Posted on

Walker: Capitol Recap – Week Eight

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The frenzied pace of this week culminated with a significant milestone, 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 established by our caucus on to the House of Representatives. Despite this achievement, we continued to work diligently for all Georgians, as evidenced by our late-night on the Senate floor Thursday, during which we passed several additional measures to benefit the citizens of this state.

I had the privilege of standing alongside my Senate colleagues to support various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Georgians from domestic swatting and foreign threats. 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 the seriousness of this offense and our commitment to holding swatters fully accountable.

The Georgia Senate also took decisive action to safeguard Georgians from foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on protecting our agriculture lands and national security. I proudly supported Senate Bill 420, which prohibits certain foreign individuals and entities from acquiring possessory interests in specific farmland and land in proximity to our military installations. Georgia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, generating $83.6 billion annually and sustaining countless jobs and communities. Given the threats posed by foreign actors, it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to safeguard our farmlands and military bases. Food security is national security, and I was pleased to join Governor Brian P. Kemp in celebrating the vital contributions of Georgia’s farmers at the State Capitol this week.

In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working on my individual legislative priorities. Specifically, I am proud to announce that Senate Bill 390 gained Senate passage on “Crossover Day” this week. This bill takes important steps to prohibit the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and certain other libraries from using public funds for services offered by the American Library Association. This radically liberal organization, headquartered in Chicago, will no longer be allowed to indoctrinate our children as we strive to provide them with a sanctuary for reading, imagination, inspiration and learning. Literacy is the foundation for success throughout life, and our librarians are on the frontline of our efforts to improve literacy and foster a love of reading. In today’s world of culture wars, we won’t subject our librarians and local library boards to the undue influence of a private entity intent on advancing a socialist, “queer the catalog” agenda. Additionally, this bill would dissolve the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians, transferring its responsibilities to the Georgia Council of Public Libraries.

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 an illegal immigrant 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 a border state, vulnerable to illegal alien criminals and deadly illicit drugs pouring into our communities. Here in Georgia, Senate Republicans are working tirelessly to ensure that every legal citizen feels safe. I personally pledge to continue fighting, at the state level, against the careless and dangerous impact of a failed Federal immigration policy.

# # # #

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski, and Wilcox counties as well as most of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Georgia Capitol Recap – Week Seven

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Week seven under the Gold Dome has concluded, and we’re swiftly approaching an important milestone known as “Crossover Day” on February 29. This marks the deadline for all bills to pass through their originating chamber, commonly referred to as the house of origin. Our advocacy for Georgians has yielded significant accomplishments, including property tax relief, tort reform, reduction of regulatory burdens, enhancements in public safety, and much more. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Senate colleagues, particularly those within the majority caucus, for their unwavering dedication to advancing legislation on behalf of all Georgians.

As a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, I’m delighted to announce the successful passage of all priority bills of the majority caucus out of the Senate, highlighted by the approval of Senate Bill 449. This bill, aimed at exempting certain military medical personnel from examination requirements, eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and bolsters Georgia’s reputation as the premier state for business.

The Georgia Senate also discussed and passed its amended budget for Fiscal Year 2024. This budget increases funding for maintaining safe and efficient road infrastructure and provides essential support for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics. It also allocates resources to enhance retirement and healthcare benefits, vital for retaining our state’s workforce. Our commitment to a balanced budget ensures Georgia’s efficiency, fiscal conservatism and attractiveness for investment.

In addition to advocating for the priorities of our majority caucus, I dedicated my efforts to advancing my individual legislative agenda. I’m delighted to announce that two bills aimed at aiding Georgia workers successfully passed on the Senate floor this week.

Additionally, Senate Bill 449 has also been referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries. This bill aims to exempt certain military medical personnel from an examination requirement. It’s an honor for me to sponsor this bill on behalf of our brave servicemen and women. Moreover, I’m proud to present this legislation as part of Governor Brian P. Kemp’s initiative to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Lastly, I’m thrilled to report progress in our efforts to ensure accountability in libraries. Senate Bill 390 has passed through the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. This bill proposes prohibiting the Board of Regents, the University System of Georgia, and certain other libraries from allocating funds toward materials, services, or operations offered by the American Library Association (ALA). It’s imperative that we remain vigilant in combating the spread of misinformation, especially as more organizations become accustomed to disseminating half-truths and even outright falsehoods.

Furthermore, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing several bipartisan pieces of legislation aimed at supporting both veterans and families. The Georgia Senate approved multiple measures designed to offer essential services to our state’s veterans, and I was privileged to endorse this legislation. Having dedicated their lives to defending our country, it’s crucial that we fulfill our commitment as legislators. Additionally, the Senate body voted on a series of legislative bills relating to children and families. Thursday, I was proud to join my Senate colleagues in voting unanimously to pass Senate Bill 376, a bill which improves the timely permanent placement of a child removed from their home. Protecting Georgia’s next generation of leaders is an idea we can all get behind, and I will always fight for their future.

Furthermore, my colleagues and I were delighted to be present on Wednesday for the swearing-in of Georgia’s newest Republican senator, Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton). Senator Bearden joins us at an important time for our state and I look forward to serving alongside him throughout the remainder of our legislative session.

Each week under the Gold Dome, constituents, associations and organizations alike come to the Capitol to speak to legislators and host events with public officials. I was personally honored to recognize State Officers of the Georgia FFA Association during FFA Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Any opportunity I have to recognize our youth is an opportunity I welcome. I enjoyed spending time with some of Georgia’s best and brightest young agricultural minds, and I am confident that Georgia’s farming future is safe in their hands!

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/news/senate/page-program-2024.

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. Larry Walker serves as the Secretary of the Senate 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.

Posted on

Senate Passes Bill Revising Public School Employee Retirement System

ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2024) – On Wednesday, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) celebrated the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 105, which would revise the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System.

With its passage, current and future Public-School retirees will see the minimum monthly retirement payment increase to $17 — multiplied by the “member’s years of credible service.” This increase represents a jump of more than $2 per year worked as Public-School Employees before retirement, contributing a significant take-home financial increase for Georgia Public-School Employees that are currently receiving retirement benefits and those that will in the future.

“Taking charge of the retirement benefits of our Public-School Employees to make sure that those individuals can contribute and save for their futures is a key priority, and having this bill pass is a positive step,” said Sen. Walker. “Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and maintenance workers have by and large been left behind compared to everything we’ve done for teachers. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of this bill through the remainder of the legislative process and these much-needed changes made for the benefit of one of the most deserving sectors of our state.”

SB 105 passed by a vote of 49 to 1, following its favorable report from the Senate Committee on Retirement.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

# # # #

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 all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Walker: Budget Week Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Budget week, as it is coined under the Gold Dome, is a tremendous opportunity for legislators to dialogue with these leaders and learn how their needs correlate with the needs of hardworking Georgians. During our second week of the 2024 Legislative Session, I welcomed the opportunity to listen to budget presentations from various state agencies. I would like to first thank Budget Chairmen Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin) for their continued discernment as Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. I would also like to thank each agency head for their hard work year-round and their willingness to answer our questions this week. Passing a balanced state budget is the sole constitutional obligation of the Georgia General Assembly each session, and I appreciate the hard work of committee members from both sides of the aisle throughout this process.

When I began to read through this year’s budget, I couldn’t help but be proud of our state’s commitment to spending wisely. We didn’t count our chickens before they hatched, and we are now getting to reap the benefits of fiscal conservatism. We are currently sitting on a $16 billion surplus, which has provided us with a solid financial foundation. The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget aims to reward hardworking Georgians with tax rebates and reductions while also providing a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees and our educators. Georgia is celebrating 27 consecutive years of a AAA bond rating, which is the highest attainable credit rating for a state government.

These are not the only investments that I look forward to celebrating, however. I’m greatly appreciative to Gov. Brian P. Kemp for his allocation of $21.54 million for a new goat, sheep and swine barn at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. I’m grateful for investments such as the $250 million proposed to support water and wastewater infrastructure development via low-interest loans. These loans encourage county governments to build toward a brighter tomorrow and provide Georgia with additional leverage when persuading businesses to set up shop in the Peach State. Lastly, I am energized by Gov. Kemp’s tough-on-crime proposals, including over $807 thousand in funding to expand the Gang Prosecution Unit to all corners of our state.  

As we look to our third week of the 2024 legislative session, I assure you that I am keeping the interests of Georgia’s citizens and the 20th Senate district at the forefront of my mind. There is still much work to do, and I appreciate any feedback you might have concerning current or future legislation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns regarding legislative matters.

# # # #

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutien, 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.

Posted on

Walker: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The 2024 Legislative Session is in full swing, and I’m excited to dive back into work for the 20th Senate District. We officially kicked off the Second Session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. I anticipate a busy and productive few months, and I’ll be working hard on legislative initiatives that contribute to a brighter future for our great state. Additionally, I’m continuing in my role as Secretary and Treasurer of the Majority Caucus. It’s an honor to have been elected by my peers to serve in this capacity.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor I’ll be vetting bills related to insurance, finance and commerce.  I’ll hold hearings on those bills that appear to have merit and the support of my colleagues. Collaborating with members of my committee, we will endeavor to pass meaningful legislation that benefits the people of Georgia.

A significant moment of last week was the joint session of the Georgia Senate and the House of Representatives in the House chamber, where we listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State Address on Thursday. The Governor utilized this annual speech to outline his legislative and budgetary priorities for the upcoming session. I commend his focus on health insurance as a crucial need for Georgia families, and I also support his other priorities, which include accelerating planned state income tax rate reductions, investments in infrastructure, pay raises for state employees, teachers and law enforcement officers, funding for school resource officers, shoring up state employee retirement systems, and updating key technology in state agencies.

The coming months are expected to be fast-paced and eventful as we diligently work towards a better and brighter Georgia. Your input is valuable, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office throughout the session with any questions, comments or concerns. Together, let’s shape a prosperous future for our state.

####

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutien, 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.