By: Sen. Rick Williams (R–Milledgeville)
The 2024 Legislative Session is underway, marking the beginning of my renewed commitment to serving the 25th Senate District. Each session brings its own set of opportunities and challenges, but I want to assure you that your needs and concerns will always be my top priority beneath the Gold Dome.
Convening on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, the Second Session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly promises to be a busy and productive season. I am eager to champion and support various pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the quality of life in our district and making Georgia the best state to live, work, and raise a family.
A noteworthy event this week was the joint session of the Georgia Senate and the House of Representatives in the House chamber. We gathered to listen to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s annual State of the State Address, where he outlined his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement, I am pleased with the increased allocation of funds to state retirees. I commend the Governor for prioritizing workforce funding, pay raises for law enforcement and state employees, and crucial updates to state technology.
In my role as a funeral director, I consistently prioritize authoring and supporting positive legislation for the funeral industry. Senate Bill 205, heard and unanimously passed in the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities this week, is a significant step. This bill allows funeral directors with lapsed licenses to apply for reinstatement, and its next hurdle is the Senate Committee on Rules.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to budget hearings next week. The Senate and House will devote their time to discussions on the Fiscal Year 2024 amended budget and the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Recognized as the most critical week of the session, Budget Week is our constitutional obligation under the Georgia State Constitution.
These upcoming months promise to be both busy and eventful as we strive for a better and brighter Georgia. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions, comments, or concerns throughout this session. Together, let’s work towards a thriving future for our state.
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Sen. Rick Williams serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Retirement. He represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Baldwin, Butts, Jasper, Jones, and Putnam County as well as portions of Henry and a small portion of Bibb County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0082 or by email at rick.williams@senate.ga.gov.