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Statement from Senator Russ Goodman Regarding Trip to Israel

ATLANTA (October 12, 2023) | See below for a statement from Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell) in regards to his recent trip to the country of Israel:

“I will say it is always good to be back in America after you have traveled outside our great nation. It has even more meaning after being in Israel while Hamas terrorists launched a sickening attack that killed hundreds of innocent Israelis. From hearing the rockets fired from the Iron Dome to automatic weapon fire heard near our hotel, it was quite an ordeal. I am thankful to God that my mom, our group, many others and I got out safely.

My prayers for Israel and her people will continue. I saw the very best of the Israeli people in our time there, including our ex-military Israeli guide who stuck with us throughout – even as rockets landed within 200 yards of his home with his wife and children there. He embodied the resilience of the people of Israel. The reality is Hamas terrorists are killing Americans along with Israelis, and the people of Israel are protecting Americans. Above anything else, it shows the bond that our freedom-loving countries share.  

I am also thankful for the prayers and support we have received from folks here at home. I appreciate the prayers, help and support of the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor and my Senate Colleagues. I’d also like to recognize my friends in the State House, especially State Representatives Lauren McDonald (R – Cumming) and Brent Cox (R – Dawsonville), the Israeli Government, Delta Airlines security team, and our friends over at the World Jewish Congress for all of their assistance in ensuring our safety while in Israel and guiding our path back to the states. I will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel, and I will stand will them in solidarity against the disgraceful attacks against them from both the terrorists that surround them and terrorist sympathizers here at home.”

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov

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Joint Tax Credit Review Panel Examines Film Tax Credits During Fourth Meeting

ATLANTA (October 6, 2023) | On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the Joint Tax Credit Review Panel, Co-Chaired by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome) and Representative Shaw Blackmon (R – Bonaire), conducted its fourth meeting at Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia. The panel heard testimony from a range of industry experts who provided a comprehensive review of Georgia’s film tax credit.

“After hearing from experts on Georgia’s film tax credit incentives, it is evident that the film tax credit impacts our state, local economies and businesses large and small,” said Sen. Hufstetler. “We have received insightful testimony from various presenters about the legislative history and details of the tax credits. They also offered recommendations for enhancing the film tax credits in the future. However, as legislators we must prioritize transparency, make smart financial decisions and ensure Georgia remains competitive. We must also analyze the fiscal ROI (Return on Investment) of all our credits. I want to thank our witnesses, panel members and Athens Technical College for hosting this meeting and I look forward to continuing the analysis of our state tax credits.”

Testimonies came from the Georgia Department of Revenue, Bennett Thrasher, a Cobb County-based accounting firm, Americans for Prosperity, Olsberg, SPI Ltd, a London based business management consultant, Trilith Studios, Gray TV Assembly Studios and Georgia State University.

The archived video from the October 4, 2023 meeting can be found here.

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Sen. Chuck Hufstetler serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He represents the 52nd Senate District which includes portions of Bartow, Floyd, and Gordon counties. He can be reached at 404. 656.0034 or via email at chuck.hufstetler@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Leadership Announces Press Conference Addressing Fulton County Jail Concerns

ATLANTA (October 3, 2023) | On Thursday, October 5, Senator John Albers (R – Roswell) and Senator Randy Robertson (R – Cataula) will hold a press conference at Liberty Plaza. Lt. Governor Burt Jones will join the press conference addressing Senate action in response to the current incidents and challenges reported at the Fulton County Jail.

WHO:              

Lt. Governor Burt Jones

Sen. John Albers, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety

Sen. Randy Robertson, Majority Caucus Whip and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public

Safety

WHAT:             

Press Conference

WHEN:            

Thursday, October 5, 2023

9:00 a.m. 

WHERE:

Liberty Plaza

262 Capitol Ave SE

Atlanta, GA 30334

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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

Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 29th Senate District which includes Meriwether and Harris County, and Troup County as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0045 or by email at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov

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Second Meeting of the 2023 Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing to be Held at State Capitol

ATLANTA (September 21, 2023) | On Wednesday, September 27, the Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing will hold its second meeting of the year at the State Capitol. This committee, chaired by Senator Larry Walker III (R – Perry), is working to examine current occupational licensing laws and requirements to determine if they should be modified or restructured to encourage, promote, and foster employment and healthy business growth in the state of Georgia.

WHO:               Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing

WHAT:              Second Meeting

WHEN:             Wednesday, September 27

10:00am

WHERE:           206 Washington Street SW

Room 450

Atlanta, GA

30334

You can livestream this meeting here.

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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 

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Second Meeting of the 2023 Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption to be Held at State Capitol

ATLANTA (September 21, 2023) | On Tuesday, September 26, the Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption, chaired by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta), will hold its second meeting of the year in room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. 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.

WHO:               Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption

WHAT:              Second Meeting

WHEN:             Tuesday, September 26

10:00am

WHERE:           18 Capitol Square SW

Room 307

Coverdell Legislative Office Building

                        Atlanta, Georgia 30334

The meeting will be livestreamed here.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents Senate District 32 which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee Counties. She may be reached at 404.656.3932 or at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov