ATLANTA (March 2, 2016) | Sen. Bill Jackson (R – Appling) announced his retirement from legislative service this morning at the Georgia State Capitol. One of Gov. Nathan Deal’s floor leaders, Sen. Jackson will serve out the rest of his two-year Senate term but will not qualify to run for re-election to the Senate District 24 seat.
“After much prayerful consideration, I have decided to step down at the conclusion of my term. The people of the Georgia State Senate are exceptional, and I greatly appreciate the kindness shown to not only me, but also to my family. I would like to thank Gov. Deal and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle for their leadership and friendship, and my Senate colleagues for their support and camaraderie over the past several years,” said Sen. Jackson.
Gov. Deal and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle both praised Sen. Jackson’s legislative work and offered the following remarks:
“I have known Bill as a personal friend and legislator for a number of years and his leadership as a floor leader for the past six years has been invaluable,” said Gov. Nathan Deal.
“Sen. Bill Jackson is the definition of a true statesman; someone who sought public office to leave a lasting impact on his beloved state. For nearly three decades, he has been an outstanding servant of the people and someone who fights for his constituency at every turn with an unwavering commitment to his Christian, conservative values. Although he will be deeply missed, I’m excited for his new opportunity to return home to Appling, his family and Shiloh Methodist Church full-time,” said Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.
Sen. Jackson was first elected to the Columbia County Board of Education in 1968, where he also served as chairman. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1978, where he served for 16 years. During his term in the Georgia House of Representatives, Sen. Jackson served on the House Industry, Trade and Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment, and Special Judiciary Committees. Sen. Jackson also served on the State Board of Corrections from 2006 – 2007.
In 2007, Sen. Jackson was elected to the Senate District 24 seat in a special election. He currently serves as Secretary for the Senate Rules Committee, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations, Administrative Affairs, Economic Development, Ethics, Reapportionment and Redistricting, and Transportation Committees.
Sen. Jackson graduated from the Columbia County School System and worked for several years in the construction industry. In 1961, Sen. Jackson opened Tile Center, Inc., a tile and stone distribution company, in Augusta. The business successfully expanded and now includes four locations in Georgia and South Carolina.
Sen. Jackson is very active in his community and a member of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Shiloh Methodist Church. He is the proud father of two children, Billy and Beth.
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For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028