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MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools to Hold First Meeting

ATLANTA (July 31, 2025) — On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will hold its first hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Mercer University, President’s Dining Room – 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA, 31207
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools, created through Senate Resolution 217, will examine the root causes and long-term impacts of chronic absenteeism among Georgia students. This bipartisan committee will work with educators, parents, policymakers, and community leaders to explore effective, research-backed strategies, such as early intervention and targeted support programs, that can help reduce absenteeism and improve student success.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Zach Pishock at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.  

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

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Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol

ATLANTA (July 30, 2025) — Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) welcomed members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) to the Georgia State Capitol. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the state of Georgia and WHINSEC’s international mission to advance leadership, uphold ethics and foster regional cooperation.

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Sen. Larry Walker III Honored with Prestigious Georgia 4-H Green Jacket Award

ATLANTA (July 29, 2025)— Senator Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been named the 2025 recipient of the Georgia 4-H Green Jacket Award—one of the organization’s highest honors—for his exceptional leadership, sustained advocacy and meaningful support of 4-H programming across the state.

Presented annually at State 4-H Congress, the Green Jacket Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and ongoing contributions to Georgia 4-H. Sen. Walker’s dedication to youth development, civic engagement and agricultural education made him a natural choice for this prestigious honor.

“Georgia 4-H is one of the most impactful youth programs in our state, and I’m truly humbled to receive this recognition,” said Sen. Walker. “I believe in investing in our young people, especially in ways that connect them to public service, agriculture, and leadership opportunities. I’ll continue to proudly support 4-H and all it stands for.”

Sen. Walker has served as Senate host for Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol for five consecutive years, helping expand the program’s reach and offering thousands of 4-H’ers the opportunity to connect with elected officials and experience the civic process firsthand. In 2022, he led the State 4-H Council’s Citizenship Ceremony, administering an oath that challenges new voters to participate in democracy.

In the legislature, Sen. Walker played a key role in securing $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 amended budget to support cabin replacements at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. This investment will serve future generations of 4-H’ers for decades to come. He has also championed the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and helped build support for the UGA Grand Farm initiative.

A native of Perry and graduate of the University of Georgia, Sen. Walker lives in Kathleen with his wife, Adrienne. They have three sons and are active members of Perry Methodist Church.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

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