After a long election season and months of recounts and other delays, I am excited to finally get to work when the General Assembly convenes on Jan. 10.

After all the delays brought on by Democrats through recounts and court battles, the final makeup of the House was decided only five days before session.

In 2018, Republicans in the House of Delegates will focus on Practical Solutions to Everyday Issues. Our priorities will be improving Virginia’s economy, improving education, protecting our men and women in law enforcement and fixing our broken health care system.

We’re obviously glad that Delegate Yancey’s name was pulled Thursday, and Bob Thomas prevailed in his court hearing. This was a hard-fought election, unprecedented in many ways, but now it’s time to get to work.

The appeal to the 4th circuit is a last ditch effort by Democrats that will fail just like every other legal challenge they’ve brought since Election Day. We believe Judge Ellis’ decision was the correct one, and we look forward to seeing Delegate-Elect Bob Thomas sworn in Wednesday.

Leadership has been clear; we intend to organize the House on the first day of session. There really is no choice. We’ve got a budget to balance, schools to improve and an opioid crisis to fight. The State of the Commonwealth Address and the Inauguration Ceremony are both functions of the Joint Assembly, and they can’t happen in their current form unless we organize.

Each year before session I prepare a Pre-Session Survey for my constituents so I can better serve you while in Richmond. Please take the time to visit my website www.mattfariss.com or Facebook page to take the survey or email or call my office, and we can mail out a paper copy. I look forward to your feedback.

DEL. MATT FARISS can be reached at DelMFariss@virginia.house. gov or (804) 698-1059.