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Statement from Sen. Tim Bearden Regarding Senate Passage of Legislation to Deter Drug-related Deaths

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Sen. Tim Bearden (R- Carrollton) made the following statement regarding the Georgia Senate Passing Senate Bill 465 on Feb. 27, 2024:

“This crucial legislation, aimed at curbing the distribution of deadly fentanyl, aligns perfectly with the reasons I chose to run for office in the 30th Senate District. Fentanyl abuse has plagued our state for far too long, devastating families and communities alike.

I am excited to have voted in favor of Senate Bill 465. By imposing harsher penalties on those involved in fentanyl distribution and tightening regulations, this legislation will bolster our efforts to combat the epidemic of drug abuse and save countless lives.

I want to extend my gratitude to my colleague, Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), for sponsoring this legislation and to the rest of my Senate colleagues for their support in prioritizing public safety. SB 465 marks a significant step forward in our efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of all Georgians, and I am honored to have played a part in its passage.”

For more information on SB 465, you may read here.

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Sen. Tim Bearden represents the 30th Senate District which includes Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, and Paulding counties. He can be reached at (404) 463-5257 or via email at tim.bearden@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Matt Brass Celebrates Self-Direction Day

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) proudly recognized February 15, 2024, as Self-Direction Day in the Georgia State Senate, marked by the adoption of Senate Resolution 492. This legislation celebrates Self-Direction, a program for people with developmental disabilities that gives individuals the opportunity to choose their own services, select staff members they’d like to work with and determine the organizations providing support, all on a schedule that suits them best. Sponsored by Sen. Brass, this resolution represents a significant milestone in advocating for individuals’ independence and self-determination in their communities.

Senator Brass emphasized the importance of celebrating this day, stating, “This is a day that highlights the significance of empowering individuals to make choices about their long-term services and support. Through self-direction, individuals gain greater control over their resources and staffing, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs compared to traditional provider-directed services.”

Since its implementation in Georgia in 2005, Self-Direction has expanded to five different Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs, providing essential medical care and services to the elderly and disabled. Senator Brass commends the progress made in promoting self-direction and looks forward to further advancing policies supporting individual choice and control over long-term care.

You can find more information on SR 492 here.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Douglas and Fulton County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Islam Parkes to Hold Press Conference on Families First Legislative Package

ATLANTA (February 21, 2024) — On Thursday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Duluth) and will hold a press conference to discuss her Families First legislative package – Senate Bills 51, 527, and 372.

EVENT DETAILS:
• Date: Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Room 203, CLOB, 18 Capitol Sq. SW Atlanta GA 30334
• This event is open to the public.

ABOUT THE MEETING:
Join Sen. Islam Parkes for a press conference where she will discuss the need to pass her legislative package that will put Georgia families first by reinstating the sales tax holiday on school supplies, as well as exempting from sales tax childcare essentials for children under 3 and menstrual products.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request members of the media to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Sam White at the Senate Press Office (Sam.White@senate.ga.gov)

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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.

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Sen. Sheikh Rahman to Hold Press Conference on Environmental Rights

ATLANTA (Feb. 12, 2023) — On Feb. 16th, 2024, Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville), will be joined by The Georgia Coalition for the Advancement of an Environmental Justice Bill for a press conference.

EVENT DETAILS:
• Date: Friday, Feb.16th
• Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St, Atlanta, GA 30334
• The Event is Open to the Public

ABOUT THE MEETING:
They will highlight the environmental concerns in Georgia and the need for the Georgia General Assembly to address environmental concerns in Georgia. Further, there is a need for the Georgia General Assembly to address environmental degradation and the cumulative impact of environmental stressors, socioeconomic stressors, and pre-existing health conditions in overburdened communities.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request members of the media to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Sam White at the Senate Press Office (Sam.White@senate.ga.gov).

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.463.1318 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Special Committee on Investigations to Hold First Meeting

ATLANTA (Feb. 8, 2024) — Tomorrow, the Senate Special Committee on Investigations will hold its first meeting at the Georgia State Capitol to adopt procedural rules and to discuss its mission. The committee was established following the adoption of Senate Resolution 465, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming). The committee’s goal is to thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct by the district attorney for Fulton County, Fani Willis, relating to potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds, to enact new or amend existing laws and/or change state appropriations to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.

EVENT DETAILS:
• Date: Friday, Feb. 9th, 2024
• Time: Upon Adjournment of the Senate Committee on Rules
• Location: Georgia State Capitol Room 341
• Open to the Public: The event is open to the public.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request members of the media to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Sam White at the Senate Press Office (Sam.White@senate.ga.gov).

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Sen. Bill Cowsert represents the 46th Senate District which includes Oconee County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett and Walton Counties. He may be reached at 404.463.1366 or at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov