Sen. Islam Parkes Elected Chair of Gwinnett County Delegation

ATLANTA (January 30, 2025) — Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) was elected Chair of  Georgia Senate’s Gwinnett County Delegation this week. Senators representing Gwinnett County include: Sen. Tonya Anderson (D–Lithonia), Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens), Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta), Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth), Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson), Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D–Lawrenceville) and Sen. Shawn Still (R–Norcross). 

“Serving as chair of the Senate’s Gwinnett County delegation is a profound honor. Gwinnett County is the fifth most diverse county in the United States and one of the largest in Georgia—a distinction my fellow senators and I fully recognize. Regardless of party affiliation, every member of this delegation remains committed to working collaboratively to serve the entirety of Gwinnett County, not just our constituencies,” said Sen. Islam Parkes. “As a Senator, championing Gwinnett’s diversity and representing residents of all backgrounds has always been my top priority.”

The Gwinnett County Senate Delegation is the second-largest bipartisan county delegation in the Senate. These delegates collaborate to develop and sponsor legislation that serves the best interests of Gwinnett County, the second-most populated county in Georgia.

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Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District including a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-5263 or by email at nabilah.islam@senate.ga.gov.

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

The Cowsert Column: Week Two Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens)

The second week of the legislative session is commonly referred to as “Budget Week” at the State Capitol. The budget process begins with Gov. Brian Kemp presenting a proposed budget for consideration by the General Assembly. This year’s budget proposal is presented in a printed report of 390 pages, which is just the increases to the 2025 budget. Various agencies present budget requests during joint Senate and House Appropriations Committee meetings. The House then passes an appropriations bill setting forth governmental spending for the upcoming year. Finally, the Senate makes its changes and the differences are worked out by a joint conference committee and the final version is sent to the Governor for his signature. The General Assembly’s most important endeavor is passing a balanced, commonsense budget, addressing the needs of Georgia citizens each year. In fact, the only bill which the General Assembly is required to pass each year is the annual appropriations bill.

Over the past 15 years, Georgia’s state budget has experienced steady growth, reflecting the state’s expanding economy and increasing demands for public services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, Georgia’s budget was approximately $17.4 billion during the heart of the Great Recession. Fast forward to FY 2026, and that figure has more than doubled to $37.71 billion. In addition, approximately $22.46 billion in federal funds are included in Georgia’s 2026 budget.

Without going into extensive detail, the Governor proposes spending 20.33 billion (53.9%) on education, 8.76 billion (23.2%) on healthcare, 3.05 billion (8.1%) on public safety and 2.78 billion (7.4%) on transportation. This leaves only $2.79 billion (7.4%) for all other areas of government spending.

A key factor in Georgia’s economic stability is our unwavering commitment to maintaining a balanced budget. Unlike the federal government, which has spent both recklessly and unapologetically, Georgia is constitutionally required to balance its budget every year. This requirement ensures that the state lives within its means, preventing excessive debt accumulation and promoting long-term financial health for all citizens. Maintaining a balanced budget encourages responsible spending, requiring lawmakers to prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful expenditures. It also enhances Georgia’s credit rating, allowing us to finance large-scale projects at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money in the long run. Perhaps most importantly, a balanced budget fosters public confidence in our state’s financial management, reinforcing Georgia’s reputation as a great place to live, work and raise a family. By adhering to a balanced budget and prioritizing critical investments, we continue to build a prosperous future for all Georgians.

Thanks to our responsible fiscal management, Georgia has built a robust Revenue Shortfall Reserve (RSR), commonly known as the “rainy day fund.” The reserve was depleted to less than $50 million during the great recession, however, By FY 2023, the reserve had reached its statutory cap of 15% of the prior year’s revenue, totaling $5.4 billion. This financial cushion allows the state to weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic spending cuts or tax increases, ensuring continuity in essential public services. In addition, Georgia has over $11 billion in additional undesignated reserves over and above the funds held in the rainy day fund. There is really no authority for the State to accumulate taxpayer funds above the amounts needed to fund basic state needs. Fortunately, Gov. Kemp and the legislature have refunded at least $1 billion per year to taxpayers and significantly reduced taxes in response to our financial good fortune.

It’s important to highlight the stark contrast in spending at the federal level due to the Biden administration’s recent mismanagement of funds. Unfortunately, both political parties are guilty of irresponsible budgeting at the federal level. In fact, the last time that the federal budget was balanced was in the early 1990s when Bill Clinton was President and John Kasich was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the United States House. As of 2024, our national debt exceeded $35 trillion, with annual budget deficits contributing over $1 trillion annually to this growing burden. Persistent federal deficits pose risks such as higher interest rates, reduced national savings and potential economic uncertainty for future generations. These misguided spending practices have led our country down a dangerous path. Calls are growing for a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to pass a balanced budget just like Georgia and almost all other states must do.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of the 46th Senate District. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon.

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Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee and Walton Counties. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov

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

Sen. Emanuel Jones Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Coventry House University

ATLANTA (January 29, 2025)  On February 9, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Coventry House University – Asia Pacific. The 10th Commencement Exercises and Doctoral Conferment Award ceremony will be held at the Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

Continue reading “Sen. Emanuel Jones Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Coventry House University”

COLUMN: Senator Davenport: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session

By: Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro)

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. This legislative session, I am once again fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia. 

I am honored to now serve the residents of Senate District 17 after previously serving the residents of Senate District 44. I want to extend a warm greeting to my new constituents in Henry County and my longstanding constituents in Clayton County. It is my privilege to serve as your senator, and I am committed to addressing the issues and concerns of our communities at the state level.  

I am pleased to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, State Institutions and Property, Natural Resources and the Environment, Retirement and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee this legislative session. 

The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This year was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast and Governor Kemp’s ‘State of the State’ address, where we accounted for the perspectives of our local businesses and citizens. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges. 

On Thursday, January 16, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

I am proud to have co-sponsored several resolutions and bills during our first week, including Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Senator David Lucas (D–Macon). The Brady Law Regulations would create a ten-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of firearms and address the gun violence epidemic in recent legislation.  

The second week of our Legislative Session was quite unconventional due to a winter storm that halted operations across our entire state for nearly the entire week. Leaders from state agencies will instead present their budgetary needs to legislators in the weeks to come before our House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen help lead the decision-making process on how funding is allocated for the next year. 

Budget Week is not just about providing funding; it’s about best serving the state of Georgia through state programs like public education, health services, and infrastructure repairs.  This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future. 

Speaking of our future, I want to invite students between 12 and 18 to serve as Senate Page. This opportunity allows students to participate in the state legislative process at our State Capitol for a day. Interested students may apply for the program by following the link here.  

Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia. 

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Sen. Gail Davenport represents the 17th Senate District which includes portions of Clayton and Henry County.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or by email at Gail.Davenport@senate.ga.gov

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