gasenate – Page 38 – Georgia Senate Press Office

October 25, 2023

Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Georgia State Senate’s Victory at the 2023 Legislative Livestock Showdown

ATLANTA (October 25, 2023) | The Georgia State Senate secured a win against the Georgia House of Representatives at the annual Legislative Livestock Showdown held on October 14, 2023. The event is held each year during the Georgia National Fair in Perry.

Legislators are paired with 4H or FFA students and learn how to exhibit animals in the show ring while receiving guidance on presenting themselves to the showmanship judge. This year’s showcase focused on swine, and brought together agricultural education students from across the state.

“This victory is a testament to the enduring strength and vitality of our state’s agricultural community,” said Senator Larry Walker III (R – Perry). “The Georgia agriculture industry is not only a key economic engine but also a testament to the hard work and determination of our farmers and producers. I was proud to see Georgia General Assembly members gaining exposure to our outstanding agricultural education programs that allow 4H and FFA students to grow their skills in the livestock industry and beyond. The world class facilities at the Georgia National Fairgrounds never disappoint, and I look forward to many more years of such a successful event on these grounds. Together, my colleagues and I will continue to champion policies that bolster this vital sector, ensuring its enduring prosperity for generations to come.”

The Legislative Livestock Showdown, presented by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, serves as a platform for lawmakers to forge crucial connections with the farming community. The event fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by those in the agricultural sector, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the industry’s future.

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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 Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov

October 23, 2023

Third Meeting of the 2023 Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption to be Held in Columbus

ATLANTA (October 23, 2023) | On Thursday, October 26, the Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption, chaired by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta), will hold its third meeting of the year in Columbus, Georgia. This committee was created to examine current policies and regulations which address the conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to the safety and welfare of Georgia’s children.

October 23, 2023

Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce to Hold Fifth Meeting

ATLANTA (October 23, 2023) | On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce, chaired by Senator John Albers (R – Roswell), will be holding its fifth meeting at 10:00 a.m. Dalton, Georgia. The Senate Study Committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 275, sponsored by Sen. Albers, which passed during the 2023 Legislative Session with bipartisan support. This committee was established to fulfill one of Lt. Governor Burt Jones priorities for the 2023 session. The committee is comprised of both legislative and non-legislative members: Sen. Albers as Chairman, Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D – Atlanta), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D – Atlanta), Sen. Billy Hickman (R – Statesboro), Champ Bailey, Joseph McDermott, Ryan Pernice, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, Dave Williams, and Daniela Perry.

WHO:

Sen. John Albers, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce

Senate Study Committee Members

Representatives from a wide range of Georgia industries

WHAT:

Fifth meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce

WHEN:

Thursday, October 26, 2023

10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Dalton State Gymnasium Facility

650 College Drive

Dalton, Georgia 30720

WEBSITE URL: https://www.expandinggeorgiasworkforcestudy.com/

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th 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

October 20, 2023

Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (October 20, 2023) | On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment, chaired by Senator Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia), will be holding its second meeting at 12:00 p.m. at Augusta University. The Senate Study Committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 371, which was sponsored by Sen. Hatchett during the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. The agenda for this meeting can be found here.

WHO:

Sen. Bo Hatchett, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment

Sen. Kim Jackson (D – Stone Mountain)

Sen. Nan Orrock (D – Atlanta)

Sen. Larry Walker III (R – Perry)

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta)

WHAT:

Second meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment

WHEN:

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

12:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Augusta University

987 St. Sebastain Way

Room 5300

Augusta, GA 30912

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

October 13, 2023

Senate President Pro Tempore Condemns Terrorist Attacks on Nation of Israel

ATLANTA (October 13, 2023) |Today, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R – Macon) released the following statement in response to the senseless murder of Israeli civilians, including children, and American citizens by Hamas terrorists.

“I am deeply compelled to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, marked by the needless and reprehensible acts of violence carried out by Hamas. I unequivocally condemn these actions, which have devastated lives, threatened regional stability and violated the fundamental principles of peace and security. Every rocket Hamas fires continues to underscore a blatant disregard for human life.

My deepest sympathies and unyielding support are with Israeli families affected by Hamas’ attack. I offer my prayers for healing and strength to the bereaved families and for their continued courage in the face of the destructive impact of Hamas’ terrorist actions.

I am especially relieved and grateful for the safe return of Georgia State Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell) and his mother. Their visit to the Holy Land, unfortunately, coincided with the senseless attacks by Hamas on Israel. Their safety and well-being have been of utmost concern and their return home is a moment of collective relief. This incident is a stark reminder of the grim realities of life throughout the region and the urgent need for peace and security. Regrettably, not all Americans have managed to leave the area.

Israel, a steadfast ally of the United States and friend to the State of Georgia, has every right to defend its citizens and ensure their safety and security. It is not just an obligation, but a moral imperative. I recognize the threats Israel faces and stand firmly with them in confronting terrorism and the extremist ideologies fueling such terrorism.

In this trying moment, the unity of all of our elected officials is paramount. We as leaders must affirm our unwavering support for the people and Nation of Israel. It is a testament to our shared values, mutual commitments and common objectives. In the spirit of democracy and global security, I urge elected officials to stand together against the forces of terrorism and extremism.”

The United States State Department provides resources to Georgians and others seeking assistance and information.

U.S. citizens in need of support can reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Israel via the online form at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or by calling 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
The latest updates and advisories are available on the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s website at https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.

Additionally, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ ensures that U.S. citizens receive timely information and support while in Israel.

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18^th 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