The 2011 General Assembly session ended in February and I am settled back in the district at my new office in the town of Halifax - 60 South Main Street. This session was more difficult with the budget woes and our weak economy. I am pleased with the outcome and I believe that we did "the best we could with what we had". For the first time that anyone can remember, the budget vote was unanimous, indicating that I don't think anyone could or would have done anything different, short of raising taxes, and that is certainly not the answer to an economic crisis. Preserving the "hold harmless" money for our schools was a priority of mine, as was funding for law enforcement. Thankfully, the "hold harmless" money was restored but the cuts to the Sheriffs was only partially restored, leaving a gap in the County budgets that will be very difficult to fill.

REDISTRICTING: With most of rural Virginia losing citizens as reported by the U.S. Census, most of us in Southside and Southwest will have to represent a larger district from now on. I am pleased to announce that I will now represent all of Charlotte, Halifax and Prince Edward Counties and a portion of Campbell County - the Brookneal, Gladys, and Morris Church districts. Unfortunately, the geographic disparity that exists between Northern and Eastern Virginia and Rural Virginia will continue to grow. I will do my best to represent the old and the new areas of my district.

My continuing efforts will be that of job growth and economic development. We have got to get our people back to work, stop shipping our brightest and best to more urban areas, and focus on building our localities' tax base through economic growth! It is the only way we will ever dig ourselves out of the hole we are in now. I will continue to work diligently with the Governor and our local governments to help bring industry to our areas.

ELECTION YEAR: With my first full term behind me, I look forward to the next! I can say that I have certainly learned much about how the process works and I will continue to become more effective as my experience grows. Of course, this is my election year again, so if I am so blessed to represent you again as your Delegate, please know that I will continue to do all that I can to better serve you. Thanks again for the past two years and I will see you along the campaign trail this year!

LEGISLATION: Please go to my website, www.friendsofjamesedmunds.com for an up-to-date listing of my bills this year.

CLOSING: In closing, I want to thank everyone who has called, emailed or visited me during this year so far. I encourage you to contact me at 434/476-0077 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if I can be of service to you or if you would like to share your thoughts with me.

Again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Delegate,

James E. Edmunds II