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Sen. Ed Harbison to Host Special Ceremony in honor of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame

ATLANTA (March 12, 2024)— Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus)will preside over a distinguished ceremony today, paying tribute to the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame (GMVHOF). The event will feature a dedication ceremony for the GMVHOF and the unveiling of the Class of 2023. Distinguished guests include Governor Brian P. Kemp and Speaker Jon Burns.

EVENT DETAILS:
• Date: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: North Atrium Stairs, Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
• This Event is Open to the Public.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

The ceremony will commence with the dedication of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame, followed by the induction of 15 veterans. These new inductees will join the ranks of 177 remarkable Georgians previously honored for their bravery and selflessness. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy and valor of Georgia’s military veterans.

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. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Islam Parkes Celebrates Passage of Military Legislation Through the Georgia General Assembly

ATLANTA (Mar. 8, 2024) —This week marked a significant milestone for Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D—Lawrenceville), Georgia’s youngest-serving female Senator, as she celebrated the successful passage of her bill, Senate Bill 144, through the Georgia General Assembly. SB 144, the first bill to pass both legislative chambers under Sen. Islam Parkes’ leadership, aims to remove the requirement for the Adjutant General to include a roster of all commissioned officers in the annual report to the Governor which will protect the identities of our officers and their families from being targeted by nefarious actors. Additionally, it eliminates the mandate to index, print, bind, and distribute laws and regulations of the militia to all militia forces, which is an unnecessary cost for taxpayers since information can be accessed online.

Expressing her excitement about the legislation’s final passage, Sen. Islam Parkes stated, “This meaningful legislation will reduce administrative burdens, save taxpayers and protect our commissioned officers.”

Continuing, Sen. Islam Parkes remarked, “Being a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate closely with members of the Georgia Militia and veterans, providing me with invaluable insights. I was proud to carry this valuable legislation for our National Guard”

Looking ahead, Sen. Islam Parkes added, “I am eager to continue working on new legislation in the future, addressing the needs of our communities and striving for positive change in Georgia.”

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.

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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.