You might say that we were brought into session to find $160 million to prevent school cuts, and with this plan, we meet that goal without unfairly penalizing anyone.

My family and I hope you and your family are experiencing a joyous Christmas season.

This is one of my favorite times of the year and has been since my early childhood.

I thought when our children became grown and left us with an &uot;empty nest&uot; it might be different.

But I still get just as excited about this time of the year as I always have.

Let us all remember the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ, when he stated that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I think, especially this year, that this exemplifies the American spirit, and I know we all hope that we can continue to foster this spirit in the New Year.

Remember, &uot;I'll go with you or I'll go for you&uot; to help you solve any problem related to state government.

I look forward to writing this column again in the New Year, and I want to wish the editors and staff of The Greenville Advocate a wonderful 2002.