By: Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Athens)
A new year has begun and the Georgia Legislature is back in session. I’m excited to be back at the State Capitol and continue to work for the 47th Senate District. We have many items of business to attend to this session and I’m confident that this legislative session will bring forth more improvements for our citizens.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on State & Local Government Operations, I jumped straight into our assigned committee work this week by holding meaningful dialogue with my friend, Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens). We discussed the pros and cons of Senate Bill 172, which establishes the regulation and taxation of sports betting. I look forward to discussing this matter further with legislators on both sides of the aisle as this measure continues on through the legislative process. The bill did not have a Constitutional Amendment with it. Anything this big must have a vote of our citizens!
On Thursday, I joined my Senate colleagues in the House chamber to listen to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. I was proud to serve on the Governor’s escort committee for the ceremony. It’s no secret that Georgia is the number one place to live, work and raise a family, and Gov. Kemp’s Georgia First initiatives have been crucial to our state’s continued success. I remain proud to stand alongside the Gov. as we support law enforcement officers, teachers and the many other state employees who have worked hard for the betterment of every Georgian.
Next week, we will carefully discuss our state’s budget through several joint hearings between the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. The General Assembly will further discuss Gov. Kemp’s priorities to strengthen rural Georgia by increasing rural broadband access and improving literacy rates for Georgia’s students. We will continue our partnership with a number of state-funded agencies to ensure Georgia remains a premier location for all levels of business by incentivizing global commerce and supporting the development of a skilled labor force.
I want to take some time to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to page for me at the Capitol. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns about potential legislation that may arise in the 2024 legislative session. I am here to serve you as always.
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Sen. Frank Ginn serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations. He represents the 47th Senate District which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson Count. He can be reached at 404.656.4700 or by email at frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov