ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – State Senator David Lucas (D-Macon) was officially sworn into office to represent the 26th District yesterday at the state Capitol. Sen. Lucas will serve Hancock, Twiggs, Washington and Wilkinson counties along with portions of Bibb, Houston and Jones counties. Continue reading “State Senator David Lucas Sworn into Office”
Sen. Thompson Named Chairman of Special Judiciary Committee
ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker) has been named Chairman of Special Judiciary Committee for the 2013- 2014 term by the Senate Committee on Assignments. Continue reading “Sen. Thompson Named Chairman of Special Judiciary Committee”
Sen. Harbison Named Chairman of Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) has been named the Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee for the 2013- 2014 term by the Senate Committee on Assignments.
Senate Committee on Assignments Announces Chairmanships
ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – The Senate Committee on Assignments has selected the following state senators to serve as standing committee chairs for the first term of the 152nd Session of the Georgia General Assembly:
Agriculture: Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa)
Appropriations: Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville)
Banking: Sen. John Crosby (R – Tifton)
Economic Development: Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville)
Education and Youth: Sen. Lindsay Tippins (R – Marietta)
Ethics: Sen. Rick Jeffares (R – Locust Grove)
Finance: Sen. Judson Hill (R – Marietta)
Government Oversight: Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen)
Health and Human Services: Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford)
Higher Education: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)
Insurance and Labor: Sen. Tim Golden (R – Valdosta)
Interstate Cooperation: Sen. Hardie Davis (D – Augusta)
Judiciary (Civil): Sen. Josh McKoon (R – Columbus)
Judiciary (Non-Civil): Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro)
Natural Resources and Environment: Sen. Ross Tolleson (R – Perry)
Public Safety: Sen. Buddy Carter (R – Pooler)
Reapportionment and Redistricting: Sen. Don Balfour (R – Snellville)
Regulated Industries: Sen. Jack Murphy (R – Cumming)
Retirement: Sen. Fran Millar (R – Dunwoody)
Rules: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
Science and Technology: Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R – Cassville)
Special Judiciary: Sen. Curt Thompson (D – Tucker)
State and Local Government Operations: Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick)
State Institutions: Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell)
Transportation: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
Urban Affairs: Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D – Decatur)
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security: Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus)
“I’m humbled to preside over a Senate that is strongly unified and filled with individuals that are hard-working, intelligent and dedicated to solving problems,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with these committee chairs, who are extremely well-versed and passionate about their respective subject matters, to deliver Georgians real results on the major issues facing this State.”
“We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience in the State Senate,” said President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I have every confidence in our new committee leadership team.”
“Our new committee chairs have proven themselves to be tremendously dedicated to their constituents and their work as state senators. I am looking forward to a productive and proactive legislative session,” said Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone).
Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a committee depending on its topic. If the committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, the proposed law is then sent to the Rules Committee for consideration.
The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings; including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
Sen. Hufstetler Applauds Passage of Senate Resolution Limiting Lobbyist Gifts
ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – The Georgia State Senate boldly passed a resolution on the first day of the 2013 legislative session that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.
“With the passage of this resolution, Georgia is aligning itself with other states in order to become a more transparent governmental body,” said Sen. Hufstetler. “It is an honor to serve in a Senate that conveys trust and honesty for our constituents and I look forward to continuing the business of the people while at the Capitol.”
Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when nonbinding questions to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.
Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.Williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028