This week in the Senate, 2014 Jan. 13-17

This Week in the Senate
January 13-17, 2014
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A Message from Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer
"The first week of the 2014 legislative session has been one of the most active in recent memory. Governor Deal presented his budget recommendations during his annual State of the State address, and the Senate and House Appropriations Committee have already begun a thorough line by line review of his proposals. This will be the second budget passed under zero-based budgeting, and we are using every moment of our limited time to make sure that we are being the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Also this week, the Senate passed legislation that will align our state elections with the schedule set by the District Court federal elections to avoid the confusion and expense of two sets of elections.
"We also conducted an election of our own this week, formally electing David A. Cook as Secretary of the Senate. David has been on the job since July 1, 2013, when he was appointed as the interim Secretary to succeed Bob Ewing. David began his career as the part-time reading clerk to the Senate, and after a long and storied career in law and government, we are happy to welcome him back home to the Senate." -Sen. David Shafer (R Duluth)
MONDAY, JANUARY 13
Senate Welcomes Sen. Bruce Thompson The Senate welcomed Sen. Bruce Thompson (R White). Sen. Thompson was elected last November in a special election and represents the 14th Senate District.
David A. Cook Sworn in as Secretary of the Senate Members of the Senate approved the nomination of David A. Cook as Secretary of the Senate on Monday, January 13. Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) nominated Cook, who began his career in the Senate as a reading clerk 37 years ago, and Sen. Steve Henson (D Tucker) seconded the nomination. Cook was initially appointed Interim Secretary of the Senate in July 2013 by Sen. Shafer, and formerly served as Commissioner of the Department of Community Health under Governor Nathan Deal. He is also a former President of the Medical Association of Georgia.
Senate Wins Third Annual Legislative Livestock Showdown Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) announced the Senate's victory in the Third Annual Legislative Livestock Showdown against the House of Representatives. This annual competition pairs a legislator with a youth who is active in programs such as 4-H Club and the FFA. During the competition, legislators were educated in proper livestock care and then judged on how they

handled their appointed livestock. The first-place trophy will be proudly displayed in Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's office.
Senate Passes First Resolutions of the Legislative Session Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) sponsored Senate Resolutions 732 and 733. SR 732 notifies the House of Representatives that the Senate has convened. SR 733 also notifies Gov. Deal the Georgia General Assembly has convened. Both resolutions mark the beginning of the 2014 Legislative Session. SR 732 & SR 733
Sen. Shafer Recognizes Korean American Day Sen. Shafer (R-Duluth) sponsored Senate Resolution 737 to honor the positive impact of the Korean American community on the State of Georgia. January 13th, 1903 commemorates the first arrival of Korean immigrants to the United States. SR 737
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14
Senate Passes House Bill 310 by Substitute House Bill 310 passed the Georgia State Senate, by substitute, on Tuesday by a vote of 38 to 15. The bill substitute will revise the schedule of state and local candidate elections to correspond with federal candidate elections dates. Sen. Butch Miller (R Gainesville) carried the bill. HB 310
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
Gov. Deal Delivers State of the State Address Gov. Nathan Deal delivered the annual State of the State address, highlighting a plan for an increase in funding for K-12 and higher education initiatives. Governor Deal has also proposed a budget increase from $19.9 billion in FY 2014 to $20.8 billion in FY 2015. Click here for a full transcription of the address.
Gov. Deal Opens Budget Discussions Gov. Nathan Deal opened the joint House and Senate Appropriations meeting on Wednesday by highlighting measures of success in education and job creation. Gov. Deal challenged lawmakers to join him in moving forward with budget recommendations for education, business development, transportation infrastructure and child and family services.
State Agencies Present Budgets The Georgia General Assembly will work together over the next few weeks to ensure all state operations are properly funded without overspending. In addition to setting the framework for the FY 2015 budget, the FY 2014 budget must be revised to account for unexpected expenses and growth. Click here to view all agency presentations.
Dr. Kenneth Heaghney Briefs Legislators on State, National Economic Outlook Georgia State University professor and state economist Dr. Kenneth Heaghney's presentation focused on economic trends both nationally and in the state. Dr. Heaghney gave an update on the state's Revenue Shortfall Reserve, revenue trends in tax structure year-to-date and provided revenue estimates for the FY 14 and FY 15 budgets.

Senate Commends the Nation of Israel Senate Resolution 739, sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R- Marietta), was adopted by the Senate. The resolution commends the Nation of Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and the State of Georgia. SR 739
Support for the State of Israel The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 741 which expresses strong support and commitment to the security, welfare and survival of the Jewish State of Israel. The State of Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and the greatest friend and ally of the United States in the Middle East. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell). SR 741
Sportsmen's and Coastal Day Sen. Bill Heath (R-Bremen) sponsored Senate Resolution 742 recognizing January 16, 2014 as Sportsmen's and Coastal Day in celebration of the State of Georgia's booming hunting and fishing industries and diverse wildlife. SR 742
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
Recognizing Zollie Lucile Wilder Curry Sen. Gail Davenport (D-Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 744 recognizing Zollie Lucile Wilder Curry for her unselfish, dedicated, and loving service to the members of her family and the citizens of her community and state. Curry is a retired educator with Clayton County Public Schools and a charter member of the Arnold Foundation Professional Club. SR 744
Commending Woodlawn Archery Senate Resolution 745, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Bethel (R-Dalton), was adopted by the Senate. This resolution commends Woodlawn Elementary School's archery team for being recognized as state, national and world elementary school archery champions. SR 745
Community Health Centers Day The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 748 which was sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (RBuford). It recognizes January 17, 2014 as Community Health Centers Day at the Georgia State Capitol. SR 748
Daughters of the American Revolution Senate Resolution 749, sponsored by Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry), was adopted by the Senate on Thursday. It recognizes and commends the General Daniel Stewart Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on the one hundredth anniversary of its founding. DAR is a women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing a better education for children. SR 749
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Commending Homer Lee Wallace

Senate Resolution 751, sponsored by Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville), was adopted by the Senate. The resolution recognizes one of Georgia's most distinguished citizens, Homer Lee Wallace, who is the longest serving Effingham County Commissioner and a strong advocate for voting rights. SR 751
Congratulating RefrigiWear, Inc. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 752 congratulating RefrigiWear, Inc. on 60 years of successful business. RefrigiWear, Inc. is the industry's leading manufacturer of insulated industrial personal protective equipment for use in subzero temperatures, inclement weather, and low-visibility environments. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R- Dahlonega). SR 752
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