This week in the Senate, 2013 Jan. 28-Feb. 1

This Week in the Senate
January 28 February 1, 2013
Review your week in pictures with the Georgia State Senate's Facebook photo essays!
A Message from Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer "This week, the Georgia State Senate continued our work in earnest. A total of 91 Senate bills have been introduced and referred to committee. Most of our committees have held organizational meetings, adopted rules and created subcommittees. Significantly, we have agreed with the House on a legislative calendar through March 5 (Day 29) which will allow us to more effectively plan our work and ensure that legislation is carefully considered and fully deliberated." -Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth)
Non-Partisan Elections On January 29, the Senate passed Senate Bills 25-32 (omit 28), sponsored by Sen. Cecil Staton (RMacon), by a vote of 34-15. If approved by both chambers, the bill will establish non-partisan municipal elections for the Macon-Bibb consolidated government, including the elected offices of the mayor, county coroner, probate judge, school board, board of commissioners, the Macon-Bibb County Water and Sewage Authority and the local board of education. SB 25-32 (omit 28)
Adjournment Resolution House Resolution 50 was adopted to set the legislative calendar through legislative Day 29 on March 5, 2013. To view the legislative calendar, click here. HR 50
Georgia National Guard Honored Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) designated January 29 as Georgia National Guard Day at the State Capitol through Senate Resolution 48. The Georgia National Guard received a standing ovation for their service, bravery and sacrifice to our country. SR 48
Tourism and Hospitality Day Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) sponsored Senate Resolution 44 to mark January 29 as Georgia Tourism and Hospitality Day at the Capitol. Representatives of Georgia's state parks, historic sites and other tourism organizations showcased Georgia's booming tourism industry through promotional material on Georgia's many attractions. SR 44

GEDA Visits State Capitol Sen. Frank Ginn (R- Danielsville) honored the Georgia Economic Development Association (GEDA) with Senate Resolution 49 on January 30. GEDA chair JoAnne Lewis said, "On behalf of the Georgia Economic Development Association, we're excited to be sharing 50 years of economic development in Georgia. We pledge on behalf of our organization to keep moving jobs and businesses into our state and we look forward to continuing our work with you." SR 49
Georgia Tech Student Day Sen. Hardie Davis (D-Augusta) and Sen. Mike Crane (RNewnan) sponsored a resolution stating January 30 as Georgia Tech Student Day at the Capitol and honoring Georgia Tech student leaders. Sen. Nancy Orrock also spoke about Georgia Tech's positive impact on Georgia. SR 45
USS Georgia Honored in Senate Chamber Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) honored USS Georgia with Senate Resolution 65, recognizing her captain and crew members for their life of service to our nation and their submarine. "I'm truly blessed to serve among the best men and women--yes, women--in the country," said Cpt. Rhett Jaehn. "They lead courageously and stand the watch day in and day out." SR 65
John Evans Honored On Wednesday, January 30, Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta) and the Georgia State Senate honored DeKalb NAACP President John Evans on his 80th birthday. "John Evans is a friend to so many Georgians because he cares," said Sen. James. Evans was a former player in the Negro Baseball League. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame at Mississippi Valley State University and a former DeKalb County Commissioner. SR 74
Savannah Day Sen. Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) and Sen. Buddy Carter (R-Pooler) recognized Savannah's City Manager, Stephanie Cutter, with Senate Resolution 67 on Thursday, January 31. "Ms. Cutter has given Savannah a direction of leadership, hope and inspiration," said Sen. Jackson. SR 67
Wear Red Day Sens. Renee Unterman (R-Buford), Valencia Seay (DRiverdale), Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain), and Donzella James (D-Atlanta) showed their commitment to raising awareness for the number one killer of women--heart disease--with Senate Resolution 37. "Over 90 percent of American women have one or more risk factors for heart disease," said Sen. Unterman.

"We're working to raise awareness, and I'm proud that we're celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Senate's recognition of Wear Red Day." SR 37
Georgia School Choice Day The 2013 National School Choice Week was celebrated from January 27 - February 2. School Choice Week is a collaborative effort among a diverse group of bipartisan organizations and shines a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children.
Arts Advocacy Day January 29 was Arts Advocacy Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Exhibits focused on the positive economic impact of the arts as well as the many ways in which the arts attract tourism dollars to Georgia. Representatives were on hand to ask questions, share information, and speak with citizens about the importance of arts, culture, and arts education in Georgia.
# # # #
The Senate Press Office is located at 201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. We can be reached at 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803