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COLUMN: Sen. Carden Summers: Week One Under the Gold Dome

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 dedicated to addressing the issues and advocating for the best interests of Senate District 13 and all of Georgia. This legislative session is already off to a strong start, and Governor Brian 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 his “State of the State” address, Governor Kemp discussed his top priority, tort reform. I have prioritized tort reform over the last few sessions, and I’m optimistic about this Senate’s ability to pass these reforms during the 2025 Legislative Session.

I am proud to have introduced Senate Bill 13, legislation designed to authorize the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to finance and perform duties related to projects involving natural gas facilities.  

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 in Senate District 13 and throughout the state 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.

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.

At the Annual Eggs and Issues breakfast hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 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. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not weigh down businesses.

I am thrilled to announce my reappointment as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. I am deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments for their continued trust in my leadership.

In addition to this role, I will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities and as a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Through these committees, I am committed to upholding the Senate’s dedication to keeping Georgia the number one state for business.

I am honored to serve the people of the 13th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I hope to see you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Carden Summers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions. He represents the 13th Senate District which includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Crisp, Irwin, Lee, Tift, Turner, and Worth County, as well as a part of Coffee County. He may be reached at 404.463.5258 or by email at carden.summers@senate.ga.gov.

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

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COLUMN: Sen. Sheikh Rahman: The 2025 Legislative Session is Underway

By: Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D – Lawrenceville)

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 Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Government Oversight, Natural Resources and the Environment and Urban Affairs. On these committees, we will address pressing issues such as budget allocation, environmental concerns and exactly how our state should proceed with addressing its growing, diverse population.

The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This week was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues event and the Governor’s “State of the State” address. These events offered the General Assembly several perspectives on issues of Georgia’s small and large businesses, citizen concerns and the priorities of our state and local public institutions. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges.

On Thursday, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual “State of the State address” to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

As we move into our second week—commonly known as Budget Week—the focus will shift to the state’s financial priorities. Beginning Tuesday, leaders from state agencies will present their budgetary needs to the General Assembly. Budget Week is not just about numbers; it’s about values. This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I am committed to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure that the values and priorities of Georgia’s 5th Senate District are reflected in our state budget. Senate District 5 is rapidly growing, and with that comes a need for budgets and allocations that address shifting demands. My caucus colleagues and I will continue to advocate for the resources our districts need to support our expanding population and foster progress.

I encourage students between 12 and 18 to apply for a day as a Senate Page. Participants in the Page Program are granted the opportunity to join the Senate for a day at the State Capitol, during which they participate in, observe, and learn about the legislative process. This program is truly excellent, and I encourage my constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program by clicking here.

Please never hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build 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.

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

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COLUMN: Sen. Matt Brass: Beginning the 2025 Legislative Session

By: Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan)

On Monday, January 13th, we kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, where I was sworn in as the Senator of Georgia’s 6th District (formerly 28th District). I am excited to be representing Carroll County once again and look forward to continuing to serve my longstanding constituents in Coweta and Heard Counties.

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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 20th 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 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.