Two seemingly unrelated issues – energy policy and veterans affairs – are high on my list of priorities. Both have been grotesquely mismanaged by the Bush administration, yet each is critical for having a strong and secure nation. And while the federal government continues to dawdle on both fronts, the states are, fortunately, taking up the slack. Here in North Carolina, some of that work is being done by Representative Grier Martin of Raleigh.

Now in his second term representing District 34, Grier has a strong and progressive record on environmental issues, children and family legislation, and veterans affairs. With those issues in mind, I invited him to join us for a live-blogging session this Friday morning.

Of special interest is a new bill for Renewable Portfolio Standards of which Grier is a primary sponsor. The complicated legislation is now making its way through the House and we all need to understand what it’s about. Mark Binker has a good overview of the ins and outs in case you want to get some background in advance.

I’ve also asked Grier to share what North Carolina can and should be doing to help make up for the federal government’s incredibly poor performance in helping and supporting our veterans.

You can read more about Grier here or you can just show up on Friday morning with your comments and questions about what’s happening in the Legislature – and anything else on your mind. Hope you can join us. We should start up between 8 and 8:30 Friday morning. If you have questions in advance, go ahead and drop them off here.

Grier Martin

Represents District 34, which comprises Raleigh from the Five Points intersection north to Strickland and Durant roads. First elected in 2004 and re-elected by a wide margin in 2006.

Chairs the Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, is Vice Chair of the Federal Relations and Indian Affairs Committee, and sits on the Appropriations Committee and its Transportation Sub-committee, the Campaign Finance and Election Law Reform Committee, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and the Judiciary I Committee.

Recognized by the Conservation Council of North Carolina in 2006 as one of its two General Assembly "Freshmen of the Year". Received the Pesticide Education Project's Legislative Leadership Award in 2006.

Major in US Army Reserve. Volunteered for active duty after 9/11. Served in war in Afghanistan (Nov 2002-May 2003). A paratrooper, having graduated from Airborne School. Also a graduate of Air Assault School, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, and the Judge Advocate Graduate Course. Current reserve assignment is with an airborne unit at Fort Bragg, NC.

North Carolina native. Married to Louise Porter Martin of Winston-Salem. One daughter, Sara Louise (4 yrs. old). Two dogs, three cats.

Graduate of the NC public schools, Davidson College (Bachelor of Arts in History), the University of North Carolina School of Law (Juris Doctor, served as Note Editor, North Carolina Law Review), and the Judge Advocate General’s School (Master of Laws).