Sen. Bo Hatchett Announces Second Meeting of Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands in Clarkesville, Georgia

ATLANTA (August 13, 2024) Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) is pleased to announce that the Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands will hold its second meeting at Habersham EMC in Clarkesville, Georgia, on Friday, August 30th, 2024. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and bring together state leaders, agricultural experts, and local stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting Georgia’s farming industries and land conservation efforts.

The agenda will feature updates on the state’s farming industries, discussions on the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) Program, and the role of local governments in development and growth planning. The meeting will also include opportunities for public comment, allowing residents to share their perspectives on farmland preservation.

Sen. Hatchett, who will welcome attendees and lead the invocation, emphasized the importance of this committee’s work:

“Georgia’s farmland is not just a vital part of our economy; it’s the backbone of our communities and heritage. This study committee has the critical task of exploring ways to protect these lands for future generations while balancing growth and development needs. Bringing this meeting to Clarkesville highlights our work’s local impact and statewide significance.”

Bryan Ferguson, President and CEO of Habersham EMC, will host the meeting, including presentations from representatives of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), among others.

You can find more information regarding this study committee here.

An updated agenda and media advisory will be sent out at a later date.

# # # #

Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please email SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Bo Hatchett Appointed to Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care. The committee, established by Senate Resolution 471 will address the pressing issue of child care affordability and accessibility in Georgia.

Sen. Hatchett, a dedicated advocate for family and community support, brings a wealth of experience as the Vice-Chairman of the standing Senate Committee on Children and Families. His appointment to the committee underscores his leadership and dedication to finding practical solutions for some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care,” said Sen. Hatchett. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for this opportunity. Ensuring that all families in Georgia have access to affordable and quality child care is a critical issue that impacts our state’s economic health and the future of our children. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to develop actionable recommendations that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgia’s families.”

The Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care will convene to examine current child care costs, accessibility barriers and potential policy solutions. The committee will engage with experts, stakeholders, and community members to gather insights and develop strategies to improve child care affordability across Georgia.

You can find more information regarding this study committee here.

# # # #

Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

Hatchett: Week Eight Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia)

As the week progressed, the Senate achieved a significant milestone with the completion of “Crossover Day” on February 29th. This day marks the deadline for all Senate bills to cross over to the House chamber and vice versa. Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans have experienced considerable success, advancing every priority defined by our caucus on to the House of Representatives. Despite this achievement, our dedication to serving Georgians never waned as we passed several additional bills to further our work for the benefit of this state.

I had the privilege of standing alongside my fellow majority caucus members to support various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Georgians from domestic swatting, foreign threats and human trafficking. Notably, Senate Bill 421, which enhances penalties for false public alarms, commonly known as swatting, received unanimous approval from the Senate this week. This bipartisan effort underscores our commitment to holding swatters accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I commend my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their dedication to defending the interests of Georgians. Next, the bill will undergo further consideration by the House.

The Georgia Senate also took decisive action to safeguard Georgians from foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on protecting our farmers. I proudly supported Senate Bill 420, which prohibits certain foreign individuals and entities from acquiring possessory interests in specific land. Georgia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, generating $83.6 billion annually and sustaining countless livelihoods. Given the threats posed by foreign actors, it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to safeguard our farmlands and critical areas, such as military bases. I was pleased to join Governor Brian P. Kemp in celebrating the vital contributions of Georgia’s farmers at the State Capitol this week. They work tirelessly to put food on our tables, shelter over our heads and fuel our economy.

In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working on my individual legislative priorities. Specifically, I am proud to have sponsored multiple pieces of legislation that all focus on enhancing Georgians’ protections against criminal actions — most specifically for our children and families. Senate Bill 466 and Senate Bill 493 both address the criminal codes regarding the limitations provided to defenses in sexual exploitation of children criminal cases, and registered sexual offenders.

Our week began on a somber note following the tragic passing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia. Laken’s untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and the Athens community. What’s even more heartbreaking is that she was taken from us by someone here illegally who had been arrested and released back into our society multiple times. It’s alarming to think that, in Joe Biden’s America, every state has become vulnerable to crime, illegal substances and a lack of direction from federal leadership. Here in Georgia, Senate Republicans are working tirelessly to ensure that every legal citizen feels safe. I will continue the fight against careless and dangerous immigration policies in the days ahead.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

# # # #

Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

Hatchett: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia)

The New Year signals the start of another Legislative Session here under the Gold Dome, and I’m enthusiastic about representing the hardworking constituents of the 50th Senate District once again. Throughout this session, my commitment remains unwavering—to serve the people of District 50 and contribute to making Georgia the best place to live and work.

During the interim, I had the honor of chairing the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment. Being a rural Georgia native, I’ve witnessed firsthand the negative impact of a shortage of medical personnel on families outside metro Atlanta. While the committee has concluded its work, its recommendations will form the basis for various measures to be considered by the Senate. Additionally, as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, I’m eagerly anticipating positive reforms resulting from the actions taken by this committee.

The 2024 Session holds significant importance as we continue to pass effective legislation, prioritizing the hardworking citizens of Georgia. The first week kicked off with the Senate convening on the Senate floor and concluded with Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. The address served as a platform for the Governor to outline his legislative and budgetary priorities, emphasizing public safety, school choice, and pay raises for teachers. I am eager to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout this session in support of Gov. Kemp.

Next week marks the beginning of Budget Week. I look forward to collaborating closely with Gov. Kemp and State Departments as we discuss and amend the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and outline the Fiscal Year 2025 budget in several subcommittee hearings. It’s our responsibility to ensure your tax dollars are allocated fairly.

While this session promises to be fast-paced and busy, rest assured that I will keep your needs and concerns at the forefront of every decision I make. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for any questions or concerns. Together, let’s navigate this session for the betterment of Georgia.

####

Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Bo Hatchett Carries Legislation to Confirm Historic $400 Million Tax Cut, Approving Governor Kemp’s Executive Orders on Fuel Tax Suspension

ATLANTA (December 5, 2023) — Today, Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) proudly announced the passage of House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Brian P. Kemp’s Executive Orders to suspend the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes in response to the state of emergency caused by inflation.

Sen. Hatchett, who carried the resolution in the Senate remarked, “As hardworking Georgians and their families continue to weather 40-year high inflation and face uncertain economic headwinds due to failed policies and reckless spending in Washington, D.C., this suspension delivered direct relief to Georgians during times of economic uncertainty. I believe it demonstrates our commitment to putting the needs of our constituents first. I extend my sincere appreciation to Gov. Kemp for his swift and decisive action in response to the challenges Georgians are facing across the state. His dedication to putting Georgians first does not go unnoticed, and I am proud to have collaborated on this resolution to support his efforts.”

The resolution, officially adopted by the General Assembly of Georgia, ratifies the suspension of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes as declared by Governor Kemp’s executive orders. These measures were enacted to address the economic strain caused by inflation and to alleviate the financial burden on Georgia’s residents.

# # # #

Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.