By Sen. Don Thomas
This week, the General Assembly concluded the 2010 Legislative Session. On Day 40, also know as Sine Die, my colleagues and I worked well into the night to make sure every piece of legislation was given the appropriate amount of attention. After 16 years of service to the people of this great state, I have decided not to seek reelection this fall and will instead return to Dalton where my wife, family, and practice await me. Although this decision was with a heavy heart, I leave my public duties with a sense of accomplishment – not for myself but for the people of Georgia.
As the Chairman of the Health and Human Science Committee, I oversaw the passage of several important pieces of legislation that have had a significant impact on the daily lives of citizens across this state. When I began my time in the Senate, there were several issues of great importance to me. I made the commitment to myself and my constituents that I would follow through on these important issues in spite of any kind of political ramifications.
I assisted my fellow senators in establishing Georgia’s public smoking ban, making cold medicine used in methamphetamine labs harder to purchase, expanding cervical cancer screenings, and supporting legislation that requires teenagers to pass a driver’s education course. Additionally, I fought tirelessly to ensure that Georgia’s seatbelt laws were changed. This session, we saw the passage of my seatbelt legislation that finally makes it law to wear a seatbelt when riding in a pick-up truck. I am thankful to both chambers for assisting me in these crucial issues that affect all Georgians.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Senate. The relationships I have with the General Assembly members as well as the wonderful staff will stay with me forever. Without a doubt, I have been uniquely blessed to have this amazing opportunity to serve on behalf of my constituents. My years at the state capitol have been some of the most fruitful years of my life and I will always look back on them fondly. I am looking forward to returning home and having additional time to devote to my wife, family and medical practice in Dalton.
I would like to thank those of you who supported me, voted for me, and prayed for me and my family throughout this entire process. As I move forward, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.
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Sen. Don Thomas serves as chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Murray and Whitfield counties and portions of Catoosa and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-6436 or by e-mail at don.thomas@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028