The Georgia Senate is in the midst of considering a variety of issues to make Georgia the best state to live, work and raise a family. Removing burdensome regulations on business, streamlining government, keeping Georgia’s budget balanced and providing our children with a high-quality education are priorities for our state legislature.
The Senate has passed a number of bills over to the House prior to the Crossover Day deadline, which is legislative day 30, for their consideration. In the final 10 days of the session, the Senate will review the House Bills that have crossed over to the Senate. Both chambers must approve a bill before it goes to the Governor’s desk for his approval.
The 2015 Legislative Session, which began only a few weeks ago in January, is scheduled to conclude on April 2, 2015, which is our 40th and final legislative day. All bills that have not been passed by both the state House and Senate will not be considered further until the 2016 legislative session next January. On the other hand, a number of bills have already been signed into law by the Governor, including a balanced budget for the state’s 2016 Fiscal Year that spans from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.
The state’s budget for 2016 appropriates $21.78 billion dollars in projected state revenue focusing on funding our state’s education system. The Senate has passed a number of education bills to streamline our post-secondary system for veterans and students seeking to participate in dual enrollment.
Senate Bill 18 establishes the policies for veterans to earn college level credit for specialized work experience while they were serving our country. Senate Bill 132 continues the “Move On When Ready” initiative to allow Georgia’s dual enrollment system to function more smoothly and encourage high school students to take college level course work before they graduate. Senate Bill 89 addresses the use of technology in the classroom. It encourages local school boards to provide education materials in a format that is primarily digital by the year 2020.
The Senate has also approved several economic development bills. Senate Bill 4 outlines how redevelopment projects like the Atlanta Beltline area will secure their contracts through public-private partnerships. Senate Bill 59 also addresses how public entities and private businesses work together. It outlines the parameters for companies to present bids and offer innovative ideas to public problems like transportation congestion.
As this legislative session comes to a close, I am truly honored to be able to represent the people of Georgia’s 21st Senate District at the Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 404-463-1378.