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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Expansion of Leader In Me Program

ATLANTA (May 15, 2024) — The Georgia Board of Education voted unanimously to allocate an initial $3.4 million in funding, directed by the General Assembly, to expand the Leader In Me program to an additional 120 schools across the state. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Georgia’s ongoing efforts to empower students with essential leadership and life skills.

Beginning in 2023, the General Assembly partnered with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) to establish a curriculum development pilot program in 11 school districts and 28 schools statewide. The Leader in Me program promotes the development of necessary leadership skills inside and outside the classroom.

Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), celebrated the program’s expansion, remarking, “I commend Superintendent Woods and members of the Georgia Board of Education for their dedication to student success. Beginning in 2015, I witnessed the tangible impact of this program in Bibb County and was proud to champion an expansion of the pilot program last year.  This year, I am thrilled to announce that we have doubled down on our commitment to improve educational outcomes for over 84,000 students with this initial round of funding. This partnership and program exemplify our commitment to fostering a learning environment that is centered around student success.”

“Integrity and good character are some of the most important qualities a person can have to become a great leader,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “I want to thank President Pro Tem Kennedy for his continued focus on providing resources for character education programs that provide our students with these leadership skills, which will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

The expansion of the Leader in Me program represents not only a strategic investment in Georgia’s educational future, but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of state leaders, educators and community stakeholders in educating the next generation of leaders.

You can find more information about Leader In Me here.

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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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Senator Larry Walker Appointed to Joint Committee Investigating Professional Licensing Issues

ATLANTA (May 15, 2024) – Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been appointed to a crucial role on the joint Blue-Ribbon Committee, brought forth by Speaker of the House Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones, tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. His appointment underscores his commitment to addressing critical issues affecting small businesses and communities across Georgia.

As the champion of professional licensing legislation during the last legislative session, Sen. Walker’s appointment to this committee signals a continuation of his dedicated advocacy for the benefit of all Georgians. Reflecting on his appointment, Sen. Walker shared, “I am deeply honored by the Lt. Governor’s appointment to serve on this committee. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring efficient licensing processes is crucial for their success. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to identify areas for improvement and enact reforms that will benefit all Georgians.”

With his expertise and passion for improving licensing processes, Sen. Walker’s involvement in this committee promises to provide much-needed clarity and accountability surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. His appointment reflects a commitment to ensuring that the government supports, rather than impedes, the growth and prosperity of businesses statewide.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

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Senator Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Revise Georgia’s Public School Employee Retirement System

ATLANTA (May 13, 2024) – Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law Senate Bill 105, a measure aimed at revising the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). This significant development underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the financial security and well-being of Georgia’s dedicated classified public-school employees.

Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), the sponsor of SB105, expressed his gratitude for the passage of this critical legislation, stating, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and my Senate colleagues for their unwavering support of SB 105. This measure represents a crucial step forward in addressing the retirement needs of our valued Public-School Employees.”

SB 105 aims to support the classified employees at Georgia’s public-schools by enhancing their retirement benefits. With its enactment, current and future participants in PSERS will see an increase in the multiplier for each year of creditable service, thus increasing their monthly retirement benefit and ensuring greater financial security during their retirement years. This increase signifies a much-deserved boost in monthly retirement income for the frontline workers who have dedicated their career to the wellbeing of our children, providing safe transportation, nutritious meals and a clean and safe learning environment.

“Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and maintenance workers have too often been overlooked, while we have prioritized teacher pay raises and elevating the teaching profession,” Sen. Walker III remarked. “I am proud to have played a part in advancing this legislation, which will provide much-needed support and recognition to the unsung heroes of our K-12 school systems.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Sen. Walker for the last two years on legislation for the betterment of public education,” said Lisa Morgan, President of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and DeKalb County kindergarten teacher. “Were it not for Chairman Walker’s bill, SB 105, and his leadership, retirement benefits for these employees, who play an essential role in the education of our children, would have remained permanently capped in state law and could have never been increased.  SB 105 eliminated that cap on future increases and provided a small, current increase, and we are grateful to Sen. Walker for making this possible.”

GAE is the oldest association of public-school educators in the state, representing classroom teachers, school bus drivers, administrators, para-professionals, school nurses, counselors, nutrition workers … essentially anyone in public education who comes in contact with the 1.75 million public school students in Georgia.

With the signing of SB 105 into law, Georgia reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing the well-being and financial security of its public-school workforce. This legislative milestone represents a significant victory for Georgia’s Public-School Employees, ensuring that their contributions are valued and respected.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

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Majority Leader Steve Gooch Applauds the Signing of Republican Priorities into Law

ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) —This week, Senate Republicans celebrated another successful session as their final priorities were signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp.

Reflecting on this achievement, Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) expressed gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank Governor Kemp for his unwavering support of these initiatives. Additionally, I want to commend my esteemed Senate colleagues who championed this legislation through the rigorous legislative process. Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the passage of these critical measures.”

The priorities outlined by the Senate Majority Caucus at the onset of the session have now become tangible achievements. With a commitment to delivering results, Senate Republicans have enacted legislation across key areas, including tax relief, tort reform, education, workforce development, and public safety.

Among the notable legislative victories is the acceleration of state income tax reduction, building upon previous efforts to provide $2 billion in tax relief for state income taxpayers and homeowners. Furthermore, significant strides have been made in addressing Georgia’s litigation environment through tort reform initiatives, such as the passage of legislation to limit direct-action lawsuits.

Education reform has also been a focal point, with unanimous support for measures aimed at providing school choice for students in underperforming public schools. In the realm of workforce development, initiatives to improve career pathways for veterans and military spouses seeking employment in Georgia’s healthcare system have been prioritized.

Notably, Senate Republicans have continued their commitment to public safety by reforming limitations on the setting of bail for violent offenders, a crucial step in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.

In closing, Majority Leader Gooch reiterated the caucus’s dedication to excellence, stating, “These achievements underscore our commitment to ‘finish the drill’ and uphold Georgia’s status as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and remain steadfast in our resolve to serve the people of Georgia.”

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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

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Sen. John Albers Applauds Signage of Legislation to Support Small Business Success and Public Safety Across Georgia

ATLANTA (May 7, 2024) — Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) expressed gratitude for Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signing of crucial public safety and small business minded legislation. These bills, including Senate Bill 335, Senate Bill 472, Senate Bill 334, Senate Bill 328 and House Bill 808, take further steps to enhance safety measures, protect communities and promote small business success.

“Ensuring the safety and security of our communities is paramount. I am proud to see these important measures signed into law,” said Sen. Albers. “I would like to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Governor Brian Kemp for their continued support of these initiatives throughout the duration of the legislative session. Governor Kemp’s signature represents our state’s unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens, our industries and supporting our law enforcement professionals and firefighters.”

Among the signed measures is SB 335, the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act,” which will safeguard adopted children from sexual violence. This bill was brought forth by Cherokee County District Attorney, Susan K. Treadaway, a champion for children and public safety.

SB 472, the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” will create protections for businesses to combat organized online retail crimes.  Sen. Albers extends his appreciation to the Georgia Retail Association, Home Depot, and other Georgia-based businesses for their support of this measure.

Additionally, SB 334, the “Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act,” provides assistance by revising insurance coverage for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. Sen. Albers is grateful for the Georgia Fire Chief’s and Firefighters Associations for their continued work and leadership in this arena.

Similarly, SB 328 establishes the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, providing necessary financial assistance to all law enforcement, jailers and 911 dispatchers. Sen. Albers is thankful for Mr. Homer Bryon, the POAB Board of Directors and countless members of Georgia’s law enforcement, 911 dispatchers and jailers for their efforts during the legislative process.

Finally, HB 808 increases a statewide exemption for tangible personal property. This measure will now go before Georgians in November for a statewide vote as a constitutional amendment. Should the amendment pass, it would decrease the tax burden on all businesses, especially small businesses. Sen. Albers would like to thank the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and Rep. Mike Cheokas (R–Americus) for their efforts in helping small businesses in Georgia.

Sen. Albers emphasized his commitment to supporting small businesses, stating, “Any opportunity we have to protect small businesses is an opportunity to promote future economic development for our citizens. Georgia’s small businesses remain the backbone of our economy, and I am proud to contribute to the state’s ongoing success with this legislation.”

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov