ATLANTA (April 21, 2010) – South Georgia lawmakers Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus) and Rep. Mike Cheokas (D-Americus) have included a critical $6.5 million in the state budget for Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) to build a new health and human sciences building.
“Building a new health sciences building is a crucial project for the university that will help better prepare students for successful careers,” said Hooks. “Representative Cheokas and I are working hard to ensure that funding remains included in the budget as it moves through the legislative process, and are proud to support an educational institution that brings so much to our community.”
“Getting this project funded was our top priority this session. It means so much to the nursing program at Georgia Southwestern State University and the Rosalynn Carter Institute,” said Cheokas. “The project is complemented by the new hospital being built and will greatly enhance the quality of health care in our state.”
GSW President Dr. Kendall Blanchard expressed his appreciation to the legislators for their work, saying “I cannot tell you how pleased and excited I am. I also cannot tell you how much I appreciate your yeoman effort on our behalf.”
Funding for the project is included in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, and the project is expected to be completed over the course of two years. GSW is a four-year institution, founded in 1906 with roots in agriculture and mechanics.
Sen. George Hooks represents the 14th Senate District, which includes Dooly, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Upson and Webster counties and portions of Crawford County. He can be reached at his office at 404.656.0065 or by email at george.hooks@senate.ga.gov.
Rep. Mike Cheokas represents the 134th House District, which includes Marion, Schley and Sumter counties and a portion of Talbot County. He can be reached at his office at 404.656.0325 or by email at mike.cheokas@house.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028