For the Week of: January 10 - 14, 2011 Legislative Days: 1 - 2 Legislative Update Employees' Retirement System of Georgia January 14, 2011 Page 1 Inside This Update 1 Session Convenes 1 Legislative Schedule 2 State of the State 2 Legislative Log For More Information on Legislation, please visit: www.ers.ga.gov 2011 Legislative Session Convenes Despite the worst winter storm in years, the 151st General Assembly of the State of Georgia punctually convened at the State Capitol on January 10th at 10AM. Members of the House and Senate were promptly sworn into office, followed by former Congressman Nathan Deal taking his Oath of Office as Georgia's 82nd Governor. Contact Us Pamela L. Pharris Director, ERSGA 404-603-5602 pamela.pharris@ers.ga.gov Jim Potvin Deputy Director, ERSGA 404-603-5605 jim.potvin@ers.ga.gov Kelly L. Moody Legislative Liaison and Assistant Director, ERSGA 404-603-5646 kelly.moody@ers.ga.gov Danise Thaxton Executive Assistant to the Director, ERSGA 404-603-5602 danise.thaxton@ers.ga.gov As had been rumored, the Senate adopted new rules to cut Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's power. Cagle will no longer have the power to make committee assignments and handle other administrative matters because that authority will now be transferred to a Committee on Assignments controlled by President Pro-Tem Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) and Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock). As a result of the new Senate Rules, a few Senate Committee changes occurred. The Senate Retirement Committee will now be Chaired by Senator Tim Golden (R-Valdosta). Several new members were also appointed to the Committee. For a full listing of the Senate Retirement Committee, click here. The House Retirement Committee will continue to be Chaired by Representative Howard Maxwell (R-Dallas). New members were also appointed to the Committee. For a full listing of the House Retirement Committee, click here. Legislative Adjournment Schedule Announced through January 24th January 10 January 11 January 12 January 13 - 23 January 24 * Recess is when the General Assembly is not in Session. Legislative Day 1 Recess* Legislative Day 2 Recess* Legislative Day 3 January 14, 2011 Governor Nathan Deal Gives First State of the State Page 2 Governor Nathan Deal gave his first State of the State Address as House and Senate members convened for a joint session on Wednesday, January 12th, at 2PM. Governor Deal welcomed members to the 2011 legislative session and highlighted the importance of this new legislative year. The Governor also spoke about his budget proposal for the coming year. To view the full text of the Governor's State of the State Address, click here. LEGISLATIVE LOG The Legislative Log Section of the Update will resume when new Retirement legislation has been introduced. Summaries and links to Legislative Bills (when introduced) may also be found on the Legislation section of our website at www.ers.ga.gov.