ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2024) – Today, Sen. Clint Dixon (R – Gwinnett) issued a statement regarding his authored legislation, Senate Bill 386, aimed at regulating and taxing sports betting under the oversight of the Georgia Lottery Commission. The allocated proceeds from SB 386 would contribute to student financial aid programs, including the HOPE college scholarship.
Continue reading “Sen. Clint Dixon Comments on Senate Bill 386 for Sports Betting Regulation and Taxation”Georgia Senate Republicans Announce 2024 Caucus Priorities
ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2024) — Today the Senate Majority Caucus held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to announce the Senate Majority Caucus’s priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session. Majority Leader Steve Gooch was joined by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and President Pro Tempore of the Senate John F. Kennedy, as well as members of the Senate Majority Caucus.
“Here we are in 2024, the second year of our two-year session, and we are looking for a big finish. We have several momentous efforts that, in one form or another, began a year ago, and Senate Republicans are determined to finish the drill,” said Majority Leader Gooch. “Big Ideas, Big Wins, and a Big Finish to this 2023-2024 convening of the Georgia General Assembly – that’s what Senate Republicans are delivering for everyday Georgians. And that’s why Senate Republicans are committed to finishing the drill.”
“Senate Republicans have an ambitious agenda to tackle what matters to Georgians by addressing kitchen table issues with an aim to keep Georgia the best state to live, work, and raise a family,” said President Pro Tempore Kennedy. “We are committed to delivering on expanding economic opportunity and innovation, cultivating an educated workforce, increasing the safety of our communities and ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable in 2024.”
The Majority Leader announced that the caucus would focus on building upon the work of the 2023 Legislative Session to improve the fundamentals that make Georgia the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Georgia Senate Republicans are committed to finishing the drill on the following five priorities.
TAX RELIEF
After delivering $2 billion in tax relief for state income taxpayers and homeowners, we are now accelerating the reduction of the state income tax. Additionally, Senate Republicans are prioritizing SB 349 by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a statewide floating homestead exemption.
TORT REFORM
Last year, Senate Republicans tested the waters looking for consensus opportunities to improve Georgia’s troublesome litigation environment. This year, at a minimum, we will pass legislation to limit direct-action lawsuits carried by Senator Blake Tillery.
EDUCATION
Senate Republicans unanimously support Senator Greg Dolezal’s SB 233, which provides
school choice for students trapped in underperforming public schools. SB 233 is the product of
thoughtful discussion and compromise within our caucus and should be passed by the House.
WORKFORCE
Recently, three Senate study committees addressed deficiencies in our workforce. As a result, our caucus has prioritized improving career and credentialing pathways for veterans and military spouses seeking employment in Georgia’s healthcare system under the leadership of Senator Larry Walker.
PUBLIC SAFETY
In 2023, Senate Republicans led the crackdown on gangs, violent criminals, and rogue prosecutors. In one piece of unfinished business, we will keep more dangerous criminals off the streets by eliminating no-cash bail for violent offenders under the leadership of Senator Randy Robertson.
# # # #
Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov
Senator Parent and Representatives Evans and Oliver to Hold Legislative Town Hall
ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2024) — On Sunday, Feb. 4th, Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), Rep. Becky Evans (D-Atlanta) and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) will host a legislative town hall. The purpose of this town hall is to engage with constituents and discuss important legislative issues anticipated to be addressed during the 2024 Legislative Session.
Continue reading “Senator Parent and Representatives Evans and Oliver to Hold Legislative Town Hall”Sen. John Albers Applauds Passage of SB 335 Through Committee
ATLANTA (Jan. 26, 2024) — This week, Senate Bill 335, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) passed by a unanimous, bipartisan vote through the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
Also known as the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act”, SB 335 would provide that sexual intercourse or sodomy between certain family members related by adoption be regarded as incest. Incest is already illegal under Georgia law, and this legislation will now include adoptive families. Sen. Albers worked closely with Susan K. Treadaway, District Attorney of Cherokee County on this bill.
“I am grateful to DA Susan K. Treadaway for sharing this important loophole in the law with me and working together to protect our children. Cherokee County is so fortunate to have a District Attorney fighting every day to protect citizens and victims while prosecuting dangerous criminals,” said Sen. Albers.
“As prosecutors, we serve as the ‘boots on the ground’ in the courtroom, directly positioned to identify opportunities for positive change in the law. I am proud to work with Sen. John Albers, a true champion for justice, as we partner together to make Georgia a safer place for children and families,” said Susan K. Treadaway.
You can find more information on SB 335 here.
# # # #
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov
Kim Jackson Announces Upcoming Release of SPLC Report on the Intersection of Homelessness and Criminalization in Georgia
ATLANTA (January 26, 2024) — Sen. Kim Jackson of Georgia State District 41 is set to stand with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the SPLC Action Fund, as well as fellow legislators, community advocates and constituents at the Georgia State Capitol. The gathering, scheduled for January 29 at noon ET, is a call to action for the state to halt the criminalization of individuals dealing with homelessness and to implement the recommendations presented in the 2022 final report by the Senate Study Committee on Unsheltered Homelessness.
Continue reading “Kim Jackson Announces Upcoming Release of SPLC Report on the Intersection of Homelessness and Criminalization in Georgia”