Sen. Matt Brass Joins British Consul General for Workforce Development Tour in Newnan

ATLANTA (May 23, 2025) — On Tuesday, May 20, Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) joined British Consul General Rachel Galloway for a workforce development tour and roundtable discussion at the Central Educational Center (CEC) in Newnan. The visit, hosted by CEC CEO Mark Whitlock, highlighted the center’s nationally recognized model for preparing students for in-demand careers through academic and technical training. The tour offered an inside look at the center’s innovative programs–from dual enrollment to industry certification pathways–that have become a blueprint for workforce development across the state.

Consul General Galloway, who represents the United Kingdom in the Southeastern United States, visited CEC to learn more about Georgia’s workforce education strategies and explore potential opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Georgia. Her visit underscored the global relevance of the CEC model and the value of cross-cultural dialogue on education and economic growth.

Sen. Brass emphasized the importance of institutions like CEC in building a strong, skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of Georgia employers: “It was an honor to host British Consul General Rachel Galloway in Newnan and show her firsthand the workforce development happening in Senate District 6,” said Sen. Brass. “The Central Educational Center is a blueprint for how we train the next generation of Georgia’s workforce. From manufacturing to healthcare to film production, the CEC prepares students to compete and succeed in a global economy. I’m grateful to Consul General Galloway for visiting and recognizing the value of CEC’s programming. I also want to thank Mark Whitlock and his team for their continued leadership. The impact of CEC isn’t limited to Coweta County. It’s setting a standard that can benefit communities across Georgia and inspire ideas beyond our borders.”

Consul General Galloway added, “Workforce development is a key part of economic growth, which is why CEC’s work in partnering with local industry and building workforce programmes is essential in preparing students to enter the job market. The UK can learn from this expertise to support businesses and drive growth. As our new landmark economic deal with the US demonstrates, the UK and US can go further and faster together and that will happen through partnerships and knowledge sharing at all levels.”

The Central Educational Center continues to serve as a cornerstone of Georgia’s workforce development efforts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. Attached is a full itinerary.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached at (404) 656-0057 or by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

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

Brass: Week Three Under the Gold Dome

The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds to taxpayers directly. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we can give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses, and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting money back where it belongs – in the pockets of hardworking Georgia taxpayers.

Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the necessary resources to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

I’m excited to share that March 9th—12th is Multiple Sclerosis Week at the Capitol. This week, however, the Senate was honored to have several representatives from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, including my mother, Linda Brass, in the Senate chamber. Each year, members of the Society join us to recognize this week and bring attention to the medical condition. I commend the advocacy work conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and their funding of $1 billion in research funding.  

Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply here.

As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov

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

COLUMN: Sen. Matt Brass: Beginning the 2025 Legislative Session

By: Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan)

On Monday, January 13th, we kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, where I was sworn in as the Senator of Georgia’s 6th District (formerly 28th District). I am excited to be representing Carroll County once again and look forward to continuing to serve my longstanding constituents in Coweta and Heard Counties.

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Sen. Matt Brass to Lead Senate Subcommittee on Homeowners Associations

ATLANTA (September 17, 2024) — Senate Rules Chairman Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) has appointed a Senate Subcommittee on Homeowners Associations, where he will serve as Chair. The subcommittee will examine homeowners associations (HOAs), which are organizations in residential communities responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining common areas and managing community services across Georgia. Upon its conclusion, it will ensure these entities comply with state law and uphold residents’ constitutional rights.

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