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Statement Regarding Christmas Day Home Invasion Threat

ATLANTA (Dec. 27, 2023) — Please see the following statement from Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta) regarding an emergency call in response to a hoax home invasion threat on Christmas Day:

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the law enforcement officers who responded swiftly to a false alarm at our home on Christmas Day. My husband and I were at home, enjoying a quiet holiday, when we received a call from a concerned neighbor informing us that three armed officers were outside our kitchen, responding to a reported hostage situation. To our shock, we had no prior knowledge of any emergency dispatch to our residence.

Upon going outside to meet the officers, it became apparent that this was a hoax—a fake 911 call that led to a significant deployment of resources. I am truly appreciative of the professionalism and efficiency displayed by the law enforcement members who responded to the situation. Their dedication to ensuring the safety of our community is commendable, and I am thankful for their rapid response.

Nevertheless, I am sorry that their time and resources were wasted on a false report. This incident has been the first of its kind for me, and I am relieved that it was indeed a hoax. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our law enforcement agencies in distinguishing between genuine threats and false alarms. I remain committed to supporting our first responders and working towards ensuring the safety and security of our community. I wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season.”

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents Senate District 32 which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee Counties. She may be reached at 404.656.3932 or at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov

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Majority Leader Steve Gooch Celebrates $400 Million Tax Cut and Commends Ratification of Gas Tax Suspension

ATLANTA (Dec. 6, 2023) — During the second week of the 2023 Special Session, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Resolution 3EX, affirming Governor Brian P. Kemp’s Executive Orders to temporarily halt the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. This move comes in response to the State of Emergency precipitated by soaring inflation rates.

Continue reading “Majority Leader Steve Gooch Celebrates $400 Million Tax Cut and Commends Ratification of Gas Tax Suspension”
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Sen. Bo Hatchett Carries Legislation to Confirm Historic $400 Million Tax Cut, Approving Governor Kemp’s Executive Orders on Fuel Tax Suspension

ATLANTA (December 5, 2023) — Today, Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) proudly announced the passage of House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Brian P. Kemp’s Executive Orders to suspend the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes in response to the state of emergency caused by inflation.

Sen. Hatchett, who carried the resolution in the Senate remarked, “As hardworking Georgians and their families continue to weather 40-year high inflation and face uncertain economic headwinds due to failed policies and reckless spending in Washington, D.C., this suspension delivered direct relief to Georgians during times of economic uncertainty. I believe it demonstrates our commitment to putting the needs of our constituents first. I extend my sincere appreciation to Gov. Kemp for his swift and decisive action in response to the challenges Georgians are facing across the state. His dedication to putting Georgians first does not go unnoticed, and I am proud to have collaborated on this resolution to support his efforts.”

The resolution, officially adopted by the General Assembly of Georgia, ratifies the suspension of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes as declared by Governor Kemp’s executive orders. These measures were enacted to address the economic strain caused by inflation and to alleviate the financial burden on Georgia’s residents.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Study Committee on Truck Driver Shortages Concludes with Recommendations for Georgia’s Transportation Industry

ATLANTA (Dec. 5, 2023) — The Senate Study Committee on Truck Driver Shortages, established by Senate Resolution 155 and chaired by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), successfully concluded its final meeting with recommendations to address the critical shortage of truck drivers in the state of Georgia.

Formed in response to the growing truck driver shortages that are affecting industries across Georgia, the committee played a key role in facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, industry leaders, and educators. Sen. Anavitarte sponsored SR 155, which received bipartisan support during the 2023 Legislative Session. The resolution mandated the committee’s creation to develop strategies for meeting the increasing demand for skilled truck drivers.

“Through extensive hearings and discussions, we have formulated recommendations that aim to bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce development. I appreciate the bipartisan effort displayed by the committee, as well as Senate Committee on Transportation Chairman Dolezal and Majority Leader Gooch in delving into the complexities of this issue,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “Georgia can lead the nation in tackling the truck driver shortage and I am confident that our recommendations will set the stage for positive change.”

“Effectively addressing and resolving the truck driver shortages impacting our state is imperative to maintaining Georgia’s role as a vital economic hub in the Southeast,” stated Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega). “I appreciate Majority Caucus Chair Anavitarte and the committee members for their efforts, which have provided valuable insight into the intricacies of the transportation industry. This brings us one step closer to ensuring that the workforce demand in our state is fulfilled.”

“I express my gratitude for Sen. Anavitarte’s leadership in his role as the chair of this committee,” remarked Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming). “Our committee has fully achieved its goal to diligently investigate and develop strategies to tackle the truck driver shortage. These efforts will form the basis for well-crafted future legislation aimed at lowering the cost of business, barriers to entry, and ultimately the cost of living for all Georgians.”

The committee’s findings and recommendations will be made available to the public in a detailed report, providing a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to collaboratively implement solutions to the truck driver shortage in Georgia. More information about all 2023 Senate Study Committees can be found here. Read the full text of SR 155 here.

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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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Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch Announced as 2023 GHLA ‘Legislator of the Year’

ATLANTA (Dec. 4, 2023) — In a Nov. 29 ceremony at the GHLA Stars of the Lodging Industry Celebration, Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) was recognized as the 2023 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association (GHLA). This prestigious award reflects Leader Gooch’s dedication to public service and his contributions to the betterment of Georgia’s tourism industry.

Jim Sprouse, Executive Director of GHLA, commended the Majority Leader, stating, “Leader Gooch has been a tireless advocate for the lodging industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities it faces. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering positive growth and economic development, making him a deserving recipient of the Legislator of the Year award. The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association looks forward to continued collaboration with Leader Gooch and other dedicated leaders to further the interests of the lodging industry in Georgia.”

GHLA, established in 1907, is the state’s non-partisan trade association representing the lodging industry. With a mission to promote, protect, and educate the lodging industry across the state, GHLA is committed to ensuring positive business growth for its members. As the voice of the lodging industry in Georgia, GHLA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of its diverse membership.

Leader Gooch expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. The hospitality industry is a vital component of our state’s economy and is an integral part of the state’s hospitable culture. This recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also a testament to the collaborative work of the entire state legislature.”

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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