#gapol – Page 24 – Georgia Senate Press Office

January 10, 2025

Ginn: Preparations Complete for the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session officially begins this Monday, January 13, and I am honored to continue serving as your state Senator under the Gold Dome. Yes, it is real gold on the roof and was replaced in 2024, along with countless other amounts of maintenance work. Your trivia question of the day is: how much gold do you think it takes to cover the dome? It is right at 40 ounces and was last replaced about 50 years ago. I want to especially thank Sabastian Cobb with the Georgia State Finance & Investment Commission (GSFIC) for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to access the top of the Gold Dome. I always feel grateful when I re-enter the Capitol before each legislative session begins, and this biennium is no different.

December 31, 2024

Sen. Nikki Merritt Statement on the Passing of Former President of the United States Jimmy Carter

ATLANTA (December 31, 2024) — Today, Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson), Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in remembrance of former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter:

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Sen. Chuck Payne Joins Gov. Brian Kemp and Members of State Leadership on America’s Southern Border

ATLANTA (December 23, 2024) — On Friday, December 20, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton), Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, traveled to Texas alongside Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns and House member and veteran Rep. Chas Cannon. The delegation visited Georgia National Guard troops currently deployed at the southern border to express gratitude for their service during the holiday season. The group was joined by House Veterans Committee Chairman Josh Bonner, who serves in the Georgia National Guard and is currently deployed in Texas.

December 20, 2024

Department of Corrections Facilities Senate Study Committee Adopts Final Committee Report

ATLANTA (December 20, 2024) – On Friday, December 13, the Department of Corrections Facilities Senate Study Committee, chaired by Majority Whip Sen. Randy Robertson (R–Cataula), voted unanimously to adopt its final report during the committee’s concluding meeting. The committee, established through Senate Resolution 570, spent nearly four months exploring strategies to enhance the welfare of Department of Corrections employees and those in its custody.

December 11, 2024

Sen. Nikki Merritt Elected Chair of Georgia Legislative Black Caucus

ATLANTA (December 11, 2024) — This week,Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson) was elected Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC). The caucus, currently the largest legislative Black caucus in the United States with 75 members, “seeks to protect the general welfare of Black people, other people of color and disadvantaged citizens of Georgia in matters of health and welfare, education, social and criminal justice, employment and economic empowerment.”