Column – Georgia Senate Press Office

January 17, 2025

COLUMN: Walker: Week One Capitol Recap

By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Brian P. Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

One of my biggest priorities in this session is to address the occupational licensing processes here in Georgia. During the interim, I served on the Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee on Licensing Issues, where we identified significant challenges within our state’s licensing system. This session, I’m continuing that work as a member of the Special Joint Committee Investigating Licensing Issues. Our goal is to reform outdated non-renewal and inspection policies, paving the way for businesses to open and thrive more easily here in Georgia.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Gov. Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp also highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. As the head of my own insurance agency, I wholeheartedly agree with the governor that change is needed to benefit Georgians statewide. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that businesses are not weighed down by frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs.

Lastly, I am excited to announce I am returning as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor this session. In this role, I aim to help Gov. Kemp’s tort reform legislation proceed swiftly through the Senate. I will also serve as Secretary of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Rules and an Ex-Officio member on the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services and Retirement. Lastly, I have been re-elected as Secretary of the Majority Caucus, where I will support my fellow Republicans as they lead the caucus to craft legislation to benefit all Georgians.

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 20^th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20^th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

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

January 16, 2025

COLUMN: Anavitarte: Week One Under the Gold Dome

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

In service of the 31^st Senate District, I’m proud to have already introduced four pieces of legislation. These bills and resolutions address key priorities for the state of Georgia and, specifically, communities within my district. My first bill this session is incredibly close to my heart. Entitled “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” it is named after two victims of horrific school shootings: Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, the defensive coordinator at Apalachee High School, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This legislation will require all Georgia public schools to be equipped with mobile panic alarm systems, which enhance communication between school staff and first responders. Additionally, it mandates that every local school system catalog school mapping data for all public and private schools within its boundaries. I hope this legislation will honor Ricky and Alyssa’s memory by ensuring the security of our schools and providing them the justice they deserve.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Governor Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not weigh down businesses.

On a personal note, I’m pleased to share that the Senate has referred Senate Resolution 8 to the Senate Committee on Transportation. This resolution fulfills the promise I made in October to rename the intersection of State Route 92 and State Route 120 in Paulding County in honor of Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who gave his life in the line of duty. In Paulding County, we take pride in supporting our own, especially the brave men and women who serve on the front lines of our community. I am proud that Deputy Cunningham will be memorialized for his courage and sacrifice.

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 31^st Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Majority Caucus Chair. He represents the 31^st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached at 404.656.0085 or by email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

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

January 10, 2025

Ginn: Preparations Complete for the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session officially begins this Monday, January 13, and I am honored to continue serving as your state Senator under the Gold Dome. Yes, it is real gold on the roof and was replaced in 2024, along with countless other amounts of maintenance work. Your trivia question of the day is: how much gold do you think it takes to cover the dome? It is right at 40 ounces and was last replaced about 50 years ago. I want to especially thank Sabastian Cobb with the Georgia State Finance & Investment Commission (GSFIC) for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to access the top of the Gold Dome. I always feel grateful when I re-enter the Capitol before each legislative session begins, and this biennium is no different.