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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Statement on the Passing of Craig Foster

ATLANTA (September 16, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte released the following statement regarding the passing of Craig Foster:

“Today, I join the Paulding County community in mourning the loss of William ‘Craig’ Foster, a dear friend and dedicated public servant whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our state.

Craig served as Chief of Staff for the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), where his leadership improved the lives of countless Georgians. His oversight of the DHS, the State’s largest agency, demonstrated his commitment to public service and his compassion for Georgia’s most vulnerable children and families. Craig’s work with the Divisions of Aging Services, Child Support Services, and Family and Children Services was driven by his passion for improving foster care and strengthening families. He was instrumental in implementing multi-million-dollar technology projects and restructuring the agency to enhance customer service, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Before joining DHS, Craig’s service as Deputy Director of Policy for Governor Brian P. Kemp and his 15 years as a policy analyst for the Georgia House of Representatives Budget and Research Office reflected his steadfast dedication to good governance. He managed with integrity and always led by example.

Craig was not just a public servant but a loving father, and member of our community. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time as we remember his legacy of service, leadership, and care for others.”

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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.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Announces Funding for Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is pleased to announce significant funding for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport to enhance its infrastructure and capacity. This funding is part of Governor Brian Kemp’s Amended FY24 Budget, which includes $1.5 billion of surplus funds dedicated to improving the state’s transportation infrastructure.

“This funding will be transformative for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport, enhancing accessibility and supporting our community’s growth,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “I want to sincerely thank Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and Commissioner McMurray for their unwavering commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure. Their support has been instrumental in making this project a reality for the 31st Senate District.”

The funding allocated to the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport will be used to construct a new airport access road, significantly improving access and efficiency. The details of the project are as follows:

Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport:

  • Construct Airport Access Road
  • State Funding: $1,000,000
  • Local Match: $333,333

This project was selected based on a strategic evaluation process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from State Transportation Board Member Micah Gravley.

The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.

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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.

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Statement on the Passing of Charles Bloodworth

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) released the following statement regarding the passing of Charles Bloodworth:

“It is with deep sorrow that Jennifer and I acknowledge the passing of Charles “Chuck” Bloodworth on Sunday, July 22. Chuck was a dear friend, neighbor, beloved member of our community, and a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and serving others in Georgia and the United States of America.

Chuck’s career began with the United States Army, followed by various roles in law enforcement before joining the United States Secret Service in 1999. His professionalism and integrity were evident in his work, which included overseeing electronic crime investigations and performing dignitary protection, including for several of America’s Presidents.

In 2022, the Georgia Senate honored Chuck with Senate Resolution 111, recognizing his exceptional life contributions and dedication to public service.

Chuck Bloodworth’s legacy is one of honor, dedication, patriotism, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed. Jennifer and I, along with our three daughters, will be praying for his wife Karen, daughters Avery and Ashlan, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

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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.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Celebrates Final Passage of Legislation to Ban Foreign Ownership of Georgia Agricultural Land

ATLANTA (Mar. 26, 2024) – Legislation aimed at safeguarding Georgia’s agricultural interests, food supply and national security has been forwarded to Governor Brian P. Kemp for signage into law. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Senate Bill 420 aims to prohibit perilous foreign adversaries from owning agricultural land or land within a 10-mile radius of a military base, installation, or airport in Georgia.

Senator Anavitarte, reflecting on the passage of this pivotal legislation, stated, “the Chinese government essentially validated our longstanding suspicions of their willingness to undermine our national security, as evidenced by their deployment of spy balloons over military installations just last year. I take great pride in authoring this legislation, and I am confident that it will shield all Georgians while prioritizing homeland security.”

SB 420, was crafted in response to a 2021 Department of Agriculture report revealing that China possessed 384,000 acres of American agricultural land, marking a 30% surge from 2019 to 2020. An illustrative instance of China’s strategic land acquisition emerged in 2022 when Fufeng Group, a Chinese entity linked to the Chinese Communist Party, sought to purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Apart from jeopardizing economic stability and overall security at both state and national levels, foreign dominion over such assets imperils the nation’s food supply and the livelihoods of Georgia farmers.

SB 420 complies with federal fair housing regulations by exempting primary residences from its purview and stipulates timeframes for covered nonresident aliens to divest agricultural properties they presently own or may acquire in the future through debt settlement or inheritance.

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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.

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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.