ATLANTA (Nov. 20, 2009) – Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) has been appointed 1st vice chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) Committee on Telecommunications, Science and Technology. She was chosen by NBCSL’s president and fellow Georgian, Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), who she has served alongside for many years in the Georgia General Assembly.
“I am deeply humbled by President Smyre’s trust and confidence in me to serve the caucus in this leadership position. I have greatly enjoyed serving as a member of this committee over the years, and look forward to stepping into my new role,” said Seay. “Increasing access and involvement of telecommunications within African-American communities is critical to education and professional success. I look forward to working with President Smyre and fellow committee members to develop innovative policies that capture these goals.”
As the committee’s first of two vice chairs, Sen. Seay will serve for the 2009-2010 term. The Telecommunications, Science and Technology Committee examines telecommunications issues that affect minorities, such as infrastructure access, taxation and rate setting. It devises policy and programs to promote the understanding and participation of African-Americans in the telecommunications industry. The committee also develops and promotes the integration of technology in K-12 curricula, promotes an increase in the representation of African-Americans in engineering and other technical professions, and assesses the impact of technology on voting rights and civic engagement.
Rep. Smyre has noted that Sen. Seay’s appointment comes in recognition of her legislative achievements and steadfast support of the organization. “Our policy committees are tasked with drafting and debating resolutions that in turn, influence the policy direction of this Nation. It is an important task, especially given the current challenges facing the country,” Rep. Smyre added.
Sen. Seay has been a member of NBCSL since her election to the Georgia General Assembly in 2001. Just last year, she was chosen by 600 of her NBCSL colleagues from across the nation to serve on the Executive Committee. As a member, she meets with her colleagues three times a year to discuss, vote and adopt policies as a part of the caucus position.
Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She can be reached at her office at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
November 20, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028