Sen. Matt Brass Celebrates Self-Direction Day

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) proudly recognized February 15, 2024, as Self-Direction Day in the Georgia State Senate, marked by the adoption of Senate Resolution 492. This legislation celebrates Self-Direction, a program for people with developmental disabilities that gives individuals the opportunity to choose their own services, select staff members they’d like to work with and determine the organizations providing support, all on a schedule that suits them best. Sponsored by Sen. Brass, this resolution represents a significant milestone in advocating for individuals’ independence and self-determination in their communities.

Senator Brass emphasized the importance of celebrating this day, stating, “This is a day that highlights the significance of empowering individuals to make choices about their long-term services and support. Through self-direction, individuals gain greater control over their resources and staffing, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs compared to traditional provider-directed services.”

Since its implementation in Georgia in 2005, Self-Direction has expanded to five different Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs, providing essential medical care and services to the elderly and disabled. Senator Brass commends the progress made in promoting self-direction and looks forward to further advancing policies supporting individual choice and control over long-term care.

You can find more information on SR 492 here.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Douglas and Fulton County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

Joint Study Committee on Dual Enrollment for Highly Skilled Talent at Younger Ages to Hold Third Meeting

ATLANTA (September 14, 2023) | On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the Joint Study Committee on Dual Enrollment for Highly Skilled Talent at Younger Ages, Co-Chaired by Senator Matt Brass (R – Newnan) and Representative Matt Dubnik (R – Gainesville) will conduct its third meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol in room 450.
Sponsored by Sen. Brass, Senate Resolution 175 established the Study Committee during the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. The aim of the committee is to explore opportunities for younger students to start dual-enrollment programs and further develop highly skilled talent.

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Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Rep. Lynn Smith’s Legislation for Disaster Property Tax Relief

ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), chair of the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, along with Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass (R-Newnan), today announced that Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 311 into law on Thursday, March 16. HB 311 will create an optional temporary tax relief mechanism for buildings damaged by a natural disaster that may be utilized by local governments. An assessment of the damaged property would be required before being eligible for temporary tax relief.

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Senators Matt Brass and Michael Rhett Honor Taiwanese Director-General

ATLANTA (March 14, 2023) | On Wednesday, March 15, Senator Matt Brass (R – Newnan) and Senator Michael Rhett (D – Marietta) will present Director-General Elliot Wang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta with Senate Resolution 176, a resolution commending Taiwan for its relations with the United States and extended efforts strengthening in bilateral relations, including the launch of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held amongst legislators to outline current U.S. – Taiwan relations.

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