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Senate President Pro Tempore Receives A+ Legislator Rating from Georgia Chamber

ATLANTA (August 1, 2023) | The Georgia Chamber of Commerce recently released its 2023 Legislative Scorecard, with Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R – Macon) receiving an A+ rating for his efforts during the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. The 2023 Legislative Scorecard marks the 9th consecutive year of Senator Kennedy being recognized for championing pro-business legislation.

“I am proud to have received a top rating by the Georgia Chamber,” said Senate Present Pro Tempore Kennedy. “It is a priority of mine to ensure that Georgians have every opportunity to prosper as they chase the American dream, and I look forward to continuing the fight to make sure that Georgia stays the number one state to do business for many years to come.”

This legislative scorecard offers insight into how members of the Georgia General Assembly voted on issues during the 40-day legislative session.

The 2023 Scorecard includes legislation addressing education, legal reform, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare. You can view the scorecard here.

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Russ Goodman Announces 2023 Agricultural Issues Summit in Perry

ATLANTA (July 28, 2023) | This week, Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, announced the convening of Georgia’s annual Agricultural Issues Summit at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. Sen. Goodman will co-host the event on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 alongside Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer affairs Representative Robert Dickey (R – Musella).

“There is never a shortage of concerns or challenges faced by Georgia’s number one industry,” said Sen. Goodman. “In the last few months, we have faced reports of southern corn rust across the state, an estimated $190 million loss for our peach farmers this season and uncertainty surrounding the USDA’s approval of lab-grown meat. These are just a few problems that make it crucial for our state lawmakers, industry leaders and farmers to come together and find solutions to the issues that impact our agricultural community. This summit serves as a platform for vital communication and future disaster preparation. I extend my gratitude to our presenters, my fellow lawmakers, sponsors, and the hard-working farmers who choose to offer their perspectives during this year’s summit. I look forward to seeing everyone in Perry as we continue the work of searching for opportunities for the next generation of Georgia farmers and finding innovative solutions to the ag industry’s current and future challenges.”

The agenda includes several important updates and issues related to the agricultural community in Georgia. A more detailed agenda will be sent out soon.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick Receives GMOAA Barto Award

ATLANTA (July 31, 2023) | Last week, the Georgia Military Officers Association bestowed the 2022 Barto award to Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta). Originally, the presentation was to be made in November of 2022, but was moved due to scheduling conflicts. Sen. Kirkpatrick receives this award due in recognition for her support and sponsorship of the new state income tax exemption for retired military personnel of $17,500.00/year. This exemption, known as House Bill 1064, will begin at the date of the service member’s retirement date, instead of the individual having to wait until age 62, which was the previous standard of practice.

“It is an honor to be named as a recipient of this prestigious award,” said Sen. Kirkpatrick. “I want to thank GMOAA for the recognition, and I look forward to continue working together for the benefit of all military personnel for many years to come.”


In 2014 the Georgia Military Officers Association of America (GMOAA), the Georgia council affiliate of the MOAA, established the Joseph C. Barto, Jr., Service Award to be presented annually to State of Georgia officials in the Executive Branch, House and Senate for their support of issues at the state level involving military personnel and veterans. The award is named in honor of LTC, USA (R) Joseph C. Barto, Jr., who was a past president of the GMOAA (back when it was the Georgia The Retired Officers Association [GTROA]) and then the long-serving director of legislative affairs for the GMOAA.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents Senate District 32 which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee Counties. She may be reached at 404.656.
3932 or at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov

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Georgia Senate Study Committee on CON Reform to Hold Second Meeting in Columbus

ATLANTA (July 28, 2023) | On August 28, 2023, the Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need (CON) Reform, chaired by Senator Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming), will hold its second meeting at The Hughston Foundation in Columbus, Georgia. The committee’s primary goal is to explore health system regulations implemented in other states, seeking innovative solutions that enhance access to medical care for all Georgians.

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