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Sen. Brian Strickland Commends State Funding for New Lanes on Interstate 75 in Henry County

ATLANTA (July 19, 2024) — Today, Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) issued a statement commending Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for their leadership and commitment to increasing the ease of transportation in Henry County:

“I am happy to announce that the Georgia Department of Transportation has allocated $10 million in funding to begin the process of adding two new lanes to our express lanes in Henry County. This funding will initiate the engineering work required for this project, ultimately leading to the end of the reversible express lanes and providing access for travel in two lanes, in both directions, at all times. These funds are part of the historic investment Gov. Kemp and the Legislature included in the state budget this year for infrastructure projects in our state. Everyone who travels through Henry County knows the challenges of Interstate 75. I commend the governor and the Georgia Department of Transportation for listening to the concerns we have expressed and making this investment in state funds to this region.”

In addition to the $10 million funding for Henry County, the $1.5 billion surplus allocated to improve state infrastructure will fund projects such as airport aid, local roads funding, capital maintenance, a new freight program to improve freight infrastructure efficiency, and capital construction.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton, and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Brian Strickland Celebrates Funding Secured for Upgrades at T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Agricultural Center

ATLANTA (May 15, 2024) — In a significant development for agricultural education and outreach in Georgia, the T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Agricultural Center is set to receive a substantial boost of $500,000.00 in funding, obtained through the dedicated efforts of Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) and incorporated into the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget signed by Governor Brian P. Kemp last week. This allocation marks a pivotal moment for the advancement of agricultural initiatives in the region.

Expressing enthusiasm for the investment, Sen. Strickland, remarked, “I am proud of our continued efforts to invest in educating the next generation about the importance of agriculture in our state. Every year thousands of people experience this industry directly through our FFA Camp and the Newton County Agricultural Center and, for many, this is the only first-hand experience they get with Georgia’s number one industry. This funding continues to show our commitment at the state level to these facilities and to the work being done on the ground right here in Newton County.”

Named in honor of Mort Ewing, a distinguished figure in Georgia’s agricultural landscape, the center holds deep significance for the community. Ewing, reflecting on the impact of his time as a member of the National FFA Organization, shared, “I joined the FFA Organization 72 years ago when I started the 9th grade. It was one of the best decisions of my lifetime. I have remained active in the organization as an FFA alumni member. The FFA organization and the State FFA Camp still mean a lot to me as a Newton County farmer. I am very pleased Senator Strickland has secured some additional funding for the Newton County Agricultural Center. We will utilize the funds to enhance the services available through the Center.”

Additionally, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper, lauded the allocation, stating, “Investing in the next generation of leaders in our state is vital to ensure the continued success of Georgia’s #1 industry and our state as a whole, and I’m grateful for the work and commitment of Senator Strickland and the entire General Assembly to do just that. This investment in Newton County will go a long way to ensure the success of agriculture and the students utilizing these facilities, and it’s critical that we continue making investments in our agricultural facilities like this one that positively impact thousands of Georgia students every year. I look forward to continuing our work with Sen. Strickland and the General Assembly to advance Georgia agriculture and expand opportunities in agriculture for students across Georgia.”

The infusion of funds will facilitate essential upgrades and expansions at the Newton County Agricultural Center, ensuring its continued role as a hub for agricultural education, innovation, and community engagement.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Brian Strickland Commends Long-term Solution to Address Train Stoppage in McDonough and Locust Grove

ATLANTA (April 10, 2024) — Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) issued a statement today commending the collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Norfolk Southern Corporation to address train stoppages in McDonough and Locust Grove, Henry County.

“I commend GDOT and Norfolk Southern for hearing the concerns our community raised about trains blocking intersections in McDonough and Locust Grove over the past couple of years,” said Sen. Strickland. “Last year, we joined with Norfolk Southern and announced a temporary fix where longer trains were relocated to another track. However, this new siding will create a long-term solution by allowing space for trains to pace while traffic flows through Henry County.”

GDOT recently announced a partnership with Norfolk Southern Corporation to fund freight rail improvements in Henry County. Norfolk Southern received an $8.4 million grant for their McDonough passing track improvement project, as part of the newly created Georgia Freight Rail Program. The project, estimated to cost $21 million in total, aims to more than double the current rail length on Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta South District passing track, connecting Macon and Atlanta in Henry County.

This initiative is a crucial step towards enhancing the efficiency of the freight rail corridor, connecting the Georgia Port Authority Garden City Terminal and the metro Atlanta area. By expanding the rail length, the project is expected to reduce road crossings blocked by trains, contributing to improved traffic flow and safety in the region.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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Senators Jason Anavitarte and Brian Strickland Introduce Legislation Regarding Illegal Immigration

ATLANTA (February 29, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, and Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, unveiled two new legislative initiatives addressing criminal procedure concerning individuals who immigrate to the state illegally.

The first proposal is a resolution amending the Constitution of Georgia, which would empower the Georgia General Assembly to either outlaw parole for undocumented immigrants or establish specific parole terms and conditions for those who fall into this category. The second initiative is a bill delineating the criteria for bail hearings concerning undocumented immigrants, as well as individuals charged with a felony punishable by imprisonment for one year or more and deemed removable or dismissible aliens.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to our legislators for tackling this vital issue,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “As a former police chief, Army officer, and Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide constitutional officer, I deeply value law and order. The proposed measures introduce strict bail conditions and revise parole rules, which demonstrates Georgia’s dedication to these values, addresses federal immigration policy flaws, and enhances the safety and welfare of all Georgians.”

Sen. Anavitarte commented on the two proposed pieces of legislation, stating, “I felt compelled to introduce these measures as they aim to enhance the protection of our state’s citizens. I approached the drafting of these bills with a balanced perspective, recognizing the importance of upholding the rule of law, while also addressing our broken immigration system. These measures reinforce our commitment to cultivating a judicial system that is both fair and just, prioritizing the security of our state and the welfare of our communities.”

“Immigration reform should start with enforcing the laws we already have on the books,” said Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), who partnered with Sen. Anavitarte to draft this legislation. “While we wait for Washington to address our broken system, this legislation makes certain that Georgia is protecting our citizens from those in our country illegally that choose to commit crimes. Georgia should remain a welcoming place for all immigrants that are following the rules and attempting to navigate our broken system but stand up against those few that choose to ignore our laws and commit crimes against our citizens.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31 which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Larry Walker III Commends Committee’s Recommendations as Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing Concludes

ATLANTA (November 30, 2023) | The 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing, under the leadership of Chairman Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), has successfully wrapped up its examination of occupational licensing in the state. The committee’s diligent efforts culminated in a series of impactful recommendations aimed at fostering a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment.

During the final meeting, the committee passed several key recommendations, each designed to enhance efficiency, promote economic growth, and ensure public safety. Sen. Walker III expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These recommendations represent a crucial step towards a more adaptive and effective regulatory framework for Georgia’s workforce. I am proud of the collaborative effort put forth by this committee to address the needs of our state.”

“I am proud to have been a part of this committee, working alongside Chairman Walker III and our dedicated colleagues,” said Majority Caucus Chairman Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas). “By embracing innovation and efficiency, we are shaping a regulatory landscape that safeguards public interests and fosters economic growth. I look forward to the positive impact these recommendations will have on each of Georgia’s industries.”

Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) reflected on his experiences as a member of this study committee, stating, “It was great working with Chairman Walker III and my other colleagues on this committee to learn more about the occupational licensing structure in our state and areas where the system in place is causing unnecessary barriers to employment. We have set forth some concrete recommendations to make meaningful change in this area and I am proud to share our findings with the other members of the Senate as we prepare for the 2024 legislative session.”

The following recommendations were approved:

  1. Pass Senate Bill 157: The Committee advocates for the passage of SB 157, reflecting a commitment to legislative measures that address evolving workforce needs and industry dynamics.
  2. Implement Changes Requested by The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia: Endorsed by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the committee supports implementing changes proposed by The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia to streamline processes and uphold professional standards.
  3. Transfer Georgia Board of Registration for Foresters Operations to Georgia Forestry Commission: Recognizing the need for efficiency, the committee recommends moving the operational function and revenue generation responsibilities of the Georgia Board of Registration for Foresters from the Georgia Secretary of State to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
  4. Sunset Licensing Requirements: In alignment with legal considerations (Jackson vs. Raffensperger), the committee recommends sunset provisions for licensing requirements for occupations, such as makeup artists, librarians, low-voltage contractors, and manicurists, where licensing has not proven necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.
  5. Fully Support SOS Modernization Initiative: The Committee wholeheartedly endorses the Secretary of State’s Modernization Initiative, recognizing the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
  6. Adequately Fund the Board of Nursing: To ensure the effective regulation of nursing practices, the committee recommends adequate funding for the Board of Nursing.
  7. Adequately Fund Composite Medical Board: Recognizing the critical role of the Composite Medical Board, the committee advocates for sufficient funding to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.
  8. Advanced Nursing Protocol Agreements Approval: The Committee recommends approving advanced nursing protocol agreements within 30 days from the date of submission of a fully complete application, streamlining the approval process.
  9. Move to Universal Recognition of Out-of-State Licenses: Emphasizing reciprocity, the committee recommends moving towards universal recognition of out-of-state licenses where reasonable.
  10. Shorten 90-Day Deadline for License Issuance: In line with HB 155 signed into law on April 27, 2023, the committee proposes shortening the 90-day deadline for issuing an expedited license or a license by endorsement to 30 days, promoting a more expeditious licensing process.

Find more information on the outcomes and details of the 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing here.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov 

Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Majority Caucus Chair. He represents the 31st Senate District which includes portions of Paulding and Polk County. He may be reached via email at jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He represents the 17th Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Morgan, Newton, and Walton County. He may be reached by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.