Local lawmakers are having an important conversation with area businesses.

Delegate Beverly Sherwood, Senator Jill Vogel, Delegate Randy Minchew, and Delegate Joe May spoke to about 50 people. It was a Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce Event. They talked about proposed bills and their plans for the upcoming general assembly.

"I think you'll find again that at the next legislative session will be about jobs and the economy. The big big issues that will be addressed in the 2012 session is the budget," said 27th District State Senator Jill Vogel.

"The governor of course will make the final determination and will be presenting us with a budget on the 19th. We are concerned about defense spending," said 29th House District Delegate Beverly Sherwood.

"I honestly believe that there's a direct proportion between business strength, business prosperity and the prosperity of all of our citizens," said 10th House District Delegate Randy Minchew.

Local lawmakers head to Richmond January 12th.