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.

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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. Payne Assumes Chairmanship of The Committee on Veterans, Military & Homeland Security

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — Senator Chuck Payne (R-Dalton) proudly announces his appointment as Chairman of The Committee on Veterans, Military & Homeland Security. Building upon his successful tenure as Chairman of The Committee on Science & Technology, Senator Payne is ready to bring his leadership and expertise to new challenges in the realm of veterans, military, and homeland security.

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Sen. Setzler Appointed Chair of the Senate Committee on Science & Technology

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — This week, Senator Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) was appointed to serve as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. The Committee exercises general jurisdiction over fields such as cyber security, scientific research, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies.

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13th Congressional District to Represent Georgia’s 9th Senate District Following 2024 Election

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — In response to the redrawing of Georgia’s Congressional maps during the 2023 Special Session, Georgia’s 9th State Senate District will undergo a shift in Congressional representation. The district is currently represented by Sen. Nikki Merritt (D-Grayson). Currently aligned with the 7th Congressional District, represented by Congresswoman Lucy McBath, the 9th Senate District will no longer be associated with this district following the 2024 Election. Instead, the 9th Senate District will now follow under the jurisdiction of the 13th Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman David Scott.

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Sen. Donzella James Receives Legislator of the Year Award from Georgia Legislative Black Caucus

ATLANTA (January 5, 2023) — On Friday, December 22, 2023, Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta) was honored with the “Legislator of the Year” award by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) during their Christmas Soirée in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the state of Georgia during the 2023 Legislative Session. As Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs and the current Senate Whip for the GLBC, Sen. James introduced and sponsored vital legislation that not only advances affordable housing and equity but also directly aligns with the core objectives of the GLBC.

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