We’re now a quarter of the way through the 2025 Legislative Session, and every day under the Gold Dome, I am reminded why I fight for the people of the 55th Senate District. We began the legislative session on Monday, January 13, and we have hit the ground running with committee meetings, bill hearings and debates. This week marked a major turning point as committees met to take up some of our state’s most pressing issues, from education to healthcare to economic opportunity.
Over the remaining 30 legislative days, I’m committed to fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia for all its residents. I am honored to serve on the Senate Committees on Banking and Financial Institutions, Health and Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Retirement, State and Local Governmental Operations, and MARTOC where we will address pressing issues that affect all Georgians.
During our first week of session, Governor Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While we may not always agree, I look forward to working on areas where we can find common ground, including pay raises for teachers, state employees and first responders, as well as efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce. Georgia must ensure that every resident has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and address the growing need for affordable housing. These priorities are critical for building a more prosperous and equitable Georgia.
In January, the Senate Democratic Caucus announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced Senate Bill 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand access to mental health and maternal care and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and we will continue advocating for policies that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, our caucus will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, strengthen public schools, and improve access to affordable childcare.
Beyond legislative work, it has been an honor to welcome so many incredible Georgians to the Capitol. Last month, we welcomed members of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the economic achievements of businesses in our district. Gwinnett is a vibrant hub of innovation and growth, and I am proud to support policies that strengthen our local economy. This week, we honored Rosa Parks and her legacy. Her courage and activism sparked the civil rights movement, and we remain deeply grateful for her contributions to justice and equality.
I also want to encourage students between 12 and 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is a unique opportunity for young people to see how our government operates firsthand. I highly encourage students who are passionate about civic engagement to apply. You can find more details here.
With the clock ticking for the remainder of the 2025 Session, I promise to keep fighting for a more just and equitable Georgia. I am grateful for your trust, and I urge you to stay engaged. Call, email, or visit my office with questions or concerns.
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Sen. Randal Mangham represents the 55th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett and Dekalb County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 657-4640 or by email at Randal.Mangham@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.