Sen. Curt Thompson to Speak at GNLI Government Day at the Capitol

ATLANTA (November 21, 2011) – Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker) will speak at the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute’s (GNLI) Government Day at the Capitol on Saturday, December 10. Sen. Thompson will present to the group at 9:00 a.m. on how a bill becomes a law in Georgia.

“GNLI is an outstanding program that cultivates civic leaders and promotes positive political action. Each person who completes the Institute is able to better educate other community members on how to identify community problems, and ultimately make positive changes in the areas where we live, work and play,” said Sen. Thompson. “It is important to learn how legislation is created and how individuals can become active in the process.”

“We are honored to have Sen. Thompson speak at this event. Each GNLI class learns about all facets of government, and he will be able to share unique insights regarding state government,” said Glen B. Williams, Co-Chair of the GNLI Government Day committee. “We are particularly interested in hearing about the legislative issues he has addressed that have ultimately benefitted Gwinnett citizens.”

GNLI participants range in age from 18 to over 80 and represent a diverse range of backgrounds. The Institute is a valuable resource for Gwinnett County programs seeking grassroots leaders to serve as board, committee and task force members.

Sen. Judson Hill to Serve on Senate Majority Policy Group

ATLANTA (November 2, 2011) – Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) was recently appointed to serve on the Senate Majority Policy Group. The Senate Majority Policy Group researches and drafts legislation based on best practices from other states and statewide “Solution Summits”. Created by Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, others serving on the Policy Group include Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton), Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) and Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus).

“Whether it’s transportation or education, we need to listen to our constituents to discover common-sense solutions to address the challenges Georgian face and to help our state thrive,” said Sen. Hill. “I look forward to the opportunity to more formally work together to create better public policy that will benefit all Georgians.”

“Since the conclusion of the 2011 Session, we have hosted numerous Solution Summit town hall meetings across this state to determine issues that mattered most to Georgians. By working directly with Georgia citizens and our counterparts in other states, we can identify the most beneficial policy ideas,” said Sen. Rogers. “Sen. Hill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table when focusing on Georgia Law and Public Policy. His continued leadership in the Senate is a huge asset and I’m very honored to work along side of him.”

The Senate Majority Policy Group, in conjunction with the Georgia Solution Summits held earlier this fall, provides an open forum for Georgians to connect with State Senators about current and future challenges facing their communities.

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PRESS RELEASE                                                   
For Immediate Release:                                                                      
November 2, 2011   
For Information Contact:               
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Sen. Curt Thompson to Co-Sponsor HOT Lane Forum

ATLANTA (November 2, 2011) – Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker) will co-sponsor a town hall meeting with Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) on Thursday, November 17 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in the Main Auditorium. This open forum will give constituents the opportunity to offer feedback about the new HOT lane on Interstate 85. Howard Rodgers will act as moderator for the event.

“Over the past few weeks, I have received a record number of phone calls and e-mails regarding the HOT lanes, and I want to ensure these people are being heard,” said Sen. Thompson. “We are looking for constructive criticism that can be used to ease congestion problems on Interstate 85.”

Officials from both the State Road and Toll Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation will offer brief comments on the most common concerns of the HOT lanes at the start of the forum, followed by remarks from Sen. Thompson and Sen. Unterman. The public will be invited to share comments or ask questions after the opening statements; however, verbal attacks or insults towards Town Hall participants will not be tolerated.             

RELEASE                                                              
For Immediate Release:                                 
November 2, 2011                                     
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director 
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028