Posted on

Senate President Pro Tempore Receives Georgia Historic Preservation Recognition

ATLANTA (May 2, 2023) | Last week, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation announced their 2023 class of preservation award honorees. Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R – Macon) was awarded the 2023 Senator George Hooks Award for his efforts to maintain a high standard of historic preservation in the state of Georgia.

“It is an honor to be named as the recipient of this year’s award,” said President Pro Tempore Kennedy. “Rest assured that I will continue to ensure that Georgia’s legislative efforts are committed to our state’s historic preservation endeavors, community development, and economic growth. I appreciate the Georgia Trust for bestowing me with this award and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

This award was given in response to Senator Kennedy’s efforts to save the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which was almost lost due to an impending sunset last year. These credits have become the basis for generating equity allowing more Georgians to participate in revitalization. Senator Kennedy worked to revise the previously-passed bill, and secured passage for the new bill that saved these credits.

According to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Senator George Hooks Award recognizes excellence in public leadership in Georgia. This award is given at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and is named in honor of Senator George Hooks, a strong supporter of the preservation of Georgia’s history and culture, who served in the Georgia General Assembly for 32 years.

# # # #

Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov

Posted on

Sen. Shawn Still Condemns Comments Made by Fulton County Commissioners

ATLANTA (March 27, 2023) |Today, Senator Shawn Still (R – Johns Creek) issued the following statement in response to recent comments made during the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 15, 2023.

“The events that occurred during the previous Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting were obvious acts of discrimination,” said Sen. Still. “During the discussion on the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Fulton County attorney to file a complaint with the Department of Justice requesting an investigation of Wellstar, Commissioner Bridget Thorne gave a description of financial issues that may have led to the closure of two hospitals in south Fulton. After listening to this hearing, many of her data points seemed accurate from a fiscal perspective.

However, two Fulton Commissioners felt the need to mock and ridicule her based off of preconceived notions regarding her race, appearance and her upbringing. I understand the recent hospital closures in south Fulton have left many frustrated and without care, but instead of focusing on Commissioner Thorne, the duty of each Commissioner should be to focus on the resolution or matter at hand. As an elected official, Commissioner Thorne is allowed to express an opinion just like anyone else.

I commend and appreciate Commissioner Thorne for her strength and composure during these negative exchanges. She represented her constituents well, and made many valid points. I am proud of how she handled such an unprofessional situation. I condemn the actions taken during the March 15 meeting, and will continue to defend any Commissioner’s right to express their opinions on a topic of concern. I encourage Board Chairman Robb Pitts to strive to do the same, and hope that this will not happen again.”

# #

Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.656.0044 or by email at Shawn.Still@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Leaf Blower Bill Leaves Local Control

ATLANTA (February 16, 2023) |Senator Shawn Still (R – Johns Creek) introduced Senate Bill 145, also known as the “Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act,” which would prohibit any regulations that differ gasoline-powered leaf blowers from similar equipment such as battery powered landscape tools.

“Property owners can make their own decisions about what equipment is used and this bill does nothing to change that. Athens-Clarke County recently approved $100,000 to purchase battery operated equipment for use on their properties,” said Sen. Still. “I have worked with industry leaders from across the state to craft legislation that does not discourage the use of battery powered equipment, but ensures that Georgians are still able to utilize gas-powered utilities when battery powered tools cannot get the job done. This bill would prevent government overreach that restricts devices on the property of others and will aide those who work to keep Georgia beautiful.”

This legislation would create a uniform standard for leaf-blowing equipment across the state.

“We are a residential landscape company and have been strong advocates of utilizing battery-powered maintenance equipment. We have seen consistent improvements over the last five years in both power and run time, but we haven’t seen costs go down, and this is a major obstacle for companies,” said Pam Dooley, owner of Plants Creative Landscapes. “Additionally, an eight-hour run time for batteries used in blowers during heavy leaf season falls well short of what landscape professionals require. Because of these two challenges, we continue to use a combination of gas and battery-powered products.”

“Gasoline leaf blowers have the power and run time needed to move large volumes of debris on job sites,” said Teddy Russell, CEO of Russell Landscape Group. “Battery and electrical equipment continue to improve, but simply do not fit our commercial application needs. Additionally, uniform equipment use ordinances are essential for our employees serving clients across the metro region.”

SB 145 has been referred to the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations.

You can read the full text of SB 145 here.

# # # #

Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.656.0044 or by email at Shawn.Still@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

Senator Ed Setzler to Hold Press Conference on Religious Freedom Restoration Act

ATLANTA (February 14, 2023) | On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., Senator Ed Setzler (R – Acworth) will hold a press conference on the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This bill will exactly mirror federal constitution protections word for word and apply them to state law.

WHO:             Senator Ed Setzler

WHAT:            Press Conference on the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

WHEN:            Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.      

WHERE:          Senate Press Conference Room 203

Coverdell Legislative Office Building

                         Atlanta, GA 30334

####

Sen. Ed Setzler represents the 37th Senate District, which includes parts of Cobb and Bartow County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0256 or by email at ed.setzler@senate.ga.gov

Posted on

Sen. Shelly Echols Introduces Healthcare Legislation

ATLANTA (February 9, 2023) | Yesterday, Senator Shelly Echols (R – Alto) introduced Senate Bill 109, which would require the Department of Community Health to include continuous glucose monitors as a pharmacy benefit for Medicaid recipients.


“SB 109 aims to expand healthcare access to those who utilize Medicaid and struggle with diabetes,” said Sen. Echols. “I look forward to seeing this bill progress through the Georgia Senate and encourage my Senate colleagues to support this important legislation. Georgians deserve to have easier access to this modern technology as they continue to monitor their glucose levels.”

This legislation also offers guidance as to who is eligible to receive this Medicaid benefit and the stipulations for receiving such a benefit. It is Senator Echols’ first authored bill since her election to the Georgia State Senate in November.


SB 109 has been assigned to the committee on Health and Human Services.

You can read the full text of SB 109 here.

# #

Sen. Shelly Echols serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting. She represents the 49th Senate District which includes Hall County. She can be reached by phone at 404.463.1317 or by email at shelly.echols@senate.ga.gov.