By Sen. Jim Butterworth

Not one of Georgia’s 56 state senators or 180 representatives was elected for his or her ability to make deals or play politics. We were blessed with this opportunity because of our values and determination to do what is right. You elected me because I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives to create sustainable solutions to the critical issues facing our state.

We have less than ten legislative days left in this year’s legislative session, which means it’s crunch time. These last few weeks are packed with hurried changes to finalize legislation. It’s often during this crunch time under the Gold Dome that public servants start to play politics. They get caught up in the deal making and promises that are often an unfortunate part of the last few days of session. Sadly, these public servants lose sight of their true objective – to make Georgia a better place for the people they represent.

This is the perfect opportunity to remember that we must work together in a collaborative spirit to accomplish our top priorities. We must ensure that personal agendas don’t hamper the business of Georgia.

Our friends in the House are a vital resource that we can tap during these times. A good working relationship is the only way to accomplish what needs to get done. We must be able to compromise and make sure legislation we pass will improve on the status quo and is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Henry Ford once said, “coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” We are in pursuit of success and nothing short of it. Henry Ford was one of the most remarkable American industrialists in our country’s history. His words still hold a message for all to adhere to and take to heart. As your Senator, I promise to work in concert with the House while maintaining the same moral fiber I ran for office with.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding current legislation moving through the process or any other issues. As always, I’m honored to serve you, the 50th Senate District, this session and all year round.

Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the Higher Education Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7738 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.

COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2011
For Information Contact:
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Manager
Katie.Wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2011) – Today, State Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Demorest) announced the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority has awarded a $582,290 loan to Franklin County along with a $500,000 subsidy under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

“This loan demonstrates a committed partnership between the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and the county to improve access to safe and clean water for the citizens of Franklin County,” said Butterworth. “A reliable water source is one of the most fundamental necessities in life. I’m proud to be a part of this and any effort to improve access or water quality for Georgians.”

The purpose of the loan is to connect residents to the county’s water system and to remove residents who are on individual wells that are contaminated.

Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the State High Education Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.    

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2011
For Information Contact:
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Manager
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (Feb. 11, 2011) – Yesterday, State Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) hosted Tocooa-Stephens County’s Fireworks Over Toccoa Day at the State Capitol. The theme, Fireworks over Toccoa, was adopted from the title of a book set in the City of Toccoa during World War II by Jeffrey Stepakoff. The day was an opportunity for local residents and leaders to meet with legislative officials to discuss topics critical to the City of Toccoa, Stephens County and the state.

“It was an honor and a joy to host the many local residents and leaders that came to the Capitol today,” said Butterworth. “Their visit was a prime example of citizen involvement, which is crucial to our success as a representative government. I value their hard work and diligent effort to make Toccoa-Stephens County a vital economic arm to Georgia.”

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 130, sponsored by Sen. Butterworth, recognizing Feb. 10 as Toccoa-Stephens County’s Fireworks over Toccoa Day at the State Capitol. The resolution mentioned several notable aspects of the area. The City of Toccoa and Stephens County were deemed a Signature Community City by the Department of Community Affairs and an Entrepreneur Friendly county by Governor Sonny Perdue.

Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the State High Education Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Katie Wright, Communication Manager
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

The HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship program has been called the state’s brightest jewel, most valuable gem and its most unique treasure. The scholarship is a tool that helps attract Georgia’s best and brightest students to in-state colleges. It is a vital economic development tool and it is necessary to keep Georgia’s post-secondary education competitive with the rest of the nation. This is why we are diligently working to craft a sustainable solution to the funding problems currently threatening the program. (more…)

ATLANTA (January 31, 2011) – With the first week of the 2011 General Assembly completely turned upside down due to the ice storm that paralyzed much of north Georgia, State Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) still had plenty of duties to fulfill.  Butterworth, who is beginning his second term in office, officially started work as one of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle’s appointees to the Senate Committee on Assignments, which governs the Senate’s day-to-day operations.

“Very quickly after arriving in the Senate in 2009, Senator Butterworth established himself as a hard working, knowledgeable leader.  His colleagues and I look to him for insight on issues from water to economic development and value his wise counsel and deliberate nature,” said Cagle. ”A fierce advocate for his constituents and respected by his colleagues, Jim is somebody that the citizens of the 50th Senate District and all Georgians can count on to deliver for them.  I look forward to working closely with him during this upcoming session to ensure all of Georgia has access to a reliable water supply, to encourage a business friendly economic climate that allows the private sector to create jobs, and to balance our state’s budget without raising taxes.”

Butterworth was also one of three senators appointed to serve as Governor Nathan Deal’s Floor Leader.

“Using common-sense, conservative principles when crafting legislation is essential, especially as Georgia’s economic recovery begins to take hold. Governor Deal and I are committed to these ideals and to seeing our economy flourish. I look forward to working with him and his staff to put Georgia on a path to prosperity and growth,” said Butterworth.

Butterworth is currently the chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee. He will also serve as Vice Chairman of the powerful Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and sit on the Appropriations, Economic Development, Natural Resources, and State and Local Governmental Operations committees for the 2011-2012 Term.

Sen. Butterworth resides in Habersham County with his wife Amy and their four children: Blake, Claire, Jack and Cate. He is a pilot for Delta Air Lines. Sen. Butterworth proudly represents the 50^th Senate District, which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. 

Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the Higher Education Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7738 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.  

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2011
For Information Contact:
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Manager
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028