Jan. 30, 2020 Legislative Update
Last week we held budget hearings at the Capitol. While the budget is always a significant topic of conversation, this year it seems the budget will be the main discussion item. Below in this week's newsletter, I'll provide updates on the budget and other legislation pending in the General Assembly.
This week we have been in session every day - we are now through legislative day seven of forty.
This week we have been in session every day - we are now through legislative day seven of forty.
REP. GAINES INTRODUCES ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING LEGISLATION
Last week, I joined the First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp and Governor Brian Kemp as they unveiled their legislative package to combat human trafficking in Georgia. I want to thank the First Lady and Governor for their steadfast commitment to this issue.
Last week, I joined the First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp and Governor Brian Kemp as they unveiled their legislative package to combat human trafficking in Georgia. I want to thank the First Lady and Governor for their steadfast commitment to this issue.
I'm honored to carry legislation in the House that will be a part of this effort and proud to have introduced House Bill 823 earlier this week. Together, we will criminal traffickers to justice and work together to end this horrific industry in Georgia.
For more information about this legislation, please click here.
For more information about this legislation, please click here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
As mentioned in my previous newsletter, last week was a big part of the process of building a balanced budget for the amended Fiscal Year 2020 and full Fiscal Year 2021. The House and Senate held joint budget hearings all week long with presentations from the Governor, the state's economist and agency heads.
The most significant new item of funding in Gov. Kemp's FY2021 budget is an additional $2,000 raise for our teachers - building on the $3,000 we included last year. The budget also includes an additional $2 million to help create new positions at the GBI Gang Task Force and provide the resources to create a statewide gang database. These funds will be critical to combating the human trafficking, drug activity, and violence perpetrated by gangs in Georgia. Gov. Kemp's proposal also makes strides to make affordable healthcare more accessible to all Georgians and improve transportation infrastructure.
Over the next several weeks, House subcommittees will meet to discuss and debate the Governor's proposals with the goal of presenting a finalized budget for a vote on the House floor. This promises to be an important topic this session, and I look forward to using my voice to speak up for our district as the budget continues through the approval process.
So far this week, we've had three legislative session days. Our committees are hard at work - we held our first Health & Human Services Committee meeting on Tuesday. I'm proud to serve on that committee as well as the Insurance and Code Revision committees. I anticipate significant legislation moving through these committees this session, particularly around healthcare and prescription drug pricing.
I look forward to keeping you updated on these items and the budget as we continue through session.
Over the next several weeks, House subcommittees will meet to discuss and debate the Governor's proposals with the goal of presenting a finalized budget for a vote on the House floor. This promises to be an important topic this session, and I look forward to using my voice to speak up for our district as the budget continues through the approval process.
So far this week, we've had three legislative session days. Our committees are hard at work - we held our first Health & Human Services Committee meeting on Tuesday. I'm proud to serve on that committee as well as the Insurance and Code Revision committees. I anticipate significant legislation moving through these committees this session, particularly around healthcare and prescription drug pricing.
I look forward to keeping you updated on these items and the budget as we continue through session.
EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT
We had a great weekend of events back in the district. I was able to attend the groundbreaking of the new tower at the Piedmont Athens Medical Center. Afterwards, I had the chance to visit with the Athens Area Habitat as they celebrated their partnership with Lydia's Place. I also attended the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.
On Saturday, I joined Senator Jen Jordan and Appropriations Chairman Terry England at the Zell Miller Foundation Leadership Institute's gathering in Athens for a legislative update. We discussed a range of topics including the budget, criminal justice and our priorities for the session. I capped off the weekend by going to the Literacy Ball hosted by Adult Literacy Barrow.
We had a great weekend of events back in the district. I was able to attend the groundbreaking of the new tower at the Piedmont Athens Medical Center. Afterwards, I had the chance to visit with the Athens Area Habitat as they celebrated their partnership with Lydia's Place. I also attended the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.
On Saturday, I joined Senator Jen Jordan and Appropriations Chairman Terry England at the Zell Miller Foundation Leadership Institute's gathering in Athens for a legislative update. We discussed a range of topics including the budget, criminal justice and our priorities for the session. I capped off the weekend by going to the Literacy Ball hosted by Adult Literacy Barrow.
CAPITOL VISITORS
If you are in Atlanta, we would welcome the opportunity to have you join us at the Capitol anytime. It's always great to have visitors during the legislative session. I've enjoyed seeing dozens of constituents, school groups and friends at the Capitol already this session.
WHAT'S NEXT
Today and Friday will mark two more legislative days. Next week we are back in session and anticipate several important bills hitting the floor and in committee. The budget process will continue moving along, as well.
One of the most rewarding parts of being in the State House is assisting constituents with issues they face with state agencies. If you have any issues with state government, I stand ready to assist. Additionally, please feel free to reach out with any thoughts, questions or concerns on any issue.
Finally, if you have a child aged 12-18 who is interested in the Page Program, please visit the link below to learn more and apply.
http://www.house.ga.gov/en-US/HousePageProgram.aspx
Finally, if you have a child aged 12-18 who is interested in the Page Program, please visit the link below to learn more and apply.
http://www.house.ga.gov/en-US/HousePageProgram.aspx