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Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools and House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education to Hold Joint Meeting

ATLANTA (September 16, 2025) — On Monday, Sept. 22,2025, at 1:00 p.m., the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), and the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education, chaired by Rep. Chris Erwin (R–Homer), will hold a joint hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: 341 State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, 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:         

The Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools, created through Senate Resolution 217, will examine the root causes and long-term impacts of chronic absenteeism among Georgia students.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

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

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Sen. John F. Kennedy 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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Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte Recognizes the Start of National Hispanic Heritage Month

ATLANTA (September 15, 2025) — Today, Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) issued the following statement in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month:

“Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans across our nation. Like millions of Hispanic Americans, I am the son of hardworking parents who instilled in me an unwavering faith and a deep belief in the American Dream.

Here in Georgia, that same spirit is alive and well in our vibrant Hispanic communities, whose dedication and accomplishments strengthen both our economy and our culture. Their story is woven into the fabric of our state, helping make Georgia the place of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom that we are proud to call home.

As we begin this month of celebration, I invite all Georgians to join me in honoring the achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognizing their vital role in shaping our shared future.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (September 15, 2025) — On Thursday, September 18,2025, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability, chaired by Sen. Nan Orrock (D–Atlanta), will hold its second meeting.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
  • Time: Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Afternoon Session: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 450, 206 Washington St SW, 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:
The Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability, established pursuant to SR 474, will explore options for making higher education more affordable for Georgians, including creating a means-tested scholarship program.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Zach Pishock at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.  

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Sen. Nan Orrock serves as the Democratic Caucus Secretary. She represents the 36th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton County. She may be reached at 404.463.8054 or by email at nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov.

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Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte Issues Statement Regarding the Death of Charlie Kirk

ATLANTA (September 10, 2025) — Today, Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) issued a statement regarding the death of Charlie Kirk:

“I am devastated at the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing in an act of horrific evil. My heart goes out to his family, including his wife Erika and their two children.

Charlie, with his happy warrior disposition, was able to captivate young people like no one else could. He emphasized the need for young people to learn HOW to think, which seems to have been lost in many environments within our American education systems.

I would like to say directly to Emory, Cooper, and the entire Turning Point USA team in Georgia and nationally, we will lift you up in prayer, we grieve with you, and have your back.

I will commit that our Senators will do everything in their power to ensure the legacy of Charlie lives on, that we ensure our younger generation has every opportunity to debate and lead, and most importantly, that we fight for freedom in America.

God bless.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (September 10, 2025) — On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the Senate Study Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax, chaired by Sen. Blake Tillery, (R–Vidalia), will hold its second hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 341, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
  • This event is open to the public and will be streamed via the Senate website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax, created by Lt. Governor Burt Jones pursuant to Senate Rules, will deliver on the Lt. Governor’s commitment to chart a path for the state to eliminate the income tax and provide meaningful relief to all Georgians. This bipartisan committee will work with experts, parents, citizens, businesses, policymakers, and other leaders to explore effective, research-backed strategies to reform Georgia’s tax code while maintaining strong fiscal soundness.

Additional Senators appointed to the special committee include Senators Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming), Ed Harbison (D–Columbus), Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome), Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Nan Orrock (D–Atlanta), Michael “Doc” Rhett (D–Marietta), Larry Walker III (R–Perry) and Sam Watson (R–Moultrie).

SPEAKERS FOR THIS MEETING:

  • Ben Watkins, Director of the Florida Bond Finance Office, State of Florida
  • Tom Sands, former State Representative and Ways and Means Chair, State of Iowa
  • Tony Niknejad, former Policy Director to Governor Bill Lee, State of Tennessee
  • Sarah Hicks, former Senior Advisor & Budget Director to Governor Greg Abbott, State of Texas

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting SenatePressInquiries@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, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties, as well as a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached at (404) 656-5038 or by email at Blake.Tillery@senate.ga.gov.