By Sen. Don Thomas
Once again, I would like to take an opportunity to update you on what has happened at the Georgia Capitol this past week. I hope my column finds you well during this cold month of February.
On Tuesday, I presented a bill to the Insurance and Labor Committee. During my testimony I was joined by a dialysis patient who offered his story in support of the legislation. Senate Bill 316 will allow Georgians under the age of 65 with kidney disease or a disability the option to buy secondary health insurance through Medicare. This legislation will affect roughly 2,000 citizens in Georgia and will significantly impact the patient’s ability to pay for their medical expenses. I am happy to report the bill passed unanimously out of committee and will now move to Rules Committee to await an assignment on the calendar.
Another important bill, Senate Bill 344, came through the senate this week. It provides sovereign immunity protection to physician assistants working Georgia’s Safety Net Clinics. A Safety Net Clinic provides medical care at a reduced or no cost to the uninsured or underinsured. Throughout the state of Georgia, there are currently 55 Safety Net Clinics that treated 175,000 patients in 2009. This service is essential for those Georgians who are unable to afford their medical expenses during these challenging economic times. My fellow senators and I voted unanimously to pass this bill and I look forward to tracking this legislation as it moves through the House and hopefully to the governor for his signature.
In other news around the Capitol, we celebrated two special days in honor of two groups that have a profound impact on the youth of this state. On Tuesday, we honored the 4-H club with 4-H Day at the State Capitol. This organization consists of 6 million Americans who learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills through their many programs. On Thursday we celebrated the Boy Scouts of America by declaring February 11, 2010 Boy Scouts Day. This year marks the centennial anniversary of the Boy scouts of America and I am proud to have taken part in such a special moment for this wonderful organization.
It continues to be an honor to represent you as your senator from the 54th district of Georgia. As we continue to work through this legislative session, I continue to remain mindful of your issues and concerns that effect you on a daily basis.
Sen. Don Thomas serves as chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Murray and Whitfield counties and portions of Catoosa and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-6436 or by e-mail at don.thomas@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
February 12, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028