Posted on

Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce to Hold Fifth Meeting

ATLANTA (October 23, 2023) | On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce, chaired by Senator John Albers (R – Roswell), will be holding its fifth meeting at 10:00 a.m. Dalton, Georgia. The Senate Study Committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 275, sponsored by Sen. Albers, which passed during the 2023 Legislative Session with bipartisan support. This committee was established to fulfill one of Lt. Governor Burt Jones priorities for the 2023 session. The committee is comprised of both legislative and non-legislative members: Sen. Albers as Chairman, Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D – Atlanta), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D – Atlanta), Sen. Billy Hickman (R – Statesboro), Champ Bailey, Joseph McDermott, Ryan Pernice, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, Dave Williams, and Daniela Perry.

WHO:              

Sen. John Albers, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce

Senate Study Committee Members

Representatives from a wide range of Georgia industries

WHAT:             

Fifth meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce

WHEN:            

Thursday, October 26, 2023

10:00 a.m. 

WHERE:            

Dalton State Gymnasium Facility

650 College Drive

Dalton, Georgia 30720

WEBSITE URL: https://www.expandinggeorgiasworkforcestudy.com/

# # # #

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

Posted on

Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (October 20, 2023) | On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment, chaired by Senator Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia), will be holding its second meeting at 12:00 p.m. at Augusta University. The Senate Study Committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 371, which was sponsored by Sen. Hatchett during the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. The agenda for this meeting can be found here.

WHO:              

Sen. Bo Hatchett, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment

Sen. Kim Jackson (D – Stone Mountain)

Sen. Nan Orrock (D – Atlanta)

Sen. Larry Walker III (R – Perry)

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta)

WHAT:             

Second meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment

WHEN:            

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

12:00 p.m. 

WHERE:            

Augusta University

987 St. Sebastain Way

Room 5300

Augusta, GA 30912

# # # #

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.

Posted on

Senate President Pro Tempore Condemns Terrorist Attacks on Nation of Israel

ATLANTA (October 13, 2023) |Today, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R – Macon) released the following statement in response to the senseless murder of Israeli civilians, including children, and American citizens by Hamas terrorists.

“I am deeply compelled to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, marked by the needless and reprehensible acts of violence carried out by Hamas. I unequivocally condemn these actions, which have devastated lives, threatened regional stability and violated the fundamental principles of peace and security. Every rocket Hamas fires continues to underscore a blatant disregard for human life.

My deepest sympathies and unyielding support are with Israeli families affected by Hamas’ attack. I offer my prayers for healing and strength to the bereaved families and for their continued courage in the face of the destructive impact of Hamas’ terrorist actions.

I am especially relieved and grateful for the safe return of Georgia State Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell) and his mother. Their visit to the Holy Land, unfortunately, coincided with the senseless attacks by Hamas on Israel. Their safety and well-being have been of utmost concern and their return home is a moment of collective relief. This incident is a stark reminder of the grim realities of life throughout the region and the urgent need for peace and security. Regrettably, not all Americans have managed to leave the area.

Israel, a steadfast ally of the United States and friend to the State of Georgia, has every right to defend its citizens and ensure their safety and security. It is not just an obligation, but a moral imperative. I recognize the threats Israel faces and stand firmly with them in confronting terrorism and the extremist ideologies fueling such terrorism.

In this trying moment, the unity of all of our elected officials is paramount. We as leaders must affirm our unwavering support for the people and Nation of Israel. It is a testament to our shared values, mutual commitments and common objectives. In the spirit of democracy and global security, I urge elected officials to stand together against the forces of terrorism and extremism.”

The United States State Department provides resources to Georgians and others seeking assistance and information.

  1. U.S. citizens in need of support can reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Israel via the online form at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or by calling 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
  2. The latest updates and advisories are available on the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s website at https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.

Additionally, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ ensures that U.S. citizens receive timely information and support while in Israel.

# # # #

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, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov

Posted on

Statement from Senator Russ Goodman Regarding Trip to Israel

ATLANTA (October 12, 2023) | See below for a statement from Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell) in regards to his recent trip to the country of Israel:

“I will say it is always good to be back in America after you have traveled outside our great nation. It has even more meaning after being in Israel while Hamas terrorists launched a sickening attack that killed hundreds of innocent Israelis. From hearing the rockets fired from the Iron Dome to automatic weapon fire heard near our hotel, it was quite an ordeal. I am thankful to God that my mom, our group, many others and I got out safely.

My prayers for Israel and her people will continue. I saw the very best of the Israeli people in our time there, including our ex-military Israeli guide who stuck with us throughout – even as rockets landed within 200 yards of his home with his wife and children there. He embodied the resilience of the people of Israel. The reality is Hamas terrorists are killing Americans along with Israelis, and the people of Israel are protecting Americans. Above anything else, it shows the bond that our freedom-loving countries share.  

I am also thankful for the prayers and support we have received from folks here at home. I appreciate the prayers, help and support of the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor and my Senate Colleagues. I’d also like to recognize my friends in the State House, especially State Representatives Lauren McDonald (R – Cumming) and Brent Cox (R – Dawsonville), the Israeli Government, Delta Airlines security team, and our friends over at the World Jewish Congress for all of their assistance in ensuring our safety while in Israel and guiding our path back to the states. I will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel, and I will stand will them in solidarity against the disgraceful attacks against them from both the terrorists that surround them and terrorist sympathizers here at home.”

# # # #


Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov