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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

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Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Workforce

ATLANTA (May 6, 2024) – Today, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) expressed his gratitude for the signing of three critical pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering Georgia’s workforce. Senate Bill 354, Senate Bill 373 and Senate Bill 195, all sponsored by Sen. Walker, were signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp after receiving bipartisan support in the Georgia General Assembly.

Continue reading “Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Workforce”
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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Support Georgia Military Families

ATLANTA (April 25, 2024) — This week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law House Bill 880, legislation that significantly enhances opportunities for military spouses joining Georgia’s workforce. Authored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R–Warner Robins), HB 880 marks a monumental step towards easing the transition for military families assigned to one of Georgia’s premier military installations.

Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) proudly supported HB 880, emphasizing its critical role in empowering military spouses to utilize existing occupational licenses from other states when seeking employment in Georgia. This legislation aims to address the many employment challenges faced by military families when they receive orders to relocate to Georgia. By cutting red tape, the previsions inside of HB 880 will ensure a smooth transition for military spouses to enter Georgia’s workforce.

“Georgia’s military spouses make tremendous sacrifices for our nation, and it’s imperative that we support them in every way possible,” Sen. Kennedy remarked. “HB 880 not only accelerates their integration into the workforce, but also underscores our commitment to their professional and financial stability.”

“In collaboration with the leadership of Robins Air Force Base, the Georgia Chamber, and the United States Department of Defense, HB 880 was crafted to prioritize the needs of military families,” said Sen. Kennedy. “It’s important to highlight the pivotal role and impact military installations have on many communities around our state. I witnessed this firsthand by working alongside base leadership at Houston County’s own Robins Air Force Base.”

“I want to offer my most sincere praise and gratitude to Rep. Bethany Ballard for her tireless support of this legislation.  From the beginning Rep. Ballard, Chairman Larry Walker (R–Perry) and I worked together to craft a streamlined process that will impact roughly 70,000 active-duty personnel and approximately 24,965 active-duty spouses currently on assignment at any of Georgia’s 10 military installations.”

“It is my hope that HB 880 will minimize burdensome delays for military spouses entering the workforce, thereby strengthening our military communities and honoring the sacrifices made by our service members and their families. I applaud Gov. Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly for their support of this much needed legislation,” concluded Sen. Kennedy.

You can find more information about HB 880 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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Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes Celebrates Signage of First Bill Into Law

ATLANTA (Apr. 24, 2024) — This week, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Lawrenceville), Georgia’s youngest female state Senator, celebrated a legislative landmark following the signage of her first bill, SB 144.

Sen. Islam Parkes celebrated her first signed piece of legislation saying, “I am honored that this is my first measure to be signed into law. My experience on the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security helped me shape this legislation, which will reduce administrative burdens, save taxpayer dollars and protect commissioned officers. I look forward to continuing my work for the 7th District by championing future legislation to serve Georgians across our state.”

The bill removes the requirement for the state’s adjutant general to include a roster of all commissioned officers in the organized militia in an annual report to the Governor. Additionally, it eliminates the mandate to index, print, bind and distribute laws and regulations of the militia to all militia forces. This is the first bill to pass through both legislative chambers and gain a signature from Gov. Brian P. Kemp under Sen. Islam Parkes’ leadership.

For more information about SB 144, click here.

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Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5263 or by email at NabilahIslamParkes@senate.ga.gov.