March started out as a slow month, with only a PPT election and a lingering budget process taking up much of the Senate's business for the first half of the month. We have now passed a budget, and while it was essentially a confirmation of our current spending without revisions, it was better progress than the previous budget process, which I'm sure all of you have attempted to block out of your minds (something to do with a court case, balanced budget amendment, and not having a budget for four months...)
Now the Senate has gotten to work on voting reform, thanks to the work of Senators Gabu and Peter Bell. The current bill before the Senate addresses the issue of presidential election votes that do not list a VP candidate. As a precautionary step, I recommend that the relevant section in the voter reform bill is introduced as a separate bill so that it will have a place in the legislative queue in case the full reform bill fails a Senate vote or public referendum, which can be withdrawn should neither event occur. Senator WMS has also proposed a separate constitutional amendment that will address the concerns raised by Everett's Senate vote in the last election and subsequent
jfern v Department of Forum Affairs lawsuit.
The situation in Puerto Rico has come to a brief halt, as True Democrat prepares for a trip and declares a temporary truce, while also dealing with a court case against yours truly. I'm sure this comes as a relief to many of us, as the ongoing events have been confusing and even annoying for some. This will also give us more time to devote on the search for the culprit in the shooting against Senator Democratic 'Hawk.' The Department of Justice has begun to take some measures to help with the investigation of the case, with more details to come in the following days.
The Senate has passed (the conclusion of a 24-hour finality period of the vote pending) a constitutional amendment that will allow the Senate to create and adjust a federal minimum wage. I commend the Senate for its willingness to allow a public vote on the issue, and give a full Presidential endorsement to voting in the affirmative on this amendment when it reaches your region's respective ratification poll.
Some people have worried that Atlasia has hit somewhat of a boring, or low point despite the madness and controversy regarding revolutions and secessions. With the midterm Senate election campaigns beginning to heat up, I think we will see an increase in average citizen participation in the democratic process.
There are many oppurtunities ahead that will give Atlasians a chance to make decisions about the future direction of the policies of our government. I urge every citizen to utilize these oppurtunities and vote in every constitutional amendment ratification, regional election, special elections, and the upcoming federal midterm. Finally, nobody should be afraid to make their voice heard; elected politicians are ultimately answerable to their constituents, so it's important to make your views clear regarding all of the issues we currently face.
Thank you.
