Official Press Releases
By President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams
January 16, 2009
The 2009 Legislative Session promises to be marked by its challenges as the General Assembly seeks to balance the budget in the wake of a $2.3 billion shortfall. The budget shortfall has caused us to thoughtfully examine spending priorities as tough decisions lie ahead. This year in particular reminds us of how critically important conservative fiscal stewardship is as we are entrusted and held accountable by our constituents.
ATLANTA – (January 16, 2009) State Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) held a press conference today urging President-Elect Barack Obama to issue an executive order granting ethnic minority automobile dealers immediate financial assistance and access to funding through the Small Business Administration (SBA). A successful auto dealer himself, Sen. Jones owns one of the largest African-American owned businesses in Atlanta.
ATLANTA (January 16, 2009) – State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) will host his annual Page Day at the Capitol for students from his district, sixth grade and above, on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The students will serve as pages for the Senate on that day.
“I encourage students, particularly those interested in civics and government, to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to experience the legislative process first-hand,” Sen. Seabaugh said. “This is a chance for students to experience American politics and watch the state legislature work.”
Pages are granted access to the Senate Chamber for the day and are responsible for delivering messages to the senators on the floor. They may also be called on by senators to run special errands. Each page is sponsored by their local senator. They will receive a certificate, $10 honorarium and are scheduled to have their pictures taken with Lt. Governor Cagle and Senator Seabaugh.
Parents and teachers who would like to nominate students to serve as pages should contact Sen. Seabaugh’s office at 404-656-6446. Students must be 12 years of age or older. The day will count as an excused absence from school. Please submit any page requests as soon as possible. There are only five slots that remain available this year and students will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
Sen. Mitch Seabaugh serves as Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 28th Senate District which includes Coweta and Heard counties and portions of Carroll and Troup counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.6446 or by e-mail at mail@mitchseabaugh.com.
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
January 16, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Ravae Graham, Communications Specialist
ravae.graham@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
ATLANTA – (January 16, 2009) Co-chairmen State Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) convened the first Joint Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2009 session on Wednesday at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. The committee focused on the housing industry and announced their plans to introduce a housing tax incentive plan.
By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (January 16, 2009) – The one thing on everyone’s mind during the first week of the 2009 session was the budget, which will be sure to dominate all business under the Gold Dome this year. We heard from Governor Perdue on his budget proposal during the State of the State address. He emphasized the need to cut spending while also encouraging investment in Georgia’s future through an aggressive bond program to build needed infrastructure.