this important step forward for Virginia’s fiscal future.”
 
            A chart detailing the financial history of Virginia’s Rainy Day Fund can be found here.  
 

Virginia Pharmacists Association honors Peace with Award

-- Delegate Peace recognized for legislative efforts --

Central Virginia - Recently, Virginia Pharmacists Association honored Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) with the Award of Merit.  Delegate Peace worked to include in the Virginia General Assembly's biennial budget language which paves the way for piloting a cost-saving Medication Therapy Management (MMT) health care benefit for state employees.

MMT is collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, and patients to help ensure that patients are taking the right medication, in the right dosage, at the right time.  MTM allows pharmacists to spend more time counseling patients, physicians to perform periodic chart reviews to ensure effective drug regimens, and patients to receive additional education about how best to manage their chronic conditions.

"Medication Therapy Management services have demonstrated proven cost-savings across the country while simultaneously improving the quality of patient care.  Medication Therapy Management pilot programs have been instituted successfully in North Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota," stated Peace.

He continued, "I have humbled to be honored with the Award of Merit. Enacting policies that increase the delivery of quality health care and passes on a cost savings to citizens is a win-win. Pharmacists should be recognized for the work they do to help our families and communities."

Speaking to the award, Tim Musselman, Executive Director states, "Delegate Peace has been a consistent friend to the profession of pharmacy and a strong advocate for our patients. We were proud to be able to present Delegate Peace with the Award of Merit at our annual convention. The Virginia Pharmacists Association presents this award to a non-pharmacist whose actions advance the profession of pharmacy.  Delegate Peace's budget amendment which established a Medication Therapy Management Pilot Program for state employees will not only improve the health of the Commonwealth's workforce but will also lead to significant savings to the state employee health plan. Only a handful of states have such a program in place and thanks to Delegate Peace's foresight and innovative approach to governing Virginia is now one of them."

 

Statement of House Leadership on Special Session

Virginia House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader M. Kirkland "Kirk" Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Caucus Chairman Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax) and Majority Whip Jackson H. Miller (R-Manassas) released the following statement Tuesday: "We agree with both Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli that serious steps need to be taken to reform Virginia's disclosure and transparency laws. As  we have previously stated, we are committed to seeking the strong reforms necessary to guarantee the integrity of that system.

"While we share the goals of the Attorney General, we believe it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to consider reforms during the 2014 regular session, a short five months from now. These are very complicated and serious issues that  deserve our full and undivided attention. Addressing them during a regular session will allow us to carefully consider each proposal, gather input and feedback, and move forward in a responsible manner.

"We look forward to working with both the Governor and the Attorney General on this important issue in the weeks and months ahead."

REALTORS endorse Delegate Peace in his Re-Election Efforts

-- Peace Earns Support Based on Legislative Record --

Central Virginia – The Virginia Association of Realtors recently endorsed Delegate Christopher K.  Peace (R-Hanover) for his re-election as the Delegate from the 97th District.  The endorsement recognizes his work on behalf of Virginia property owners and the real estate industry.

The Virginia Association of Realtors monitors a number of important bills covering a variety of issues each legislative session to determine endorsements.  Such issues include protecting property values and promoting a healthy business climate.  According to their website, “the Virginia Association of Realtors is the business advocate for real estate professionals in Virginia. VAR represents nearly 30,000 REALTORS® active in all phases of real estate brokerage, management, development and appraisal.”  They aim to “encourage laws that protect private property rights, limit government intrusion, and maintain an open marketplace.”

Delegate Peace, speaking about the support, said, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Virginia Association of Realtors.  Their efforts to protect the interests of Virginia property owners and the housing industry are important to Virginia’s economy and the quality of life of citizens across the Commonwealth.”

He continued, “Homeownership is the American dream, and an important part of a stable economy.  REALTORS ® work daily to assist people toward achieving their goal of homeownership.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Virginia Association of Realtors and the residents of the 97th District to support policies to create a climate for sustained housing recovery.”

Virginia’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Returns August 2-4

~ Many Clothing Items and School Supplies Will be Tax-Free ~
 
 
RICHMOND – It’s the end of July, and you’ve still got a whole month left to play in the pool, grill outdoors, and visit Virginia’s beautiful state parks with your kids.  Back-to-school shopping might be the last thing on your mind at the moment.  You may want to slip your flip-flops back on and hit the stores, however, because it’s time once again for Virginia’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday.
 
This year’s holiday begins on Friday, Aug. 2, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4.  Items that will be exempt from sales tax during the holiday include most articles of clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less each, and school or office supplies that cost $20 or less per item.  There is no limit to the number of items you can purchase without paying the sales tax, provided each item meets the holiday restrictions. 
 
“After four straight years of revenue surpluses, it is evident that Virginia’s economy continues to strengthen,” said Governor Bob McDonnell.  “I hope Virginians will go out and take advantage of this holiday by spending their back-to-school dollars at Virginia retailers.  Not only will this continue to benefit our state’s economy and employers, it will save Virginians some money at the same time.” 
 
A list of qualifying items, guidelines for the holiday, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov.  Anyone can buy tax-exempt items during the holiday; it is not limited to purchases for students.  During the tax holidays, retailers may elect to pay the sales tax themselves on any non-qualifying items that they want to offer tax-free to customers.  This means great deals can likely be found on many other items as well.

Delegate Peace Appointed to Leadership Metro Richmond Board of Directors

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR).  As a Class of 2005 member Peace has first-hand experience with the program and knows the important value of the program to the community. "Through participation in LMR I opened lines of communications with leaders from across the Richmond region, identified regional challenges, and established friendships which assist me in serving the region and my constituents in the legislature.  I look forward to serving on the Board as we work to continue to advance the mission of LMR." stated Peace.

According to their website, Leadership Metro Richmond’s mission is to connect and education a diverse group of community leaders, inspiring them to serve the Richmond region.  LMR achieves this through various programs, including the annual class.  The annual class advances this mission by providing participants the opportunity to learn more about challenges facing the region, the opportunity to enhance their abilities for community-wide leadership, and the opportunity to continue building their relationships with other community leaders.

For more information on LMR visit:  http://www.lmronline.org/

 

Governor McDonnell Announces Fourth Straight Year of Revenue Surplus

First time since Allen Administration that a governor has attained a revenue surplus in all four years of term

~Virginia concluded FY2013 with preliminary $261.9 million surplus; Four year revenue surpluses total $930 million~

State employees to receive first pay increase in six years

 

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that for the fourth straight year, the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached the end of the fiscal year with a revenue surplus. Preliminary figures indicate that the state concluded Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 with an approximately $261.9 million surplus from general fund revenue collections, excluding transfers. This is the first time since Governor George Allen’s administration that a governor has attained a revenue surplus at the end of all four fiscal years during his term.

Total revenue collections rose by 5.3 percent in FY 2013, above the revised revenue forecast 3.6 percent growth.  This marks the third straight year that revenue growth has exceeded 5 percent in Virginia. The main drivers of the revenue increase were growth in individual income tax receipts from nonwithholding payments, lower individual income tax refunds and higher than expected recordation tax collections.  A comprehensive breakdown of the preliminary FY 2013 revenue surplus is shown below.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “Today’s great news is further proof that Virginia’s economy is getting stronger.  The numbers we are seeing show that Virginia’s housing market is starting to recover, and even more importantly more people are returning to work.  Over the past three years we’ve seen our state unemployment rate fall to 5.3 percent; nearly Virginia’s lowest unemployment rate in over four and a half years.  When I came into office, Virginia faced a stark economic forecast.  We set an important standard of conservative budgeting and conservative spending.  We made tough decisions, cut back where we needed to, consolidated boards and agencies, reduced the number of state employees by over 2,000 and invested in areas that would produce economic growth.  After facing a significant shortfall in fiscal year 2009 in the first year of the Great Recession, we now have seen four consecutive years of improving revenue growth.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “We concluded Fiscal Year 2013 with a preliminary $261.9 million revenue surplus and a 5.3 percent increase in revenue collections.  Most of these surplus funds are already allocated by budgetary requirements, including payments to the Revenue Stabilization (“Rainy Day”) Fund and the Water Quality Improvement Fund.   Nonetheless, the preliminary report I received from the State Comptroller, indicating that actual general fund revenues collected exceed our budget estimates, will allow me to authorize the pay increase and salary compression adjustment in the Appropriation Act, giving state employees a pay raise for the first time in six years.  This increase, which will be reflected in the August 16, 2013 paycheck for state employees, will mark the third time in my four years that we have been able to provide additional compensatory benefits to our state employees through incentive programs that encourage increased savings among our state agencies by providing a three percent performance bonus in 2010 and 2012, and now the first permanent base pay raise.  I want to thank GACRE, JABE and the Department of Taxation for their important work on consensus forecasting.  Today’s great news is truly a product of the bipartisan effort of the General Assembly to rein in spending, budget frugally, and enact our job creation and incentive programs to encourage economic growth in Virginia.  This fourth straight revenue surplus is a testament to the importance of fiscal constraint and conservative revenue forecasting.  Virginia is in a better economic position today than it has been in many years because of the smart budget decisions made over the last 3 ½ years coupled with our bipartisan focus on increasing job creation and economic development across the Commonwealth.”

Secretary of Finance Ric Brown added, “Virginia’s economy is improving.  After facing years of little or negative growth, we continue to head in a positive direction as a result of our fiscal discipline and conservative budgetary approach.  This is a Virginia accomplishment as much as it is a finance one.  It is indeed good news for our collective Commonwealth.”

Senator Walter Stosch (R-Henrico), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, remarked, “I am very pleased that the Governor, following the advice of his economic advisors, adopted a conservative estimate of the expected revenues for the most recent fiscal year.  This is smart financial planning as good stewards of Virginia's taxpayers.  With the actual revenues exceeding the conservative estimate by $261.9 million, an important result will be to have the funds necessary to deposit the required amounts into the Revenue Stabilization Fund and the Water Quality Improvement Fund, and pay other bills as required by law.  While unobligated amounts will indeed be minimal, Virginia continues to lead the way among other states in fiscal management through budgets that always balance, and by paying our bills on time.

Delegate Lacey Putney (I-Bedford), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, noted, “I applaud Governor McDonnell and my colleagues in the General Assembly for our work in properly estimating revenue growth over the last four years and budgeting in a conservative manner.  Because of our good fiscal management, Virginia is a sound financial position and seeing encouraging economic growth.  This surplus is a solid accomplishment during these uncertain economic times.”

The final FY 2013 surplus tally will not be available until August 19th, after final tabulations of transfers and appropriation savings recognized through greater operational efficiencies and incentives to control spending throughout state government are calculated.  Each of the past three years have also generated a savings surplus, creating a total surplus of nearly $1.4 billion over the past three years.  We anticipate another savings surplus this year.  Most, if not all of the revenue surplus, will be used to satisfy Constitutional or other legal requirements, such as additional payments to the State’s “Rainy Day Fund” and the Water Quality Improvement Fund.

Today’s announcement constitutes the fourth fiscal year in a row that Virginia has concluded the fiscal year with a revenue surplus. In FY 2010 the revenue surplus for the year was $228 million.  In FY 2011, the revenue surplus was $311 million.  And in FY 2012, the revenue surplus was $129 million.

Analysis of Fiscal Year 2013 Revenues Based on Preliminary Data

  • Total general fund revenue      collections exceeded the official forecast by $261.9 million (1.6 percent      variance) in fiscal year 2013.
    • The 25 year average general       fund revenue forecast variance is plus or minus 1.5 percent.
  • The FY 2013 revenue surplus is      attributable to prudent fiscal management, including Virginia's consensus      revenue forecasting process.
    • In its fall meeting, the Joint       Advisory Board of Economists was split between the standard forecast and       "standard minus," with two members choosing the recession       forecast.
    • Based on business leaders' and       General Assembly member comments, the “standard minus” outlook for fiscal       year 2013 was adopted.
    • During the midsession review,       year-to-date trends did not support a revision to the forecast.
  • Total general fund revenues      rose 5.3 percent in FY 2013 compared with the forecast of 3.6 percent growth.
  • The FY 2013 revenue surplus is      largely due to stronger individual nonwithholding, lower refunds and      higher recordation tax receipts.
  • On a cautionary note, payroll      withholding and sales tax collections, 85 percent of total revenues, and      the best indicator of current economic activity in the Commonwealth, fell      short of the forecast by $144.0 million, a forecast variance of -1.1      percent.
    • Estimates for these two       sources are directly tied to the economic outlook developed during the       fall forecasting process, and specifically, the outlook for jobs and wage       income in the Commonwealth.
    • The slowdown in withholding       and sales tax collections over the last five months of FY 2013 suggests       that federal sequestration is having an effect on the Commonwealth.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • Individual income tax      withholding, 63 percent of total general fund revenues, was below the      estimate by $115.0 million (-1.1 percent variance).
    • Annual collections increased       2.1 percent compared with the forecast of a 3.3 percent increase.
  • Individual income tax      nonwithholding, 15 percent of total revenues and one of the most volatile      revenue sources, exceeded the annual estimate by $290.0 million (11.5      percent variance) in FY 2013.
    • These payments are       historically tied to non-wage income sources - mainly the financial       markets.
    • Total nonwithholding       collections grew 19.1 percent in fiscal year 2013.
      • Despite the unexpectedly        robust growth in FY 2013, nonwithholding collections still remain below        fiscal year 2008's peak.
  • Individual refunds finished      $72.2 million (4.0 percent variance) below the annual estimate in FY 2013,      a net positive for the Commonwealth.
  • Taken together, withholding,      nonwithholding, and refunds, i.e. net individual income taxes, grew 6.9      percent in FY 2013, ahead of the annual forecast of 4.5 percent growth by      $247.3 million, a forecast variance of 2.2 percent.
  • Sales and use tax collections,      20 percent of total revenues and the other revenue source (along with      withholding) most closely related to current economic activity in the      Commonwealth, fell short of the annual estimate by $29.0 million (-0.9      percent variance).
  • Corporate income tax      collections, 5 percent of total revenues and one of the most volatile      revenue sources, declined by 7.3 percent in FY 2013, compared with the      forecast of a 4.5 percent decline.
  • Wills, Suits, Deeds, and      Contracts (primarily recordation tax collections), 2 percent of total      revenues, finished the year $41.0 million (12.2 percent variance) ahead of      the annual forecast.
    • Collections grew 17.2 percent       in FY 2013, well ahead of the projected growth rate of 4.5 percent.
  • Insurance premiums tax, 2      percent of total revenues, exceeded the annual estimate by $6.6 million      (2.6 percent variance).
  • All other revenues were $20.3      million above expectations in FY 2013.

 

Governor McDonnell Dedicates Werowocomoco, Paramount Chief Powhatan’s Seat of Power in 1607, to Permanent Conservation

—When English colonists settled Jamestown, the Indian town of Werowocomoco was a secular and sacred seat of power of the Powhatan Chiefdom—Long lost to history, in 2003 the site was publicly identified by archaeologists with DHR and the College of William & Mary “Werowocomoco was basically our peoples’ Washington DC.” - Kevin Brown, Chief of the Pamunkey Tribe

RICHMOND – Today Governor Bob McDonnell joined Virginia Indians and Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources (DHR) to publicly dedicate to conservation the site of Werowocomoco, the place where Paramount Chief Powhatan, Captain John Smith and Pocahontas first met, in December 1607.

“The preservation of Werowocomoco and today’s dedication ceremony embodies the special relationship the Commonwealth has with Virginia’s living Indian community,” Governor McDonnell said. “Together, these efforts serve as tangible evidence of our ongoing commitment to that community and to its rich history and culture.”

“This easement adds to the growing acreage of vital riparian lands and habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that we’ve placed under conservation during Governor McDonnell’s administration,” Secretary Domenech said. “But more significantly, it represents the protection of what is the most important Native American site along the Chesapeake and its tributaries,” he added.

During his remarks, Governor McDonnell individually recognized the chiefs of Virginia’s seven Powhatan-descendant tribes, the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Nansemond, Pamunkey, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi, asking them to stand along with their respective tribal members attending the ceremony.

With the York River serving as a scenic backdrop, preservation of the nearly 58-acre Werowocomoco site was formally recognized with a ceremonial signing of a conservation easement between the property’s owners Bob and Lynn Ripley, and Kathleen S. Kilpatrick, director of the Department of Historic Resources, the agency that has spearheaded efforts to conserve Werowocomoco and that will hold the easement on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

After the ceremonial dedication of the land to conservation, Pamunkey Indian Chief Kevin Brown spoke in solemn response and presented strings of quahog wampum and copper beads to the Ripleys, Kilpatrick, and Secretary Domenech, in a gesture of gratitude for the partnership to preserve the Werowocomoco site, the secular and spiritual seat of power of Paramount Chief Powhatan and the Powhatan Chiefdom when Jamestown was settled in 1607.

“Werowocomoco was basically our peoples’ Washington DC. It is a very sacred and historic site and we are very happy it is being put into an easement to protect it from development,” said Kevin Brown, Chief of the Pamunkey Tribe.

Afterwards Secretary Domenech invited each of the chiefs to the podium to speak. Their words touched on the spiritual, cultural, and historical significance to them individually and to their tribes of Werowocomoco, where archaeologists say Native Americans settled at least as early as 1200 A.D., long before the English arrived in present-day Virginia.

Situated along the York River, the Werowocomoco site will remain the property of its current owners the Ripleys, who were lauded during the ceremony for their exemplary stewardship of the land. As the easement holder, DHR will ensure the site’s protection while also overseeing continued research by archaeologists working closely with Virginia Indians through the Werowocomoco Research Group and its Virginia Indian Advisory Board.

Ten years of archaeology at Werowocomoco has revealed an extraordinary and unique site—including the footprint of the largest longhouse ever investigated in Virginia—and one befitting the stature of a paramount chief and military leader such as Powhatan and of the town that lay at the heart of the Powhatan Chiefdom. The chiefdom, consisting of about 30 tribes and 15,000 or more persons inhabiting much of present-day Tidewater and coastal Virginia, was among the most complex Native American societies in eastern North America when Jamestown was settled.

“Werowocomoco is deeply defining of Virginia Indian prehistory and history and that of Virginia and the nation,” said Kilpatrick, who as director of DHR proposed and worked closely for many years with the Ripleys to bring the site under the protection of an easement. “If Jamestown was the beginning of the English in North America, then Werowocomoco—where Smith met with Powhatan at a time when the fate of Jamestown hung in the balance—was the beginning of the beginning. This is a site of international significance,” she added.

The Werowocomoco site, which was the focus of a PBS NOVA special in 2003 and a National Geographic Magazine feature in May 2007, was listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Virginia Adult Day Health Services Association Recognizes Delegate Peace for his Legislative Service

-Peace Receives Quilt as a Token of Appreciation- --

Central Virginia -- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was pleased to receive the recognition of the Virginia Adult Day Health Services Association for his work in the House of Delegates.  This honor recognizes his legislative work in support of the elderly and disabled.  Peace’s work ensures quality health care for those in need of community based care.

Delegate Peace carried a budget amendment that will ensure adults in need receive care near their homes.  Community based adult home care is a much less expensive long-term care option than nursing home care or equivalent amounts of in-home personal care.  The day centers also provide older adults the socialization needed for increased emotional health.

Speaking about the award, Peace remarked, “I am humbled to receive this quilt and to be recognized by the Virginia Adult Day Health Services Association. As the primary caregiver of my late 99 year old grandmother, I have a first-hand understanding of the unique needs of elder citizens.”

He continued, “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am responsible for deliberating on many bills that affect the well-being of Virginians while working to reduce waste, streamline delivery of services and increase quality of care across the Commonwealth.  I am happy to have played a role in actions which result in higher quality, more affordable care for the residents of the 97th District and across the Commonwealth.”

Quilt of Appreciation

Statement of House Speaker William J. Howell on Small Business Week

FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) released the following statement Tuesday marking Small Business Week:  "More than half of Americans own or work in a small business and small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the United States. All across the Commonwealth, thousands of small business owners work hard to grow our economy and strengthen our communities each day. This week, we say thank you.

"Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates know and appreciate the impact of small business owners. We are committed to helping, encouraging and growing small business all across the state. We have worked to keep taxes low, reduce unnecessary regulations and strengthen Virginia's workforce in a way that helps businesses grow and thrive.

"This year, we passed a number of pieces of legislation that will help improve Virginia's business climate. We worked to reform our legal system to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and lower the cost of doing business in Virginia. We established the Small Business Investment Grant Fund to help new businesses get on their feet and create jobs. We passed legislation to encourage investment in entrepreneurs and small business startups. We have fought to strengthen Virginia's pro-worker, pro-jobs labor laws in order to protect businesses from union bosses. These are just a few of the many steps we have taken to promote small business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Thank you to all of the hard-working small business owners, their families and their employees for what they do to make the Commonwealth stronger. We appreciate you, believe in you and stand with you."

 

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Virginia Posts 20.5% Revenue Increase in May

– May a Significant Month for Revenue –

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that May revenue collections increased by 20.5 percent from May of last year. May is a significant month for revenue collections. On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections rose 6.0 percent through May, ahead of the annual forecast of 3.6 percent growth. Adjusting for the accelerated tax program, total revenues have grown 5.7 percent, ahead of the adjusted forecast of 3.4 percent. To meet the state’s budget forecast, collection of $1.7 billion will be needed in the month of June. Last year, the Commonwealth collected $1.9 billion in the final month of the fiscal year.

The increase in May revenue was driven by a major increase in individual nonwithholding payments. These payments increased by 74.7 percent for the month, rising to $776.1 million, compared to $444.2 million last May. May is a very important month for individual nonwithholding payments as final payments for tax year 2012 and the first estimated payment for tax year 2013 are both due May 1. April is also an important month for individual nonwithholding as a number of final payments arrive during that period. Taken together, nonwithholding collections for April and May, the best way to look at the payments in totality, were up 30.7 percent over the same period last year.

In other areas, sales and use tax collections grew 2.7 percent for the month. Individual income tax withholding fell 1.8 percent.

Speaking about the May numbers, Governor Bob McDonnell noted, “Revenue is up; unemployment is down. This is more good news for Virginia’s economy. Over the past three years we’ve seen our state unemployment rate fall to 5.2 percent; the lowest mark in Virginia in 4 ½ years. During that time over 171,000 net new jobs have been created in the Commonwealth during that period; 151,000 of those jobs are in the private-sector. Put simply: more Virginians are working, and that increase in employment is reflected in the growth in state revenue collections. We still have another month to go before the fiscal year draws to a close, and therefore caution is in order before projecting too far out about how the Commonwealth’s books will look at the end of the year. However, at this moment, it does appear Virginia is on track to meet, and exceed, budget projections, and to post a fourth-straight revenue surplus. We are budgeting conservatively, setting priorities in state spending, and investing wisely in the core functions of state government, like transportation and education, that are crucial to helping the private-sector create good paying jobs for our citizens. Virginia’s economy is growing, and more Virginians are finding good jobs. That’s a testament to the bipartisan effort in Richmond to come together and find solutions to make life better for all Virginians.”

The May revenue numbers are available at this link: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2011-2012/2012ReportsList.cfm

Local Delegate Chris Peace Presents Courageous, Conservative Legislative Vision for 2014 General Assembly

Peace Calls for Accountable and Transparent Higher Education, Lower Taxes for Middle Class Families, Procurement Reform for Small Businesses, and Higher Ethical Standards for Public Officials

 Tuition has risen persistently over the last five years while many Virginia workers and families haven't received raises or increased income. This fall, Virginia's four-year college students and their middle class families face an average increase in tuition and fees of 4.1%, and the same is true at Virginia's community colleges, where tuition increased by 4.6 %. Delegate Chris Peace (R-Mechanicsville) intends to freeze these dramatic increases in tuition as well as promote greater accountability and transparency for those consumer students and their families. In addition to a budget amendment capping the rate of growth in tuition, Peace's proposed state-based legislation is more commonly referred to as "Know Before you Go" and would require Virginia institutions to provide students and parents data on average individual annual earnings based on educational program, degree received, and employment sector, allowing Virginians to determine the value of an institution's tuition before enrolling.

Delegate Peace, speaking about the proposed policy change, said, "Choosing which college or university one will attend is an important life decision. Students are graduating with more and more debt and are still finding it hard to get a job. This trend needs to turn around. I am committed to jobs and improving the economic climate, at the same time parents and students need to make well informed decisions based on the facts. By demanding truth in the process, it is possible to know the real costs and earning potential of a college degree. This transparency will aid families in making this most important decision." According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education report in 2008, the cost of college increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007. In 2010, graduates who took out loans left college with an average of more than $25,000 of debt, more than double what it was 15 years ago. In 2011, student debt in the United States outweighed credit card debt at nearly $1,000,000,000,000.

During this fall's campaign, Delegate Peace will outline his plans for lower taxes for middle class families, procurement and regulatory reform for a better climate for small businesses to create jobs, and a proposal for ethics reform in Richmond. He invites you to submit your additional ideas to him at info@chrispeace.com. Peace said "I am running for re-election to be a voice for principled conservatism that gets results for working families. Virginians deserve leadership committed to the taxpayer and respecting of individual liberties. Serving the people of the 97th district in the Virginia House of Delegates is a tremendous honor that I take very seriously."  Speaking about his campaign for re-election, Peace continued, "As a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly, I have honored my commitments, but I strongly believe that there is much more work to be done to make a smaller government and a stronger economy a reality.  To improve our community's quality of life and sustain Virginia's economic recovery, government must lower the burden on taxpayers and respect individual liberty." Delegate Peace earned the Republican nomination for the fall election to continue his commitment of faithfully serving the people of Hanover, New Kent and King William Counties.

In just a short time in office, Delegate Peace has proved to be an effective, thoughtful and respected legislator serving on the prominent Appropriations, Health Welfare and Institutions, and General Laws Committees. "As a member of the budget committee, I am proud to have been part of turning $6 billion in shortfalls into three consecutive years of surpluses totaling $1.4 billion, without a tax increase," said Peace. In fact, during Peace's service in the House, he and fellow conservatives have trimmed $7 billion from the state budget since 2007, balancing the budget every year while keeping taxes low and maintaining Virginia's "AAA" bond rating. Virginia currently ranks 48th lowest net tax burden in the United States. "In order to curb spending and strengthen the economy, we made tough decisions such as to reorganize state government by eliminating and consolidating 19 agencies, boards and commissions. These decisions were not easy but they were necessary. They also save the taxpayers' money. I was proud to patron two pieces legislation that are saving the Commonwealth approximately $2 million," said Peace.

Over the years, Peace's voting record has earned him top ratings from the National Rifle Association, Virginia Society for Human Life and the Family Foundation, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Farm Bureau. He has also been presented awards for his legislative work by the Virginia State Police Association, Virginia Sherriff's Association, and the Virginia Retail Merchants Association.

Delegate Chris Peace, a Virginia lawyer, is serving in his 4th term. An avid history buff, Peace serves as the executive director of Historic Polegreen Church Foundation, a historic preservation non-profit foundation, and established the Road to Revolution State Heritage Trail to honor America's founding heritage. Peace received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College, earned his law degree from the University of Richmond, and is a member of numerous statewide organizations and non-profit boards.  Along with their two children, Chris and Ashley make their home in Old Church and attend a local Episcopal Church. A full biography and other legislative information are found at www.chrispeace.com . You can follow Delegate Peace on Twitter @DelCPeace.