ATLANTA (July 31, 2023) | Last week, the Georgia Military Officers Association bestowed the 2022 Barto award to Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta). Originally, the presentation was to be made in November of 2022, but was moved due to scheduling conflicts. Sen. Kirkpatrick receives this award due in recognition for her support and sponsorship of the new state income tax exemption for retired military personnel of $17,500.00/year. This exemption, known as House Bill 1064, will begin at the date of the service member’s retirement date, instead of the individual having to wait until age 62, which was the previous standard of practice.

“It is an honor to be named as a recipient of this prestigious award,” said Sen. Kirkpatrick. “I want to thank GMOAA for the recognition, and I look forward to continue working together for the benefit of all military personnel for many years to come.”

In 2014 the Georgia Military Officers Association of America (GMOAA), the Georgia council affiliate of the MOAA, established the Joseph C. Barto, Jr., Service Award to be presented annually to State of Georgia officials in the Executive Branch, House and Senate for their support of issues at the state level involving military personnel and veterans. The award is named in honor of LTC, USA (R) Joseph C. Barto, Jr., who was a past president of the GMOAA (back when it was the Georgia The Retired Officers Association [GTROA]) and then the long-serving director of legislative affairs for the GMOAA.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents Senate District 32 which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee Counties. She may be reached at 404.656.
3932 or at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov