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COLUMN: Walker: Weeks Two and Three Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds directly to taxpayers. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we’re in a position to give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to making sure they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. One of the bills I’m proud to sponsor, Senate Bill (SB) 35, would increase the number of days’ notice that a policyholder must be given before his or her homeowners’ insurance policy is not renewed. The previous 30 days’ notice of nonrenewal is not enough time for the homeowner to avoid any lapses in coverage or properly address concerns with their insurance company. With this in mind, SB 35’s proposed 60 days’ notice will give Georgians and their insurance agent sufficient time to find replacement coverage and make sure that their home is protected.

I’m also proud to support Senate Bill (SB) 52. This legislation, also known as the Timberlands Recovery, Exemption and Earnings Stability (TREES) Act, would allow local governments to provide tax relief for the timber industry. Timber is one of Georgia’s most important industries, and communities like those in the 20th Senate District depend on timber as an agricultural investment and a source of tax revenue. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene has left that industry in desperate need of relief, and with the TREES Act, we will waive the timber harvest tax in hurricane ravaged counties to help these communities recover from the catastrophe of this unprecedented storm.

As committee meetings pick up, we’re working hard on issues that matter most to our communities, from protecting our schools to strengthening local infrastructure. I chaired the first meeting of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor this week, and I look forward to the committee’s regular meetings in the coming weeks.

Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.

As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

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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 20th 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.

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Merritt: Kicking off the 2025 Legislative Session 

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. Over the next 40 legislative days, I’m committed to fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia for all its residents.

I am honored to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Government Oversight, Health and Human Services, Insurance and Labor, Natural Resources and the Environments and Urban Affairs where we will address pressing issues such as healthcare reform, firearm violence, and increasing literacy.

As we enter the heart of the legislative session this week, the work under the Gold Dome is moving full speed ahead. Even as ice and snow swept across South Georgia and Atlanta last week, our commitment to serving the people of Georgia never wavered.

When we returned to the Capitol this past Monday, we hit the ground running. Some highlights included Chamber of Commerce Day. I want to thank the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for joining Tuesday’s General Assembly at the Capitol. I appreciate all the Chamber does for Gwinnett County’s economy, small businesses, and emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs. These events are always exciting, and it’s refreshing to see so many Georgians getting involved in our state government.

As budget hearings for the next fiscal year continue over the remainder of the legislative session in the form of committee meetings, we have a critical opportunity to shape investments that will directly impact our communities. Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed budget includes $50 million in security grants for individual schools—an essential step toward keeping students safe. However, proper school safety goes beyond physical security; it requires a commitment to addressing the broader issues affecting student well-being. I will continue advocating for a budget that supports working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the opportunity to succeed at every turn.

My fellow Senators and I recognize that our constituents and families deserve to send their children to school without fear, and that is why we are introducing legislation to tackle school gun violence in Georgia. I am proud to co-sponsor SB 49, introduced by Sen. Elena Parent, which aims to address gun violence by making it a punishable offense in Georgia to allow children access to firearms. This legislation would require parents to take greater responsibility for securely storing their firearms, reducing children’s exposure to guns and helping keep our schools safe.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced SB 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand access to mental health and maternal care and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. We believe every Georgian deserves reliable, accessible healthcare, and we will continue pushing for solutions that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, we will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, improve public schools, and expand access to affordable childcare. Our focus remains on legislation that puts people first, and I am proud to sponsor legislation that does just that.

I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. This program is an invaluable experience, and I encourage my younger constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program here.

The weeks ahead will be eventful, with key debates and legislation shaping Georgia’s future. I’m committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your voice is heard. Thank you for your trust—I encourage you to stay engaged as we work toward a stronger, fairer Georgia.

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Sen. Nikki Merritt represents the 9th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-2260 or via email at nikki.merritt@senate.ga.gov

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

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Sen. Sheikh Rahman: Weeks 2 & 3 of the Legislative Session 

As we enter the heart of the legislative session, work under the Gold Dome is moving full speed ahead. Even as ice and snow swept across South Georgia and Atlanta last week, our commitment to serving the people of Georgia never wavered.

We hit the ground running when we returned to the Capitol this past Monday. Some highlights included the Senate Democratic Caucus Press Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Day and Chamber of Commerce Day. I am always excited to see these events full of Georgians getting involved in our state government.

As budget hearings for the next fiscal year continue over the remainder of session, we have a critical opportunity to shape investments that will directly impact our communities. Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed budget includes $50 million in security grants for individual schools—an essential step toward keeping students safe. However, proper school safety goes beyond physical security; it requires a commitment to addressing the broader issues affecting student well-being. I will continue advocating for a budget that supports working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the opportunity to succeed.

On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced Senate Bill 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand mental health and maternal care access, and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. We believe every Georgian deserves reliable, accessible healthcare, and we will continue pushing for solutions that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, we will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, improve public schools, and expand access to affordable childcare. Our focus remains on legislation that puts people first.

I am pleased to have worked across the aisle and cosponsored several pieces of bipartisan legislation, including Senate Bill 9, or the “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act.” Sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R—Roswell), SB 9 would create sentencing penalties for individuals who utilize artificial intelligence to develop obscene materials that could endanger vulnerable members of our population. 

I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. This program is an invaluable experience, and I encourage my younger constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program here.

The weeks ahead will be eventful, with key debates and legislation shaping Georgia’s future. I’m committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your voice is heard. Thank you for your trust—I encourage you to stay engaged as we work toward a stronger, fairer Georgia.

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker and Lilburn in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at (404) 463-5261 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.

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Brass: Week Three Under the Gold Dome

The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds to taxpayers directly. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we can give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses, and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting money back where it belongs – in the pockets of hardworking Georgia taxpayers.

Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the necessary resources to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

I’m excited to share that March 9th—12th is Multiple Sclerosis Week at the Capitol. This week, however, the Senate was honored to have several representatives from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, including my mother, Linda Brass, in the Senate chamber. Each year, members of the Society join us to recognize this week and bring attention to the medical condition. I commend the advocacy work conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and their funding of $1 billion in research funding.  

Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply here.

As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov

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

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The Cowsert Column: Week Two Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens)

The second week of the legislative session is commonly referred to as “Budget Week” at the State Capitol. The budget process begins with Gov. Brian Kemp presenting a proposed budget for consideration by the General Assembly. This year’s budget proposal is presented in a printed report of 390 pages, which is just the increases to the 2025 budget. Various agencies present budget requests during joint Senate and House Appropriations Committee meetings. The House then passes an appropriations bill setting forth governmental spending for the upcoming year. Finally, the Senate makes its changes and the differences are worked out by a joint conference committee and the final version is sent to the Governor for his signature. The General Assembly’s most important endeavor is passing a balanced, commonsense budget, addressing the needs of Georgia citizens each year. In fact, the only bill which the General Assembly is required to pass each year is the annual appropriations bill.

Over the past 15 years, Georgia’s state budget has experienced steady growth, reflecting the state’s expanding economy and increasing demands for public services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, Georgia’s budget was approximately $17.4 billion during the heart of the Great Recession. Fast forward to FY 2026, and that figure has more than doubled to $37.71 billion. In addition, approximately $22.46 billion in federal funds are included in Georgia’s 2026 budget.

Without going into extensive detail, the Governor proposes spending 20.33 billion (53.9%) on education, 8.76 billion (23.2%) on healthcare, 3.05 billion (8.1%) on public safety and 2.78 billion (7.4%) on transportation. This leaves only $2.79 billion (7.4%) for all other areas of government spending.

A key factor in Georgia’s economic stability is our unwavering commitment to maintaining a balanced budget. Unlike the federal government, which has spent both recklessly and unapologetically, Georgia is constitutionally required to balance its budget every year. This requirement ensures that the state lives within its means, preventing excessive debt accumulation and promoting long-term financial health for all citizens. Maintaining a balanced budget encourages responsible spending, requiring lawmakers to prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful expenditures. It also enhances Georgia’s credit rating, allowing us to finance large-scale projects at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money in the long run. Perhaps most importantly, a balanced budget fosters public confidence in our state’s financial management, reinforcing Georgia’s reputation as a great place to live, work and raise a family. By adhering to a balanced budget and prioritizing critical investments, we continue to build a prosperous future for all Georgians.

Thanks to our responsible fiscal management, Georgia has built a robust Revenue Shortfall Reserve (RSR), commonly known as the “rainy day fund.” The reserve was depleted to less than $50 million during the great recession, however, By FY 2023, the reserve had reached its statutory cap of 15% of the prior year’s revenue, totaling $5.4 billion. This financial cushion allows the state to weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic spending cuts or tax increases, ensuring continuity in essential public services. In addition, Georgia has over $11 billion in additional undesignated reserves over and above the funds held in the rainy day fund. There is really no authority for the State to accumulate taxpayer funds above the amounts needed to fund basic state needs. Fortunately, Gov. Kemp and the legislature have refunded at least $1 billion per year to taxpayers and significantly reduced taxes in response to our financial good fortune.

It’s important to highlight the stark contrast in spending at the federal level due to the Biden administration’s recent mismanagement of funds. Unfortunately, both political parties are guilty of irresponsible budgeting at the federal level. In fact, the last time that the federal budget was balanced was in the early 1990s when Bill Clinton was President and John Kasich was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the United States House. As of 2024, our national debt exceeded $35 trillion, with annual budget deficits contributing over $1 trillion annually to this growing burden. Persistent federal deficits pose risks such as higher interest rates, reduced national savings and potential economic uncertainty for future generations. These misguided spending practices have led our country down a dangerous path. Calls are growing for a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to pass a balanced budget just like Georgia and almost all other states must do.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of the 46th Senate District. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon.

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Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee and Walton Counties. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov

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