Category: Steve Gooch

By: Majority Leader, Sen. Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega)

The second session of the 157^th General Assembly began this week. With every New Year comes new opportunities and challenges. As a working member on a multitude of committees within the Senate such as the Senate Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Transportation and more, our days will be filled with many robust discussions as the Senate body tackles pressing matters that concern all Georgians.

On Thursday, the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives gathered for a Joint Session of the General Assembly where Governor Brian P. Kemp gave his annual State of the State Address. This event marks a time for Gov. Kemp to lay out his legislative and budgetary priorities for the duration of the legislative session. These priorities included pay raises for law enforcement officers, funding for the betterment of Georgia’s university system, and key updates to the technology of state agencies. These changes will not only retain and recruit staff across a number of state divisions, but will also give much needed modernization to state facilities for greater effectiveness across the board. I appreciate the efforts of Gov. Kemp and his staff to put the public safety of Georgians first, as it is also a high priority of mine. Pay raises are well-deserved for law enforcement officials, state employees and teachers who work to serve our state year-round.

Education continues to be a focal point of Gov. Kemp and the Majority Party, as Gov. Kemp aims to provide $11 million for coaches to improve reading instruction and finance literacy screening tests. Additionally, Gov. Kemp emphasized the importance of advancing education through school choice. The Majority Caucus is firm in their belief that school choice will offer our children the best educational opportunities, regardless of their zip code. It is imperative that the Senate body continues to work closely with to tackle a wide range of challenges that our state currently faces, and I hope this budgetary process will bring forth positive change in the coming months. Next week will mark the start of what is known under the Gold Dome as budget week. Considerably the most important week of session, we will be working hard to craft the Fiscal Year 24-25 budget. Passing the budget is the sole constitutional obligation of the General Assembly each session, and the coming week will be filled with a number of joint committee meetings between the House and Senate to dive deep into the needs of our state.

This will be a very busy and exciting session, and I will strive to represent the 51^st Senate District to the best of my ability. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov

ATLANTA (Dec. 6, 2023) — During the second week of the 2023 Special Session, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Resolution 3EX, affirming Governor Brian P. Kemp’s Executive Orders to temporarily halt the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. This move comes in response to the State of Emergency precipitated by soaring inflation rates.

Continue reading “Majority Leader Steve Gooch Celebrates $400 Million Tax Cut and Commends Ratification of Gas Tax Suspension”

ATLANTA (Dec. 4, 2023) — In a Nov. 29 ceremony at the GHLA Stars of the Lodging Industry Celebration, Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) was recognized as the 2023 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association (GHLA). This prestigious award reflects Leader Gooch’s dedication to public service and his contributions to the betterment of Georgia’s tourism industry.

Jim Sprouse, Executive Director of GHLA, commended the Majority Leader, stating, “Leader Gooch has been a tireless advocate for the lodging industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities it faces. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering positive growth and economic development, making him a deserving recipient of the Legislator of the Year award. The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association looks forward to continued collaboration with Leader Gooch and other dedicated leaders to further the interests of the lodging industry in Georgia.”

GHLA, established in 1907, is the state’s non-partisan trade association representing the lodging industry. With a mission to promote, protect, and educate the lodging industry across the state, GHLA is committed to ensuring positive business growth for its members. As the voice of the lodging industry in Georgia, GHLA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of its diverse membership.

Leader Gooch expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. The hospitality industry is a vital component of our state’s economy and is an integral part of the state’s hospitable culture. This recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also a testament to the collaborative work of the entire state legislature.”

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov