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Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Rural Site Development Investments in Dublin-Laurens and Pulaski Counties

ATLANTA (June 20, 2025) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today celebrated Governor Brian Kemp’s recent announcement of Rural Site Development Initiative grants awarded to communities across Georgia, including key investments in Dublin-Laurens County and Pulaski County.

The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority was awarded a $2 million site improvement grant to support sewage and drainage upgrades at the Georgia Highway 257 Rail Site—a 250-acre GRAD Select-certified location positioned to attract significant economic development opportunities. Local leaders are contributing more than $6 million to the total infrastructure cost, emphasizing the community’s strong commitment to long-term industrial growth.

Meanwhile, the Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority received a $31,455 GRAD Certification Scholarship to assist in certifying the 170-acre Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Industrial Park, expanding the region’s readiness to recruit major employers and support high-quality job creation.

“These investments show exactly what it looks like when state and local leaders work together to build a brighter economic future for rural Georgia,” said Sen. Walker. “With strong infrastructure and certified, development-ready sites, Laurens and Pulaski counties are better positioned than ever to compete for private investment, good-paying jobs, and long-term prosperity. I’m thankful to Governor Kemp for his support of this funding for the 20th Senate District.”

The Rural Site Development Initiative is administered by the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. The program supports infrastructure improvements, site grading, and GRAD (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development) certifications to strengthen Georgia’s economic competitiveness.

For more information about the Rural Site Development Initiative, visit www.dca.ga.gov.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as 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.

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Sen. Larry Walker III Named Republican Nominee for President Pro Tempore Ahead of 2026 Session

ATLANTA (June 18, 2025) — Yesterday, the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus announced that Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been selected as its nominee for President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate, following today’s internal caucus vote. Walker, who has served the 20th Senate District since 2015, will stand for formal election by the full Senate body at the start of the new legislative session in January 2026.

“I’m honored by the support and confidence of my Republican colleagues,” said Sen. Walker. “This nomination reflects our shared vision for a Senate that remains fair, efficient and stands in service to the people of Georgia. While January’s full Senate vote is still to come, I’m prepared to bring forward my experience and commitment to this important role.”

In the position of President Pro Tempore, Walker would preside over Senate sessions in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and collaborate closely with Senate leadership to streamline legislative procedure and enhance transparency.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as 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.

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Senator Jason Anavitarte Elected Senate Majority Leader

ATLANTA (June 17, 2025) — The Georgia Senate Republican Caucus today elected Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) as Majority Leader of the Georgia State Senate. He will assume the role immediately, serving as the principal legislative strategist and floor leader for the Senate Republican Caucus heading into the remainder of the 2025–2026 legislative biennium.

“I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “The people of Georgia, and the 31st Senate District, elected a Republican majority to lead boldly, govern responsibly, and protect our values. I come from a blue-collar family, and I carry those roots with me every day. Hardworking Georgians across West Georgia and beyond are counting on us, and I intend to meet this moment with focus, discipline, and a commitment to improving lives across our state. As we move through the remainder of the legislative interim, I’m ready to get to work.”

Anavitarte, who previously served as Majority Caucus Chair, brings years of leadership experience to the role. Since joining the Senate in 2021, he has championed legislation to expand school choice, strengthen public safety, support teachers, protect kids and lower taxes.

A former member of both the Doraville City Council and the Paulding County Board of Education, Anavitarte made history early in his career as one of the youngest Hispanic officials elected in the state. He currently represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Paulding and Polk counties.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

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