The 2012 General Assembly is now fully underway and newly sworn in Senator Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, is ready to get to work. Despite a 20 - 20 tie between the parties, Republicans made what Democrats called a power grab to take control of the Senate through the Lieutenant Governor’s tie breaking ability. Sen. Adam Ebbin received three committee assignments - Agriculture, Conservation and National Resources, Local Government and Laws and Technology.

“These key committees address important challenges, like creating technical jobs, protecting our environment and ensuring local governments have the tools they need,” Senator Ebbin said.

Senator Ebbin has introduced 16 pieces of legislation, a few of which are outlined below:

Senator Ebbin has also introduced two resolutions: SJ 52, which would direct the Commonwealth Transportation board to make high capacity transit a funding priority, and SJ 93, a study on the use of solitary confinement by the Department of Corrections.

“I am concerned about reports of inmates spending years in solitary confinement and then being released into the community.” he said, adding that not enough is known about the effects of confinement over long periods.

Senator Ebbin also commented on the State of the Commonwealth Address. 

“I was pleased that the Governor endorsed the authority of local school boards to set their own calenders, the idea of which is the basis for my own bill, SB257, on the subject.”

However, the Senator echoed calls from Democratic lawmakers insisting that any increases in funding for higher education and transportation not come at the expense of public schools, public safety, and other major services that create jobs and opportunity for Virginia families.

 “This session will present challenges, and I am excited and honored to meet them. I will keep my constituents informed of the legislative process and any major events for the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area,” he said.