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Dear John,
Welcome to Senator Peake's Updates and 2024 Session Outlook!
While the statewide results may not have met our expectations, the forward fight must go on. With less than a month before the General Assembly returns to Richmond, my office has already begun crafting a legislative agenda that reflects our shared principles and priorities. I eagerly anticipate returning to the Senate alongside new members of our Republican caucus to champion the issues Central Virginia elected me to fight for: supporting law enforcement, strengthening education, and promoting more freedom and less government in the lives of Virginians. The hard fight will continue in Richmond. With the Democrats now having control in both the House and the Senate, we will support Governor Youngkin and his veto power to keep Virginia on track. Our Commonwealth is on a unique path moving forward, and I am dedicated to continuing this journey with a commitment to our conservative values and the betterment of Virginia.
Legislation
Headed into the 2024 session, I am proud to have a robust legislative portfolio. I am looking forward to carrying common-sense bills that represent my shared constituent base. Here is a link to my 2024 bills that you can begin tracking on January 10th.
Each year, I introduce multiple Election Integrity bills. Here are a few to highlight:
Absentee voting, absentee voting in person shall be available on the twenty-first day (instead of the current forty-five days) prior to any election and shall continue until 5:00 p.m. on the Saturday immediately preceding the election.
Identification containing photograph identification, requires presentation of a form of identification containing a photograph in order to vote.
Verification of social security numbers, requires the general registrar to verify that the name, date of birth, and social security number provided by an applicant on the voter registration application match the information on file in the Social Security Administration database or other database approved by the State Board of Elections before registering such applicant.
A couple bills I am excited to Co-Patron thus far:
Fully supporting the Line of Duty Benefits for private certified officers serving in our Commonwealth. Similar to the events at Bridgewater and Wintergreen, officers who serve for private police forces, if killed in the line of duty, do not have the same fiscal protections at home as their public counterparts.
State Air Pollution Control Board; regulations; low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle standards, repeals the State Air Pollution Control Board's authority to implement low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle standards that apply for vehicles with a model year of 2025 and later. This bill will be an effort to block the Democrat's Virginia Clean Economy Act from 2020, trying to turn Virginia’s energy policies into the same as California’s, which is a reckless idea.
A Few Highlights Out in Central Virginia!
(11/27) It was a pleasure to join Senator Steve Newman, his family, and many community leaders as we unveiled the “Senator Steve Newman Parkway!” Senator Newman has been a strong example of dedicated leadership to Central Virginia for over 35 years.
(11/29) I enjoyed being a part of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Policy & Pancakes breakfast. We had a good conversation about the future of Virginia's energy policies, job creation, and the economy.
(12/2) Lila and I had a great time at the Bedford Christmas Parade as we kicked off the Christmas season. Merry Christmas from the Peake's, and best wishes for a blessed New Year!
(12/8) Great to be with our regional law enforcement officers and agency representatives at the Colonial Restaurant. We had a productive conversation about what to expect from the General Assembly in 2024 and how our state delegation will be working hard to support public safety in Central Virginia. We also got to say Thank You to retiring Amherst Sheriff EW Viar. #BackTheBlue
(12/11) Press Conference in Nelson County emphasizing an important piece of legislation I will be Co-Patroning in 2024, the Line of Duty Benefits. We discussed the hopeful forward movement of this bill in the General Assembly. #BackTheBlue
2024 Legislative Session and Constituent Services
The 2024 Legislative Session is quickly approaching, and I want to take a moment and thank Senate District 22 for the past 4 years. Come January, I will no longer be your State Senator due to redistricting. It has been an honor to serve and get to know the fantastic people in Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Louisa, Lynchburg, and Prince Edward. Although I will not be representing you in those counties except Lynhcburg, please do not be a stranger and keep in touch.
I want to hear from you about your priorities! I would like to know what legislation you would like to see worked on this year in the General Assembly. Please email me at [email protected] with your ideas. *Information regarding my new General Assembly Building office number, phone number, and District 8 email will be sent out soon.*
I am sincerely grateful for your continuous support and trust in me to represent the Central Virginia community in Richmond. I will never stop fighting for our great Commonwealth and its people. As always, if I can ever be of any assistance, or you would like to express your ideas on a particular issue, please do not hesitate to contact me. I ran for office to serve and represent YOU!
Sincerely,
Mark J. Peake
State Senator of the 22nd District |
