Posted on

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, Highlighting the Importance of Hispanic Contributions to Georgia

ATLANTA (September 18, 2024) — This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) proudly recognizes the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. This month honors the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans nationwide.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for reflection as we celebrate the countless ways Hispanic Americans contribute to the success and growth of our state,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “As someone with Hispanic heritage, this month holds personal significance for me. Georgia is home to a thriving Hispanic community, and our influence is felt across every corner of our state – from those that serve in the U.S. military to those starting small businesses to the agriculture, education, transportation, service industry, and other innovation sectors.”

Georgia has seen one of the fastest-growing Hispanic populations in the country, making up approximately 10% of the state’s population. Hispanic Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s workforce. Their contributions are vital to Georgia’s economic engine, creating a more dynamic and diverse state.

Sen. Anavitarte also emphasized the importance of this month for younger generations. “As we reflect on our heritage and honor our past, it’s essential also to inspire future leaders. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us of the power of unity and hard work – values fundamental to Georgia’s future.”

Throughout the month, Sen. Anavitarte encourages all Georgians to engage in the many cultural events and educational opportunities across the state to honor the contributions and legacy of Hispanic Americans.

# # # #

Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chair of the Georgia Legislative Hispanic Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

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

Posted on

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Statement on the Passing of Craig Foster

ATLANTA (September 16, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte released the following statement regarding the passing of Craig Foster:

“Today, I join the Paulding County community in mourning the loss of William ‘Craig’ Foster, a dear friend and dedicated public servant whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our state.

Craig served as Chief of Staff for the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), where his leadership improved the lives of countless Georgians. His oversight of the DHS, the State’s largest agency, demonstrated his commitment to public service and his compassion for Georgia’s most vulnerable children and families. Craig’s work with the Divisions of Aging Services, Child Support Services, and Family and Children Services was driven by his passion for improving foster care and strengthening families. He was instrumental in implementing multi-million-dollar technology projects and restructuring the agency to enhance customer service, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Before joining DHS, Craig’s service as Deputy Director of Policy for Governor Brian P. Kemp and his 15 years as a policy analyst for the Georgia House of Representatives Budget and Research Office reflected his steadfast dedication to good governance. He managed with integrity and always led by example.

Craig was not just a public servant but a loving father, and member of our community. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time as we remember his legacy of service, leadership, and care for others.”

# # # #

Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence to Hold Fourth Meeting

ATLANTA (September 5, 2024) — On Thursday, September 12th,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its fourth hearing, in conjunction with the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center, 100 Grace Hopper Ln, Augusta, GA 30901
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at senatepressinquiries@senate.ga.gov. 

# # # #

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb, and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Sen. John Albers Announces Legislative Priority to Hold Deadbeat Parents Accountable

ATLANTA (September 5, 2024) — Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) announced his plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming legislative session to hold deadbeat parents accountable for failing to meet their obligations to provide for their children.

“Supporting and providing for our children is one of our most fundamental responsibilities as parents. Those who shirk this duty are not only failing their families but are also breaking the law here in Georgia,” said Sen. Albers. “When the legislative session begins in January, I will introduce legislation to increase penalties for deadbeat parents and ensure that anyone who cannot meet their legal, moral, and ethical obligations as a parent is disqualified from running for or serving in elected office.”

The proposed legislation will address the growing issue of parents who neglect their financial responsibilities. A “deadbeat parent” is defined as a parent who willfully fails to pay child support, disregarding court orders or legal agreements, and thereby neglecting their duty to provide for the basic needs of their children. Sen. Albers’ initiative seeks to impose significant consequences on those who evade their responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of child welfare and the integrity of public office.

More details on the proposed legislation will be released as the 2025 Legislative Session approaches.

# # # #

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

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

Posted on

GAFP Honors Sen. Blake Tillery with Healthcare “Champion” Award

ATLANTA, GA (August 16, 2024) —The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) has awarded Georgia Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) with its Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award, recognizing his significant contributions towards improving healthcare access and outcomes in the state of Georgia. 

GAFP highlighted his efforts to tailor provider payments for access and support for primary care as a vital step toward enhancing health care across the state. “Sen. Tillery, through unwavering dedication and pivotal legislative contributions, has emerged as a steadfast advocate for the health care needs of Georgians,” says Georgia Academy of Family Physicians Chapter President Dr. Samuel L. “Le” Church. “His leadership showcases a profound commitment to not only advancing the health care landscape in Georgia but ensuring our patients have access to the comprehensive care they deserve.”

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award from the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians. Ensuring that all Georgians, regardless of zip code, have access to quality healthcare is a significant force behind my legislative and budgetary efforts,” shared Sen. Tillery. “This recognition is not just a reflection of our work but a reminder of the ongoing need to support our primary care providers and enhance healthcare access and promote preventative care across our state.”

Sen. Tillery was elected to represent Georgia’s 19th district in 2016, and in the last legislative session, served as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, vice chair of the Government Oversight Committee, vice chair of the State Institutions and Property Committee, and secretary of the Senate Retirement Committee. He also was a member of the Finance Committee. He has sponsored several healthcare laws during his tenure, including the ‘Patients First Act.’

He earned his bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the University of Georgia and his Juris Doctor at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2010. He is the managing partner at Smith and Tillery, P.C., and previously co-chaired the Leadership Toombs-Montgomery program. Tillery has also served as Chairman of the Toombs County Commission, the Heart of Georgia Workforce Investment Board, and the Toombs County Boys and Girls Club Board.

Founded in 1947, GAFP is a chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Its mission is to promote Georgians’ health by advancing the family medicine specialty through education, advocacy, and service to family physicians. With more than 3,200 members—including family physicians, residents, and medical students—GAFP supports those who aspire to achieve and deliver excellence. Go to www.gafp.org or call 404.321.7445 for more information.

# # # #

Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please email SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.