PERRY (February 7, 2011) – Amid the daily business under the Gold Dome, I’ve spent time with some of Georgia’s most important industries and constituencies. Throughout session, we welcome industry organizations, advocacy groups and distinguished Georgians to the Capitol, and I’ve been honored to meet with some of these important groups.
The Senate continued its annual tradition of recognizing Georgia’s more than 30,000 firefighters during the 39th Firefighters’ Recognition Day at the Capitol. These brave men and women serve over 900 fire stations across the state. They dedicate themselves to the protection of life and property by preventing and suppressing fires while saving lives, and I was honored to shake hands with a few of these exceptional Georgians.
The Georgia Agribusiness Council held their annual breakfast, and it was great to visit with many of the local farmers from our area. The Council covers all agribusiness issues during the legislative session and has been an excellent partner in ensuring that we meet the industry’s needs. Georgia’s food and fiber production and processing is a $65 billion industry, which according to the Council, accounts for more than 8 percent of the state’s economy and 351,000 jobs in 2008. It’s crucial that we work together to continue moving our agricultural industry forward and maintain a competitive edge.
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with a few other important groups from the 20th Senate District, including representatives of the Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) from Warner Robbins. HBAG is part of a three-tiered federation of organizations who serve the housing industry and provide expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing. I was also pleased to meet with a group from Houston County who were visiting the Capitol with The Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Cooperation between the state and local government is a critical component to keeping our state running smoothly, and I always enjoy working with the ACCG to help our local communities.
We’re continuing our focus on Georgia’s natural resources by reinstating the Joint Committee on Water Supply. This committee was formed last year to study Georgia’s reservoir system and includes five members of the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives. We’ll continue our work this year to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the state’s strategic needs for additional water supply, including the identification of creative financing options for water reservoirs and other opportunities for water supply enhancement. The committee will make a report of its findings and recommendations by December 31 of this year.
Expect the pace to quicken under the Gold Dome as we begin moving more legislation through the legislative process. I encourage all constituents of the 20th District to visit us at the State Capitol and see their Georgia legislature in action.
Sen. Ross Tolleson serves as Chairman of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, and Telfair counties and parts of Houston and Wilcox counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0081 or by e-mail at ross.tolleson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028