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Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (July 23, 2024) — On Thursday, July 25,2024, at 9:00 a.m., the Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues, co-chaired by Senator Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Representative Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), will hold its second hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
  • Time:  9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 341, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

Members are tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. This committee will recommend measures to regulate professional licensing further while providing much-needed clarity surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. The meeting agenda can be found here.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Emily Leonard at Emily.Leonard@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Announces Funding for Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is pleased to announce significant funding for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport to enhance its infrastructure and capacity. This funding is part of Governor Brian Kemp’s Amended FY24 Budget, which includes $1.5 billion of surplus funds dedicated to improving the state’s transportation infrastructure.

“This funding will be transformative for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport, enhancing accessibility and supporting our community’s growth,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “I want to sincerely thank Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and Commissioner McMurray for their unwavering commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure. Their support has been instrumental in making this project a reality for the 31st Senate District.”

The funding allocated to the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport will be used to construct a new airport access road, significantly improving access and efficiency. The details of the project are as follows:

Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport:

  • Construct Airport Access Road
  • State Funding: $1,000,000
  • Local Match: $333,333

This project was selected based on a strategic evaluation process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from State Transportation Board Member Micah Gravley.

The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

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Statement on the Passing of Charles Bloodworth

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) released the following statement regarding the passing of Charles Bloodworth:

“It is with deep sorrow that Jennifer and I acknowledge the passing of Charles “Chuck” Bloodworth on Sunday, July 22. Chuck was a dear friend, neighbor, beloved member of our community, and a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and serving others in Georgia and the United States of America.

Chuck’s career began with the United States Army, followed by various roles in law enforcement before joining the United States Secret Service in 1999. His professionalism and integrity were evident in his work, which included overseeing electronic crime investigations and performing dignitary protection, including for several of America’s Presidents.

In 2022, the Georgia Senate honored Chuck with Senate Resolution 111, recognizing his exceptional life contributions and dedication to public service.

Chuck Bloodworth’s legacy is one of honor, dedication, patriotism, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed. Jennifer and I, along with our three daughters, will be praying for his wife Karen, daughters Avery and Ashlan, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Funding for Middle Georgia Airports

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Georgia’s 18th Senate District is set to receive significant funding to improve and expand regional airport infrastructure, as announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The funding appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly will bolster several key projects to enhance the capacity and safety of regional airports across the state.

“Regional airports are catalysts for economic growth in rural communities. These expansions are crucial to bring new investments, good-paying jobs and industry to Middle Georgia. Our communities are filled with one-of-a-kind business, tourism, and recreational opportunities. From historic downtown Macon, our world-class museums and exhibition halls, to the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds, I am committed to making it easier for people across the country to see what the heart of Georgia has to offer,” said President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon). “I want to specifically thank Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Russell McMurray and our GDOT Board Members for their support of this funding for the 18th Senate District.”

The projects, totaling $5.5 Million in state funding, announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation include operational and safety improvements for Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Thomaston-Upson County Airport and Perry-Houston County Airport. The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.

These projects were selected based on a strategic process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from the State Board of Transportation.


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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Blake Tillery Applauds GDOT for Accelerating Phase Two of Crucial Construction Project

ATLANTA, GA (July 19, 2024) —Today,Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) commended the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for their decision to expedite phase two of the US-1, State Route 4 bypass project by four years. This significant infrastructure initiative, with a funding allocation of $26.6 million, is a major step forward in improving transportation and economic development in the region.

“I deeply appreciate the commitment of Governor Kemp and Commissioner Russell McMurry to enhancing our transportation infrastructure as southeast Georgia continues to grow,” said Senator Tillery. “His responsiveness to the needs of our community does not go unnoticed, and I look forward to continuing collaboration with GDOT, our local officials and community stakeholders as the project progresses.”

Local officials and community leaders have long recognized the importance of the US-1/SR 4 bypass, with discussions dating back to the 1990s.

“The advocacy and support from our local officials have been instrumental in highlighting the necessity of this bypass,” added Sen. Tillery. “Their voices have been heard, and their persistence has paid off. We’re all excited to see the completion of this project, which will greatly enhance traffic flow, safety and economic opportunity within the 19th Senate District.”

The accelerated timeline for phase two of this project will allow Georgia citizens throughout the Coastal Plain to reap the full benefits of improved transportation while simultaneously reinforcing major transportation corridors for Georgia businesses.

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Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.