Statement from Sen. Mike Dugan Regarding Vote on Proposed State Senate District Maps

ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2023) — Sen. Mike Dugan (R–Carrollton) released the following statement regarding today’s Senate vote on the proposed State Senate district maps in the form of Senate Bill 1EX:

“In late October of this year U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones determined that Georgia’s District maps drawn after the 2020 Census, which include Congressional, State Senate, and State House seats, violated the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. He informed the state of Georgia that these maps needed to be modified to include more majority Black districts and set a mandatory completion date of Dec. 8, 2023 to have these new maps completed. As a Senate body, we believe the original maps complied with the Act and the State have appealed his ruling. However, until the appeal process is completed, we are incumbent to comply with the ruling. To meet Judge Jones’ deadline, Governor Kemp called for a Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly to respond to the court’s demand.

Once this Special Session was called, the House and Senate Committees on Reapportionment and Redistricting began their work of determining Judge Jones’ exact ruling so that these new districts could be created. Historically during this process, existing District lines are often adjusted. Typically, these adjustments are minimal, although this was not the case with the 30^th State Senate District. Upon this realization, I made the decision vote “no” on the passage of Senate Bill 1EX, which would have adjusted the composition of my district far more than I believe it should have been.

I have been honored to serve the good people of the 30^th since 2013. From 2013 until 2021 my district included Carroll, parts of Douglas, and parts of Paulding Counties. As a result of the last redistricting process, I was also proud to include Haralson County in that list. This new map significantly cuts Carroll County, to the point that geographically nearly half of the county is now in another District. People I have known all of my life and have served for a decade are no longer in my area.

There are times during the redistricting process when substantial changes to a district must take place. Those times are truly unfortunate and occur when there are no other viable solutions. That was not the case here. In order to avoid significant changes that would have impacted the entire state, Carroll County did, in fact, need to be adjusted. I did present several alternatives during the Special Session in order to preserve greater county integrity yet, much to my dismay, they were rejected out of hand.

If my perspectives had been taken seriously by the committee, this situation could have and would have been better resolved. I was given no forewarning of how massive this split was until the map was shown to me in front of an entire group. I protested the decision, presented my thoughts on why I was opposed and offered a potential way of improving our district while keeping Carroll County more whole. I was told that the map would be taken into further consideration and analyzation. When I reported to Atlanta for Special Session, I was looking forward to seeing the changes I had hoped would be made. None were. When I inquired into these changes again, I was given a list of things that would have to be accomplished before they could be considered and a deadline to meet. The list was no small feat. I was fortunately able to get everything accomplished two hours before the committee was scheduled to meet. Now, imagine my frustration when I was told a just a few moments before the committee convened that my modifications would not be considered, even though it met every requirement I was given.

To say I was disappointed is an understatement. This is politics at its ugliest.

At the end of the day, it is the impact on the people of the 30^th State Senate District and the area I have called home for most of my life that I care about the most. Representing you in the State Senate has been an honor. I would like to express that although I will no longer be on the ballot for many of my current constituents, my door is always open should you ever need anything. You have been my people for nearly all of my life and will continue to be so, even if some crudely drawn line on a map says differently.”

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Sen. Mike Dugan serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. He represents Senate District 30 which includes Carroll, and Haralson Counties and portions of Paulding and Douglas Counties. He may be reached at mike.dugan@senate.ga.gov

March 21, 2023

DUGAN: Week Ten Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton)

The days grow longer and busier as we approach the end of the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. With only five legislative days left to finish our important work, the tenth week of session was packed with committee meetings to hear House Bills that have been sent to the Senate for consideration. As we enter into another busy week under the Gold Dome, I’d like to reflect on a few bills of note that were passed throughout the week.

There were 18 House Bills passed through the Senate this week, with a few measures pertain to the health of Georgians across the state. House Bill 85, carried by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta), would require biomarker testing to be covered under health benefit policies if there is a proven medical and scientific need. A biomarker test can be defined as the analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood or other bio specimen. Tests of this nature are used to identify a range of medical diagnoses such as cancer, and ensuring they are covered under a patient’s health insurance is imperative. These tests are not uncommon, and I appreciate the Senate for coming together to pass legislation that will provide financial relief for Georgians who must receive these medical tests.

House Bill 440, carried by Sen. Matt Brass, would allow authorized medical professionals to prescribe, and pharmacists to dispense, undesignated ready-to-use glucagon. In addition, House Bill 440 would allow a school nurse or trained diabetes personnel to possess and administer glucagon under appropriate circumstances. The measure also authorizes public and private schools to acquire and stock a supply of glucagon. This drug could be a life-saving measure for students who deal with diabetes, and this legislation will broaden the scope of healthcare for Georgia students. I am happy to report that HB 440 passed unanimously and will now be sent to the Governor for his signature.

The State Senate welcomed many foreign dignitaries to the chamber this week as well. It was a pleasure to host the Consul Generals of Israel and India, in addition to the Minister of Ireland and diplomatic representatives from the country of Taiwan within the halls of the State Capitol. Georgia’s strong partnership with these nations is a key factor in our state’s economic development, and it is imperative that these ties remain strong for years to come.

As we look to legislative days 36 through 38 of the 2023 Georgia Legislative session, I assure you that we are keeping the interest of Georgia’s citizens at the forefront of our minds through each decision. I look forward to working with my colleagues as this session progresses through the coming weeks. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about matters relating to the Georgia Senate, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

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January 18, 2023

Senator Mike Dugan to Serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security

ATLANTA (January 18, 2022) | Last week, Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton) was assigned by the Senate Committee on Assignments to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security.

December 1, 2020

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee to Hold Meeting on State Elections Processes

ATLANTA (December 1, 2020) | The leadership of the state Senate, including Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton), Majority Whip Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), Majority Caucus Chairman John F. Kennedy (R – Macon), Majority Caucus Vice Chairman Larry Walker (R – Perry) and Majority Caucus Secretary Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge), has worked with the Senate Committee on Judiciary to form a special subcommittee, which will convene to take testimony of elections improprieties and to evaluate the election process to ensure the integrity of Georgia’s voting process.

December 1, 2020

Senate Government Oversight Committee to Hold Meeting on State Elections Processes

ATLANTA (December 1, 2020) | The leadership of the state Senate, including Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton), Majority Whip Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), Majority Caucus Chairman John F. Kennedy (R – Macon), Majority Caucus Vice Chairman Larry Walker (R – Perry) and Majority Caucus Secretary Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge), has worked with the Senate Committee on Government Oversight to convene to evaluate the election process to ensure the integrity of Georgia’s voting process.