ATLANTA (October 16, 2024) — Today,Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta), Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Urban Affairs, praised Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney’s ruling to stop the State Election Board’s hand-count requirement. The ruling declared the Election Board’s Hand Count Rule to be “too much, too late,” while the Court continues to consider the matter.
Continue reading “Sen. Donzella James Praises Fulton County Superior Court Ruling Halting Election Hand-Count Requirement”Sen. Chuck Payne to Visit, Read to North Georgia Schoolchildren this Week
ATLANTA (October 7, 2024) — Beginning today, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) will visit eight pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) classes across the 54th Senate District as part of his ongoing effort to support early childhood education in Georgia. Sen. Payne will engage with Pre-K and elementary students by reading children’s books, emphasizing the importance of literacy and learning from a young age.
“Early education is where we lay the groundwork for our children’s future success,” said Sen. Payne. “By investing time and resources into our youngest learners, we ensure they are prepared for future opportunities. Our state’s teachers play an integral role in developing Georgia’s youngest minds each and every day. It’s an honor to be able to join teachers and students in the classroom this week.”
Sen. Payne will visit the following Pre-K programs between October 9 and October 13:
- Whitfield-Dalton Day Care Center
- Childcare Network #147
- Belwood Elementary
- Sonoraville Elementary
- Murray County Pre-K Center
- Brighter Tomorrow Child Development Center
- Eastside Elementary
- Gordon Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)
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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County, as well as part of Gordon County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at chuck.payne@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
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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. Randy Robertson to Attend Naming of Honorable Richard H. Smith Memorial Interchange
ATLANTA (October 1, 2024) — On October 8, Senate Majority Whip Sen. Randy Robertson (R–Cataula) 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. Robertson spoke about the significance of his friend and the impact he made on the Columbus area, stating, “To many throughout our state, Richard was a man to be respected and a legislative force. To me, Richard was also a close friend that I loved. Richard was both at my wedding and present through numerous moments of my life. I’m grateful that we are designating this interchange in Richard’s name. He’s eternally impacted Columbus for the better, just as he has eternally impacted me.”
EVENT DETAILS:
- Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Cunningham Center, Columbus State University; 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907
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Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Majority Whip of Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 29, which includes Harris, Meriwether, and Troup Counties and a portion of Muscogee County. He can be reached at 404.656.0045 or at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes Celebrates Legal Victory as Georgia’s Six-Week Abortion Ban is Struck Down
ATLANTA (October 1, 2024) — Today, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) applauded the recent ruling by Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney striking down the State’s six-week abortion ban. The ruling declared Georgia’s six-week abortion law unconstitutional, stating that the law violates the protections in the state’s constitution regarding privacy and bodily autonomy. According to Georgia law, the statutory limit to have an abortion is within a 22-week time period.
Sen. Islam Parkes has been an outspoken critic of the State’s six-week abortion ban since its inception, stating, “This is a huge win for women seeking the reproductive healthcare they need. The six-week abortion ban was a deeply harmful law that stripped women of their autonomy and disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. With this ruling, we take a critical step toward protecting women’s right to choose in Georgia. Women’s healthcare continues to be under attack at both the state and national levels. I will keep fighting to ensure that every woman in Georgia has the right to make decisions about her body without interference from politicians.”
More information on the full court case is available here.
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Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5263 or by email at NabilahIslamParkes@senate.ga.gov.