Erik Rison, with the Office of Del. Greg Habeeb, shares Habeeb’s weekly newsletter from Richmond:

Dear Friends,

I want to give a quick update from Richmond. This past week was filled with long days debating and voting on legislation and the House budget before the Crossover deadline. Crossover, which took place on Wednesday, is the day when all bills that have passed the House are sent to the Senate for their consideration and vice versa. By the weekend, I was ready to return home to celebrate Christy’s birthday and watch Daniel’s basketball game.

On Thursday, the House of Delegates voted to pass the House budget with bi-partisan support. Every member of the House from the Roanoke and New River Valleys voted in favor of the budget. As we begin to work with the Senate on a final budget, we will remain committed to enacting a structurally balanced budget that includes fiscally responsible, targeted funding in the core areas of government.

I was also happy to have the winners of my Annual 8th District Art Contest and their families with me in Richmond for the unveiling and recognition of their amazing artwork. The winners were Callie Pokorski (Blacksburg High), Olivia Allen (Cave Spring High), Harrison Early (Craig County Middle), Iliana Pack (South Salem Elementary), Georgia Brown (East Salem Elementary) and Andrew Newby (Craig County High). Their art will hang in the General Assembly Building over the next year for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

So far, a number of my bills have passed both the House and Senate with more to follow.  I’ll continue to update you on my legislation as my colleagues and I review the remaining bills. You can always track my legislation online at www.greghabeeb.com/legislation.

Every day in Richmond I have constituents come by my office to visit and talk about the issues important to them.  I hope that you’ll consider making the trip to Richmond to see me. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by calling 804-698-1008 or e-mailing delghabeeb@house.virginia.gov.