ATLANTA (August 1, 2024) —The Georgia RESA Network launched its Let’s Read Georgia Literacy Coaches’ Training event July 23-25. The event brought together 56 literacy coaches from across the state, 17 Implementation Team members, and RESA Directors, marking the first major step in the new literacy initiative.
Continue reading “Georgia’s Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA) Network Hosts Inaugural Literacy Coaches Training Event”Senators Kennedy, Robertson Call on Plaintiffs to Drop Case Challenging the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission After Latest Loss in Court
ATLANTA (July 24, 2024) — Today, Fulton County Superior Court released an order once again denying the plaintiff-prosecutors’ request to enjoin the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission. Senator John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) and Senator Randy Robertson (R–Cataula) are calling on the three district attorneys challenging the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to drop their case Sherry Boston v. State of Georgia after their second significant loss in court.
“To continue this challenge is an injustice to crime victims in our communities as well as to Georgia taxpayers having to shoulder the expense of this frivolous case,” said Sen. Kennedy, who also serves as the Chairman of the Judicial Appropriations Subcommittee. “This is the second time these plaintiff-prosecutors have failed in court to block the law. Maybe it’s time to realize that they have a losing argument.”
In response to demands from Georgians for accountability, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 92 in 2023 creating the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to independently investigate complaints and discipline prosecutors found in violation of their duties. The law creating the Commission was challenged in court by four of Georgia’s district attorneys. That lawsuit failed to block the Commission from carrying out its work and was eventually voluntarily dismissed.
“I authored this legislation based on Georgia’s Constitution and existing models for other commissions in this state,” said Sen. Robertson, who authored SB 92. “There are several duties for prosecutors that were already in state law but there was no mechanism for enforcement. As a career law enforcement officer, I understand how important it is for officials to exercise discretion but that does not mean they can simply ignore the law and allow crime to run rampant. These DAs should drop their lawsuit immediately.”
The General Assembly doubled down on its commitment to hold rogue and ineffective prosecutors accountable by passing SB 332 in 2024, also authored by Sen. Robertson, allowing the Commission to continue its work. Shortly after the enactment of SB 332, three of the four district attorneys who originally challenged the law in 2023 filed another lawsuit trying to prohibit the Commission from moving forward. Today, the court once again denied the district attorneys’ attempt to block the Commission from operating.
Sen. Kennedy added: “Reporting by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, and other local news sources have exposed the terrible impacts of prosecutors going rogue. It is time for this small group of district attorneys to stop listening to the pro-crime organization directing their lawsuit from Oakland, California, and start listening to the voices in their own communities who simply ask to be safe.”
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He 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.
Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 29, which includes Harris, Meriwether, and Troup Counties and a portion of Muscogee County. He can be reached at 404.656.0045 or at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov
Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues to Hold Second Meeting
ATLANTA (July 23, 2024) — On Thursday, July 25,2024, at 9:00 a.m., the Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues, co-chaired by Senator Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Representative Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), will hold its second hearing.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 341, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
- This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.
ABOUT THE MEETING:
Members are tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. This committee will recommend measures to regulate professional licensing further while providing much-needed clarity surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. The meeting agenda can be found here.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Emily Leonard at Emily.Leonard@senate.ga.gov.
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Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Nikki Merritt to Hold Press Conference on Teaching AP African Studies Courses in Georgia Schools
ATLANTA (July 23, 2024) — On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at noon, Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson) will be joined by Democratic Leader Gloria Butler (D–Stone Mountain) and Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark (D–Lilburn) in holding a joint Senate and House press conference on the State School Superintendent’s decision to block an AP African American Studies course.
Continue reading “Sen. Nikki Merritt to Hold Press Conference on Teaching AP African Studies Courses in Georgia Schools”Sen. Jason Anavitarte Announces Funding for Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport
ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is pleased to announce significant funding for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport to enhance its infrastructure and capacity. This funding is part of Governor Brian Kemp’s Amended FY24 Budget, which includes $1.5 billion of surplus funds dedicated to improving the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“This funding will be transformative for the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport, enhancing accessibility and supporting our community’s growth,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “I want to sincerely thank Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and Commissioner McMurray for their unwavering commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure. Their support has been instrumental in making this project a reality for the 31st Senate District.”
The funding allocated to the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport will be used to construct a new airport access road, significantly improving access and efficiency. The details of the project are as follows:
Paulding Northwest Atlanta Regional Airport:
- Construct Airport Access Road
- State Funding: $1,000,000
- Local Match: $333,333
This project was selected based on a strategic evaluation process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from State Transportation Board Member Micah Gravley.
The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.
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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.