January 1, 2003

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  I hope this finds you well and looking forward to the year ahead as much as I am.

I have been busy preparing for the 103rd General Assembly which convenes on January 14.  High turnover in membership and new leadership in the legislature coupled with a new governor and administration should make for an active session.

Recent court rulings require major initiatives in the legislature to fix TennCare and improve education. While I am committed to continuing to work for efficiency and reform of government, I also want to sponsor tax relief for senior citizens, streamline community development, and protect our state parks. 

The 32nd Senate District I am privileged to represent includes Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and now Dyer County which was added in the recent redistricting.  I look forward to spending time in each of these counties to hold town meetings and address my constituents' needs during the months ahead.

A few months ago, I was honored to receive the Council of State Government's Toll Fellowship Award as one of the nation's top 40 new legislative leaders.

I feel a responsibility to live up to this honor, and I am anxious to return to Nashville to meet the challenges we face while maximizing the opportunities all Tennesseans deserve.

I look forward to continuing to represent you and hope to visit with you personally soon.

                                                                                 Sincerely, 

Mark Norris

State Senator.