gapol – Page 21 – Georgia Senate Press Office

February 15, 2024

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Celebrates Historic Job Announcement by Governor Brian P. Kemp in Polk County

ATLANTA (Feb. 15, 2023) — Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the investment of $344 million to SOLARCYCLE, a manufacturing facility in Cedartown. The City of Cedartown is in Polk County, represented by Georgia Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas).

Grateful for Gov. Kemp’s historic announcement, Sen. Anavitarte commented, “It is great to witness the investment in this first-of-its-kind solar panel glass manufacturing facility located in my district. I am grateful for the work of state partners, the city of Cedartown and Polk County.”

“The economic impact of this facility will be immeasurable and highlight the pro-business focus of this state. This facility will provide 600+ quality jobs, clean tech and prove helpful for the U.S. supply chain. Additionally, it will strengthen opportunities in housing and retail development both of which will help support my district’s healthy and thriving community. I am excited to see the partnership between Polk County Leaders, the city of Cedartown and the SOLARCYCLE as it will deliver a significant regional impact to the district and set Georgia apart from its competitors,” said Sen. Anavitarte.

The SOLARCYCLE facility in Cedartown will be the first of SOLARCYCLE’s facilities to manufacture glass along with recycling solar panels. Construction of the facility will begin in 2024 with the expectation to be operational in 2026.

Progress and updates on the Cedartown plant will be available here.

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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

February 12, 2024

Majority Leader Steve Gooch Applauds Passage of Senate Resolution to protect the American Border

ATLANTA (Feb. 12, 2024) — Today, Senate Resolution 543, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Sen. Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), was passed on the Senate Floor. SR 543 stands in support of increased protections for America’s borders with the goal to end illegal immigration and smuggling.

The resolution was co-sponsored and supported by colleagues such as Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) and 24 others.

“This resolution represents a crucial stride in safeguarding both Georgians and our fellow Americans nationwide by bolstering protections across all American borders, particularly our Southern Border,” stated Sen. Gooch. “The members of the Georgia Senate stand united with Governor Brian P. Kemp and Texas Governor Greg Abbott in the battle to uphold our nation’s integrity. I commend the Senate for taking a stand against the pressing issues we currently face, such as the trafficking of dangerous drugs like Fentanyl across our Southern border. Despite the lack of support from President Joe Biden and his federal administration, the Senate remains resolute in its commitment to halt the illegal immigration and smuggling activities that plague our nation.”

SR 543 was passed by the Senate after progressing through the Senate Committee on Rules.

You can find more information on SR 543 here.

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov

February 1, 2024

Senate Passes Bill Revising Public School Employee Retirement System

ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2024) – On Wednesday, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) celebrated the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 105, which would revise the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System.

With its passage, current and future Public-School retirees will see the minimum monthly retirement payment increase to $17 — multiplied by the “member’s years of credible service.” This increase represents a jump of more than $2 per year worked as Public-School Employees before retirement, contributing a significant take-home financial increase for Georgia Public-School Employees that are currently receiving retirement benefits and those that will in the future.

“Taking charge of the retirement benefits of our Public-School Employees to make sure that those individuals can contribute and save for their futures is a key priority, and having this bill pass is a positive step,” said Sen. Walker. “Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and maintenance workers have by and large been left behind compared to everything we’ve done for teachers. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of this bill through the remainder of the legislative process and these much-needed changes made for the benefit of one of the most deserving sectors of our state.”

SB 105 passed by a vote of 49 to 1, following its favorable report from the Senate Committee on Retirement.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

February 1, 2024

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Introduces Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Possessing Georgia Land

ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2024) – This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) introduced Senate Bill 420, which would prohibit foreign adversaries from acquiring through purchase, lease or “any possessory interest” agricultural land or land within 25 miles of a military installation.

The bill was presented, read on the Senate floor, and will now proceed to the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.

“Georgia’s military installations are currently vulnerable to foreign adversaries, a crisis that could be exacerbated by a single bad actor at any moment,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “This Bill, its regulations and penalties aims to prevent that scenario by limiting the exposure experienced by Georgia’s agricultural land and these military installations. Alongside the other 33 sponsors of this Bill, I am pleased to see it make progress toward becoming a law.”

SB 420 includes language and regulations regarding currently held interests, residential properties, and the current economic importance of agricultural product testing sites.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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January 29, 2024

Georgia Senate Republicans Announce 2024 Caucus Priorities

ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2024) — Today the Senate Majority Caucus held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to announce the Senate Majority Caucus’s priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session. Majority Leader Steve Gooch was joined by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and President Pro Tempore of the Senate John F. Kennedy, as well as members of the Senate Majority Caucus.

“Here we are in 2024, the second year of our two-year session, and we are looking for a big finish. We have several momentous efforts that, in one form or another, began a year ago, and Senate Republicans are determined to finish the drill,” said Majority Leader Gooch. “Big Ideas, Big Wins, and a Big Finish to this 2023-2024 convening of the Georgia General Assembly – that’s what Senate Republicans are delivering for everyday Georgians. And that’s why Senate Republicans are committed to finishing the drill.”

“Senate Republicans have an ambitious agenda to tackle what matters to Georgians by addressing kitchen table issues with an aim to keep Georgia the best state to live, work, and raise a family,” said President Pro Tempore Kennedy. “We are committed to delivering on expanding economic opportunity and innovation, cultivating an educated workforce, increasing the safety of our communities and ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable in 2024.”

The Majority Leader announced that the caucus would focus on building upon the work of the 2023 Legislative Session to improve the fundamentals that make Georgia the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Georgia Senate Republicans are committed to finishing the drill on the following five priorities.

TAX RELIEF

After delivering $2 billion in tax relief for state income taxpayers and homeowners, we are now accelerating the reduction of the state income tax. Additionally, Senate Republicans are prioritizing SB 349 by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a statewide floating homestead exemption.

TORT REFORM

Last year, Senate Republicans tested the waters looking for consensus opportunities to improve Georgia’s troublesome litigation environment. This year, at a minimum, we will pass legislation to limit direct-action lawsuits carried by Senator Blake Tillery.

EDUCATION

Senate Republicans unanimously support Senator Greg Dolezal’s SB 233, which provides

school choice for students trapped in underperforming public schools. SB 233 is the product of

thoughtful discussion and compromise within our caucus and should be passed by the House.

WORKFORCE

Recently, three Senate study committees addressed deficiencies in our workforce. As a result, our caucus has prioritized improving career and credentialing pathways for veterans and military spouses seeking employment in Georgia’s healthcare system under the leadership of Senator Larry Walker.

PUBLIC SAFETY

In 2023, Senate Republicans led the crackdown on gangs, violent criminals, and rogue prosecutors. In one piece of unfinished business, we will keep more dangerous criminals off the streets by eliminating no-cash bail for violent offenders under the leadership of Senator Randy Robertson.

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