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Sen. Larry Walker Applauds Dodge County’s $2 Million Grant for Eastman Aerospace Park Development

ATLANTA (December 5, 2024) —Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today celebrated the announcement that Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority has been awarded $2 million through Governor Brian Kemp’s new Rural Site Development Initiative. The grant will fund critical water and sewer infrastructure improvements at the Eastman Aerospace Park, enhancing its readiness for industrial development and positioning Dodge County for sustained economic growth.

“As a lifelong advocate for rural development, I’m thrilled to see Dodge County receive this significant investment through the Rural Site Development Initiative,” said Sen. Walker. “This grant represents a major step forward in leveraging Dodge County’s unique assets, like the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation, to attract strategic industries such as aerospace and defense. The improvements at Eastman Aerospace Park will create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen our local economy for years to come.”

The Eastman Aerospace Park, a “GRAD Select” certified site, is ideally located to attract businesses in high-demand sectors. The site’s proximity to key resources such as the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation makes it attractive for industries that rely on state-of-the-art infrastructure and access to a skilled workforce. The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority is contributing to the project, with the total cost expected to exceed $2.2 million.

Sen. Walker also commended the leadership of Governor Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, and the OneGeorgia Authority for their continued focus on rural economic development.

“Through strategic initiatives like this, Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business, ensuring our communities have the tools to compete on a global scale,” added Sen. Walker. “I look forward to seeing this project’s long-term benefits to Dodge County and the entire middle Georgia region.”

The Rural Site Development Initiative is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. It aims to help communities identify, assess, and develop new industrial sites to maintain Georgia’s competitive edge in economic development.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He also serves as a member of the OneGeorgia Authority Overview Committee. He represents Senate District 20, including Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. John Albers Announces Completion of Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence

ATLANTA (December 3, 2024) —Today, Senator John Albers (R–Roswell), Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), announced the unanimous adoption of the committee’s final report during its concluding meeting at the State Capitol. The committee, created under Senate Resolution 476, has spent months examining AI technology’s transformative potential and implications across key sectors including education, public safety, healthcare, agriculture and entertainment.

“Artificial intelligence represents one of the most dynamic and complex advancements of our time,” said Sen. Albers. “This committee worked diligently to ensure Georgia is not only prepared for the opportunities AI offers but also vigilant in addressing its challenges, from ethical concerns to workforce implications.”

The report details findings and recommendations to guide Georgia’s approach to AI implementation. Key highlights include:

Comprehensive AI Policies for Public Entities: The committee recommends every state agency and local government develop policies addressing ethical use, data privacy, and human oversight in AI applications.

Support for Education and Workforce Development: Initiatives include AI-focused pathways in K-12 schools, expanded upskilling programs for Georgia’s workforce, and the development of AI integration plans for higher education systems.

Public Safety and Healthcare Enhancements: The report emphasizes AI’s role in improving emergency response efficiency and healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.

Promoting Responsible Innovation: Measures include encouraging transparency in AI systems, establishing liability standards for AI products, and ensuring protections against the misuse of deepfake technology.

“From addressing food security through precision agriculture to enhancing emergency response and advancing personalized education, AI has the potential to improve every Georgian’s quality of life,” said Sen. Albers. “However, we must balance innovation with safeguards to protect privacy, fairness, and transparency.”

The committee, comprised of bipartisan legislators, industry leaders, and academic experts, held eight meetings statewide to gather stakeholder testimony and explore AI’s applications and risks. The report also calls for the creation of a state board on Artificial Intelligence and continued legislative oversight to ensure Georgia remains a leader in responsible AI adoption.

“I’m proud of the collaborative effort that shaped this report,” said Sen. Albers. “We look forward to turning these recommendations into actionable policies that will keep Georgia safe and at the forefront of technological innovation.”

The full report is available on the Georgia General Assembly website here.


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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Senator Elena Parent and Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver and Omari Crawford to Hold Legislative Town Hall

ATLANTA (December 2, 2024) — On Wednesday, December 4, Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Elena Parent (D–Atlanta), Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D–Decatur) and Rep. Omari Crawford (D–Decatur) will host a legislative town hall.  

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Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands Adopts Final Committee Report

ATLANTA (November 26, 2024) — The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), has adopted its final report, offering key recommendations to support and preserve Georgia’s farmland.

Continue reading “Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands Adopts Final Committee Report”