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Senate Study Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Housing to Hold Inaugural Meeting

ATLANTA (June 14, 2024) — Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Housing, chaired by Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton), will hold its first hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.
  • Location: State Capitol, Room 450, 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Senate website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The meeting will include an overview of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and testimony from various individuals regarding the status of veterans’ mental health in Georgia, followed by an opportunity for public comment. The Senate Study Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Housing was created to evaluate the adequacy of Georgia’s public and private programs and services when providing resources to veterans. This committee will recommend additional measures to ensure that Georgia veterans and their families have the support they need to thrive after their military service ends.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jackson Fuentes at Jackson.Fuentes@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Chuck Payne serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County, as well as part of Gordon County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at chuck.payne@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Gail Davenport to Host 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Music Festival

ATLANTA (June 14, 2024) — Tomorrow, June 15,2024, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Senator Gail Davenport (D–Jonesboro) and the Clayton County Black History Center will host the 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Music Festival. The event is designed to unite the community of Jonesboro to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
  • Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Location: Lake Spivey Recreation Center, 2300 Walt Stephens Road, Jonesboro, GA, 30236
  • This event is open to the public.

ABOUT THE CELEBRATION:         

The 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Music Festival consistently provides Metro Atlantans, specifically located in Georgia’s 44th Senate District, an opportunity to join together for an afternoon of fun and freedom.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

Media members with additional questions can click here or call (678) 215-9971 for more information.

Sen. Gail Davenport represents the 44th Senate District, including portions of Clayton and DeKalb County.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or by email at gail.davenport@senate.ga.gov.

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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy to Join Governor Brian P. Kemp on Mission to the Republic of Korea

ATLANTA (June 12, 2024) — Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) is set to join Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp on an international mission to the Republic of Korea in a strategic effort to enhance Georgia’s position in the global marketplace. The State Delegation will also include State Representatives Soo Hong (R–Lawrenceville) and Lehman Franklin (R–Statesboro). They will be accompanied by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Environmental Protection Division and Georgia Ports Authority.

This mission will include high-level meetings with existing industries that currently have operations or projects in Georgia, such as companies like Hyundai Motor Group, Kia, CJ Foodville, LG Group, SK Group, and Hanwha Qcells. The delegation’s comprehensive agenda is designed to strengthen economic ties with the Republic of Korea and promote Georgia as a premier destination for business operations and growth.

Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy emphasized the importance of these international partnerships and the potential benefits for our state:

“Our mission to the Republic of Korea is a testament to Georgia’s proactive approach to building and sustaining global economic partnerships. By continuing to foster strong relationships with our existing partners, we are not only reinforcing our current ties but also paving the way for future opportunities that will drive economic growth and create more jobs for hardworking Georgians. I’m honored to join our Governor and First Lady on this significant mission and look forward to the fruitful outcomes it will bring for our state.”

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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.

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Sen. Russ Goodman Appointed to Senate Study Committees on Farmland Preservation and Forest Innovation

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) — Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) has been appointed to the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands and the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee. These appointments highlight the Senate’s focus on sustaining Georgia’s agricultural heritage and advancing innovative practices in forestry.

The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will focus on reviewing and recommending policies to protect and sustain the state’s valuable agricultural lands. The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will explore new technologies and practices in forestry to promote sustainable development and economic growth. As a member of both committees, Sen. Goodman will contribute his extensive knowledge and experience both as a farmer and Chairman of the standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Sen. Goodman expressed his enthusiasm for these appointments, stating, “As a farmer, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of working the land. I’m truly honored to join these committees and bring my experience to the table. Preserving our farmlands is not just about maintaining our heritage—it’s about ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation. And when it comes to forestry, innovation is key to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for prioritizing these vital issues and giving me the chance to contribute. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to make a lasting impact on our state’s agriculture and forestry sectors.”

Sen. Goodman brings a wealth of knowledge to these roles, with his background as an agriculturalist and his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. The committee members are recognized experts in their fields, bringing diverse and informed perspectives to the discussions.

You can find more information about the committees’ work and upcoming meetings here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Sally Harrell Announces $250,000 Grant to Clubhouse Atlanta

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) – Today, Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) announced that she secured a $250,000 grant for Clubhouse Atlanta at their open house event for supporters and members. Clubhouse Atlanta provides an evidence-based supportive program that helps individuals living with mental illness recover, come to terms with their illness, find social connections and build self-confidence to lead productive lives.

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