Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol

ATLANTA (August 29, 2025) — On Wednesday, August 27, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) welcomed members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) to the Georgia State Capitol. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the state of Georgia and WHINSEC’s international mission to advance leadership, uphold ethics and foster regional cooperation.

Continue reading “Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol”

Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol

ATLANTA (July 30, 2025) — Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) welcomed members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) to the Georgia State Capitol. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the state of Georgia and WHINSEC’s international mission to advance leadership, uphold ethics and foster regional cooperation.

Continue reading “Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol”

Sen. Ed Harbison Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Protect Georgia’s Active-Duty Service Members

ATLANTA (May 16, 2025) – Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 109 into law—a measure authored by Sen. Harbison (D–Columbus) to safeguard life insurance coverage for Georgia’s active-duty service members.

The new law, written following the death of Sgt. Brandon Tyrese Fraiser, prohibits group life insurance policies from excluding or restricting coverage solely because the insured is serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless the death results directly from an act of war or related hazard.

“As a former Marine and a long-time advocate for our veterans and service members, I’ve always believed that those who serve our nation with honor should never face undue barriers—especially when it comes to something as essential as life insurance. It was extraordinarily moving to witness this legislation be signed into law alongside the late Sgt. Fraiser’s father and family members,” said Sen. Harbison. “SB 109 offers critical financial protection to Georgia’s military families and ensures our service members are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. I want to thank Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, my senate colleagues, and my fellow servicemen and women for their hard work in getting this legislation signed.”

SB 109 received unanimous passage in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. Sen. Harbison has consistently aimed to prioritize legislation that honors the service and sacrifices of military families throughout his tenure in the Georgia State Senate.

More information on SB 109 is available here.

###

Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at (404) 656-0074 or via email at Ed.Harbison@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Ed Harbison to Celebrate Naming of Honorable Richard H. Smith Memorial Interchange

ATLANTA (October 3, 2024) — On October 8, Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus), will participate in the designation of the interchange of Interstate 185 at US-27-Alternate/Manchester Expressway as the Honorable Richard H. Smith Memorial Interchange in Columbus, Georgia.

Richard Smith was born in Wrightsville, Georgia in 1945. He served the public in numerous capacities, including as interim city manager for the Columbus Consolidated Government before serving as a city councilor from 1999 to 2002 and, later, as a state representative for Georgia House District 139. During his remarkable career as a legislator, Smith served as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and, in 2020, was appointed Chair of the esteemed House Rules Committee.

Sen. Harbison spoke about the significance of the newly named intersection, stating, “I had the distinct honor of working alongside Richard Smith for many years, and his commitment to public service, unwavering integrity and profound commitment to serving this region left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a dear friend and a pillar of the city of Columbus. The dedication of this interchange in his name is a tribute to his tireless work for the people of Columbus and a reminder of the high standards he set for leadership and service.”

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Cunningham Center, Columbus State University; 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907

# # # #

Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Ed Harbison Recognizes the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation

ATLANTA (September 6, 2024) Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) proudly recognized the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) for its exceptional role in providing professional education and training to military, civilian and law enforcement personnel.

Continue reading “Sen. Ed Harbison Recognizes the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation”