In This Issue

Peace website  

Group Visits

  

We are always willing to assist you in planning a group visit to the Capitol.  Please contact my office and we can make any needed arrangements for you. 

  

 

  

Governor McDonnell: Blueprint for Administration's Final 100 Days

 

-- Peace thanks Governor McDonnell for his leadership and steadfast

commitment to common sense policies that make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family --

 

With 100 days remaining in his administration, I want to thank Governor Bob McDonnell for his leadership over the last four years on the important issues facing Virginia's families and businesses. During the "Sprint to the Finish," a plan for the final 100 days, the Governor will continue the administration's successes in improving the quality of life of all Virginians and building a "Commonwealth of Opportunity."

 

Governor McDonnell has worked with the General Assembly to successfully achieve vital legislative successes. Virginia colleges and universities have added 14,000 new slots for in-state undergraduate students. Working with the legislature, more education dollars go to the classroom along with

significant k-12 education reforms. The Virginia's pension system is stronger, and the private sector has witnessed a drop unemployment rate from 7.4% in January 2010 to 5.8% as a result of pro-business policies. Virginia remains the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast.

 

The Governor's record of results is a bipartisan achievement, and results more affordable and accessible higher education, strategic increases in agricultural exports, tourism revenue, and wine sales. Much like the Governor, your elected leaders and I will focus on getting results for the people of Virginia.

 

Now, the governor is laying out a number of initiatives and goals for the administration to focus on in the final months of his time in office. To read about the specifics of his plan, please click here.  

FORBES

 

Forbes.com Names Virginia America's "Best State for Business"

 

~ Commonwealth Ranked 2nd in 2010, 2011, 2012 ~

 

Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Forbes.com has named Virginia America's "Best State for Business." The Commonwealth reclaims the title after being awarded the No. 2 ranking from 2010-2012. Virginia finished in the top five in four of the study's six categories, the only state with such a strong across-the-board showing. Governor McDonnell said, "Virginia is the best state in America for business. Our desirable business climate continues

to be recognized by prestigious, independent third parties like Forbes.com, and we are thrilled to regain the No. 1 spot as "Best State for Business."

 

This award is a great testament to the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure, education system, skilled workforce, regulatory environment and excellent quality of life, all of which lead to strong economic growth. Since taking office we have worked across party lines to bring people together to put in place policies that spur private-sector job creation. We have invested wisely in the core functions of government most essential to Virginia's future, from our world class colleges and universities to our K-12 system; from our economic development programs to our transportation

infrastructure. Today, unemployment is down and more Virginians are working. This announcement is a further demonstration that Virginia is leading the nation forward in this economic recovery. We are demonstrating how we can work together in government to provide the infrastructure and resources the private-sector needs to grow and create the great paying jobs Virginians deserve."

 

The Forbes.com ranking considers states' business costs (cost of labor, energy, and taxes), labor supply (educational attainment, net migration, and projected population growth), regulatory environment (regulatory and tort environment, incentives, and bond ratings), economic climate (job, income, and gross state product growth, as well as unemployment and corporate headquarter relocations), growth prospects (projected job, income, and gross state product growth, as well as announced business openings and closings),

and quality of life (index of schools, health, crime, cost of living, and

poverty rates).

 

According to Forbes.com, "A diverse economy, strong workforce and pro-business regulatory climate propels the Old Dominion state to the No. 1 ranking. Virginia ranks first among the states in the regulatory category because of its business-friendly government policies and strong incentive offerings. The tort system is one of the best in the country for businesses, according to the Mercatus Center's "Freedom in the 50 States."

Election Day:                             November 5

Absentee Voting Begins:           September 20

Voter Registration Deadline:     October 15

Last Day to Vote Absentee:       November 2

Absentee applications by mail:  October 29 by 5pm

  

  

Virginia residents are encouraged to check their registration status and polling place on the State Board of Elections' website, by calling their local registrar's office, or by calling the State Board of Elections toll free at 1-800-552-9745.

  

Eligible citizens of the Commonwealth will now be able to submit a voter registration application or update their registration information online. In order to complete the application process online, citizens must provide their Virginia DMV customer identifier number, which is displayed on DMV issued identification cards or driver's licenses. Citizens who do not have a Virginia DMV customer identifier may still fill out the registration application online, but will be required to print and return the completed application to the appropriate local voter registration office.

  

  

  

  

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Virginia Voter Registration Card
• Valid Student ID card issued by an institute of higher education located in Virginia
• Virginia Driver's License
• Valid employee ID card containing a photo
• Concealed Handgun Permit
• Military ID or other ID card issued by a government agency
• Current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck that shows the name and address of voter

Please remember that it is necessary to present an acceptable form of identification if planning to vote absentee in-person. Identification is not required when voting absentee by mail.
 

Virginia Wine Month

 

Virginia is a wine destination unlike any other, with more than 200 wineries surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites.  

 

This year we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Virginia Wine Month.  I encourage you to visit a local winery and support the continued celebration the contributions these fine small businesses make to the Virginia economy. 

 

Find a winery near you or plan to tour the fine wineries across the Commonwealth.  

 

House of Delegates Page Program

 

The House of Delegates launched its new, online House Page

Application. The application can be found on the "Capitol

Classroom" page of the General Assembly website

  

Application

 

General Information about the House Page Program

 

Applications will be received August 1 - October 28. No applications will be accepted after 5pm, Monday, October 28. Applicants are required to obtain an endorsement from their representing Delegate in order to complete their application. Endorsements may be mailed directly to the Speaker and must be received prior to the October 28 deadline.

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have general questions about the overall program or application/endorsement processes.

                                               

  

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

 

 

I may be reached at:

 

Capitol Office:

 

PO Box 406

Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: 804-698-1097

Fax: 804-698-6797

E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov  

 

District Office:

 

Physical Address:

Battlefield Commons

8101 Vanguard Dr, Suite 150

Mechanicsville, VA 23111

 

 Mailing Address:

PO Box 819

Mechanicsville, VA 23111

 

Phone: 804-730-3737

E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov