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Senate Committee on Assignments Announces Chairmanships

ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – The Senate Committee on Assignments has selected the following state senators to serve as standing committee chairs for the first term of the 152nd Session of the Georgia General Assembly:

Agriculture: Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa)
Appropriations: Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville)
Banking: Sen. John Crosby (R – Tifton)
Economic Development: Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville)
Education and Youth: Sen. Lindsay Tippins (R – Marietta)
Ethics: Sen. Rick Jeffares (R – Locust Grove)
Finance: Sen. Judson Hill (R – Marietta)
Government Oversight: Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen)
Health and Human Services: Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford)
Higher Education: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)
Insurance and Labor: Sen. Tim Golden (R – Valdosta)
Interstate Cooperation: Sen. Hardie Davis (D – Augusta)
Judiciary (Civil): Sen. Josh McKoon (R – Columbus)
Judiciary (Non-Civil): Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro)
Natural Resources and Environment: Sen. Ross Tolleson (R – Perry)
Public Safety: Sen. Buddy Carter (R – Pooler)
Reapportionment and Redistricting: Sen. Don Balfour (R – Snellville)
Regulated Industries: Sen. Jack Murphy (R – Cumming)
Retirement: Sen. Fran Millar (R – Dunwoody)
Rules: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
Science and Technology: Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R – Cassville)
Special Judiciary: Sen. Curt Thompson (D – Tucker)
State and Local Government Operations: Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick)
State Institutions: Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell)
Transportation: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
Urban Affairs: Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D – Decatur)
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security: Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus)

“I’m humbled to preside over a Senate that is strongly unified and filled with individuals that are hard-working, intelligent and dedicated to solving problems,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with these committee chairs, who are extremely well-versed and passionate about their respective subject matters, to deliver Georgians real results on the major issues facing this State.”

“We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience in the State Senate,” said President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I have every confidence in our new committee leadership team.”

“Our new committee chairs have proven themselves to be tremendously dedicated to their constituents and their work as state senators. I am looking forward to a productive and proactive legislative session,” said Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone).

Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a committee depending on its topic.  If the committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, the proposed law is then sent to the Rules Committee for consideration.

The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings; including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Hufstetler Applauds Passage of Senate Resolution Limiting Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – The Georgia State Senate boldly passed a resolution on the first day of the 2013 legislative session that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“With the passage of this resolution, Georgia is aligning itself with other states in order to become a more transparent governmental body,” said Sen. Hufstetler.  “It is an honor to serve in a Senate that conveys trust and honesty for our constituents and I look forward to continuing the business of the people while at the Capitol.”

Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when nonbinding questions to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.Williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Butch Miller Applauds Resolution to Limit Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) applauds the Georgia State Senate for boldly passing a resolution that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“From the very beginning of my service at the Gold Dome, I have supported measures that promote government transparency and uphold the highest of ethical standards,” said Sen. Miller. “In fact, I was one of only 8 or 9 legislators to sign last year’s $100 ethics bill. Incorporating the $100 gift cap into Senate rules today was a positive step toward restoring the public’s trust and increasing government accountability.”

Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when a nonbinding question to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

 

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Sen. Josh McKoon Applauds Resolution to Limit Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – Senator Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) held a press conference today to applaud theGeorgia State Senate for boldly passing a resolution that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“Amending our Senate Rules to include a $100 gift cap marks a new day in the Georgia legislature,” said Sen. McKoon. “This decisive action reflects a culture of change under the Gold Dome and brings us one step closer to restoring the public’s trust. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues for taking this critical step toward increasing transparency and creating a more open, responsible state government.”

During the press conference, Sen. Josh McKoon was joined by members of the Georgia Alliance for Ethics Reform, which includes Common Cause Georgia, Georgia Conservatives in Action, Georgia Tea Party Patriots, Georgia Watch and the League of Women Voters of Georgia.

Elected to the Georgia Senate in 2010, Sen. Josh McKoon has quickly become one of Georgia’s leading advocates for ethics reform. In 2012, Sen. McKoon led a bipartisan statewide bus tour through 13 cities in four days to advance ethics reform and encourage voters to support a $100 cap on lobbyist gifts.

Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when a nonbinding question to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Georgia State Senate Passes Resolution to Limit Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – The Georgia State Senate boldly passed a resolution on the first day of the 2013 legislative session that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“Today, on day one of the legislative session, the Senate took decisive action on this critically important issue,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.  “I appreciate our Senators who came together and spoke with one voice to strengthen the State Senate’s ethics laws.  We are now prepared to tackle the challenges of encouraging private sector job growth, strengthening education, and improving patient centered, free market healthcare.”

“This resolution is the result of open dialogues not just within the Senate, but also with the people of Georgia,” said Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone). “This measure is an effective, common sense approach supported by both parties in the Georgia Senate.”

“I have long supported limitations on lobbyist giving, and I applaud the Senate for the common sense rules passed today,” said Sen. President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I appreciate the bipartisan work of the Senate Ethics Reform Study Committee.”

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

 

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028