House Joint Resolution 656 is a commendatory resolution honoring Anne Cochrane Pace on the occasion of her retirement as administrator and sole employee of the Commonwealth Health Research Board. The resolution recounts her nearly 25 years of service overseeing the Commonwealth Health Research Fund and Board, which were created by the General Assembly to support biomedical research in Virginia.
The resolution highlights the board’s accomplishments during her tenure, including more than $26 million in grant awards to researchers at Virginia colleges and universities, more than $11 million in matching institutional funds, and more than $93 million in additional outside funding leveraged by supported research. It also notes her role in managing proposal review, fund transfers, reporting, audits, and board operations, and credits her with helping advance biomedical research, technology transfer, commercialization, and researcher career development in the Commonwealth.
Impact
HJR656 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is ceremonial: it formally recognizes Anne Cochrane Pace’s service and directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to provide her a copy of the resolution. The underlying Commonwealth Health Research Fund and Commonwealth Health Research Board remain unchanged, but the resolution underscores the continuing legislative support for biomedical research funding and oversight in Virginia.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and unanimous in tone. The bill was agreed to by both chambers, and the text itself is highly laudatory, emphasizing Pace’s long service, administrative diligence, and contributions to research, accountability, and economic development. There is no recorded opposition or controversy in the available materials.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention in the bill text, voting history, or committee materials provided. Because this is a ceremonial commendation resolution rather than a policy measure, it does not present substantive disagreements over law, funding, or program administration. The only focus is recognition of Anne Cochrane Pace’s retirement and her service to the Commonwealth Health Research Board.
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-2357 and 2.2-2359 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Act; Regional Innovation Fund; Commonwealth Commercialization Fund; matching funds.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION reestablishing the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force to study preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, risk assessment, infrastructure resilience, and planning for natural disasters that impact the Commonwealth.