Gregg Haddad

On Monday, I proudly voted for a bill injecting $40 million to fund special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state.

The higher education community is facing daunting challenges. To address one of the more pressing issues, on Thursday, I stood with students, colleagues and advocates in support of Senate Bill 5, which seeks to make the largest increase in scholarship funding in decades, investing in college accessibility and a highly skilled workforce.

With the session in full swing, I want to provide you with the information and tools to follow along with what I and my fellow legislators are doing.

I understand there is a lot of uncertainty, anxiety concern over the recent attempt by the federal government to pause non-defense and Social Security spending, as well as the ramping up of arrests of immigrants in our communities.

We've hit the ground running this legislative session, with work beginning on the three committees to which I've been assigned: Higher Education & Employment Advancement (of which I am chair), Government Administration & Elections, and Appropriations.

I grew up drinking home-delivered Mountain Dairy milk (it's so good).

As we gear up for the new legislative session set to begin Jan. 8, I want to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy new year.