Notes from the Georgia Senate

By Sen. Bill Heath
January 16, 2009

Sen. Bill Heath
Sen. Bill Heath

Beginning with Governor Sonny Perdue’s

State of the State Address this past Wednesday, our Legislative Session has plunged into the serious concerns affecting Georgians today. The most critical and widespread issue of the 2009 Legislative Session is our state government budget which will see one of its steepest drops in years. Our budget adjustments are a necessary evil that will, in turn, allow our legislation to focus on what is important and drop unnecessary and fruitless issues. An issue that I oppose, Senate Bill 12, is an example of such legislation.

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The People’s Business

Sen. Tommie Williams
Sen. Tommie Williams

By President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams
January 16, 2009

The 2009 Legislative Session promises to be marked by its challenges as the General Assembly seeks to balance the budget in the wake of a $2.3 billion shortfall. The budget shortfall has caused us to thoughtfully examine spending priorities as tough decisions lie ahead. This year in particular reminds us of how critically important conservative fiscal stewardship is as we are entrusted and held accountable by our constituents.

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Sen. Jones Met with President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team to Seek Support for Minority Auto Dealers

ATLANTA – (January 16, 2009) State Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) held a press conference today urging President-Elect Barack Obama to issue an executive order granting ethnic minority automobile dealers immediate financial assistance and access to funding through the Small Business Administration (SBA). A successful auto dealer himself, Sen. Jones owns one of the largest African-American owned businesses in Atlanta.

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Senator Seabaugh to Host Page Day at Capitol

ATLANTA (January 16, 2009) – State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) will host his annual Page Day at the Capitol for students from his district, sixth grade and above, on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The students will serve as pages for the Senate on that day.

“I encourage students, particularly those interested in civics and government, to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to experience the legislative process first-hand,” Sen. Seabaugh said. “This is a chance for students to experience American politics and watch the state legislature work.”

Pages are granted access to the Senate Chamber for the day and are responsible for delivering messages to the senators on the floor. They may also be called on by senators to run special errands. Each page is sponsored by their local senator. They will receive a certificate, $10 honorarium and are scheduled to have their pictures taken with Lt. Governor Cagle and Senator Seabaugh.

Parents and teachers who would like to nominate students to serve as pages should contact Sen. Seabaugh’s office at 404-656-6446. Students must be 12 years of age or older. The day will count as an excused absence from school. Please submit any page requests as soon as possible. There are only five slots that remain available this year and students will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.

Sen. Mitch Seabaugh serves as Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 28th Senate District which includes Coweta and Heard counties and portions of Carroll and Troup counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.6446 or by e-mail at mail@mitchseabaugh.com.

Press Release
For Immediate Release:
January 16, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Ravae Graham, Communications Specialist
ravae.graham@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028