Peace Progress
July 2016 Edition
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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. 
  
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Independence Day Message from Chris

Attributed to St. Ignatius Loyola, one must "pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you." I have often reflected on this expression as a model for our own citizenship. First, we acknowledge that our individual freedoms are not granted by the government; rather, our Constitution and Bill of Rights memorialize our natural rights.

Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the same in the Declaration of Independence whereby the source of liberty begins with our Creator:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

John Adams likewise wrote to his bride, Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress:  "[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

In like spirit, I ask you to consider joining with our family in our own prayer for our Country on Monday, Independence Day:

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail. Amen. Source: Book of Common Prayer.

We can never take for granted the blessings we have in this Nation, as some in other parts of the world have. As you remember to acknowledge, as our founders did, that our freedom begins with God, be ever mindful that we must remain vigilant and work to preserve the these democratic foundations. This work includes initiating a community project, volunteering for a non-profit, participating in civil discourse in the pursuit of political engagement, choosing to support the military and first responders who defend us at home and abroad, and exercising your civic duty by voting. Whatever your specific calling, please choose to be engaged.  As you know, I remain committed to the same, and I thank you for the opportunity I have to serve as your representative. 

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. May God Bless the United States of America. Delegate Chris Peace
Important Campaign Finance Deadline: MIDNIGHT, THURSDAY, JUNE 30

Midnight June 30th is a crucial fundraising deadline for our campaign.  With THURSDAY's deadline, I am asking for you to join Team Peace in making sure we are able to continue to carry a common sense, principled, conservative message to friends, neighbors, and our shared community.

  
I am privileged to serve my community, and I continue to stand unwaveringly for conservative principles. My office remains creative and responsive to all constituent concerns.
  
As frequently rated one of Virginia's most business-friendly conservatives, my voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting our shared family values, defending the Constitution, promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.
  
  
Your support will help ensure we keep our conservative majority in the House, to stand against a liberal agenda and make our District the best place to live, work, and raise a family.                           
Important: New Laws Take Effect July 1
 
The 2016 General Assembly adjourned in early March, one day early. Throughout the 60-day session, we considered thousands of proposed changes to Virginia law. Many of these bills ultimately passed and signed by the Governor,  will go into effect on July 1st. Below, I have highlighted some major accomplishments:
 
Constitutional Amendments
There will be two constitutional amendments on the ballot this November. The first will enshrine our right to work status in Virginia constitution, which will make Virginia a stronger state for business by guaranteeing that no employee can be fired just because he or she refuses to join a union. The second constitutional amendment will give localities the option to provide a property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a law enforcement, firefighter, or emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty. I encourage you to vote "Yes" on both of these amendments in November.
 
Safe Families & Safe Communities
We passed a number of laws aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence by increasing penalties for repeat offenders. It will now be a Class 6 felony to stalk someone under a protective order or commit an assault and battery against someone under a protective order. We also passed legislation making it a felony to violate a protective order with a firearm. These laws will help make our families and communities safer.
 
Second Amendment
Starting July 1, Virginia will expand its concealed carry reciprocity. Virginia will now have reciprocity with every state that has a concealed carry statute. Virginia will recognize the permits from all fifty states, and the State Police is required to enter agreements ensuring Virginia's permit is recognized in other states. This legislation was part of a compromise with Governor McAuliffe to reverse Attorney General Mark Herring's unilateral move last year to end concealed carry reciprocity. This major, bipartisan compromise secures the rights of law-abiding citizens.
  
Physical Activity Requirement
The General Assembly passed legislation this year requiring 20 minutes of physical activity per day, or an average of 100 minutes per week, for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade.
 
school supplies High School Graduation Requirements
Starting July 1, Virginia will begin to overhaul its high school graduation requirements. The goal is to simplify the bureaucratic processes for parents and students while maintaining high standards that ensure our students can succeed in the workforce or in college. The new requirements apply to students who enroll in high school as (a) a freshman after July 1, 2018; (b) a sophomore after July 1, 2019; (c) a junior after July 1, 2020; or (d) a senior after July 1, 2021.
 
Purchasing Flags
The General Assembly passed legislation requiring state and local governments to buy United States and Commonwealth of Virginia flags that were produced in the United States with only materials from the United States.
 
Transparency in Healthcare Costs
Starting July 1, every hospital will be required to provide to patients upon request the cost of any elective procedure, test or service that they will be required to cover.
 
Every year, the General Assembly publishes a comprehensive list of bills that are likely to affect your everyday lives: You may read the entire list here.
 
Please keep in touch with me and my office. I value the feedback you provide as it helps me do my job representing you better. You may email me at [email protected] call me at 804-730-3737.                                                                         
Contact Me
 
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. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth. At the following locations:
 
 State Office:
PO Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218
  
District Office:
Battlefield Commons Building
8101 Vanguard Dr, Suite 150
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
 
Mailing Address:
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
 
State Phone: 804-698-1097
State E-mail: [email protected] 
District Phone: 804-730-3737

 [email protected] | http://www.chrispeace.com
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111