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Anavitarte: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas)

Happy New Year, West Georgia! I hope that 2024 is finding you both happy and healthy. Each new year brings with it new challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to represent Georgia’s 31st Senate District during this year’s Legislative Session. The time between each session, often referred to as the interim, has finally come to a close. I’m looking forward to working on your behalf over the course of our remaining legislative calendar days.

The Georgia State Senate kicked off the Second Session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly on Monday, January 8, 2024. This legislative session is sure to be important as we continue to pass effective legislation for Georgians, while specifically prioritizing issues important to the 31st District.

We began the week by passing Senate Resolution 431, officially convening the General Assembly for the 2024 Regular Session. On Thursday, I listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s joint State of the State address to the House and Senate.  While we already agree on numerous items, it remains encouraging to see that we each remain committed to specific conservative principles such as backing the blue, ensuring that our communities are safe and keeping the scope of government small.

Next week, I look forward to listening to Gov. Kemp, various State officers and numerous state agency heads as we take time to carefully discuss our state’s budget throughout several subcommittee hearings. I’m excited to support Gov. Kemp’s priorities to strengthen rural Georgia and promote West Georgia businesses. I will always lead the charge when it comes to promoting rural broadband, dismantling Common Core and cutting unnecessary burdens for local entrepreneurs.

Finally, I’d like to express my sincere sympathy and support to recently passed Polk County Commissioner Scotty Tillery’s family, friends, and the entire Polk County community. Commissioner Tillery’s dedication to the City of Cedartown, its residents and citizens such as myself represent his unwavering dedication to service. May we all find strength and solace in the cherished memories of a dedicated public servant and a beloved community leader.

The next few weeks will surely be busy and I am excited for the impactful work that is yet to be done. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about matters relating to the Georgia Senate.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31 which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

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Hatchett: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia)

The New Year signals the start of another Legislative Session here under the Gold Dome, and I’m enthusiastic about representing the hardworking constituents of the 50th Senate District once again. Throughout this session, my commitment remains unwavering—to serve the people of District 50 and contribute to making Georgia the best place to live and work.

During the interim, I had the honor of chairing the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment. Being a rural Georgia native, I’ve witnessed firsthand the negative impact of a shortage of medical personnel on families outside metro Atlanta. While the committee has concluded its work, its recommendations will form the basis for various measures to be considered by the Senate. Additionally, as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, I’m eagerly anticipating positive reforms resulting from the actions taken by this committee.

The 2024 Session holds significant importance as we continue to pass effective legislation, prioritizing the hardworking citizens of Georgia. The first week kicked off with the Senate convening on the Senate floor and concluded with Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. The address served as a platform for the Governor to outline his legislative and budgetary priorities, emphasizing public safety, school choice, and pay raises for teachers. I am eager to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout this session in support of Gov. Kemp.

Next week marks the beginning of Budget Week. I look forward to collaborating closely with Gov. Kemp and State Departments as we discuss and amend the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and outline the Fiscal Year 2025 budget in several subcommittee hearings. It’s our responsibility to ensure your tax dollars are allocated fairly.

While this session promises to be fast-paced and busy, rest assured that I will keep your needs and concerns at the forefront of every decision I make. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for any questions or concerns. Together, let’s navigate this session for the betterment of Georgia.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Payne Assumes Chairmanship of The Committee on Veterans, Military & Homeland Security

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — Senator Chuck Payne (R-Dalton) proudly announces his appointment as Chairman of The Committee on Veterans, Military & Homeland Security. Building upon his successful tenure as Chairman of The Committee on Science & Technology, Senator Payne is ready to bring his leadership and expertise to new challenges in the realm of veterans, military, and homeland security.

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Sen. Setzler Appointed Chair of the Senate Committee on Science & Technology

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — This week, Senator Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) was appointed to serve as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. The Committee exercises general jurisdiction over fields such as cyber security, scientific research, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies.

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13th Congressional District to Represent Georgia’s 9th Senate District Following 2024 Election

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2024) — In response to the redrawing of Georgia’s Congressional maps during the 2023 Special Session, Georgia’s 9th State Senate District will undergo a shift in Congressional representation. The district is currently represented by Sen. Nikki Merritt (D-Grayson). Currently aligned with the 7th Congressional District, represented by Congresswoman Lucy McBath, the 9th Senate District will no longer be associated with this district following the 2024 Election. Instead, the 9th Senate District will now follow under the jurisdiction of the 13th Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman David Scott.

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