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Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill Pre-files Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment

Rep. Calvin Hill pre-files the bill in the State House.

ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2009) – Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) pre-filed legislation proposing to amend the Georgia Constitution to protect individuals’ right to make their own health care choices. The legislation, dubbed the Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment, preserves the rights of individuals to pay directly for medical care—something not allowed in single-payer countries like Canada—and prohibits any individual from being penalized for not purchasing government-defined insurance. State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) has pre-filed the legislation in the State House.  Continue reading “Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill Pre-files Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment”

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South Georgia at the State Capitol

By: State Sen. Greg Goggans

ATLANTA (November 23, 2009) –

Georgia May Seek Federal Unemployment Funds

Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond announced this week that the state would likely have to seek federal assistance to meet its unemployment insurance obligations as soon as next month.   While those receiving unemployment checks may breathe a sigh of relief, this could mean higher payroll taxes for Georgia businesses.  I wanted to take time to explain how unemployment funds work here in Georgia, the recessions’ effect on our current funds, and what a federal loan could mean for businesses across the state. Continue reading “South Georgia at the State Capitol”

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Sen. Seay Appointed Committee Vice Chair of National Black Caucus of State Legislators

Sen. Valencia Seay
Sen. Valencia Seay

ATLANTA (Nov. 20, 2009) – Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) has been appointed 1st vice chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) Committee on Telecommunications, Science and Technology.  She was chosen by NBCSL’s president and fellow Georgian, Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), who she has served alongside for many years in the Georgia General Assembly.

Continue reading “Sen. Seay Appointed Committee Vice Chair of National Black Caucus of State Legislators”

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Sen. Buckner Leads Hearing on Georgia’s Pandemic Preparedness

ATLANTA (Nov. 16, 2009) – Sen. Gail Buckner (D-Jonesboro) today hosted a legislative hearing at the State Capitol to assess Georgia’s level of preparedness to handle pandemic situations.  Legislators met with the Department of Community Health (DCH), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and other representatives from the public health arena to learn how they dealt with the recent H1N1 outbreak and what the future holds for emergency preparedness in Georgia. 

Continue reading “Sen. Buckner Leads Hearing on Georgia’s Pandemic Preparedness”

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South Georgia at the State Capitol

By: State Sen. Greg Goggans

ATLANTA (November 13, 2009) –

A Closer Look at the 7th Georgia Senate District

During my five years as state Senator, I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel across southern Georgia and meet some truly fantastic people.  It reminds me of how fortunate I am to represent the great people of our district in Atlanta.  I work every day to make the best decisions for the entire state, but I also want to ensure our district has a strong voice at the Capitol. Continue reading “South Georgia at the State Capitol”