May 2019 Legislative Update
With the 2019 legislative session behind us, I will continue to provide updates and wanted to share what I've been working on since session ended in early April. In particular, I've enjoyed visiting with individuals and groups in the district sharing the success of the 2019 session. I'm humbled by the response we've been receiving and am confident that we're moving Georgia in the right direction.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
In the forty days after session, Gov. Brian Kemp had the opportunity to sign or veto legislation. I'm proud that Governor Kemp signed several pieces of legislation that I authored and co-sponsored - including House Bill 62 (Margie's Law - to help with earlier detection of breast cancer in women), HB 217 (authorizing syringe services programs), HB 266 (to encourage and increase tax-free college savings), HB 459 (ensuring safety of our children by checking bus drivers' licences regularly) and several others.
Gov. Kemp also signed HB 31 - the FY 2020 budget - and I want to highlight several local projects that we fought hard to ensure were included in the budget. In addition to teacher pay raises and other important items, $1.8 million was appropriated to expand the Medical Partnership in Athens, increasing its annual medical school class from 40 to 60. The budget also included $1.6 million in bonds for the design phase of the STEM Research Building II and $5 million in bonds for the renovation of Driftmier Engineering Center - both on UGA's campus in Athens. Additionally, $1.9 million in bonds were included for major renovations and expansion of the Watkinsville library.
To view a full list of bills Governor Kemp signed and vetoed, please click here.
In the forty days after session, Gov. Brian Kemp had the opportunity to sign or veto legislation. I'm proud that Governor Kemp signed several pieces of legislation that I authored and co-sponsored - including House Bill 62 (Margie's Law - to help with earlier detection of breast cancer in women), HB 217 (authorizing syringe services programs), HB 266 (to encourage and increase tax-free college savings), HB 459 (ensuring safety of our children by checking bus drivers' licences regularly) and several others.
Gov. Kemp also signed HB 31 - the FY 2020 budget - and I want to highlight several local projects that we fought hard to ensure were included in the budget. In addition to teacher pay raises and other important items, $1.8 million was appropriated to expand the Medical Partnership in Athens, increasing its annual medical school class from 40 to 60. The budget also included $1.6 million in bonds for the design phase of the STEM Research Building II and $5 million in bonds for the renovation of Driftmier Engineering Center - both on UGA's campus in Athens. Additionally, $1.9 million in bonds were included for major renovations and expansion of the Watkinsville library.
To view a full list of bills Governor Kemp signed and vetoed, please click here.
EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT
Since finishing the legislative session, I've been visiting with groups and individuals nearly every day to give recaps and gather feedback concerning the legislative session. I've also done several rounds of local, state and national media interviews about legislation we sponsored and to generally review the session.
Some of the organizations we've shared legislative recaps with include the Athens Rotary Club, Athens West Business Corridor Association, local county Republican meetings, the Methodist Church Senior Fun group, Adult Literacy Barrow and several others. I also regularly attend community meetings to gather feedback, including recently hearing from volunteer firefighters.
Some of the organizations we've shared legislative recaps with include the Athens Rotary Club, Athens West Business Corridor Association, local county Republican meetings, the Methodist Church Senior Fun group, Adult Literacy Barrow and several others. I also regularly attend community meetings to gather feedback, including recently hearing from volunteer firefighters.
I have also enjoyed attending countless events in the district, including Athens Industry Night, UGA Alumni Awards, Dancing with the Athens Stars, the 9th and 10th District GOP Conventions, Taste of Athens, Southern Land Exchange and LAD Trucking BBQs, Family Connection-Communities in Schools, the quarterly Western Circuit Bar Association meeting and many more.
We also helped cut the ribbon to mark the opening for the newly renovated Bogart Library, Athens Technical College's Workforce Development Mobile Facility, UGA's College of Agriculture renovated Hall of Fame and more.
We also helped cut the ribbon to mark the opening for the newly renovated Bogart Library, Athens Technical College's Workforce Development Mobile Facility, UGA's College of Agriculture renovated Hall of Fame and more.
One especially fun event was being at Statham Elementary to present Gracie with a $1,529 check for her 529 account to encourage savings for college and present the school with a donation for its Pre-K program. I was proud to join Rep. Marcus Wiedower and co-sponsor his bill this year to double the state deduction on 529 savings accounts - tax-advantaged savings plans that support saving for future education costs - to help families better prepare and save for college.
On Monday, I attended three Memorial Day events in Oconee Co. as we paused to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty - and to pray for and support their families. Because of their sacrifice, we are able to live in the greatest country in the world.
If you have a group or event that you would like for me to visit, please let me know.
If you have a group or event that you would like for me to visit, please let me know.
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.