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Sen. John Albers Named 2024 TAG Legislator of the Year

ATLANTA (October 21, 2024) —The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) recently named Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his continued commitment to fostering Georgia’s technology ecosystem. TAG, the state’s largest technology trade association, awards this honor annually to elected officials who demonstrate leadership in advancing Georgia’s tech sector.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by TAG as the 2024 Legislator of the Year,” said Sen. Albers. “As technology continues to shape our future, it is essential that Georgia remains at the forefront of innovation. I will continue to work closely with industry experts and my colleagues to address the opportunities and challenges technology poses. I am committed to ensuring that our state’s regulatory framework remains competitive and conducive to growth as we continue positioning Georgia as a global technological leader.”

TAG represents more than 30,000 members across Georgia, driving innovation within Georgia’s technology sector, inspiring industry leaders and fostering inclusivity by utilizing four key principles: connect, promote, influence and educate.

“We are pleased to honor Senator John Albers with the 2024 TAG Legislator of the Year Award,” said Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of TAG. “Senator Albers is a technology champion, and we look forward to our ongoing partnership to ensure Georgia is the #1 place to do business and a global hub of innovation.”

More information on TAG can be found here.

Left to right: Elizabeth Reynolds (AT&T), Howard Franklin (Ohio River South), Kristen Casimir (Salesforce), Rep. Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), Ryan Mahoney (Apple), Mason Rainey (Technology Association of Georgia), Jon Birdsong (South Downtown Atlanta and Atlanta Ventures)

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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.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Majority Leader Steve Gooch to Host School Safety Roundtable at University of North Georgia

ATLANTA (October 18, 2024) — On Wednesday, October 23rd,2024, at 9:00 a.m., Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) will host a school safety roundtable at the University of North Georgia.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: University of North Georgia Convocation Center, 180 Alumni Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The roundtable will discuss state and local efforts and opportunities for school safety and child and adolescent mental health and well-being. Attendees will include school superintendents, school board chairs, sheriffs, and other school safety officials from the district. Commissioners Kevin Tanner and Russel Carlson (DBHDD and DCH) will attend, as will Director Chris Stallings (GEMA). This event will focus on Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Union and White counties.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

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

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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

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Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence to Hold Sixth Meeting

ATLANTA (October 15, 2024) — On Wednesday, October 23rd,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its sixth hearing, in conjunction with the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: UGA Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm, Watkinsville, GA 30677
  • 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. 

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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.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte and Rep. Joseph Gullett Announce Legislative Priority to Honor Fallen Deputy Brandon Cunningham with Intersection Dedication

ATLANTA (October 10, 2024) — This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) announced a legislative priority for the upcoming session to officially designate the intersection of State Route 92 and State Route 120 in Paulding County as the “Deputy Brandon Cunningham Memorial Intersection.” The dedication honors Deputy Cunningham, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while serving the community he swore to protect.

The proposal, reviewed and approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation, confirms that no conflicts exist with previous road and bridge naming resolutions. With this confirmation, Sen. Anavitarte will introduce a resolution in the Senate during the upcoming legislative session to formalize the dedication after the session concludes.

“Deputy Cunningham’s sacrifice is a stark reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers take every day to ensure our safety,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “This intersection naming is a small but meaningful way to keep his legacy alive in the community he served so selflessly.”

“Deputy Cunningham laid down his life to keep Paulding County safe, a sacrifice we will never forget,” said Rep. Joseph Gullett (R–Dallas). “Naming this intersection after him is a way to ensure his bravery and dedication to our community will always be remembered by those who pass by.”

“Deputy Brandon Cunningham will always be in the hearts and minds of the citizens of Paulding County,” shared Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge. “This is a fitting tribute to honor and memorialize his service to our community and his ultimate sacrifice should always be remembered.  Our prayers continue to be with his family.”

Brandon Cunningham served Paulding County with distinction, known for his dedication, courage, and commitment to his fellow officers and residents. His passing in the line of duty has left a lasting impact on the community and its law enforcement family. The proposed memorial intersection will stand as a testament to his life of service.

The resolution for the “Deputy Brandon Cunningham Memorial Intersection” will be voted on by the Senate and the House Transportation Committee in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring that this tribute becomes a permanent part of Paulding County’s landscape.

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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.

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

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NFIB Honors Sen. John Albers with Guardian of Small Business Award

ATLANTA (October 9, 2024) — The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has presented its prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award to state Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) this week in Roswell. Sen. Albers, representing parts of Cobb, Cherokee, and Fulton counties, was honored at The Fickle Pickle, a local NFIB member business in Roswell. Business owner Andy Badgett presented the award.

The Guardian of Small Business Award is NFIB’s highest honor, given in recognition of a legislator’s leadership and support for small businesses. The NFIB Georgia Leadership Council, comprised of NFIB members from across the state, voted to honor Sen. Albers for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of small businesses.

“John Albers has been an unwavering supporter of small businesses since entering the Georgia Senate over 10 years ago,” said NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins. “In 2023-24, Sen. Albers achieved a 100 percent NFIB Voting Record and led the charge to place Referendum Question A on the November ballot, which will ease financial burdens on small businesses by raising the threshold for the state tax on tangible personal property.”

In accepting the award, Sen. Albers expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reinforced his commitment to helping Georgia’s small businesses thrive.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award from the NFIB,” said Sen. Albers. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and economy, and I remain deeply committed to championing policies that foster their success. I will continue working to ensure that entrepreneurs across Georgia have the support they need to grow, create jobs, and drive our state’s prosperity.”

Referendum Question A, which Albers helped spearhead, is set to appear on the November ballot. If passed, the measure will raise the tax threshold on tangible personal property, offering much-needed financial relief to small businesses.

**See attached photo for your use.

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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.