Click to read Senator Martin's update from the 2012 General Assembly!

Dear Friend,

It was so nice of winter to finally join us, on Sunday and into Monday morning. But, I appreciate its quick departure most of all. Hopefully you were able to enjoy the beautiful snowfall, and your following commute was safe and without too much delay.

We made it through Crossover this past week, with some important and productive debates on some significant issues. We are now focused on the bills the House sent to us for consideration. Some of them are duplicates of legislation already discussed in the Senate. Others will be new matters that will require more time and careful consideration.

Much of our focus has been on efforts to create jobs and strengthen our economy, while easing process and regulatory burdens. We are advancing incentives for investment in small businesses, education, and for the placement of major business facilities around Virginia. We must make it easier for jobs to be created in Virginia. Those struggling to find jobs are counting on us.

Senate Bill 131 produced very lively debate with an excellent outcome. It provides scholarship funds for low income students, who are trapped in failing schools. We anticipate favorable voting in the House on this measure.

All of my bills to strengthen and protect the integrity of the electoral process, including Senate Bill 1, are pending in House Privileges and Elections. Each one is expected to receive favorable consideration. Senate Bill 6, written of before, was heard this morning before the House Health, Welfare, and Institutions committee; it was referred to House Appropriations. Its outcome is not certain, but I remain hopeful that this family-friendly, common-sense piece of legislation will pass. The rest of my legislative package continues to prove successful in both the Senate and the House.

As always, you can track legislation at the Virginia General Assembly website (http://legis.state.va.us). My office is available to you, should you have questions or comments. I can best represent you by hearing from you, and look forward to our continued service together.

Sincerely,

Steve Martin