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Sen. Seay Highlights Risk of Heart Disease in Women

ATLANTA (February 3, 2011) – Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) is encouraging everyone to Go Red for Women today to highlight the dangers of heart disease in women.  Today marks National Wear Red Day at the State Capitol, and is part of February’s American Heart Month sponsored annually by the American Heart Association (AHA).

“Heart disease is the leading threat to women’s health today, and I’m honored to help continue the annual tradition of wearing red to educate women on this issue,” said Seay.  “Each year, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of almost 421,000 American women.  I encourage every woman to learn about their risk for heart disease.  As an advocate of women’s health care issues, I’m proud to see our Senate participate in this important day of advocacy and education.”

More women die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases than the next four leading causes of death combined, including cancer.  However, only 16 percent of women surveyed in 2009 consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk.

As a heart attack survivor, Seay has a very personal connection to this cause and has worked diligently over the years to increase awareness of women’s risk.  Since her election in 2003, Seay has championed Go Red for Women Day in the Senate and encouraged her colleagues to wear red in support of raising awareness of women’s heart disease.

The AHA’s Go Red for Women offers a free risk assessment and tips for a healthy life at www.goredforwomen.org.  Since 2003, the AHA has spread women’s awareness of heart disease through the iconic red dress symbol and through a day of wearing red across the nation.  The organization aims to bridge the gap in heart disease research between women and men and hopes to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent in 2020.      

Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette Counties.  She can be reached at her office at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 1, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Murphy Files Illegal Immigration Bill

ATLANTA (February 3, 2011) – Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming) today held a press conference to mark the filing of SB 40, an immigration reform bill to enhance the use of the federal E-Verify system and to allow local and state law enforcement officers to help federal authorities identify illegal immigrants in Georgia.

 Specific portions of this bill include:

  • Increased punishments on contractors who work on state projects but do not use the federal E-Verify system to ensure their employees are legal to work in the United States
  • A mandate that subcontractors must use E-Verify as well.
  • Increased punishment for public agencies that ignore the law requiring them to ensure their contractors and subcontractor use E-Verify.
  • A mandate that private businesses use E-Verify.
  • Authorizes law enforcement officers to ask for immigration documents from a person who was stopped for probable cause of a crime. (Federal rules already require immigrants under visa to carry the documents with them).
  • Authorizes law enforcement to verify citizenship or legal immigration status by asking for government identification such as a driver’s license.
  • Authorizes law enforcement to turn over suspected illegal aliens to federal authorities.
  • Specifically states that race or country of origin cannot be used to determine if someone is in the United States illegally.

Sen. Murphy said the main portions of this bill are intended to help businesses and state agencies determine that people working for them are not in the country illegally. Many businesses perform drug tests or other verification procedures on their employees. E-Verify requires a simple computer check and is much less time consuming and invasive than many procedures businesses already use.

“I do not want to promote any law that would be a hindrance to businesses,” Sen. Murphy said. “The purpose of this bill is to restrict the massive influx of illegal immigrants into Georgia. This is about stopping illegal workers from taking Georgia jobs and stopping their financial drain on our education, health and public-safety systems.”

Sen. Murphy pointed out that the bill would not apply to any person or company that has filed an H-1 or H-2 application with the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Many industries in Georgia rely on temporary foreign workers,” Sen. Murphy said. “H-1 and H-2 applications allow businesses to hire temporary foreign workers, including restaurant workers, hotel workers, nurses, agricultural workers and various specialty employees. Although we want these businesses to stay within the law, we do not want to hinder their businesses by making them use E-Verify when they are already taking steps to ensure their employees are legal.” 

Sen. Jack Murphy serves as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee.  He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Forsyth counties.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7127 or by e-mail at jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 27, 2011
For information contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Thomas W. Krause, Manager of Communication Strategies
Tom.Krause@senate.ga.gov  
404.656.0028

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Henry County Legislative Delegation to Host Public Hearing

ATLANTA (February 3, 2011) – The Henry County Legislative Delegation will hold their annual public hearing on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Government Building, 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, Georgia.

The 2011 Session of the Georgia General Assembly began on Monday, January 10.  The public hearing will give Henry County residents the opportunity to be heard on issues being considered this legislative session.

For more information, please contact Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), Chairman of the Henry County Legislative Delegation, at 404-656-0502. 

Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2011
For Information Contact:
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Statement from Sen. Curt Thompson on being named Vice-Chair of Working Families Caucus

ATLANTA (January 31, 2011) – State Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Norcross) released the following statement after being named Vice-Chairman on the Working Families Legislative Caucus for the 2011 General Assembly.  The caucus works to author and monitor legislation for the protection and support of families around the state of Georgia.

“As lawmakers our top priority must be supporting the hard-working families of our state and their best interests and needs.”  This caucus invites legislators from all parties to join together and act as a watchdog to ensure our elected leaders are fulfilling their obligations to the people who they represent.  It is truly an honor to be chosen to help lead the efforts of the Working Families Caucus.  I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and doing all I can to uphold the values and core beliefs we all share.”

– State Sen. Curt Thompson

Sen. Curt Thompson represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.  He serves as Chairman of the Senate Special Judiciary Committee.  He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1318 or by e-mail at curt.thompson@senate.ga.gov.
 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2011
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Director
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028